#Step 2 CS Book

[lw77]

Over and Over (MV x CS)

Chapter 2. Do you know?

Max has always known, he wonders does Carlos know too?

It’s late February, with a typical seaside chill in the air, but nothing compares to the cold atmosphere surrounding Toro Rosso’s newest driver. Max can feel it—the skepticism. He’s not even eighteen yet, and he understands why. If it weren’t for his ability to drag that shitbox of a car to pole more times than it deserved in F3, maybe it would get to him. So, he stands tall—awkwardly, as any seventeen-year-old would—no choice, really, with the shadow of his father constantly looming behind him, ready to steer him like the cherished project he’s become.

But Max doesn’t care, not about the yelling, the spittle, or whatever his father has thrown at him through karting, the feeder series, and now here. He loves racing—he’s good at it—and driving a car to its limit feels almost effortless. Yet, that’s not what excites him now—not even the STR10 his father has been endlessly droning on about, going over the changes and improvements from last year to suit Max’s driving style.

None of it matters. Not the relentless coaching or the advice he barely listens to anymore, nodding only to keep his father off his back. Because Max knows what's waiting for him on the other side. He’s always been aware of it—the other half of himself, walking somewhere in the world, always nearby, ever since his consciousness first blinked into being. He’s carried this deep knowing that he’s following someone else’s tracks, trying to find them. He’s sensed them, at times, throughout his life, enough to know who it is. But he’s never been sure whether they felt it too.

Now, though, they’re teammates.

With each step Max takes toward their garage, he can’t help but wonder how they’ll react to the bond. Will there be that soulmate spark like in the movies—two magnets snapping together—or will they embrace, unable to let go, like in the books Victoria reads? There’s a heady thrill in knowing what awaits him: his soulmate. His boyish excitement is obvious, and he quickens his pace. His father, mistaking his urgency, comments on how much he likes Max’s sudden enthusiasm for seeing the car.

Finally, Max rounds the garage, stepping inside with little fanfare, enduring the slaps on his back while his father takes charge, gloating on his behalf. Max is distracted, his attention fixed on one person. He moves toward him: Carlos, deep in thought, his gaze distant as he listens to his father speak. Max wonders idly if overbearing fathers come with the soulmate package in this life, because whatever Carlos is hearing is making his shoulders rise higher and higher until they’re nearly at his ears.

Suddenly, Carlos turns toward him. Max notices the shift—the way Carlos’s lost stare sharpens in recognition, then something more. They lock eyes, and Max watches as the tension in Carlos’s shoulders eases, a wave of calm settling over him. Carlos’s cheeks and nose are flushed red, but they hold each other’s gaze. When Max continues forward, he sees Carlos’s body sway slightly in his direction.

“Hi, Max.” Max extends his hand for a handshake, aware of all the eyes on them in the garage, especially their fathers’.

“Hello, Max, I’m Carlos,” comes the belated introduction as Carlos clasps his hand. A sense of peace, bliss, and home hums where their palms meet, fingers curling together.

“Nice to finally meet you, Carlos,” Max replies, a smile breaking across his face. Carlos feels warm, alive, and Max can’t help but zero in on the space where they stand. For a moment, he’s pulled into the past, catching a glimpse of another meeting where he kissed this same hand, centuries ago—names and places lost to time. Then, he’s back in the garage, squeezing Carlos’s hand to confirm the present. Max wonders if Carlos remembers too, if he saw the same vision, because Carlos wears that same sweet smile he gave Max all those years ago.

Just then, a hand claps onto each of their shoulders—their fathers. Carlos tries to pull away from their prolonged handshake, but Max holds on, letting their palms slide apart slowly, fingers tangling one last time before he steps back.

“I see you boys have met already. Sainz, how are you?” Jos asks, failing to hide his smug smile as he claps Max, his prized trophy, on the shoulder.

“Good, good. Winning championships, you know, Jos?” Sainz Sr. replies, a jeering smile of his own, making Max’s father scowl.

While their fathers posture, Max keeps his gaze locked on Carlos, and Carlos on him. Max wants to reach out again, every part of him alive with the pull of their connection. A deeper part of him aches to hold Carlos against his chest, to feel the softness of his hair and the stubble he’s growing in this life. He wants to walk, sit, run, dance—whatever Carlos desires—by his side. He wants to ask, Do you remember? Do you know? Are you happy? Did you dream of me like I dreamed of you? I’ve been waiting… waiting for so long. Were you waiting for me too?

He snaps out of it when he sees Carlos being steered away toward his engineers by his father. Max’s own dad is angrily muttering under his breath about something Sainz Sr. said, but Max doesn’t care. All that matters is the small glance Carlos gives over his shoulder, like he can’t bear to look away either. And with that, something settles deep within Max— you were waiting too .

[siomae]

monday 🌷 march 18, 2024

💭 headstart, feeling accomplished, making the most of my day

my calc professor uploaded some materials for the first chapter so i started working ahead !! the quarter doesn't start until april but i'm determined to do a lot more than the bare minimum this quarter 🫡! i just received my grade for my previous math class and while it meets the grade requirement for my upcoming calc class, i definitely could have earned a much better grade if i had put in more effort.

on another note, i have been struggling with sleep recently. every night, i stay up late so that i can get some work done and it has caused me to sleep in until almost noon. i realized that this pattern is due to me not feeling accomplished during the day. if i wake up late, i spend the remaining day time just scrolling on my phone or playing games. i decided that i'll be more conscious of my daily goals by writing them down in my notebook and checking them off as i finish!

today i accomplished...

— watch (1/2) calc 2.1 videos

— print out calc intro worksheets

— revamp my notion dashboard

— check out cs java text book

next steps!

— clean my room

— fold my clothes

— wake up on time !!!!

