#Online doctor Consultation New Town | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

senriii · 20 days

Text

51 men on trial in France for the rape of a drugged woman arranged by her husband

A husband who allegedly drugged his wife and invited more than 80 strangers to rape her at their home for almost a decade went on trial on Monday in a case that has shocked France.

Fifty men accused of taking part in the abuse of the woman are also on trial at the court in Avignon. More than a dozen protesters dressed all in black demonstrated outside the courthouse as the trial opened.

Police say Dominique Pélicot crushed sleeping tablets and anti-anxiety medication and mixed it into his wife Gisèle’s evening meal or in her wine at their home in Mazan, near Carpentras in Provence. The father of three recruited men to rape and sexually abuse her from an online chatroom, where members fantasised about performing sexual acts on non-consenting partners.

The presiding judge, Roger Arata, announced that all hearings would be public, granting Gisèle Pélicot her wish for “complete publicity until the end” of the court case, according to one of her lawyers, Stéphane Babonneau.

The trial would nonetheless be “a horrible ordeal” for her, said another of her lawyers, Antoine Camus.

“For the first time, she will have to live through the rapes that she endured over 10 years,” he told Agence France-Presse, adding that his client had “no recollection” of the abuse that she discovered only in 2020.

Gisèle Pélicot, who arrived at the court supported by her three children, did not want a trial behind closed doors because “that’s what her attackers would have wanted”, Camus said.

The accused men recruited by her husband were instructed to avoid smelling of any kind of fragrance or cigarette smoke to avoid alerting his wife and to leave if she moved so much as an arm, investigators said.

Dominique Pélicot was arrested on 2 November 2020, after a security guard caught him filming up the skirts of women in the local supermarket. Police found a file labelled “abuses” on a USB drive connected to his computer that contained 20,000 images and films of his wife being raped almost 100 times.

Since his arrest he “always declared himself guilty”, his lawyer has said, adding that he had said: “I put her to sleep, I offered her, and I filmed.”

Health records reportedly show he obtained 450 sleeping pills in one year alone.

The 50 men on trial with him include a local councillor, nurses, a journalist, a former police officer, a prison guard, soldier, firefighter and civil servant, many of whom lived around Mazan, a town of about 6,000 inhabitants. The men were aged between 26 and 73 at the time of their arrests.

Several of the accused have denied the charges, telling police they had no idea Gisèle Pélicot, who married Dominique Pélicot in 1973, was not a willing partner and accused him of tricking them. Detectives were unable to identify and trace more than 30 other men who were recorded.

Investigators said she was devastated to learn of the abuse, saying she had no recollection whatsoever of being raped. She had been drugged “almost to a state of coma”, investigators added.

“One morning she woke in a panic with a new haircut without understanding how this was possible. She went to her hairdresser, who told her she had been in the previous day,” Babonneau said.

He said his client, now divorced, had believed she had an illness nobody could explain and consulted several doctors, always accompanied by her husband, who blamed her symptoms on tiredness after looking after their grandchildren. Her three children and other relatives suspected she had Alzheimer’s disease.

The public prosecutor and lawyers for the defendants had asked for the trial to take place behind closed doors for reasons of “decency” and to protect all parties.

“The trial involves acts of extreme violence repeated over a period of ten years of so. Photographs will be circulated, videos will necessarily be viewed and it appears that publicity would be dangerous for public decency and would undermine the dignity of the individuals, both victims and defendants,” the prosecutor argued.

But Gisèle Pélicot’s lawyers objected. “She wants people to know what happened to her and believes that she has no reason to hide. No one can imagine that my client will find any satisfaction in exposing what she has suffered. She wants this hearing to be open so that justice can be done in public,” Babonneau said.

“Whether one likes it or not, this trial goes beyond the limits of this courtroom. And going behind closed doors also means asking my client to be locked in a place with those who attacked her.”

After deliberating, the five professional judges hearing the case ruled it should be held in public.

Dominique Pélicot is also accused of the rape and murder of a 23-year-old estate agent in Paris in 1991. Sophie Narme was drugged, raped and stabbed in the chest.

Another estate agent, 19, was attacked in similar circumstances but escaped after fighting back. Police have said DNA extracted from blood at the scene matched his profile.

The trial in Avignon is expected to last four months. Dominique Pélicot, 71, and the 50 other defendants face 20 years in prison if convicted of aggravated rape.

#It's the guardian article but I used el país heading because it's not one man it's 51 and that's the scariest thing #rape tw #rape culture

0 notes

vietnameservice · 1 month

Text

Vietnam Visa for New Zealand Citizens

Vietnam Visa for New Zealand Citizens: Complete 2024 Guide

Vietnam, with its rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty, has become an increasingly popular destination for New Zealand travelers. This comprehensive guide provides essential information on Vietnam visa requirements, application processes, top attractions, and travel tips for New Zealand citizens planning their Vietnamese adventure in 2024.

Vietnam Visa Requirements for New Zealand Citizens in 2024

As of 2024, New Zealand passport holders are required to obtain a visa to enter Vietnam. The most convenient option for tourists and short-term visitors is the Vietnam eVisa, which allows for a stay of up to 90 days on single or multiple entry basis.

Vietnam eVisa Application Process for New Zealanders

Visit the Vietnam eVisa application website.

Complete the online application form with accurate personal and travel information.

Upload a recent passport-style photo and a scan of your passport's bio page.

Pay the visa processing fee using a debit or credit card.

Receive your eVisa via email within 4-5 working days.

Print the eVisa and present it along with your passport upon arrival in Vietnam.

Important Visa Information for New Zealand Travelers

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Vietnam.

The eVisa is valid for a single or multiple entry and up to 90 days stay.

For longer stays, consider applying for a different visa type through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in New Zealand.

Keep a digital copy of your eVisa in case of loss or damage to the printed version.

Top Vietnam Destinations for New Zealand Tourists in 2024

1. Hanoi: The Heart of Vietnam

Vietnam's capital offers a perfect blend of ancient charm and modern vibrancy. New Zealand visitors should explore:

The bustling Old Quarter with its narrow streets and traditional shops

The serene Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

The historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Presidential Palace

The unique Water Puppet Theater for a taste of Vietnamese culture

2. Ha Long Bay: A Natural Wonder

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. Activities include:

Overnight cruises to fully experience the bay's beauty

Kayaking through hidden lagoons and caves

Visiting floating fishing villages to observe local life

Exploring the massive Sung Sot Cave (Cave of Surprises)

3. Hoi An: A Glimpse into the Past

This well-preserved ancient town charms visitors with its lantern-lit streets and rich history. Don't miss:

The iconic Japanese Covered Bridge

The vibrant Hoi An Night Market

Tailor shops for custom-made clothing

Cooking classes to learn authentic Vietnamese cuisine

4. Ho Chi Minh City: The Urban Pulse of Vietnam

Formerly known as Saigon, this bustling metropolis offers:

The historic Cu Chi Tunnels for insight into Vietnam War history

The War Remnants Museum for a sobering look at conflict's impact

Ben Thanh Market for shopping and street food experiences

Saigon Skydeck for panoramic city views

5. Sapa: Trekking and Ethnic Culture

This northern mountain town is perfect for adventure-seeking New Zealanders:

Trekking through terraced rice fields

Visiting ethnic minority villages like the Hmong and Red Dao

Conquering Fansipan, Vietnam's highest peak

Exploring the colorful Sapa Market

Essential Travel Tips for New Zealanders Visiting Vietnam in 2024

Best Time to Visit

Vietnam's climate varies by region:

North: October to April for cooler, drier weather

Central: January to August to avoid heavy rains

South: December to April for less humidity and rainfall

Health and Safety

Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation

Consult your doctor about vaccinations at least 6 weeks before travel

Drink bottled water and be cautious with street food to avoid stomach issues

Use reputable transportation services and be wary of common scams

Transportation in Vietnam

Domestic flights for longer distances (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Bamboo Airways)

Trains for scenic journeys (e.g., Hanoi to Sapa, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City)

Buses for budget-friendly travel between cities

Grab or local taxi apps for city transportation

Cultural Etiquette

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites

Remove shoes when entering homes or certain temples

Learn basic Vietnamese phrases to show respect for local culture

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas

Money Matters

The local currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND)

ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas

Many places accept credit cards, but carry cash for smaller vendors

Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card issues

Conclusion: Your Vietnamese Adventure Awaits

Vietnam offers New Zealand travelers a unique blend of ancient traditions, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. By following this guide, securing your Vietnam eVisa, and planning your itinerary, you're setting the stage for an unforgettable journey through one of Southeast Asia's most captivating countries. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam promises experiences that will leave lasting impressions on every New Zealand visitor in 2024

For more information about Vietnam Travel Guide, you can visit:

Apply

#evisa for vietnam #evisa

0 notes

appson-technologies · 3 months

Text

The Rise of the Desi Digital Avatar: How Tech is Shaping a New India

(Part 1) Imagine a bustling marketplace, not one filled with tangible goods, but with experiences. Here, you can climb Mount Everest in virtual reality, consult a doctor through your phone in a remote village, or learn a new language through interactive apps. This, my friends, is the exciting world of digital India — a landscape rapidly transforming by the power of modern technology.

For decades, India’s growth story has been driven by traditional sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. But a silent revolution is brewing, one fueled by affordable smartphones, high-speed internet, and a burgeoning tech-savvy population. This digital revolution is creating a new “Desi Digital Avatar” — an empowered Indian citizen actively shaping their lives and the future of the nation through technology.

A Mobile-First Nation:

At the heart of this transformation lies the ubiquitous mobile phone. India boasts over 1.2 billion mobile phone users, with smartphones leading the charge. This mobile-first phenomenon has democratized access to information and services like never before. Imagine a farmer in a remote village accessing real-time weather forecasts or market prices for their crops. Or a student in a small town learning advanced coding skills through online platforms. This accessibility empowers every Indian citizen, regardless of location or background, to participate in the digital economy.

Beyond Entertainment: The Power of Digital Services:

The impact of technology goes far beyond entertainment apps and social media. Here are some key areas where digital solutions are revolutionizing the lives of Indians:

Financial Inclusion: Fintech startups are offering mobile banking solutions, microloans, and digital wallets, reaching millions who were previously excluded from traditional financial services. This financial inclusion is empowering rural communities and fostering entrepreneurship.

Education Revolution: Educational apps and online platforms are bridging the gap between quality education and geographic limitations. Students can now access world-class learning resources and connect with educators beyond their immediate surroundings.

Healthcare 2.0: Telemedicine is changing the healthcare landscape. People in remote areas can now access consultations with qualified doctors via video calls, overcoming geographical barriers and improving access to healthcare.

Government Services at Your Fingertips: Digital governance initiatives are simplifying citizen interaction with government agencies. From applying for passports to filing taxes, many services are now available online, saving time and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

The Challenges and the Road Ahead:

Despite the remarkable progress, challenges remain. Unequal access to high-speed internet, digital literacy gaps, and concerns around data privacy need to be addressed. However, the Indian government’s initiatives like Digital India and Skill India are actively bridging the digital divide and fostering a skilled workforce ready to navigate this tech-driven future.

The Rise of the Desi Innovator: From Jugaad to Cutting-Edge Tech

Part 1 explored the mobile-first revolution and the transformative power of digital services in India. Now, let’s shift our focus to the ingenious minds shaping this digital landscape — the Desi Innovators.

Jugaad: A Frugal Innovation Powerhouse

The term “Jugaad” has become synonymous with Indian ingenuity. It refers to the ability to find creative and resourceful solutions with limited means. This spirit of frugal innovation has long been a hallmark of Indian entrepreneurship. From modifying second-hand machinery to creating makeshift tools, Jugaad has helped overcome challenges and get things done.

The Rise of Desi Tech Startups:

The digital age has provided a fertile ground for this Jugaad mindset to blossom. A vibrant startup ecosystem has emerged, brimming with young entrepreneurs leveraging technology to solve local problems. Here’s what makes Desi Tech Startups unique:

Focus on Local Needs: Unlike some Silicon Valley startups chasing global trends, Desi startups understand the specific needs and challenges of the Indian market. They develop solutions that cater to the realities of a diverse population with varying income levels and infrastructure limitations.

Mobile-First Approach: Recognizing the dominance of mobile phones in India, Desi startups prioritize mobile-first solutions. Their apps and services are designed for easy accessibility on smartphones, ensuring inclusivity for a large portion of the population.

Frugal Innovation at Scale: The Desi Jugaad spirit translates into efficient use of resources. Startups leverage open-source technologies, cloud computing, and lean development methodologies to keep costs low and scale their solutions rapidly.

From Jugaad to Global Innovation:

The success of Desi startups isn’t limited to the domestic market. Many are making their mark on the global stage:

BharatPe: This fintech startup revolutionized digital payments in India with its zero-fee QR code solution. Now, they’re expanding their reach to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

BYJU’S: This edtech giant has become a household name in India with its interactive learning apps. They’re now acquiring companies in the US and expanding their global footprint.

OYO Rooms: This innovative hospitality startup has disrupted the hotel industry with its budget-friendly accommodations. OYO boasts a presence in over 80 countries, showcasing the scalability of Desi innovation.

The Desi Tech Ecosystem: A Collaborative Force

The rise of Desi startups isn’t a solitary journey. A supportive ecosystem fosters collaboration and growth:

Tech Hubs: Cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad are flourishing as tech hubs, attracting talent, investors, and fostering a collaborative environment for startups.

Angel Investors and VC Firms: A growing pool of angel investors and venture capital firms are providing much-needed funding to fuel the growth of Desi startups.

Government Initiatives: The Indian government’s Startup India program offers tax breaks, mentorship opportunities, and other incentives, propelling the growth of the startup ecosystem.

Challenges and the Road Ahead:

Despite the success stories, challenges remain. Access to seed funding, talent acquisition, and navigating complex regulations are hurdles faced by many startups. However, the collaborative spirit and unwavering determination of Desi innovators are paving the way for a bright future.

Building a Digitally Literate India: Bridging the Digital Divide

The digital revolution in India is undeniably transformative. However, to ensure inclusive growth and empower every citizen to participate in the digital economy, bridging the digital divide remains a critical challenge. This gap refers to the disparity in access to technology, skills, and knowledge needed to leverage its benefits.

The Importance of Digital Literacy:

Digital literacy goes beyond basic computer skills. It encompasses the ability to access, analyze, create, and communicate information effectively using digital technologies. A digitally literate citizen can:

Navigate the online world: This includes safely searching the internet, using email effectively, and protecting personal information online. They can distinguish credible sources from misinformation, a crucial skill in today’s information age overflowing with fake news and online scams.

Utilize digital services: From accessing government services online to using online banking and e-commerce platforms, digital literacy empowers individuals to participate in the digital economy. This opens doors to a wider range of financial services, educational resources, and employment opportunities.

Critically evaluate information: The ability to discern credible information online is crucial for making informed decisions, whether it’s choosing a new healthcare provider, researching educational options, or staying safe from online threats. Digital literacy equips individuals with the tools to critically analyze information, identify biases, and verify sources.

Upskill and adapt: The digital landscape constantly evolves. New technologies emerge, and job requirements shift. Digital literacy enables individuals to adapt and acquire new skills relevant to the changing job market. This could involve learning new software programs, developing coding skills, or understanding the nuances of online marketing.

Initiatives for Digital Inclusion:

Recognizing the importance of digital literacy, several initiatives are underway to bridge the digital divide in India:

Government Programs: The “Digital India” program aims to make technology accessible to all Indians. Initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) focus on digital literacy training in rural areas. These programs often involve training local volunteers as digital literacy instructors, creating a network of educators who understand the specific needs and challenges of their communities.

Community Initiatives: NGOs and grassroots organizations are playing a crucial role in promoting digital literacy in underserved communities. These initiatives often go beyond just teaching technical skills. They might involve creating local language training materials, providing access to affordable devices, and establishing community-based learning centers where individuals can practice their newfound skills in a supportive environment.

Affordable Technology: The increasing availability of low-cost smartphones and internet data plans is making technology more accessible to a wider population. Government initiatives aimed at promoting local manufacturing of mobile devices can further reduce costs and bridge the digital divide.

Challenges and Considerations:

Bridging the digital divide is a complex endeavor. Here are some key challenges to address:

Infrastructure Gap: Lack of reliable internet connectivity, particularly in rural areas, hinders access to digital resources. Expanding broadband infrastructure and promoting innovative solutions like satellite internet can bridge this gap.

Language Barriers: Digital literacy materials often lack translation in regional languages, creating barriers for non-English speaking populations. Developing localized content and training programs in regional languages is crucial for inclusive digital literacy initiatives.

Gender Gap: Women are disproportionately excluded from digital access and skilling opportunities. Cultural norms and lack of access to safe learning environments can create barriers for women. Targeted programs that address these issues and provide safe spaces for women to learn digital skills are essential for inclusive growth.

Digital Literacy for All Age Groups: Equipping not just the youth but also older adults with digital skills is essential for a truly inclusive digital society. Senior citizen-friendly learning programs with a focus on practical applications like online banking or video conferencing can empower older adults to participate in the digital world.

The Road Ahead: A Collaborative Effort

Bridging the digital divide requires a collaborative effort from various stakeholders:

Government: Continued investment in infrastructure development, digital literacy programs, and affordable technology initiatives is crucial. Additionally, the government can play a role in promoting digital literacy by incorporating it into the school curriculum and encouraging public libraries to offer digital literacy workshops.

Private Sector: Collaboration between tech companies, NGOs, and educational institutions can create effective and accessible digital literacy programs. Tech companies can provide funding, resources, and expertise in developing digital literacy curriculums and training materials. Educational institutions can integrate digital literacy modules into their existing programs, ensuring students graduate with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital age.

Community Leaders: Local leaders play a vital role in raising awareness about the benefits of digital literacy and encouraging community participation. They can mobilize community resources, promote local initiatives, and advocate for government support in bridging the digital divide.

Individuals: Embracing Lifelong Learning

Individuals have a crucial role to play in bridging the digital divide. Embracing a lifelong learning perspective and actively seeking opportunities to develop digital skills is key. Here are some ways individuals can contribute:

Become a Digital Champion: Share your knowledge and skills with others in your community. You can mentor family members, friends, or neighbors who are new to technology. Participating in volunteer programs focused on digital literacy can make a significant impact.

Explore Online Resources: Numerous online platforms offer free and low-cost digital literacy courses and tutorials. Utilize these resources to expand your knowledge base and learn new technical skills.

Stay Curious and Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with new technologies. Explore online tools, applications, and websites relevant to your personal and professional interests. This hands-on approach can significantly enhance your comfort level and confidence in the digital world.

A Digitally Empowered Future for India

Bridging the digital divide holds immense potential for India’s future. By ensuring digital literacy for all, we can empower individuals to:

Become Active Participants in the Digital Economy: From accessing online marketplaces to finding new employment opportunities, digital literacy opens doors to a wider range of economic possibilities.

Enhance Educational Opportunities: Digital tools and online learning platforms can revolutionize education. Individuals can access a wealth of educational resources beyond the limitations of traditional classrooms.

Improve Access to Healthcare: Telemedicine and online health information platforms can empower individuals to manage their health and well-being more effectively.

Increase Civic Participation: Digital technologies can facilitate citizen engagement with the government, enabling individuals to express their voices and participate in decision-making processes.

Conclusion

The rise of the Desi Digital Avatar is a testament to India’s rapid transformation in the digital age. From mobile-first solutions to homegrown tech startups, technology is shaping a new India. However, for this digital revolution to reach its full potential, addressing the digital divide and promoting digital literacy for all remains a critical endeavor. By working collaboratively, all stakeholders — the government, private sector, community leaders, and individuals — can ensure that every Indian citizen has the opportunity to thrive in the digital world.

The Rise of the Desi Digital Avatar: How Tech is Shaping a New India (Part 4) The Future of Desi Tech: Innovation and Challenges

Part 3 explored the importance of digital literacy and the ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide in India. Now, let’s shift our focus to the exciting future of Desi Tech — a landscape brimming with innovation and brimming with challenges.

Emerging Technologies: Fueling Innovation

The Indian tech landscape is embracing cutting-edge technologies that are transforming various sectors and shaping the future of innovation:

Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI has the potential to revolutionize numerous industries in India. From healthcare diagnostics to personalized learning platforms, AI applications are poised to enhance efficiency and personalize user experiences. For example, Indian startups are developing AI-powered tools for early disease detection in rural areas, making advanced healthcare more accessible.

Internet of Things (IoT): Connecting everyday devices to the internet is creating a network of intelligent systems. This “Internet of Things” has the potential to improve infrastructure management, optimize resource utilization, and create smart cities. Imagine traffic lights that adapt to real-time congestion or waste management systems that optimize collection routes based on sensor data — these are just a few possibilities of IoT in action.

Blockchain Technology: Blockchain, the secure distributed ledger technology behind cryptocurrencies, offers exciting possibilities for secure data management and financial transactions. Indian startups are exploring blockchain applications for supply chain management, identity verification, and even voting systems, aiming to increase transparency and security.

Desi Tech on the Global Stage:

Desi startups are no longer just catering to the domestic market. They are actively innovating for a global audience:

Focus on Frugal Innovation: The Desi Jugaad spirit of finding creative solutions with limited resources continues to be a valuable asset. Desi startups are developing cost-effective tech solutions that cater to emerging markets and address challenges faced by developing nations.

Localization for Global Appeal: While maintaining a global perspective, Desi startups understand the importance of localization. They adapt their products and services to cater to the specific needs and cultural nuances of different markets.

Leveraging the Global Talent Pool: The Indian tech scene is no longer limited to domestic talent. Desi startups are increasingly attracting global talent, creating a diverse and dynamic workforce that fosters innovation.

Challenges and Opportunities: Navigating the Future

Despite the exciting possibilities, Desi Tech faces some key challenges:

Funding Gap: While funding opportunities are increasing, securing sufficient capital remains a hurdle for many startups. Government initiatives and private investments are crucial for fostering a robust startup ecosystem.

Skilled Workforce Development: The rapid pace of technological change creates a constant need for upskilling and reskilling the workforce. Educational institutions and training programs need to adapt to equip students with the skills required for the future of work.

Data Privacy Concerns: As technology becomes more integrated into daily lives, data privacy concerns are paramount. Ensuring robust data security regulations and fostering responsible data practices are crucial for building trust in the digital ecosystem.