— finish calc 2.1 materials

— start calc 2.2

— start java roadmap

[whimsicallyenchantedrose]

CS Winter Bingo--square 1 (the truth about Santa)

Hi there and happy holiday season!  In an attempt to continue procrastinating my season 4 rewatch drabbles–and to not feel guilty about it–I decided to participate in the CS Winter Bingo event.  I received nine winter/holiday related prompts arranged in a square like a bingo card.  My mission is to make a bingo by writing at least three of my prompts before winter is over, but I’m hoping to do better than that!  I’m hoping to finish all nine!  Given the nature of the event, you can expect a lot of fluff (but then what else would you expect from me, after all?)  I’m hoping to keep them short as well, but I’m usually not nearly as successful at that.  And without further ado, let’s play CS Winter Bingo!

Rating: G

Word count: 983

Today’s prompt: The Truth About Santa

Other chapters: (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Emma found her husband standing in front of the fireplace and looking up the flue with an assessing glance as she stepped into their large great room on Christmas Eve night.

“I don’t mean to be indelicate, Swan,” he said, still looking up the chimney, “but it would appear the passage is too narrow for anyone to pass.”

She laughed, putting an arm around his waist and reaching up to give his cheek a quick peck.  He looked down at her for a moment, his eyes softening before returning her kiss with a quick one of his own.  “Killian, what in the world are you talking about, and why do you look so worried?”

His brow furrowed as he turned back to his perusal.  “Is it similar to the way they travel in that book about the magical lad Harry Potter?  Does he travel via flue powder?  Does he possess some other form of magic that expands the chimney?  After all, I have my doubts that even the wee cygnet could pass through that opening, let alone a portly, full grown man.”

Emma felt the usual warmth and affection for her husband that came over her whenever he used his pet name for their two-year-old daughter, Hope.  The cygnet.  Their tiny baby swan.  Their miracle baby.  For a moment she was lost in the moment thinking about how perfect her life was now that Henry was back in Storybrooke and she had her entire family back together, but gradually it dawned on her just what had her husband concerned.

“Are you talking about Santa?” she asked.

[lucky-clover-gazette]

captive prince book 1 highlights & annotations

chapter 6

indented text is from the book. some quotes have commentary, some do not. some comments are serious, and some are definitely not. most of them will only make sense to people who have read the series. and, like, there are spoilers. so please read the books first if you're interested!

also: part of the reason i'm doing such a close reading is to study cs pacat's style, especially in terms of how she does romance and erotica. there are "craft notes" that might seem weird, like i'm being redundant or restating something rather than analyzing, but those are more things that i want to remember/take away from the writing!

i'm going to tag these longer posts with "sam reads capri" in case anyone wants to read them all at once.

this is a google doc i wrote with overall content warnings for the captive prince series. it's not perfect, but i do think it's important to include.

‘In case he found me pleasing, I was being trained for the Prince.’ ‘Were you?’ said Damen, with some interest. ‘Because of my colouring. You can’t see it in this light, but in daylight, my hair is almost blond.’ ‘I can see it in this light,’ said Damen. He could hear the approval saturating his own voice. He felt it shift the dynamic between them. He might as well have said, Good boy.

damen likes blondes moment #5, ft. damen’s vague slavery apologism. booooooooo

He should be in Akielos, where his training would be fêted and prized.

damen that’s fucked up. i know you don’t know that, but it is and you’ll figure it out

‘You were made for better masters than these. You deserve someone who appreciates your worth.’

context: slavery, in all forms, is wrong. the narrative knows this. damen does not.

It wasn’t possible that something like this was going to happen—that this court was so depraved that a mercenary could rape a royal slave a scant distance from the gathered court.

some really interesting questions about consent here. can sex under slavery be consensual? i say no. if a person does not have free will, they cannot freely give consent. 

but there is the sex scene between laurent and damen in book 2. that’s on damen’s last night of technically belonging to laurent—however, they both acknowledge that he really was never a slave, by training or behavior, and damen was given many opportunities to leave prior. so to me, it is very much consensual.

anyway, when damen suggests that the sex akielions have with palace slaves is consensual, it’s like… eh, no, i don’t think so. it’s still noncon, just with extra hidden steps and attempted justifications, as opposed to the blunt and unapologetic debauchery of vere (although i will note that in vere, the pets are not slaves, which damen seems to often ignore/forget). the slaves have been essentially trained their whole lives to always consent. that within itself is a violation of their human rights, and means that their verbal consent doesn’t even matter. basically: damen’s moral outrage here is justified, but it also exposes a massive blind spot in his perspective.

Without access to income from his various estates, Laurent’s retinue was substantially diminished and his spending curtailed.

this is so funny to me. laurent has to cancel several streaming service subscriptions because he’s losing income. no more hulu for you, broke boy

There had to be something he could do. There was nothing he could do.

lemony snicket-ass line

Very deliberately, he knelt, and bowed his head, and lowered his eyes to the floor. For a moment, it was so quiet that he could hear the flames from the torches fluttering in the air. ‘This is new,’ said Laurent.

‘Let me guess. You want me to take off your chains. Or reduce your guard. Or put you in a room where the doors and windows are unbarred. Don’t waste your breath.’

context: laurent still cannot conceive of damen being a noble or selfless person

‘Am I supposed to believe you care about their welfare? How exactly would they be treated better in Akielos? It is your barbaric society that forced them into slavery, not mine. I would not have thought it possible to train the will out of a man, but you have managed it. Congratulations. Your show of compassion rings false.’

he’s right! and it’s definitely notable that this comes from laurent, whose strong will is one of his defining characteristics. he feels more disdain for the complete depersonalization of akielion slaves, than for the contractual torment of pets in vere.

laurent and submission do not mix well, ideologically or in practice. when he chooses to be submissive, it’s in order to feel more in control. it’s like what amma says in sharp objects by gillian flynn: “sometimes if you let people do things to you, you’re really doing it to them.” akielion slaves have been conditioned not to question what they’re told to do, and that to laurent is probably more evil than forcing someone who knows that they don’t want something to do it anyway.

‘I don’t know if that is usual practice in this place, but good men don’t torture slaves in Akielos. Slaves are trained to obey in all things, but their submission is a pact: they give up free will in exchange for perfect treatment.’

i know his heart is in the right place, but maybe a pact involving a total loss of free will is just… not good under any conditions?