Regulation and Policy Landscape: Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements requires agile regulatory frameworks. The government needs to find a balance between fostering innovation while ensuring responsible use of technology.

The Road Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Desi Tech

The future of Desi Tech is promising. By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, India can become a global leader in technological innovation:

Fostering Collaboration: Collaboration between startups, established companies, and research institutions will accelerate innovation and ensure solutions address real-world problems.

Investing in Research and Development (R&D): Increased investment in R&D will fuel cutting-edge research and development of homegrown technologies.

Promoting an Innovation-Friendly Environment: Creating an ecosystem that encourages risk-taking, celebrates innovation, and provides support for startups is vital for long-term success.

Conclusion

The rise of the Desi Digital Avatar showcases the transformative power of technology in India. As we look towards the future, Desi Tech holds immense potential to not only empower Indian citizens but also to contribute to global innovation. Through collaboration, investment in R&D, and a commitment to responsible technology development, India can solidify its position as a leading force in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

The Desi Digital Future: A Glimpse into a Connected Tomorrow

We’ve explored the rise of the Desi Digital Avatar, from the mobile revolution to the innovative spirit of Desi startups. Now, let’s embark on a journey into the future, envisioning a possible scenario where technology seamlessly integrates into everyday life, shaping a connected and empowered India.

A Day in the Connected Life:

Imagine waking up in a smart home, your curtains automatically opening to the morning sunlight as your AI assistant greets you with the weather forecast and news updates. You hop on your connected exercise bike, and your fitness tracker seamlessly syncs your workout data to your personalized health app.

On your commute to work, you hop on a driverless electric bus, utilizing the high-speed internet connection to catch up on work emails or learn a new language through an interactive app. At your workplace, augmented reality (AR) tools assist you with complex tasks, and virtual reality (VR) training programs help you stay updated on the latest industry trends.

Empowering Communities:

Technology goes beyond urban centers, empowering rural communities as well. Farmers utilize weather monitoring apps and soil analysis tools to optimize their crops. Telemedicine connects remote villages to healthcare professionals, enabling virtual consultations and improving access to healthcare services.

Education undergoes a transformation. Interactive online platforms and AI-powered tutors cater to diverse learning styles, personalizing education for every student. Community learning centers become hubs for digital literacy training, bridging the digital divide and ensuring everyone can participate in the digital world.

Challenges and Considerations:

This vision of a connected future comes with challenges:

Ethical Considerations: As technology becomes more pervasive, ethical considerations like data privacy, algorithmic bias, and job displacement due to automation need to be carefully addressed. Transparent data practices, responsible AI development, and reskilling initiatives are crucial for building a future that benefits everyone.

Ensuring Equitable Access: Bridging the digital divide remains critical. Affordable technology, accessible internet infrastructure, and digital literacy programs are essential to ensure all citizens can participate in the digital future.

Cybersecurity Concerns: As our reliance on technology grows, so do cybersecurity threats. Investing in robust cybersecurity measures and promoting digital safety awareness are crucial for protecting individuals and infrastructure.

Conclusion: A Collective Journey

The Desi Digital Future is a work in progress, a journey we embark on together. By promoting responsible innovation, fostering digital literacy, and ensuring equitable access for all, we can ensure technology empowers individuals and communities, shaping a brighter future for India.

The Rise of the Desi Digital Avatar is a story of transformation, resilience, and innovation. As India continues to embrace technology, the Desi Digital Avatar will continue to evolve, shaping the future of this vibrant nation.

This concludes our exploration of the Desi Digital Avatar. I hope this series provided you with informative and engaging content about the transformative role technology is playing in India.

Connect Now

#technology #tech

0 notes

qnewsau · 7 months

Text

HIV healthcare in the bush

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/hiv-healthcare-in-the-bush/

HIV healthcare in the bush

Everyone deserves equal access to healthcare. It’s no different for those of us living with HIV, wherever we’re living. When we get the right healthcare, we can significantly improve the quality of our lives. We can also take steps to prevent future ill-health.

It’s no secret that everyone doesn’t receive the same level of healthcare across NSW. There are many barriers to accessing quality healthcare in rural areas. People living with HIV in rural areas face a variety of barriers to accessing their HIV healthcare.

Fewer health services are available in these communities and travel and financial barriers, along with reduced access to medical technology make it more challenging to access quality healthcare.

Many of us who live with HIV in rural areas travel long distances to access our HIV specialist. Only medical professionals with s100 accreditation can prescribe HIV medication, and they’re usually not close by.

While there’s an online searchable list of s100 prescribers on the ASHM website, and the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) might be helpful to eligible patients, travelling long distances can be costly and public transport is not always reliable and useful.

It’s becoming more and more expensive to visit a GP. While bulk billing can lessen the cost, it’s becoming challenging to find a GP that bulk bills in rural areas.

When Sarah first arrived in a new rural community, it took months to find a medical practice that was taking on new patients, let alone a bulk billed practice. She’d prefer a woman s100 prescriber, and her only choices are male doctors, so she’s still feeling uncomfortable with her HIV specialist.

Privacy concerns can become an overwhelming reason why people living with HIV in rural areas avoid healthcare. In small towns everybody knows everybody. People living with HIV who prefer to keep their status private, often feel very uncomfortable accessing healthcare and or medication locally.

With some planning it’s possible to make the most of the services that are available. Technology has made healthcare more accessible anywhere where you can access a phone or computer.

Telehealth means you can get a phone or video appointment with your medical professionals. It means you can get timely healthcare and save on travelling costs. It may not always be able to replace face to face consultations but can be useful. Technology also means people living with HIV can be part of supportive online community groups to stay in touch with others.

If you’re struggling with health barriers, get in touch with Positive Life NSW on (02) 8357 8386 or [email protected] We understand what it’s like to live with HIV and can help track down the services that work for you in NSW.

–Positive Life NSW is the representative body for all people living with HIV in NSW. To find out more go to www.positivelife.org.au

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

0 notes

isprevolution · 9 months

Text

A Conversation Guide for WISPs Seeking To Partner with Rural Municipalities

Introduction

Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) play a crucial role in expanding high-speed internet access to rural areas, helping bridge the digital divide. Collaborating with rural municipalities is often the key to success in these endeavors. In this blog post, we’ll explore effective strategies for WISPs on how to approach and engage with leaders of rural municipalities, fostering partnerships to deliver high-speed internet to underserved citizens and businesses.

1. Understand the Unique Needs of Rural Municipalities

To establish a successful partnership, it’s essential for WISPs to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by rural municipalities. These communities have distinct characteristics, such as low population density and often rugged terrain, that can impact the delivery of high-speed internet. Start by researching the municipality to gain a deep understanding of its existing infrastructure, connectivity issues, and community demographics.

Gather Data: Collect data on the current state of internet connectivity in the area, including download and upload speeds, the prevalence of connectivity issues, and local pain points. Having a clear picture of the existing infrastructure is crucial.

Demographics and Economics: Familiarize yourself with the municipality’s economic landscape, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and other sectors that could benefit from improved internet access. Understand the population’s needs and aspirations.

2. Build Relationships and Trust

Establishing trust and building strong relationships with municipal leaders is the foundation of any successful partnership. Attend local meetings, community events, and networking opportunities to get to know the leaders and community members personally. Demonstrating your commitment to the community’s well-being will make your proposal more convincing.

Local Engagement: Participate in community events, town hall meetings, and local fairs to introduce yourself to municipal leaders and residents. Show your dedication to the community’s development.

Active Listening: When engaging with municipal leaders and community members, practice active listening. Understand their concerns, priorities, and vision for the future. Tailor your proposal to align with their specific goals and aspirations.

3. Present the Benefits of WISP-Driven High-Speed Internet

When discussing your proposal with municipal leaders, clearly communicate the benefits of high-speed internet brought by a WISP. Highlight how it can enhance education, support telemedicine, drive economic development, and improve the overall quality of life for the community.

Educational Opportunities: Emphasize how high-speed internet can open up a world of educational opportunities. Access to online courses, virtual libraries, and remote learning can benefit students and adults seeking to upgrade their skills.

Telemedicine Access: Stress the importance of telemedicine in rural areas, where access to healthcare can be limited. High-speed internet can enable remote doctor consultations, reducing the need for long journeys to medical facilities.

Economic Growth: Highlight how high-speed internet can stimulate economic growth. Small businesses can expand their reach, and new businesses may be attracted to the area. The digital economy presents numerous possibilities for job creation.

Quality of Life: Discuss the impact on the overall quality of life for residents. Access to entertainment, social connections, and e-government services can significantly enhance daily life.

4. Explain WISP's Role and Capabilities

It’s essential to educate municipal leaders about the role of a WISP and its capabilities. Clearly articulate how your wireless technology can deliver high-speed internet access efficiently, especially in challenging rural terrains. Explain the reliability and scalability of WISP networks.

WISP Advantages: Highlight the advantages of using a WISP, such as the ability to quickly expand network coverage, adapt to local geography, and offer competitive pricing to rural communities.

Reliability: Emphasize the reliability of wireless technology in withstanding adverse weather conditions, making it a dependable choice for rural areas.

Scalability: Discuss how WISP networks can be easily scaled to accommodate the growing connectivity needs of the community.

5. Address Concerns and Overcome Challenges

Be prepared to address any concerns or challenges that municipal leaders may raise, such as infrastructure costs, legal and regulatory hurdles, or the sustainability of the project. Provide detailed plans for overcoming these issues and demonstrate a willingness to collaborate in finding solutions.

Infrastructure Costs: Break down the cost estimates for deploying high-speed internet infrastructure. Explore options for cost-sharing and phased deployment to ease financial burdens on the municipality.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Research and present a clear roadmap for navigating legal and regulatory requirements, including permits, licenses, and compliance with federal and state regulations.

Sustainability: Address concerns about the long-term sustainability of the project. Discuss options for ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and future expansion to ensure the system remains viable and competitive.

6. Propose a Collaborative Partnership

To gain the support of rural municipal leaders, emphasize the importance of collaboration. Encourage the municipality to consider a partnership with your WISP, local internet service providers, nonprofits, or tech companies. Collaboration can provide the expertise and resources needed for successful high-speed internet deployment.

Local Internet Service Providers: Suggest the possibility of collaborating with local ISPs that have a vested interest in expanding their services to the rural area. These partnerships can reduce the financial burden on the municipality.

Nonprofits and Foundations: Many nonprofits and foundations are dedicated to bridging the digital divide. Explore potential partnerships with organizations that share your mission to expand internet access to underserved areas.

Tech Companies: Tech companies often have an interest in expanding their reach and promoting digital inclusion. Consider approaching technology giants for potential partnerships or support.

7. Highlight Success Stories and Case Studies

Share success stories and case studies of how WISPs have positively impacted other rural communities. Provide concrete examples of communities that have experienced improved connectivity, economic growth, and enhanced quality of life as a result of partnering with a WISP.

Real-World Examples: Present case studies and testimonials from other rural areas where high-speed internet access, facilitated by a WISP, has made a significant difference. Highlight key statistics and outcomes to demonstrate the impact.