‘To abuse someone who cannot resist—isn’t that monstrous?’

oof. laurent trauma dramatic irony moment

Finally, Laurent said, ‘You overestimate my influence over my uncle.’ Damen began to speak, but Laurent cut him off. ‘No. I—’ Laurent’s golden brows had drawn slightly together, as though he had encountered something that did not make sense. ‘You would really sacrifice your pride over the fate of a handful of slaves?’ He had worn the same look on his face at the ring; he was gazing at Damen as though he was searching for an answer to an unexpected problem. ‘Why?’

context: this reminds me of the way that laurent offered to help nicaise and then realized he couldn’t, because his uncle has too much power over them both. he’s going through the same logical process here re: fulfilling damen’s request. he’s also confused as to why damen has made the request at all at all, because he still sees damen as selfish and immoral, while his request is undeniably selfless and moral. just like earlier, laurent pragmatically asks—“why?”

‘Because I am stuck here in this cage and I have no other way to help them.’

this is how laurent feels about nicaise. fuuuuuck

‘You think this is a trick,’ said Damen. He could see from the assessing look on Laurent’s face that he was right.

context: damen doesn’t realize it, but the fact that laurent is even looking into this is a total win. he is, in a very slight and cautious way, giving damen’s perspective serious consideration.

‘Something amuses you?’ Laurent. ‘What would I have to gain from—’ Damen broke off. ‘I don’t know how to convince you. You don’t do anything without a dozen motives. You lie even to your own uncle. This is country of deviousness and deception.’ ‘Whereas pure Akielos is free of treachery? The heir dies on the same night as the King and it is merely coincidence that smiles on Kastor?’

THIS CONVERSATION IS SO GOOD. both of their kingdoms suck. they’re both helpless and suffering as princes, and they could both make things better as kings. especially if they worked together! this has been here from the very start, it’s SO fucking good. the slow burn isn’t just romantic and sexual, it’s, like, intellectual. ideological. philosophical. amazing.

‘After you left,’ the guard said, ‘he got a visit from Govart.’ Laurent turned back to Damen, blue eyes like ice. ‘No,’ said Damen, knowing Laurent believed this now to be some scheme of his uncle’s. ‘It’s not what you think.’

context: they’re both acting reasonably here based on the information they’ve been given. the coincidence just sucks. damn uncle

[lesbianincelsnape]

some books I've read recently, attempting to become horny

rated on: narrative kinkiness, sexual horniness, completeness, non-stupidity. The last two are different aspects of overall quality. Completeness means: did it live up to the shape of what it wants to be as a book? Non-stupidity is, is that shape stupid or not?

10/10 completeness means it completely lives up to its own vision, elicits no desire in me to mentally rewrite it. The actual best books for horny/creative purposes are around a 5/10.

10/10 non-stupid means that the vision is actually good and not idiotic. Low score might mean the characters behave nonsensically, or that the conflict is resolved with deus ex machina, or that the AI who has been keeping world peace gives up its monopoly on violence for moralistic reasons and this is played as anything other than a catastrophe for mankind.

The Scholomance by R. Lee Smith

Erotic horror. Very erotic and very horrifying, but more effective at the latter. Telepath enters a rapey and murdery school run by demons to find and rescue her friend.

Narratively kinky: 6/10.

Horny: technically 9/10 but it didn't work for me because the characters' sexualities are so violent and alien (this works within the worldbuilding though) so 3/10 for me personally

Completeness: 9/10. It could be shorter but I'm glad it wasn't. I liked all the mucking about.

Non-stupidity: 7.8/10

The Last Hour of Gann by R. Lee Smith

Sci-fi with alienfucking. First half is torture because the main character has the same 100-page conflict with two people but for 400 pages. I did not care about the lizard man she falls in love with. I did care about the worldbuilding, and the reveal at the end about why the world is shaped that way. Solid prose of the kind I aspire to – descriptive, competent, neither too sparse nor too flowery.

Narratively kinky: 4/10. It was fine I guess.

Horny: Technically 9/10 but for me 4/10. Higher than the other book because I liked the long dancing around alien genitals.

Completeness: 6/10. Docking a lot of points for the repetitive first half.

Non-stupidity: 8/10.

The Tied Man by Tabitha McGowan

Famous painter gets blackmailed into being a painter in residence for a wealthy sadist with a male sex slave she pimps out for other sadists, who is wooed and rescued over the course of the book. Man, this should have been up my alley but I just did not like the ship. I liked it as a thriller but not as a romance.

Narratively kinky: 8/10

Horny: 8/10

Complete: 7/10

Non-stupid: 5/10

Its sequel, Unbound by Tabitha McGowan

The recovery arc, where the 85:15 hurt/comfort ratio flips. Ehh. I didn't care for the rescued guy's family drama, nor the previous antagonist's son stepping into her shoes. I'm not going to remember anything about this book in a year.

Narratively kinky: 2/10

Horny: 4/10

Complete: 5/10

Non-stupid: 5/10

After the Storm by a variety of authors

Guy traumatized by his previous job reenters an old job where everyone is nice and there is no conflict except for his own anxiety. If that's your thing, and it's nonzero mine

Narratively kinky: 5/10, because of the premise and the thing where he's descended from supersoldiers who weigh 300 pounds and no one understands how much he needs to eat and keeps hurting him accidentally via underfeeding

Horny: 7/10 technically but they were cheerful and bantering and cloying during the sex, so, 2/10

Complete: 6/10

Non-stupid: 7/10

Dark Rise by CS Pacat

uhh there's a reincarnation of a dark lord except he doesn't want to be dark lord. And there's the reincarnation of the dark lord's sex slave. And then there's the other stuff which should be like 65% of the book but is 95%. Horrible!

Narratively kinky: would be 9/10 for the ship but it gets very little pagetime. You know what gets pagetime? The most phoned in YA induction into a secret magical society ever. So, 2/10. Anger.

Horny: 1/10

Complete: 2/10

Non-stupid: 3/10. All of these ratings would be higher if the author had gone hard in on the ship. The book is a weird hybrid; they seem to be trying to capture the YA market and also please their hardcore D/s readership from the previous series

Its sequel, Dark Heir

Narratively kinky: 6/10, there's more of the ship, which is by far the most interesting thing going on

Horny: 3/10

Complete: 5/10

Non-stupid: 5/10. Still nerfed by trying to be generic YA

The Scorpion Rules by Erin Bow

In a war-fractured post-climate-apocalypse world, an AI takes all the world leaders' children hostage and executes them if their parents start a war. Also nukes cities sometimes. The hostages are the main characters.

Narratively kinky: 5/10. I like hostages. I like the weird little world they have – many of these kids are celebrities and future world leaders, but they're also on a little low tech farm school, doing farm chores and fearing for their lives. It's a unique atmosphere.

Horny: 1/10. There's a tepid f/f hookup. It's fine. The character's sexuality is very secondary in her own interests. She wonders if she's queer but it's really not a priority to figure out

Complete: 6/10. I'm conflicted as to which metric to dock points from for the extremely annoying secondary protagonist. I've concluded it's execution not vision.

Non-stupid: 8/10

Its sequel, The Swan Riders

It gets kinkier when the MC gets uplifted into an AI (still in her own body though) and she's having a new peer relationship with the dictator of the entire world who is losing touch with his humanity. And it's kinky when one of the bodies hosting that dictator AI gets its connection permanently severed, so there's a copy of that AI newly mortal and figuring how to exist. While they're on a roadtrip with some people who might or might not want to kill them. It's a great idea. Unfortunately, the factual mystery of the book is resolved in a stupid way, and the ethical/political dilemma is resolved in the stupidest possible way ("maybe it's bad to be a dictator, let's try global anarchy" – are you shitting me). So.

Narratively kinky: 7/10

Horny: 0/10

Complete: 7/10

Non-stupid: 3/10

[patnahometutor]

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[goodbysunball]

Best of 2023

Toledo, OH, Dec. 30, 2023

It's going to take years to unpack the last few months of 2023. Whatever mental trauma is inflicted upon those removed from the situation in no way approximates the devastation and inhumanity occurring daily to millions. That the US is funding it all, and institutions and businesses domestically are punishing those who speak out about it, is sickening and terrifying. The latest Lulu's email newsletter wrote more eloquently about it all than I could, and plainly calls for empathy at the end: "Be good in a bad world."

And we do that, pretending things are normal for the sake of others, our kids, our partners. But things are not normal, and that pressure forces other changes, because while we can to some degree control what happens within our lives, there's no fix for seeing (let alone experiencing) dead, maimed children regularly on Instagram, victims of bombings without caution or consequence. A sense of powerlessness pervades. What we can do is keep talking, sharing and banding together. Being good in a bad world.

Some notes:

Lots more instrumental, or nearly instrumental, music than usual this year on my list, which tracks with the current climate. Music without words, or without discernible words, leaves space for thoughts to become untangled, sure; but a lot of what’s highlighted below felt more transcendent than meditative.

I still listen to rap quite a bit, but very few new songs I heard stuck around past a few days. Call it malaise from living in an era where every other song on the radio has a trap beat. Starlito dropped a clunker, which shouldn't have shocked me but did, and it personally felt significant. Maybe it’s indicative of the old guard’s demise, but hopefully it removes a wall and allows me to engage with newer rap music better. That being said: Veeze's Ganger was head and shoulders above everything else; billy woods' short verse on "As the Crow Flies" made me gasp the first time I heard it (and I also loved ELUCID's verse on "Baby Steps"); and I listened to The Jacka's The Jack Artist most of all.

Of all the books I read this year, two books by Fernanda Melchor, Hurricane Season and Paradais, stood out. Melchor’s prose is incredibly powerful, bleakly funny and vicious in equal measure. The sharp, frank assessments by characters in often ludicrous situations feel like a product of the contemporary but imbued with some ancient wisdom. Shout out to Julia S. for the new and notable South American literature tips.

In the midst of holiday/short day doldrums, amidst endless bleak news reports, it was difficult battling back cynicism to listen to anything, especially back to all of these records and tapes listed below. It ended up being oddly therapeutic, highly enjoyable and maybe necessary, the same as when I force myself out to shows when it's easier to stay home. That feeling chips away at the notion of this list-making exercise as futile, for me certainly, but hopefully also for you. Thank you for reading, and I hope you find something you like, too.

And so:

LP

Lewsberg, Out and About (12XU)

Equipment Pointed Ankh, From Inside the House (Bruit Direct Disques)

The Native Cats, The Way On Is the Way Off (Chapter Music)

Water Damage, 2 Songs (12XU)

VoidCeremony, Threads of Unknowing (20 Buck Spin)

Emily Robb, If I Am Misery Then Give Me Affection (Petty Bunco)

CIA Debutante, Down, Willow (Siltbreeze)

Olimpia Splendid, 2 (Fonal/Kraak)

Nusidm, The Last Temptation of Thrill (Bruit Direct Disques)

Incipientium, Underg​å​ng (Happiest Place)

Witness K, s/t (ever/never)

Leda, Neuter (Discreet Music)

12"/10"/7"/CS

Chrome Cell Torture, Laugh Then Lie 7" (Scarlet)

Joe Colley, Acting As If 10" (Substantia Innominata)

Disintegration, Time Moves For Me 12" (Feel It)

Life Expectancy, Decline CS (Iron Lung)

Gabi Losoncy, Lieutenant single-sided 12" (self-released)

Peg, We Know Who You Are and Everyone Is on the Lookout CS (No Rent)

Romance, Seven Inches of... 7" (self-released)

Sial, Sangkar 7" (La Vida Es Un Mus)

Slow Blink/Stomachache split CS (Hectare)

Howard Stelzer, oh calm down you're fine CS (No Rent)

Troth, Idle Easel 12" (Digital Regress)

Mark Van Fleet, Vordenal CS (Refulgent Sepulchre)

Stress Positions at the Pilot Light, Dec. 9, 2023

Shows

Bill Orcutt & Chris Corsano duo at Jackson Terminal, Knoxville, TN, April 1

Hell & My Wall at DRKMTTR, Nashville, TN, April 7

Cyberplasm, X-Harlow & FKA Ice at the Pilot Light, Knoxville, TN, May 18

Lewsberg at JJ's Bohemia, Chattanooga, TN, September 27

Stress Positions & Utopia at the Pilot Light, Knoxville, TN, December 9

Five songs favorably commented upon by my 3 y/o daughter*

*Something that happens so rarely that I try to take note when it does

Dua Lipa, "Levitating"

Martin Frawley, "Heart In Hand"

Mount Trout, "Hang Around"

Witness K, "In Knots"

The Young Senators, "Ringing Bells (Sweet Music) Part II"

[sasiblogs]

Annual Compliance for LLP in India – Due Dates, Forms & Penalties Explained

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Avoiding fines and costs, which could turn into thousands of dollars each year. 