8. Address Long-Term Planning and Support

Assure municipal leaders of your commitment to the long-term success of the project. Discuss how you plan to support the network over the years, ensuring that it remains reliable and up-to-date. Offer information on maintenance and expansion strategies to meet future needs.

Long-Term Commitment: Express your commitment to providing ongoing support for the network, including regular maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting services.

Future Expansion: Discuss how your WISP is prepared to handle future expansion and increased demand for high-speed internet as the community grows.

Conclusion

Collaborating with rural municipalities is a strategic approach for WISPs to bring high-speed internet to underserved citizens and businesses. By understanding the unique needs of these communities, building strong relationships with municipal leaders, and presenting the benefits of WISP-driven high-speed internet, you can pave the way for successful partnerships. Addressing concerns, proposing collaborative solutions, and sharing success stories will further strengthen your case. With the right approach and a commitment to long-term support, WISPs can be instrumental in closing the digital divide in rural areas, ensuring that all citizens have access to the opportunities of the digital age.

#InternetForAll #ruralconnectivity #WISPStrategies #digital inclusion #CommunityPartnerships #rural broadband #connectivitysolutions #broadband

0 notes

drgreg · 2 years

Text

Dr Greg Hough South Africa

I truly have been birding for round 25 years, and may say with confidence that the boat journey to Marion Island with Bird Life was the best birding experience I actually have ever had. It was well organized and an experience to shall be very needed to beat. Fantastic expertise for birders to expertise birds that the majority would never see and also to contribute to an important conservation action. BirdLife SAYS Flock to Marion was a as quickly as in a lifetime expertise. Thanks Birdlife SA and MSC for all the hassle which was required to convey this journey about. Flock to Marion was undoubtedly a singular expertise that promoted conservation in a very completely different setting.

It is a smart well being neighborhood during which new moms share helpful tips about a spread of topics, together with managing postpartum despair. Data about Racquel’s mood, which is assessed and collected by her digital assistant, demonstrates that her mood improves when she participates within the group, either online or in particular person. Interoperable, always-on knowledge will promote closer collaboration amongst health care stakeholders, and new combos of companies might be offered by current providers and new entrants . But these changes would require those who administer Medicaid applications to suppose in new methods to effectively interact with these evolving enterprise models. As the remainder of the well being care industry transforms, what does this alteration imply for Medicaid beneficiaries and Medicaid agencies? Medicaid’s mission may still be to improve the well being of people with disabilities and lower incomes so they can get the health care services they need, but the greatest way Medicaid accomplishes this will change.

By supporting Flock to Marion, one supports way over a mere vacation spot. It brings to a wider consideration the valuable work carried out by Birdlife South Africa, in conjunction with varied different bodies, including those in tourism. I couldn't make it this time however actually might be there for the next.

Secondly, the variable used to characterize African immigration captures these residing legally in South Africa and doesn't reflect the presence of illegal immigrants. Unfortunately knowledge documenting the presence of unlawful immigrants in communities isn't obtainable and positively not at a suburb stage of aggregation. Lastly, the research doesn't bear in mind the placement of the offender of the felony incident. An offender residing in suburb A could commit an offence in suburb B and this could have little to do with the social disorganisation ‘status’ in suburb B.

With so many expert guides and fellow birders on board, we learnt a lot about species we had not ever dreamed of seeing. Being capable of sail into the “Roaring 40’s” and experiencing the rough sea conditions was another unforgettable expertise. Lindsay is a principal in Deloitte Consulting LLP’s Government & Public Services apply dr greg hough south africa. She supports state governments in health care (Medicaid/Children's Health Insurance program), public well being, human providers, and workforce development applications. She currently leads Deloitte’s work for one of the largest U.S. states.

Many MCOs today are a part of larger medical well being insurance companies that also serve people within the personal medical insurance market. Eric is a six-year-old Medicaid beneficiary who lives together with his single mother, Sarah. Taking Eric to the physician dr greg hough south africa would mean Sarah must miss her restaurant shift to take a bus across town with Eric to the closest health center. Rather than taking him to a clinic or doctor’s workplace, she uses an at-home diagnostic take a look at to substantiate his prognosis.

0 notes

medicalsaffairsusa · 2 years

Text

Why should one use online healthcare platforms?

Health organizations are providing virtual appointments and are expanding their telehealth options, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Improved technology has made telemedicine easier, even for those who don’t consider themselves computer savvy. Patients can use telemedicine through the MyChart online platform or mobile app, and request a virtual visit with many doctors, practitioners and therapists.

Comfort and Convenience

With telemedicine, you don’t have to drive to the doctor’s office or clinic, park, walk or sit in a waiting room when you’re sick. You can see your doctor from the comfort of your own bed or sofa. Virtual visits can be easier to fit into your busy schedule. With telemedicine, depending on your schedule, you may not even have to take leave time from work or arrange for child care.

Control of Infectious Illness

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, flu and other infectious diseases, doctors can use telehealth appointments to prescreen patients for possible infectious disease. It also saves sick people from having to come in to the office. Less exposure to other people’s germs helps everyone, especially those who are chronically ill, pregnant, elderly or immunocompromised.

Better Assessment

Telemedicine can give some specialty practitioners an advantage because they can see you in your home environment. For example, allergists may be able to identify clues in your surroundings that cause allergies. Neurologists and physical and occupational therapists can observe you and assess your ability to navigate and take care of yourself in your home. Telemedicine is also a good way to get mental health assessment and counseling.

Family Connections

When consulting with your doctor, it’s always good to have a family member who can help you provide information, ask questions and take note of your doctor’s answers. If that person lives out of town, or even across the country, telemedicine can loop your family member in on the virtual visit if you authorize it.

Primary Care and Chronic Condition Management

Regular visits with primary care practitioners such as those specializing in family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics, are essential to your family’s health. Telemedicine makes it easy to connect with a doctor or nurse practitioner. Some systems are set up so that new patients can get an appointment with the next available practitioner, which can save time.

DIGITAL STRATEGY

FOCUS AREA WORKING GROUP

The MAPS Digital Focus Area Working Group is a forum to build knowledge and share best practices. The goal is to support the Medical Affairs organization’s efforts to embrace digital innovation through webinars, training, white papers, and best practice sharing. This Focus Area group will leverage other thought-leader forums to share insights and learnings – both successes and failures – across Medical Affairs organizations.

To know more visit:

Medical Affairs Professional SocietyThe MAPS Digital Focus Area Working Group is a forum to build knowledge and share best practices. The goal is to support the Medical Affairs organization’s efforts to embrace digital innovation through webinars, training, white papers, and best practice sharing. This Focus Area group will leverage other thought-leader forums to share insights and learnings – both successes and failures – across Medical Affairs organizations. Activities: Organize workshops for MAPS meetings in the North America, APAC (Asia Pacific – China/Japan), and EMEA (Europe, Middle-East, Asia) regions. Ensure understanding of the current state of digital innovation as it relates to the Medical Affairs function, and the needs of Medical Affairs professionals. Build an understanding of digital opportunity for Medical Affairs professionals and important aspects of a digital-ready culture. Engage experts both inside and outside of pharma, to share their expertise and help Medical Affairs professionals better understand the digital opportunity. Bring case examples to MAPS members to stimulate ideas and applicable innovations in Medical Affairs functional areas such as Medical Information and Field Medical. Build Medical Affairs digital capabilities with specific focus on improving external digital engagement experience and advanced analytics.https://medicalaffairs.org/digital-strategy/

#mapsmentor #medicalaffairs #globalmedicalaffairs

0 notes

caregenixclinic · 2 years

Text

#Doctors for Home Care in new town #Online doctor Consultation New Town #Multispecialty clinic new town Kolkata

2 notes · View notes

nanowrimo · 3 years

Text

Win an Introduction to an Agent or Publisher During Pitchapalooza

Ready to pitch your novel to the pros? Here’s a message from The Book Doctors to tell you how!

You wrote your 50,000 words (or close!). You’re a winner. You felt the high. Now what are you going to do with your precious manuscript? That’s where we, The Book Doctors, come in. Join us for our twelfth annual NaNoWriMo Pitchapalooza to learn how to catch the attention of publishers and readers.

For those of you unfamiliar with Pitchapalooza, here’s the skinny: You get 250 words to pitch your book. Twenty pitches will be randomly selected from all submissions. We will then critique the pitches during a live webinar on April 2, 12PM PT, so you get to see what makes a great pitch. At the end of the webinar, we will choose one winner from the group. The winner will receive an introduction to an agent or publisher appropriate for their manuscript.

We will also crown a Fan Favorite who will receive a free one-hour consultation with us (worth $250). On April 3, 2022, the 20 random pitches will be posted on our website, www.thebookdoctors.com. Anyone can vote for a fan favorite, so get your social media engine running as soon as the pitches go up! Connecting with your future readers is a vital part of being a successfully published author, and this is a great way to get some practice. Voting closes at 11:59PM PT on April 25, 2022. Fan Favorite will be announced on April 26, 2021.

Here’s how to enter:

Beginning February 15, 2022, you can email your pitch to [email protected].

Do not attach your pitch, just embed it in the email.

You get up to 250 words to pitch your book.

Include your title and your name at the top of your pitch. These don’t count toward your 250 words.

All pitches must be received by 11:59PM PT on March 15, 2022.

Where are they now? NaNoWriMo Pitchapalooza Success Stories

It’s been a great year for past NaNoWriMo Pitchapalooza winners:

In 2016, May Cobb ran away with NaNoWriMo Pitchapalooza. She's been capturing attention ever since. In 2019, it was a "heated six-publisher auction" that ended with Berkley winning the rights to publish her novel The Hunting Wives, which was pitched as In a Dark, Dark Wood meets Mean Girls. The Hunting Wives launched in May 2021 with buzz from The Skimm, Cosmopolitan, SheReads, PopSugar, BuzzFeed, Goodreads, E! Online, Crime Reads, Book Riot, Bustle, and more. In September 2021, May announced another two-book deal with Berkley. First up, My Summer Darlings hits bookstores in May 2022: three lifelong friends plus a dangerous, sexy new stranger in town add up to a scorching summer of manipulation, obsession, and murder.

Gloria Chao won the 2015 NaNoWriMo Pitchapalooza with the novel that would become her critically-acclaimed debut American Panda. Her award-winning books have been featured on the “Best of” lists of Seventeen, Bustle, Barnes & Nobles, PopSugar, Paste Magazine, and more. American Panda received four starred trade reviews, was on the Amelia Bloomer list, and was a Junior Library Guild Selection, Indie Next Pick, and YALSA Teens’ Top 10 Pick. Her second novel, Our Wayward Fate, came out in 2019 and her third novel, Rent a Boyfriend, is out now from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

But that's not all. Fools in Love, an anthology released December 7, 2021 (Running Press Kids/Hachette), features Gloria and fourteen bestselling, award-winning, and up-and-coming authors as they reimagine some of the most popular themes in the romance genre that are sure to steal your heart. Gloria's work graces Game On: 15 Stories of Wins, Losses, and Everything in Between that released last month from Viking/Penguin. And coming from Viking Penguin in Fall 2022 is When You Wish Upon a Lantern, a YA romance that sold in a heated auction! In Spring 2023, look for Freshman Orientation, a YA anthology of linked stories set on the first day at a small college, from the perspective of teens moving into their dorms, making new friends, avoiding old ones, and trying to fit in (Candlewick).