Easier growth, fundraising, and easier to apply to tenders and grants. 

Even if your LLP has not traded any business during the financial year, you are still required to comply with your LLP filing. This is something that catches many first-time LLP owners off guard. 

Required Annual Compliance for LLPs in India

Here is a basic step-by-step view of what needs to be filed for each financial year: 

1. Form 11 - Annual Return of LLP 

What is it? Form 11 is a summary of your LLP Partners and all changes in the year, but it will not include financial information. Form 11 is compulsory for every LLP, whether it is active or inactive. 

Due Date: On or before 30 May every year. Penalty for Late Submission: ₹100 for every day, which is perpetual. 

Tip: Form 11 has to be submitted even if your LLP was non-operational, and it will keep you compliant. 

2. Form 8 - Statement of Account and Solvency 

What is it? 

This form represents your LLP's financial position, as well as a declaration of the company's solvency and the ability to pay all the company's debts. This form must be digitally signed by the designated partners of your LLP and has to be either certified by a practising Chartered Accountant (CA), Chartered Secretary (CS), or Cost and Management Accountant (CMA).

Due Date: On or before 30 October every year. Penalty for Late Submission: ₹100 for every day, which is perpetual. 

Tip: Keep your books updated throughout the year to avoid last-minute capture and errors.  

3. Income Tax Return (ITR-5)

What is it?

Every LLP has to file an income tax return using Form ITR-5, regardless of whether you have income or activity. If your turnover exceeds ₹1 crore (or ₹50 lakh in certain professions), a tax audit is required.

DUE DATES

Without audit: July 31

With audit: October 31

Note: You must file your ITR (even if you have zero income), so don't forget, as you could end up with penalties and the Income Tax Department may take action against you.

What Will Happen If I Don't Comply?

You may be tempted to ignore or avoid your annual compliance, but there are consequences:

Severe Penalties: ₹100 per day for every day your forms are overdue can quickly add up to ₹10,000 +.

Disqualification of Partner status: Non-compliance can mean the designated partner's disqualification to be a partner of other companies.

Strike-off action by ROC: The Registrar of Companies (RoC) may strike your LLP from the register if it is inactive or non-compliant.

Legal implications: You may find it difficult to get loans, be able to tender, sell your business, etc.

How to Remain Compliant Without the Headache

✅ Maintain accurate financial records

We recommend that you implement good accounting software or use a professional to track your financials from the first day of operations. This entails compliance filings being faster, easier, and more accurate.

✅ Keep key dates marked in your calendar

Filing dates can be pricey if you miss them. For instance, dates such as the 30th of May (Form 11), 30th of October (Form 8), 31st of July, or 31st of October (ITR).

✅ Seek a professional compliance partner

Don’t let compliance slow you down in your business journey. Platforms like kanakkupillai.com offer a variety of compliance services—specifically, "compliance" meaning that they will do everything—from preparing and filing your documentations, to driving your compliance. Once this is settled, you can focus on what matters; making your business grow.

Final Points

An Annual Compliance for LLPs structure gives you the enjoyment and flexibility that can only be dreamed of by other entrepreneurs. With enjoyment and freedom comes duty. Annual compliance is not just a law—it's to safeguard your business to build credibility, and avoid problems in the future. 

If compliance is done right and on time, then this is one more item done and you can focus on managing your business with confidence and to innovate, grow, and ultimately enjoy your success. 

If there ever is a feeling of being overwhelmed to have a compliance partner who can support you in complying and maintaining your LLP, that will be done for you every year.

[stayreadyoutdoors]

Bushcraft 101 - A Field Guide to Wilderness Survival

Product Information

Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to Wilderness Survival is the ultimate survival manual for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and preppers. Written by renowned survival Dave Canterbury, this comprehensive guide teaches essential skills for thriving in the wild. Whether you’re heading into the backcountry for a weekend hike or preparing for an extended stay in the wilderness, Bushcraft 101 offers the tools, techniques, and mindset needed to navigate and survive any outdoor environment.

With detailed insights into firecraft, shelter-building, foraging, trapping, navigation, and tool selection, this field guide is more than just a book—it's a survival companion. This bestseller belongs in every adventurer’s backpack, glovebox, or emergency kit.

Why Choose the Product?

In a world where technology dominates, reconnecting with nature through traditional survival skills is both empowering and practical. Bushcraft 101 stands out because it’s not based on theory—it's rooted in real-world experience.

Author Dave Canterbury, a survival expert and co-star of the TV series Dual Survival, brings decades of field-tested wisdom into a digestible, easy-to-follow format. His focus on the “5 Cs of Survivability” (cutting tools, combustion devices, cover, containers, and cordage) ensures you learn the core essentials of outdoor survival without being overwhelmed by jargon or fluff.

Unlike other guides, Bushcraft 101 is built for practicality. It gives you actionable steps you can apply immediately, whether you’re planning your first camping trip or building a bug-out bag.

Inside Bushcraft 101: Your Compact Survival Guide

When you purchase Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to Wilderness Survival, you’re not just getting a book—you’re getting a portable wilderness mentor.

Included:

1 x Paperback Copy of Bushcraft 101 by Dave Canterbury

256 pages of survival techniques, tips, and gear recommendations

Illustrations to guide you through each survival skill

A field-tested approach for real-world wilderness situations

Compact and lightweight, this guide is designed to travel with you wherever your adventures take you.