Gloria is giving back to aspiring authors by being a 2022 We Need Diverse Books YA mentor.

Stacy McAnulty has been on fire since she won our third NaNoWriMo Pitchapalooza, publishing twenty-eight books and counting. Her latest novel, Millionaires for the Month, is out now from Random House Books for Young Readers. Kirkus calls it “cinematic, over-the-top decadence, a tense race against time, and lessons on what’s truly valuable.” Stacy also signed a deal with Random House to publish another middle grade novel, A Penny Doubled, pitched as How to Steal a Dog meets Brewster’s Millions. She also published three picture books in 2021: A Small Kindness (February 2), Mars! (February 9), and Brains! Not Just a Zombie Snack (August 31). And Little, Brown recently won at auction rights to publish her debut nonfiction middle grade Save the People! Halting Human Extinction, a look at our potential demise with a side of humor and a powerful remedy: scientific knowledge. In April 2022, look for Our Planet! There’s No Place Like Earth, and in August, Blood! Not Just a Vampire Drink.

“Winning Pitchapalooza gave me confidence and the courage to keep fighting. It also helped bring my manuscript to the next level.”

–Gloria Chao

Important NaNoWriMo Pitchapalooza Dates

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 — Pitch submission opens

Tuesday, March 15, 2022 — Final day to submit pitches

Saturday, April 2, 2022 — NaNoWriMo Pitchapalooza live on YouTube

Sunday, April 3, 2022 — Voting for Fan Favorite begins at www.thebookdoctors.com

Monday, April 25, 2022 — Final day to vote for Fan Favorite

Tuesday, April 26, 2022 — Fan Favorite announced at www.thebookdoctors.com

NaNoWriMo Pitchapalooza FAQs

Q: May I submit more than one pitch?

A: Yes, you may submit multiple pitches. Please include your book’s title and your name at the top of each pitch.

Q: How are the 20 pitches selected?

A: The 20 pitches are randomly selected; however, we read all the pitches.

Q: Are the choices for Fan Favorite also randomly selected?

A: Yes. They are the same 20 pitches that we read during the webinar.

Q: Will a recording be available?

A: Yes. You’ll be able to view the recording at www.thebookdoctors.com and on YouTube.

Q: Does my novel have to be finished?

A: No, you may pitch a work in progress.

Q: May I submit a pitch for a self-published novel?

A: Yes.

Q: Will the writers of the randomly selected pitches be notified ahead of the webcast?

A: The writers of the selected pitches will not be notified ahead of the event.

Q: Where can I learn more about writing my pitch?

A: We offer resources on our YouTube channel. We recommend that you watch “The Art of the Book Pitch”, last year’s NaNoWriMo Pitchapalooza, and our Pitch Tips playlist. Hungry for more examples? Check out our Pitchapalooza playlist. You can find Gloria Chao’s pitch tips here.

Are you feeling a little unsure about exactly how to craft your pitch? We’ve got you covered.

10 Tips for Pitching Your Novel

A great pitch is like a poem. Every word counts.

Make us fall in love with your hero. Whether you’re writing a novel or memoir, you have to make us root for your flawed but lovable hero.

Make us hate your villain. Show us someone unique and dastardly whom we can’t wait to hiss at.

Just because your kids love to hear your story at bedtime doesn’t mean you’re automatically qualified to get a publishing deal. Make sure to include only relevant information in your pitch.

If you have any particular expertise that relates to your novel, tell us. Establishing your credentials will help us trust you.

Your pitch is your audition to show us what a brilliant writer you are, so it has to be the very best of your writing.

Don’t make your pitch a book report. Make it sing and soar and amaze.

A pitch is like a movie trailer. You start with an incredibly exciting/funny/sexy/romantic/etc. close-up with intense specificity, then you pull back to show the big picture and tell us the themes and broad strokes that build to a climax.

Leave us with a cliffhanger. The ideal reaction to a pitch is, “Oh my God, what happens next?”

Show us what’s unique, exciting, valuable, awesome, unexpected, about your project, and also why it’s comfortable, familiar and proven.

Join our newsletter to receive more tips on how to get published.

Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry have appeared everywhere from NPR’s Morning Edition to The New York Times to The Wall Street Journal to USA Today. They have taught everywhere from Stanford University to the Miami Book Festival to the granddaddy of American bookstores, Strand Books in New York City.

Their book, The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published, is the go-to book on the subject, and contains all the information you’ll ever need, taking you through the entire process of conceiving, writing, selling, marketing and promoting your book.

#nanowrimo #writing #publishing #editing #pitchapalooza #pitchapalooza 2022 #by nano guest #the book doctors

94 notes · View notes

mariacallous · 3 years

Text

As Warsaw emerged from a third wave of the pandemic, the beginning of the summer in the city saw squares and the banks of the Vistula River fill with tourists and young people keen to go back to a semblance of normality. Veteran women’s rights activist Krystyna Kacpura, however, did not have that option.

Kacpura heads the Federation of Women and Family Planning (FEDERA), a small reproductive rights organisation founded in 1991. She has been working non-stop since the ban was announced, answering dozens of calls from women, some of them simply concerned about how they could be affected in the future. She says more than 2,000 women made contact with FEDERA between October and April alone.

“Every day we receive several calls from women from different parts of Poland,” Kacpura says in a park in the southern suburb of Warsaw, where she lives in a Soviet-era residential block. “They went from doctor to doctor, from hospital to hospital. And even if some gynaecologists … understand this difficult situation of women, they are so frightened. They’re afraid of being imprisoned or to lose their right to the profession.”

Her organisation, though, was targeted directly for its work. Earlier this year, she and her staff received emails with bomb and death threats from unknown senders, becoming one of at least seven women’s rights groups to come under fire since the protests, according to a March report by Human Rights Watch, which condemned the escalating threats to activists. The government responded (PDF) saying it was committed to the protection of human rights in Poland and that some of the cases had been referred to district prosecutors and were being investigated.

Meanwhile, Kacpura and others continue with their work, often walking the very thin line of being part of a network of pro-choice activists and medical professionals willing to provide assistance within the boundaries of the law.

“Sharing information, informing and educating people is not punishable,” Kacpura explains, adding that among other things, they are planning on organising legal workshops for gynaecologists and doctors aimed at explaining the boundaries of the new law and that, as she puts it, “it is not their duty to call the police”. In a handful of extreme cases, women have been able to get abortions on grounds that carrying on with the pregnancy would damage their mental health, after consulting a psychiatrist. But finding a hospital willing to perform the abortion remains difficult, even with medical evidence of serious mental health consequences. The most realistic option remains for women to travel abroad.

‘If you have money’

Polish women have been travelling to other European countries for abortions for years. Even before the ban, conscientious objection – the possibility that a doctor may refuse to perform an abortion based on their personal or religious beliefs – made legal abortions difficult. Despite the restrictive legislation, the United Nations estimates that anywhere between 80,000 and 180,000 informal abortions take place in Poland every year. The vast majority are self-managed medical abortions – with pills women buy online, and that the World Health Organization considers safe to practise at home in the early stages of pregnancy.

One consequence of the large-scale protests in October has been the increased availability of abortion information, widely shared by activists at the protests and beyond. The phone number of a helpline linked to an existing transnational network of activists was shared widely, with posters plastered everywhere from cities to small towns, and musicians posting catchy songs with the phone number online. According to Abortion Network Amsterdam, a group that supports women who do not have access to safe abortion, the number of Polish women contacting them has spiked since the ban, with the vast majority being foetal abnormality cases.

Still, women in small towns and traditionally conservative areas face additional stigma and struggle with anonymity. The pandemic made it even more difficult for those women to make excuses to travel abroad when all but essential travel was halted. While organisations that support women living in countries where abortion is banned or restricted do exist, access remains unequal.

“It’s very difficult for a woman living in small towns and villages to go to Netherlands, even if she is assisted and helped by some activists,” Kacpura says. “You know, she never travelled, she can’t understand that she has to go somewhere to end her difficult pregnancy.”

“So this is the kind of reproductive injustice in Poland, that you can buy a safe legal abortion if you have money,” Kacpura says.

-The mental health cost of Poland’s abortion ban

5 notes · View notes

bffsoobin · 4 years

Text

Windflower

01|02|03|04|05|06

↳ after a heartbreak you find yourself in a small town looking for purpose. you find employment with Choi Soobin and his impressive ancestral home. when you start to fall in love again, there’s no way for you to predict what you find in the depths of the home and Soobin’s mind.

➤ hanahaki au, fluff, angst

Word Count:1,568

Warnings: mentions of food, some swearing, mentions of past relationships/unrequited love, mentions of surgery (not in detail). General warning that its 11 pm here and for me that’s late (old lady alert) and I didn’t proofread as usual.

A/N: Another character building chapter! There is very important info about both Soobin and reader in here, so make sure you pay attention and read well!

•:•.•:•.•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•☾☼☽•:•.•:•.•:•:•:•:•:•:•:••:•.•

Dinner was surprisingly good, given the two of you had just thrown a frozen pizza in the oven. He had fussed adorably over adding extra cheese to the meal before popping it into the shiny appliance. It was easy to tell Soobin still felt awkward due to almost seeing you naked because he kept at least 5 feet of distance between your bodies for a long while. His skittish nature made it difficult for you to help set the table, but you let it slide. You don't know much about him; so it felt wrong to pass judgement on the way he couldn’t even keep eye contact for a while. It was okay, though, because his behavior still managed to rustle up glee in your stomach. The pizza was one of the best meals you had eaten in days, and you thanked Soobin profusely for it. He smiled awkwardly, waving you off with a joke about owing him breakfast in the morning. His personality had brightened ten shades with the help of food and his favorite tv show on the big screen television mounted on the wall of the living room. He had a whole pint of Half Baked ice cream open on the coffee table that was just for him. He had offered to share, but you turned him down upon seeing the absolutely ravenous look on his face; worried that he would combust on the spot if you didn’t let him have the pint to himself. So you settled for watching the show absentmindedly until your mind began to wander. Intrigued by the contrast between the home’s age and the modern interior, you finally decided to ask Soobin.

“Did someone do renovations here?” You mentally slapped yourself. Well duh, Y/N. Soobin’s ancestors who posed for oil portraits that now hung in ornate golden frames certainly didn’t install the stainless steel refrigerator and pick out the large leather sectional you were currently lounging on. He didn’t seem to catch the poor wording of your question as he nodded from his spot on the couch next to you with his legs tucked underneath him. You couldn’t help but notice how adorable he looked sitting that way.

“Yeah, my cousin did most of that kind of stuff. He’s a few years older than me so he was able to update the house for us when he was still living here. That’s his whole thing,” Soobin wiggled his fingers in the air, “interior design. Consulted at the shop a few towns over and everything.”

“I heard that he moved, why?” The back of your neck grew hot when you realized how insensitive that question really sounded once it was said out loud. “You don’t have to answer me, by the way,” you hoped that the attempt to backtrack would be enough to curb potential awkwardness. God knows the two of you couldn’t afford any more of that.