Who Bushcraft 101 Is For: From Weekend Campers to Hardcore Survivalists

The beauty of Bushcraft 101 is its wide appeal. Here’s who will benefit most from having this guide on hand:

Backpackers and Campers – Learn how to stay safe and self-sufficient in remote areas.

Hunters and Fishers – Understand how to build shelters, navigate unfamiliar terrain, and preserve game.

Preppers and Survivalists – Gain a foundational knowledge base for long-term self-reliance.

Scouts and Outdoor Educators – Use it as a curriculum guide for teaching bushcraft basics.

Off-Grid Enthusiasts – Build the necessary skills to live closer to nature without relying on modern comforts.

Everyday Explorers – Whether you’re hiking in local hills or road-tripping across the country, this guide helps you prepare for the unexpected.

Key Features and Benefits

Here’s what makes Bushcraft 101 an essential part of your outdoor gear:

1. Expert Authorship

Written by Dave Canterbury, one of the most trusted names in survival training, this guide is rooted in hands-on experience. His no-nonsense approach cuts through confusion and builds confidence.

2. Step-by-Step Instructions

Clear, concise, and illustrated directions make it easy to master skills such as fire-starting, water purification, and shelter construction.

3. Focus on the Essentials

With an emphasis on the “5 Cs of Survivability,” the guide helps you pack light and plan effectively, making it perfect for minimalist campers and bug-out scenarios.

4. Durable, Field-Ready Format

The compact paperback design makes it ideal for travel. Tuck it into your rucksack or glove compartment and access it when you need it most.

5. Universal Appeal

Regardless of your experience level, this guide meets you where you are and helps you level up your survival knowledge. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned outdoorsman, there’s something for everyone.

6. Enhances Emergency Preparedness

Beyond recreational use, Bushcraft 101 prepares you for emergencies—from natural disasters to being stranded on the road.

Practical Skills for Every Outdoor Lifestyle

Outdoor Adventurers: From mountain trails to dense forests, hikers and campers gain the confidence to handle unpredictable situations.

Survival Enthusiasts: Whether you’re building a bug-out bag or prepping for a worst-case scenario, this book offers the core knowledge every survivalist needs.

Educators and Youth Leaders: Teach the next generation the value of self-reliance and outdoor responsibility with a proven curriculum.

Military and Law Enforcement: Those in tactical professions will find the bushcraft approach aligns closely with real-world field operations.

Families and Homesteaders: Learn together as a family or household how to rely less on technology and more on timeless, practical skills.

What You Get with Bushcraft 101: Ready to Read, Gift, or Go

When your order from Stay Ready Outdoors arrives, here’s what you’ll receive:

1 x Paperback Edition of Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to Wilderness Survival

Retail-packaged and ready for immediate reading or gifting

Bonus: Fast shipping from our Southern California headquarters

Please note that additional survival gear referenced in the book is sold separately.

Why Choose Stay Ready Outdoors?

At Stay Ready Outdoors, we’re passionate about preparing our customers for every adventure, challenge, and unknown scenario. Based in La Mirada, California, our team carefully curates high-quality gear, books, and tools designed to support your outdoor lifestyle.

We’re not just a retailer—we’re a community of explorers, preppers, and outdoor educators. When you shop with us, you’re getting more than a product. You’re getting years of expertise, fast and reliable customer service, and a commitment to helping you stay ready for whatever lies ahead.

Business Information: Name: Stay Ready Outdoors Address: 15236 Las Flores Ave, La Mirada, California 90638 Website: stayreadyoutdoors.com

Get Bushcraft 101 Today: Start Your Journey to Self-Reliance

Ready to take your outdoor knowledge to the next level? Order your copy of Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to Wilderness Survival today from Stay Ready Outdoors and start building the skills that could one day save your life.

Whether you’re planning your next wilderness trek or simply want to become more self-reliant, this book is your first step. Don’t wait until you’re in a survival situation—prepare now.

Click here to order Bushcraft 101 now.

Closing Statement

In today’s unpredictable world, knowing how to survive and thrive in the outdoors isn’t just a hobby—it’s a vital life skill. With Bushcraft 101, you’ll gain the confidence, knowledge, and preparedness you need to face the elements head-on.

Whether you’re camping with your kids, building a bug-out plan, or just looking to disconnect from the modern world, this field guide is your go-to survival resource. Backed by the trusted team at Stay Ready Outdoors, your journey toward self-reliance begins here.

Stay smart. Stay equipped. Stay Ready.

[cafoundationscanners-blog]

Your Comprehensive Partner for CA, CS, and CMA Exam Success

It is hard to prepare for professional exams like the CA, CS, and CMA. For these exams, a complete grasp, constant practice, and availability of proper study material are needed. Students find it hard to access books and materials that are both useful and simple to comprehend. ScannerAdda.com can help with that. It’s one stop shop for students seeking quality, affordable exam preparation books and materials.

Shuchita Prakashan Pvt. Ltd., a well-known name in the field of educational publishing for over 30 years, created online portal ScannerAdda. For students of CA, CS, and CMA, the site offers a wide range of books and electronic study materials. ScannerAdda contains all the materials you will need to succeed, be it commencing with CA Foundation, preparing for the Intermediate level, or advancing to the Final exams.

Trustworthy Study Materials for All Levels

The most popular product of ScannerAdda is the popular Scanner Series. The books are designed specially to help students make proper preparations. Step-by-step, the Scanner CA Foundation Books, Scanner CA Intermediate Books, and Scanner CA Final Books cover previous exam questions and detailed answers. These books are perfect for studying key topics and understanding exam trends.

This is a great resource to learn the basics of chartered accountancy if you're beginning. Simple practice questions and example solutions are provided. The CA Intermediate Scanner focuses on the tougher topics and deconstructs them in a simple-to-understand manner for students preparing for the next level. The CA Final Scanner also offers detailed guidelines, test recommendations, and well-structured materials to help you study effectively if you're appearing for the final exam.