“He met a girl online who lives a few states away and fell in love with her. He was wasting all of his money traveling back and forth to see her, so he finally decided to just move. The only things keeping him here were me and taking care of the house. I miss him sometimes, but I can’t blame him. He was starting to grow flowers for her, and she made it very clear that unless he could move to live with her, he would have to get the surgery.” Soobin’s voice had taken on a very odd tone that felt too complicated to unpack at the moment. Besides, your own chest began to burn at the mention of growing flowers.

The boy must have noticed the way you gently grasped the soft fabric of your t-shirt between your fingers as his eyes widened like a deer in headlights. He made a miniscule scooch over the leather cushions to get a bit closer to you and place a hesitant hand on your shoulder. His voice was extremely soft and quiet even for as close as he was to you.

“I’m sorry Y/N, I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable, I didn’t know that you…” he licked his plump lips as he hesitated, “Did you have surgery? You don’t have to answer me either, by the way.” Of course you had seen the question coming, but hearing it in the softest tone of voice you had ever heard from a human being struck a different chord in your heart. You couldn’t find it in yourself to confess your woes to his face, so you turned to your left to admire the garden from the window view. Earlier, he had happily told you the names of some of them and their meanings. Buttercups signifying innocence, Forget-me-nots representing true love, Marigolds standing for bliss. Flowers; dictating so much of your life.

“Yeah, I had surgery.” You cursed the shaky edge in your voice. “I was in love with my best friend from college, we were roommates and he was everything I ever wanted from a boyfriend. And I thought he liked me back so,” you swallowed thickly and finally turned your head to see a confused furrow in Soobin’s brow. You knew why he looked so confused, but he would understand your emotions soon enough. “So I thought I had just caught some kind of bug when I started to grow flowers, and he was taking care of me. One day I went to the bathroom to puke and out came little purple petals. It was so confusing. He thought they were for someone else, so he comforted me and I didn’t understand why that only made me cough up more.” A hot tear escaped down your cheek and you cursed at it. Soobin’s whole body was rigid, as if your story was enough to stop all of his bodily functions in their tracks. You supposed your societally unusual show of emotions for a past love would be more than enough to elicit that response.

“Obviously, I found out that he didn’t love me back so I went for surgery. They deemed it successful and I moved back in with him so we could just live as best friends. No flowers, no icky feelings, right?” The question was obviously rhetorical yet Soobin nodded as if cheering you on. “And everything was great, for close to a year. Until one night I woke up in a coughing fit when he wasn’t home and ended up with another god damn purple petal in my hand.” Your fist clenched at the memory of the disgustingly wet petal that had landed in your palm just to mock you. “So I went back to the hospital and they did all their tests. There’s nothing left for them to remove. No new growths, just. There’s something wrong with me. The doctor said he had read about it before, people who can’t fully move on even after removal. That was just two weeks ago. I couldn’t stay there and pretend the first surgery actually ended my feelings for him. That’s how I ended up here, with you.”

Soobin’s face was unreadable. A horribly timed laugh track blasted from the tv speakers and made you cringe. How awkward could this first day as an employee and roommate be? He had nearly seen you naked and now he knows all about your past heartbreak and medical anomaly. You inhaled a shuddering breath through your nose and busied yourself with watching the sun slowly disappear behind the trees of the property.

“I’m so sorry. I don’t even know what to say. I can’t even relate with,” he gestured awkwardly toward his own chest, “growing flowers. I never have. That’s why I grow so many in the garden. Well, that and the family traditions. But mostly because I have always wondered what I would grow if I were in your position. And I memorize what they mean because one time I read a story that said your flowers can signify the kind of relationship you have with that person; especially since they change with every relationship. But I guess it’s kind of a blessing I’ve never loved anyone yet, huh?” You scoffed at his confession.

“You have no idea, Soobin. I’d give everything to fall in love with someone who loves me back and push those stupid purple petals out of my system. Or to just have normal anatomy. But we live in a cruel world sometimes.” The atmosphere of the living room existed in direct opposition to your statement, as warm hues of sunset casted over every surface in a blissful haze.You could see particles of dust falling through the air as if in slow motion. Soobin hummed thoughtfully and got up to stand in front of a window. The light framed the outline of his body like a halo.

“Lets hope,” his voice sounded just as light and airy as the room looked, “that the only flowers you encounter from now on are just the ones from the garden. No pain included.” You weren’t sure how much stock you should take in his insinuation that being here, with him, wouldn’t end in you growing flowers again. Was that an underhanded confession of attraction? You certainly didn’t have the guts to ask, but the idea made you feel weightless.

“That would be very nice, Soobin. No pain included at all.”

102 notes · View notes

tog-centre · 3 years

Text

10 Things to Look for When Searching for a Gynecologist

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. True for doctors in different fields. But a gynaecologist is one doctor that every woman wants to visit atleast once in her lifetime. For a good reason of course. One of your first steps as you prepare for this exciting and pivotal time in your life, pregnancy, you should be choosing the correct gynecologist in Jamaica. You must feel completely at ease with a gynaecologist, since he or she will accompany you throughout your exciting nine-month adventure, culminating in the birth of your bundle of joy.

What do they check for at the gynaecologist

Other than pregnancy or childbirth, if you're having problems with your reproductive system, such as heavy bleeding, severe cramping, or other troubling symptoms, you should see a gynecologist. Even if you're in ideal health, you should get frequent checks to make sure your reproductive organs are in good shape and stay that way.

How do I choose a good gynaecologist

Well there are two fields interwoven with this. A gynecologist is a doctor who focuses on the reproductive health of women. Obstetricians provide treatment to women during pregnancy and shortly after the birth of their child. They also give birth to children. All of these are things that an ob-gyn is trained to do. It would be ideal to visit obstetrics and gynaecology care centre Jamaica.

What should I know before going to the gynaecologist

Your ob-gyn will take care of some of your most essential health concerns, such as birth control, childbirth, and menopause. An ob-gyn can also conduct surgery for pelvic organ or urinary tract disorders, as well as screen for cancer and cure infections.

Because ob-gyns deal with such personal and delicate health matters, some women may be apprehensive about seeing one for the first time. You may be apprehensive or ashamed about allowing a doctor to examine the most intimate portions of your body. You might be hesitant to communicate your most personal concerns with an ob-gyn. In this article we will be discussing about few tips to help you choose your best gynecologist in Mandeville Jamaica.

How to find a good Gynecologist near me

Location

Considering the aspect of location is more a point of necessity than comfort. You will have to make a monthly visit or two to your gynaecologist, so its wise to choose one which has offices at various locations in town. Obstetrics and gynaecology care centre Jamaica has offices at Spalding, Mandeville and Santa Cruz.Also consider:

Does her clinic/hospital have facilities for conducting various tests and investigations?

Does it have a pharmacy nearby?

Trust is imperative

You'll want to select someone with experience who you can trust because you'll be discussing your most private and sensitive health issues with this doctor. You wouldn't put your most private portions of your body in the hands of just anyone. That's why you should choose your ob-gyn with care.

Don't just pick a doctor's name at random from your health insurance provider list. Obtain a recommendation from a friend or family member. Find out about essential variables including the doctor's skills, experience, and bedside manner when you ask for recommendations.

Gynaecologist reviews

Read internet reviews to find out what other people have to say about your possible OB-GYN. Patient satisfaction surveys can reveal a lot about what to expect in terms of scheduling, availability, office environment, doctor approachability, and bedside manner, among other things.

A collection of patient comments and starred ratings is also available. A few negative reviews among many positive ones are probably unimportant, but hundreds of unfavorable reviews should be a major red flag.

Experience counts

Check out the credentials of the gynecologist in Jamaica while you're browsing online. You should be able to find the doctor's bio on the same websites that offer reviews, as well as on their practice's website. You should be able to see where the doctor went to medical school, how many years they've practiced, which hospital(s) they're affiliated with, and what their specialties are.

Personality:

During some of your most vulnerable moments, your gynecologist will be by your side. His or her bedside manners are really important. Is the doctor a nice guy? Is he or she upbeat and responsive? Is he/she approachable and friendly? Is he/she a good fit for you?

Every consultation takes time.

This is an essential factor since you don't want a doctor who rushes from one patient to the next without pausing. Always go for the person who is relaxed and patiently answers all of your questions.

Regardless of how busy she is, she should answer all of your questions and perform all of the necessary examinations.

Does the gynaecologist accept your insurance

When it comes to choosing a doctor, price is a major factor. If your gynecologist isn't in your network, you'll have to pay for your care out of cash, which can rapidly add up. To begin your search, check with your health plan to discover which gynecologists in your area are part of their network.

A comfortable communication

You want a doctor who will listen to you and take your concerns seriously. The best doctors don't give orders or preach to their patients; instead, they communicate with them in a two-way manner. This is the doctor who will perform your gynecologic exam and quiz you about your reproductive health in great detail. For the relationship to work, you must be entirely at ease with this individual.

Your gynecologist should be able to talk with you in simple terms. She should be able to answer all of your questions in layman's terms rather than medical jargon. She should be pleasant, kind, and attentive to your issues.

She should also keep you informed about how your pregnancy is progressing, any difficulties, and any further precautions or preparations you may require. Going to a doctor who does not communicate well with her patients is pointless.

What kind of additional access do you think you'll require?

During the week, most OB-GYN practices have conventional business hours. Is that sufficient for you, or do you require additional flexibility?

If seeing an OB-GYN during regular hours is difficult, investigate whether:

When the clinic is closed, you can reach out to an on-call doctor. When the clinic is closed, the doctor offers telemedicine services that allow you to have virtual appointments.

The doctor provides you with an online patient portal through which you can contact with them.

It saves them time and money on travel, increases communication with gynecologist in Jamaica , and aids in better health outcomes.

What are your thoughts on the practice as a whole?

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are used by many practices to offer primary care. How well do you get along with the other doctors and nurses in the practice?

It's also important to see how the front and back office workers interact with you. They'll be the ones to contact most of the time, whether it's for arranging appointments, billing problems, or medication refills.

You might also wish to consider the practice's physical environment. Is the waiting room tidy and welcoming? Do the patient rooms appear to be well-organized and stocked? Is the equipment in good condition and appears to be reasonably new?

Where can I find a gynaecologist?

Though the clinic's appearance may appear to be trivial, it may be an indicator of how effectively the healthcare team will treat you. Finding the best gynecologist in Mandeville, Jamaica doesn't have to be stressful now that you have such a variety of information at your fingertips. And with these pointers in hand, choosing the right OB-GYN for you could be a lot easier than you think.

#gynecologist in jamaica #gynecologist in mandeville #gynaecologist near me #best gynecologist in mandeville #obstetrics and gynaecology care centre jamaica #obstetrician and gynaecologist #best obgyn clinics near me

1 note · View note

blazehedgehog · 4 years

Link

So rather than attach it to the last (rather large) post thread, I’ll start a new one. If you didn’t catch it on Twitter, friends managed to raise some money through nothing but sheer good will and I ended up booking a stay at the same hotel we should have gotten for free.

I’m starting a new thread because I want to ask a question, but first I want to clarify and provide a better timeline of everything that’s happened. This isn’t exact, but it’s as close as my memory can remember right now:

Late 2019/Early 2020: Whoever owns my apartment complex sells it to a new company in California. The complex is in Nevada. It’s a big apartment complex; it used to be two separate ones that were right next to each other and they merged to create a “project” that houses something like 150-200 units. If you consider families, somewhere in the realm of 300-700 people live here.