For CA entrance exam preparation, ScannerAdda also offers a range of CA Entrance Exam Books.

Why Choose ScannerAdda

1. Comprehensive bookstore

For CA, CS, and CMA programs, ScannerAdda offers an exhaustive bookstore of books at the Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels. You can find:

Novice's Scanner CA Foundation Books

Scanner CA Intermediate Second Level Books

Scan the CA Final Books to prepare for the final examination.

Books for CA Entrance Exams for Freshers in the Profession

All the books have been updated to include the latest exam needs and course.

2. Video Lectures for Better Understanding

When a teacher demonstrates a topic, it becomes simpler to grasp. ScannerAdda provides video lectures by learned faculty members due to this. Students can understand and remember important points better due to these videos' simple explanations of hard topics. Since the majority of these lectures are free, you can learn even if you don't wish to buy costly courses.

3. Free Learning Resources

Besides books and videos, ScannerAdda also offers free material in the form of:

Practice tests

Sample questions

Sets of example questions

Chapters summaries

More video lectures

These materials help students gauge how ready they are on a regular basis and are especially convenient to use for quick review before the test.

4. Empowerment Programs for Students

Further, ScannerAdda also offers learning with two novel empowerment programs:

Intermediate and Final level students are able to teach juniors in the Scanner Teacher Program where they can share their knowledge. It promotes peer learning and raises the self-confidence of teachers and students.

Score and Save Scheme: Those who do well in tests are qualified for book discounts under this reward scheme. Save more as you score better. It's a great way to keep yourself motivated and be rewarded for your effort.

Simple, Economical, and Student-Friendly

ScannerAdda's easy-to-use website is one of its greatest advantages. You can promptly order, find the books you require, and get them to your doorstep. Since all the books are affordably priced, everyone can enjoy high-quality education.

Affordably priced, the CA Foundation Scanner, CA Intermediate Scanner, and CA Final Scanner are updated often in line with the latest exam trends and syllabus changes.

A Caring Community

ScannerAdda is not only a bookstore. This e-learning portal is interested in the success of its students. It offers an environment where students can thrive with reliable customer support, prompt updates, and an emerging student and teacher community.

ScannerAdda is here to assist you at all stages, be it using the CA Final Scanner to prepare for final exams or CA Entrance Exam Books as your stepping stone.

conclusion

Passing the CA, CS, and CMA exams not just demands a robust study routine but also smart preparation. ScannerAdda.com is your single-source preparation buddy with an extensive range of study materials, such as the Scanner CA Foundation Books, Scanner CA Intermediate Books, and Scanner CA Final Books, in addition to free learning materials, video lectures, and support programs.

[bhagyaachievers12]

Scoring 80+ in CS Professional Subjects Using Targeted Mock Test Practice

Scoring 80+ marks in CS Professional subjects might sound like a tall order—but it’s far from impossible. With the right strategy, consistent effort, and, most importantly, targeted mock test practice, top scores are well within your reach.

In this blog, we’ll break down how to use mock tests effectively, why they're crucial for success, and proven strategies that rank holders swear by.

Why It's Crucial for CS Professionals to Score 80+ 

Although passing the CS Professional exam is an excellent achievement, you have an immense advantage if you achieve distinction-level scores (80+):

Helps you qualify for All India Ranks

Increases your overall aggregate

Increases your confidence for professional practice and interviews.

Distinguishes you in the list of ICSI results.

However, what distinguishes average scorers from high scorers? The solution is astute, calculated planning, with practice exams at its center.

The Benefits of Dedicated Practice for Mock Exams

Mock exams offer so much more than just a way to test your memory; they can actually help you:

Experience the pressure of a real exam

Identify any gaps in your understanding

Improve your time management skills

Clarify your concepts

Strengthen your response-writing abilities

Unlike just solving random questions, dedicated practice can really make a difference!

How to Use Mock Tests to Score 80+ – Step-by-Step

1. Start Early - Don’t Wait Till the Last Month

Begin taking subject-wise mock tests 2-3 months before your exam. Don’t wait until you’ve "completed the syllabus." Testing early helps you learn smarter.

2. Follow a Topic-Wise Testing Plan

Don’t just take full-length papers. Instead:

Break each subject into chapters or themes

Take sectional tests after completing each topic

Analyze what concepts you’re repeatedly getting wrong

3. Simulate Exam Conditions

Stick to the official time limit (3 hours)

Use a physical answer sheet or online test platform

Sit in a distraction-free environment

This builds exam stamina and prepares your mind for the real day.

4. Focus on Presentation and Structure

Scoring 80+ isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about how you present answers. Use:

Headings and subheadings

Case law references (if applicable)

Bullet points and proper format Mock tests are the best place to polish this skill.

5. Review Every Paper in Detail

Highlight mistakes

Compare with model answers

Ask: Why did I get this wrong? Was it a conceptual gap, memory slip, or misreading the question?

Keep a mistake tracker to avoid repetition.

6. Reattempt Weak Areas

Re-attempt tests after revision. The goal is mastery, not just exposure. Revisiting challenging topics builds long-term retention.

Bonus Tips from 80+ Scorers

Use past year papers and incorporate those into your mock tests.

Stick to ICSI study material for core prep and use mock tests for application.

Join a structured test series with expert evaluation and feedback.

Practice at least 10 full-length papers before the exam for each subject.

Recommended Tools for Mock Test Practice

CS Professional Test Series by ICSI

CA/CMA/CS mock platforms like Edugyan, Testserieskart, or Bhagya Achievers

Handwritten test practice for subjective papers

Google Docs or Word for typing-based subjects (in case of open-book online exams)

Final Words

Scoring 80+ in CS Professional isn’t just a dream—it’s a goal you can achieve with the right preparation strategy. Targeted mock test practice gives you the clarity, speed, and confidence needed to tackle complex papers and stand out in your results.

Whether you're hitting the books solo or getting some coaching, signing up for a structured exam series can really make a difference. Our exceptional CS Executive Test Series offers authentic exam simulations, quick feedback, and questions verified by experts to ensure you're ready for the exam from day one.