April/May 2020: We get a notice on our door announcing that our new owners want to renovate the complex. Every single unit. It’s such a big ordeal that they have to put in to get funding from the State of Nevada to do it. The initial claim is that they will move us out of our apartment unit in to a new unit for up to a month or two (at no cost to us) while they renovate. More information will come in summer 2020 during a town hall meeting we will attend in person. I expect that with the pandemic starting and “shelter in place” orders going out that there’s no way they’d be dumb enough to go through with any of this. The notice ends with them pleading with people not to take this as a cue to move out. In the months to follow, we spied at least four people who were smart enough to get out before the renovation hit. We considered it, but the housing authority we have to rent through went dead silent the moment the pandemic ramped up and have yet to say even a single word to us (even now).

Late October/Early November 2020: The town hall meeting finally happens, online, in a Zoom meeting. Three people in California dictate to the 40 or 50 tenants (maybe more) that attend the meeting how this is going to go. Plans have changed: the renovation will take place across ten days. Very tight schedule. In and out as fast as possible. In batches of 4-5 units at a time, going alphabetically across the complex, units will be renovated. New paint, new carpet, new cabinets, new sinks, new toilet, new shower, new appliances, redone balcony. Renovation teams will come in at 8am and work until 5pm. After 5pm, we will be allowed to return to our unit and sleep there. We will be allowed to keep one bed (per person) and one TV, which the renovation team will move out of the way during the day and return to our unit when they leave. We are also told we will be getting a sealable plastic tub to store personal items (toiletries and such) that the renovation team will also handle. We are assured they will be adhering to rigorous sanitization standards, with multiple temperature checks daily, masks, and gloves. During the day, we are free to go wherever, but the complex will be setting up what they call a “hospitality trailer” -- a communal space for everyone currently effected by the renovation to hang out inside, together. There will be port-a-potties and wifi. We’re told meals will also be provided, possibly in the trailer, but details are unspecific. We’re also told some landscaping will be done. All told, between renovating units and landscaping, they say the whole process from beginning to end will take 18 months or more. Tenants in the Zoom call ask questions -- if we don’t want to stay at the hospitality trailer, we’re told we should consider staying with family during the day. They ignore multiple questions from people asking if this will cause the rent to go up.

December 2020: Renovation begins, starting with apartments in the A block. We’re somewhere near the middle of the alphabet, and going by the ten-days-per-unit estimate, we’re expecting the renovation to hit us around March-ish, maybe even as late as April. I develop an ugly toothache; my face swells up. I do a phone visit with a dentist and he prescribes me antibiotics and schedules me for an appointment on January 18th to pull the tooth.

Early January 2021: Going to check the mail one day, I notice it feels like they’re spending a long time on the first few sets of units. Then, all of a sudden, renovations surge ahead, and units worryingly close to our letter start putting tarps up over their balconies, signalling they’re either mid-reno, or at least packing.

January 18th, 2021: Tooth is “fine” (big cavity, no pain) but we discuss options for pulling multiple bad teeth with this problem tooth, since a lot of my upper teeth aren’t in great shape. Will require multiple rounds of surgery to remove them all and set up replacements. First round of surgery is on February 24th. I immediately wonder if we’re going to get called early for renovation and it’ll land simultaneously with the surgery. I try not to think about it.

January 30th, 2021: We receive a notice that our apartment’s number is due. It’s post-dated, which means the notice is late. We’re supposed to have 45 days notice, and the move-out date listed in the notice is February 23rd. By the 45 day rule, this notice should’ve arrived January 9th. There’s also a degree of confusion: the notice was delivered to our apartment, but the notice is addressed to the apartment below us. Parts of the notice still mention our apartment number. We call the front office for clarification, and they tell us that the notice was indeed meant for the people below us. According to them, we’re in the clear for now. “You’re close...” tells us the person on the phone, “But it’s not your time yet.” We consider preparing early, but it sounds like we have to use the provided packing materials for organizational reasons when the movers come.

February 5th: I record my Patreon Podcast. I mention the renovation. If you consider 10 days per renovation, based on when the notice was actually delivered, I’m expecting we’re going to get our notice in the next few days.

February 8th: We get a knock on the door. A man from the front office is checking in with us to see how packing is going. Packing because the notice was actually for us. It was for all four units in this block. We tell him: we called. They said it wasn’t our time yet. He just kind of shrugs and asks if we need boxes. Of course we do. Our 45 day notice has been cut down to less than 14 days. On top of that, we’ve got doctors appointments and things coming up that’s going to eat in to this time. He says everything has to be in the office-provided UHaul boxes. Even if we have items already in cardboard boxes, they have to be specifically repacked in UHaul boxes.

February 13th: After days of trying to contact my dentist office via email, I finally get a hold of them via text. I try to reschedule my appointment, but the receptionist tells me it’s just another consultation, not surgery. I hope she’s right. The stress of all of this is making it hard to get packing as fast as we need to.

February 15th: My Mom tells me she’s managed to book an appointment for her first round of covid-19 vaccinations. Unfortunately, it’s on February 23rd, the day we’re being moved out.

February 16th: We talk to the people below us, an elderly couple. They’re panicking about packing because they have so much stuff. They mention that the front office booked them a hotel for the duration of their renovation. All they needed was a doctor’s note proving they needed it. Given that my 75 year old mother has a doc appointment literally the next day, this seems like extremely good timing. After doing curbside pickup for a grocery order that day, we pass the movers on our way back in as they are loading a unit in to their Ryder truck. None of them that I see are wearing masks or gloves.

February 17th: Doc visit happens, she implies that he kind of blew her off. She’s had chronic pain in her hands and knees for years, and in particular, the pain in her hands has been getting bad, fast. She wraps her thumb in sports tape because bending it hurts. She used to be a waitress, she used to be a cake decorator, she did data entry for a couple years, and now she’s dabbling with painting. Her carpal tunnel is severe and its accentuated with arthritis. Doctor just kind of shrugs it off, tells her if it gets worse to come back in a few months, even though arthritis can kill people if not treated properly. Still, he writes her a cursory note for the apartment front office. She talks to them and they’re very glad she contacted them about this; it sounds like the kind of thing that’s only available to people who ask, since presumably the owners don’t want to shell out $900,000+ rooming the entire complex in a hotel. Either way, we’re excited; maybe this renovation won’t be so bad. They tell us the name of the hotel and where its located.

February 18th: While doing laundry in anticipation of packing things up for the hotel/renovation, we happen to catch someone in the laundry room who just got back in to her apartment after her reno finished. She tells us a horror story: everything they told us in the Zoom meeting was a lie. They are renovating way more than 4 units at a time, they aren’t going alphabetically anymore, and she theorizes they’re going with a cheaper renovation team because half of her apartment straight up wasn’t done. The new tile was cheap plastic, which was already gouged by the time she got there. No new fridge, no new shower or tub, no new toilet. “Those will be happening this summer,” she tells us. Sinks got replaced, but the new sinks are apparently bigger than the old ones, leaving less counter space (a particular problem in the bathroom). Carpets were new, but already a dirty mess because of the movers. She had to go around and pick up nails stuck in the carpet that were left behind by the renovators. Since they didn’t take the fridge, she got to keep her food in there, which was important for her because she had special dietary food that needed to be refrigerated. The bad news? Some of that food was stolen. She had a broom and a dust pan stolen, too. She mentions how poor communication has been. We mention the hotel, and she lights up. She didn’t stay in her apartment either, they put her up in the hotel, too. So at least there’s that silver lining. Though she regrets it, because they damaged her TV while she was away. She finally helps clarify the food situation for us, too: we’ll be receiving a “food voucher” to pay for our meals, whatever that means.

February 19th: My Mom was supposed to call the front office to confirm we got the hotel, but in all the confusion, she didn’t get around to it. We’ll have to wait the entire weekend to get confirmation. But if the elderly couple below us got a room, and the lady we spoke to at laundry got a room, it sounds like we’re a lock.

February 22nd: The front office checks in on us again, shrugs their shoulders at how behind we are on packing, and offers us more boxes. They only give us large boxes; we need small, medium and especially rolls of packing tape. They mention they’ll have more later once they open the storage unit, but we never get any. Across this entire ordeal, we’ve only gotten a single roll of packing tape. We bought several rolls of our own after being tired of waiting. Front office guy says our fridge is being replaced, but we can still keep food in our old one and we’ll just “come in and change it out.” Whatever that means. Later, after getting off the phone, we learn we were rejected for the hotel. The doctor’s note wasn’t good enough and the head office in California denied our request. My Mom tries to contact her doctor again to get a more detailed note, but he doesn’t return her call. We’re going to be living out of the car for the next ten days. We talk about protesting this; by stopping packing right now and refusing to leave, but eventually decide that would be a bad idea. We don’t want to risk the movers breaking any of our things. A couple friends start spreading around my paypal.me link in the hopes of raising money for us to stay at a hotel. They raise a little over $200, but it’s hard to justify spending that on a hotel.

February 23rd, Morning: By this point, we’re running on empty. No sleep, physically exhausted, stressed out of our minds. Both of us on the verge of tears several times. With everything going on, we’re a little over halfway done packing and there’s no time left. We quickly move from “pack everything” to “pack what’s important so the movers don’t have to touch it.” Whatever we can’t finish, the movers will pack for us. At 7:30am the movers arrive, and they knock on the door at 8am. They are very polite. They are all wearing masks and gloves. We tell them they are nowhere near ready, and they offer to do our unit last. We do the best we can and leave the rest to them. On our way out, we talk to the elderly couple that lives below us, who claim the moving truck won’t be enough to hold everything in their apartment. It’s a big truck and a small apartment. I find that hard to believe. We go park somewhere and doze in the car until my Mom’s vaccination appointment at 10am. More friends, some of them with very large followings, start spreading the paypal.me link around. Momentum begins to build.

February 23rd, Midday: We get to the vaccination place only to realize we forgot some things at the apartment. We quickly jog back across town and plan to ask them if it’s okay if we can go in to the apartment and retrieve it. When we get there, they’re still unloading the couple below us, and I notice they aren’t just taking UHaul boxes, but regular cardboard boxes, too. Given it’s been almost two hours, this might be second truckful, maybe even the third. I grab the stuff we’re missing and we head back to the vaccination park. Afterwards, we hang out at my brother’s just in case my mom has an allergic reaction to the vaccine and she needs help. She’s fine, and by the time we’re through there, it’s getting to be time to head back to our apartment for the night at 5pm. Before we leave my brother’s, I use their wifi to check my Paypal account. I joke, “I’m worried that I’ll open my account and it’ll say $2000.” Combined with the little bit of money I already had in my Paypal, the donations have pushed my account close to $2200. I burst out laughing. “YOU WANNA GO GET A HOTEL?!” I shout. We agree we’ll spend the night in the unit tonight and decide what we’ll take with us to the hotel in the morning.

February 23rd, Evening: It’s close to 6pm and the movers are still there. They were supposed to clock out almost an hour ago. I browse Tripadvisor and Expedia in the parking lot and decide to just book the same hotel they dangled in front of our faces, since reviews specifically point out it’s clean and has extremely good quarantine practices. Expedia lets me pay with Paypal directly, but there’s a problem where it won’t connect to my Paypal account. As I go to transfer the money out of my Paypal and finish booking the hotel, the wifi dies. The movers just unplugged our modem and packed it up. They probably weren’t supposed to do that, and they picked the worst time, too. We spend the next 45 minutes driving around town trying to find free wifi so I can book this hotel. We end up parking at my brother’s place and leeching his wifi from the driveway. Hotel booked, check-in is at 3pm on the 24th. For now, it’s back to the apartment to decide what to take with us.

February 23rd, Night: Upon getting back to the apartment around 7pm, we find it’s... a disaster area. They spent so long unloading all the other units, they did not have time to finish packing and unloading what was left in our unit. There’s garbage everywhere, it’s mixed in with the stuff we want to keep, some of it’s broken, it’s horrible. It looks like they just swept everything off the tables on to the floor. TV remotes and mail are spread out all over the place. They didn’t leave us any lamps, so the only lights in the apartment are the front door light, the kitchen light, and the bathroom light. They might have left us our mattresses, but they didn’t leave us any pillows or blankets. Still, we spent the better part of the night sorting through the “trash” and separating it out in to the stuff we wanted to keep. We pack up most of the apartment with whatever materials the movers left behind, but we eventually run out of boxes and tape. We still managed to pack 99.9% of what was left. From 7pm to 2:30am.

February 24th, Morning: At 7:30am I'm woken up by the movers pulling up. I can hear them joking in the parking lot about who gets the honor of being called "papi" and cracking rude jokes about "assuming gender." They probably think nobody's around to hear them. We ask them for more time so we can wake up and get dressed. As we're loading up the car with stuff to take to the hotel, we overhear the movers complaining about how they are being made to wait because we were supposed to be out of here by 8, and it's close to 9. My Mom gives them an earful about how little time we had to pack compared to how long we should've had. "That's been happening to a lot of people here." one of them tells her. My whole body hurts after days of little sleep and packing extremely heavy boxes. I’ve had a throbbing headache for almost 48 hours. With the dentist appointment at 3pm that afternoon, we go to a park and I doze in the car for another five hours.

February 24th, Afternoon: Dentist appointment goes smoothly; they offer to start surgery, but I explain to them what happened with the renovation and they are perfectly fine postponing until a later date. By now, my feet hurt where the soles of my shoes have been rubbing. My ankles and knees are hurting from being crunched up inside a car for two days. My back hurts from all the lifting. I’m beyond miserable and realize there’s no way I could bare to spend 10 days living in this car. Thankfully, with the dentist appointment out of the way, it’s check in time. The hotel room is nice, but given I’ve never stayed in a hotel before, I don’t have much of a comparison. But when I fall asleep that night, I sleep harder and longer than I have in years.

February 25th: The elderly couple that lived below us at the apartment are here at the same hotel we are, and we talk to them. Turns out, the lady has the same doctor as my Mom, and they were rejected from his note, too. The approval they got for the hotel came from her husband’s doctor, who wrote an extremely detailed note about his oxygen needs. They mention that people living in our complex with disabilities weren’t housed here and they don’t know where they are or what happened to them. They also claim that the food provision stuff from the apartment front office is apparently some kind of a $45/day meal credit we get at the end of the renovation. But again, it’s still not clear, and the apartment itself has never clarified. That night, we return to the apartment again to raid our fridge for stuff to bring to the hotel. Now, if you remember, we were supposed to be able to sleep at the apartment every night. The apartment we returned to was in such a state that it would have been impossible to sleep in. No sinks, no toilets, no stove, no running water of any kind, and all of the outlets stripped down. Literally the only thing we could have done was sleep there; nothing else was possible. And even then, remember: no bedding. No pillows, no blankets, and it’s still winter out there.

Update on things I forgot: Also on the 25th, elderly couple in the unit below us also told of how the movers had thrown their $950 couch outside and left it in the dirt for multiple days, asking if it was “trash” because one of the washable seat covers had a single pet stain on it. (When we visited the apartment that night to raid the fridge, we even saw it) Not only that, but last year, our bathroom tub had been leaking in to one of their closets. They had to shut our water off for several days and fix the pipes. Apparently this caused black mold in their apartment that wasn’t discovered until they started hauling boxes out. Upon bringing it up with the renovation team, they got told “there’s black mold everywhere! it’s in the grass! it’s fine!” The husband went in to take pictures of the black mold, but by the time he got over there with the camera, the renovation team had already painted over it. Apparently another tenant on the other side of the complex had mold problems so bad that she’s been paid to stay at this hotel for more than a month already while they deal with it.

Which brings us, roughly, to today.

Now, the question I mentioned way back at the top: what are my options here, legally? A lot of friends have told me up and down that this is either illegal, or should be illegal, but I have no idea where to start with any of this stuff and frankly I’m a little gun shy. I don’t know what Nevada housing law is like, what renters rights are, and I don’t want to risk being evicted. But I also know that the threat of being evicted is also what keeps people complacent.

All I really know is that basically everything they originally told us was a lie, and they never informed us of most of these changes. As for the rest, well... just read for yourself.

Whatever you know, I’d like to know.

#renovation #timeline

5 notes · View notes

bicommunitynews · 4 years

Link

Each year we publish a roundup of bi events at the end of December. Naturally this one will be a little less packed than usual. Nonetheless wishing you a very different and better year ahead! At the start of the year very few of us realised what might be ahead as the COVID-19 virus was still thought to be far away and most likely confined to a corner of China. So for those first ten weeks or so of 2020 things were happening as normal. So it was at the start of January when Layla Moran became the first UK MP to come out as pansexual. Courts compensated a worker who had been told to pretend to be gay rather than bi in the workplace and returned confiscated medals to an ex serviceman. Northern Ireland started to consult on same-sex marriage while we learned women are more likely to divorce one another than men. There was good news on HIV figures and from the European Court declaring that government inaction on LGBTphobic hate was no longer acceptable. And the Welsh Government declared it would go a step further than merely repealing Section 28 with active work to ensure children are making informed choices on sex and relationships. In February Bi Pride got a mention in the House, while LGBT History Month saw many more bi-related talks than usual. Overseas Switzerland voted to recognise LGBT hate crimes. There were bis on TV in Doctors and I Am Not OK With This as well as a new season of Atypical to look forward to. And new research showed peculiar findings about bi people and skin cancer.

With the pandemic seeing the start of lockdown in the UK during March events started to be cancelled like Birmingham BiFest and BiFest Wales. As Prides started to fall like dominoes, Eurovision announced its first ever rollover winner. In the USA a St Patrick’s Day parade barred a beauty pageant winner from marching on account of her bisexuality. We had more bi representation on TV in Love Is Blind’s demonstration of double-standards over bisexuality, BBC polyamory drama Trigonometry, and Batwoman. The House of Commons held its first ever debate on LBT women’s health while Canada declared its intention to outlaw so-called “gay cure” so-called “therapy”. And new figures showed more people identifying as bi in the UK than ever.

In April many of us were starting to get used to life indoors and wondering how much a loo roll could fetch on eBay there were sobering thoughts about how the lockdown meant a lot of bi and LGBT people were now trapped in unsafe situations. The USA responded by relaxing its limitations on bi and gay men donating blood with Australia contemplating the same shift. The first LGBT club closure of the pandemic was announced in Brighton. On TV we had a raft of fresh bi viewing with the return of Flack, Killing Eve and Harley Quinn. But the big bi drama of the month was away from TV as BiNetUSA abruptly tried to claim copyright over the public domain bisexual flag.

Most LGBT magazines stopped publishing for the time being due to the pandemic but we took the decision to keep BCN coming out as one little strand of bi life we could keep fairly normal, so our April edition was the second of six in 2020.

Staying indoors gave people some time to organise and so in May there were online campaigns about the blood donation ban and conversion therapy. Being indoors also meant people could virtually visit museums worldwide. New research showed bi men were the most closeted group across Europe.

As the Black Lives Matter movement drew headlines worldwide in June dating app Grindr dropped its race filter. One of those “how did that take so long?” moments. There was a big victory in the US Supreme Court, while over here a new faux LGB equality campaign group came out against same-sex marriage, for anyone who hadn’t already realised they weren’t on the side of any queer folks. The BBC nonetheless carried on quoting them as if they were a serious human rights campaign. The annual Bi Book Awards winners were announced, though without (for now) the usual glamorous awards event. The Grammys got their tongue tied online. In good news, Gabon decriminalised sex between women and between men and Scotland opened up civil partnerships to any couple regardless of gender. BiCon had a bumpy month with two organising teams quitting in the space of a week.

In July we had more happy news from abroad as Montenegro recognised same-sex civil partnerships and South Africa changed its rules on how marriage ceremonies are conducted. It was less good elsewhere as the budget for PrEP was cut in the UK and in Poland the presidential election came down to a knife-edge before going the wrong way. We learned bis have worse experiences of crime than other people and the GLAAD annual review of film releases noted cinema was getting Whiter and gayer, with no bi male representation in major film releases.

We are used to a host of Prides in August so it was a hot summer with so much less to do every Saturday! However some ran online and BiCon happened in a very slimmed-down online form. The run-up to Bi Visibility Day began with more Town Halls deciding to fly the bi flag. New US research showed bi youth experience of bullying.

It’s Bi Visibility Day, Bi Week and Bi Month in September and among the delights was improvements in dictionary definitions. Northern Ireland inched further forward on equality while the UK courts rules that the Equality Act includes nonbinary people. Coming-out guide Getting Bi came out for the Kindle. In the USA we saw the first research on how the COVID-19 pandemic was hitting the LGBT communities while here Stonewall had research on how many bis are out to their families – not many.

In October we learned there would be a biopic of former US Congresswoman Katie Hill. Netflix dropped GLOW. In good news for millions the Pope made a small shift toward a better attitude to LGBT lives on the part of the Catholic Church. And in bad news here, a BBC which was veering increasingly far from balanced and responsible reporting of LGBT issues warned staff they should not attend Pride events even in their own time and private lives.

All eyes were on the USA in November as Donald Trump lost by a huge margin in the election there – albeit not as wide a margin as many opinion polls had predicted. Biden won with over 80 million votes in the end – more than any previous candidate. Biden’s speech missed out the “B”. Europe considered its next five year plan on LGBT work without the UK, and in Poland there were symbolic protests against the hateful “LGBT free zone” populists. We all realised we had been too distracted by COVID to notice that the LGBT inclusion work in schools that had started under the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition had been quietly dropped by the new minister for Women and Equalities.

Most important, COVID vaccines started to be approved. After a very hard year, change was at last in sight.

In December the three month ban on blood donation for bi and gay men and their partners was completely rewritten – for better and for worse – though the new rules don’t come in until a few months into 2021. Kyrsten Sinema rocked a great wig and coat in Washington. There was divine justice as a homophobic MEP got caught breaking COVID rules at a gay party. And Switzerland – whose good news on hate crime kicked the year off – decided to let same-sex couples marry. And so ILGA’s annual world map of LGBT rights showed a ripple of changes. And our fifth edition of the pandemic landed on subscriber doormats, more or less in time for Christmas.

That was 2020. To our most sincere delight, it is in the past. Here’s to a very different year ahead.

#2020 #year in review #2020 in bisexual

5 notes · View notes