Remember, you’ll always perform at the level of your preparation, not just your goals. And let’s not forget, the secret sauce that sets top achievers apart is all about those mock exams.

Start today, stay consistent, and let each mock test move you closer to that 80+ mark.

[whimsicallyenchantedrose]

Christmas Reruns 2024–Day 21: Neverland Christmas

Merry Christmas if you celebrate it and happy holidays if you don’t!  One of the things I love about Christmas is watching reruns of all the old classic Christmas movies–Christmas is a big time for nostalgia.  A few years ago, I decided to incorporate that tradition into my fandom life and post my CS holiday reruns.  So here you go!  Enough holiday (mostly) fluff to get you to New Year’s Day. (With a new story posting on Christmas Day.)

Word Count: 1712

Other chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Neverland Christmas

CS Genre: Neverland Canon Divergence

Emma tossed and turned, everything about this place uncomfortable--from the fact that there didn’t seem to be a single square inch of this damn jungle without a tree root or rock where she could lay her sleeping bag to the oppressive heat and humidity to the feeling of doom that seemed to hang heavily over everyone.

To the crying.

The crying was the worst.

Finally giving up, Emma got to her feet, looking in amazement at the rest of their group that were evidently sleeping like babies.  Did they not hear the crying?  O gods, what if Henry was one of the kids crying out there?  She had to get to him. She had to!

If only she had any idea where to start looking.

Hook was right; she knew it.  They needed to get their rest and not go off half-cocked when they had no idea where Pan was keeping Henry, but that didn’t make the sitting around and waiting any easier.

Moving as quietly as she could, Emma got to her feet and walked back to the beach.  It wasn’t far; she could still see their encampment if she looked closely enough, but it was far enough away from everyone that she felt safe letting the tears flow as she sat upon a log and looked out across the sea.

She had no idea how long she sat there crying, hating herself for the absolute failure she was as a mother, when suddenly she heard the crunching of footsteps against the forest underbrush.  Her heart pounded as she jumped to her feet, taking hold of the cutlass Hook had given her as she prepared to confront whatever or whoever was sneaking up on her.

“Easy Swan,” Hook said, stepping into view, hand and hook raised in surrender.

Emma sagged in relief...which quickly turned to frustration.  “What the hell are you doing skulking around the jungle, Hook?”

He took a seat on the log she’d recently vacated, and then patted the space next to him.  After shooting him a suspicious look, she took the seat he indicated.

“I could ask the same of you, Darling,” he said with a smirk.

She growled, in no mood for his nonsense.

He sighed, teasing grin sliding from his face to be replaced with sincerity.  “I heard you get up and leave the camp.  Swan it’s unwise to venture out alone on this bloody island.  You’ve no idea the dangers that are ever around you.”

The oppressive feeling settled in over her again.  Henry was out there, alone on this island full of dangers and psychotic teenagers.

“Your lad is resourceful, Swan,” Hook said, shooting her a sympathetic look.  “I’ve no doubt he’ll handle his challenges quite well until we’re able to rescue him.”

“How do you do that?” she asked with a scowl.  “How do you manage to know exactly what I’m thinking?”

“As I’ve said,” he answered, “you’re something of an open book.  Besides, I was a resident of this damned island for centuries, remember?  I know something of what you’re currently feeling.”

She felt the sharp sting of tears again, but with an effort she blinked them away.  It was one thing to lose it when she was alone, but crying in front of Captain Freaking Hook was not an option.

Wordlessly, he reached into his pocket, pulled out his flask and offered it to her.  She took it without comment, took a long swig and then handed it back.

“How is this thing always full?” she asked.

“One comes across all manner of wonders while plundering the realms, love,” he said.  “I obtained this on one of my conquests.  This flask has been imbued with an enchantment that ensures it never runs dry.”

“Happen to have another one of those on you?” she asked.  

He laughed. “I’m afraid not, but never fear, Swan.  You always have access to my flask.”

They fell into silence after that, both looking out at the waves.  Finally, Emma turned back to Hook.  “How can they sleep through the sound of the crying?”

“They don’t hear it,” Hook said simply.  “Only those who have been abandoned, those who have gone through their lives as lost boys or girls can hear the perpetual Neverland crying.”

“Great, so my issues make Neverland’s horrors even worse,” she said.

“Unfortunately that is correct, Love,” he said, his face a mask of sympathy.  “This place...it makes one relive their worst memories, it brings to mind one’s greatest insecurities, it steals joy and every bloody bit of light within the soul.”

Wonderful

“Hook?” she asked after another moment.

“Hmm?” he asked.

“How did you do it?  How did you survive this place for hundreds of years.”

He took his time answering.  “My hatred, my quest for vengeance sustained me through a lot of it,” he finally said, turning to look at her.  “But hatred is no real bulwark against despair.  I’d have gone mad, if I hadn’t found something else to sustain me.”

“And what was that?”

“There is always beauty to be found if one looks close enough,” he said, his look in her direction so intense that the blush rose to her cheeks. “And even in the worst of times there are happy memories that can be accessed.”

“What were some of the happy memories you accessed to help you through it?” she asked, before realizing how personal the question really was.  “Nevermind.  You don’t have to answer that if you don’t want to.”

“I don’t mind,” he shrugged.  “What sustained me?  Odd though it may sound, Christmas.”

“Christmas?” she asked.  “You guys celebrate Christmas in the Enchanted Forest?”

“Of course,” he said with a grin.  “I’d wager people throughout the realms celebrate Christmas.  On the nights when the oppressiveness of this place became too much, I’d think back to Christmases past, happy moments spent with my family.  My mother baking in the kitchen.  Liam challenging me to a snowball fight. It was always a magical time.”

“I didn’t have the kind of warm and fuzzy Christmases you see on the movies,” Emma said, taking another swig from his flask, “but I have to admit, it was one of my favorite times of the year.  People always tended to be generous toward the group homes around Christmastime.  What were some of your favorite Christmas traditions?”

He smiled, and the gesture made him look younger, almost boyish. “A few days before Christmas Mum always helped Liam and me construct the most magnificent gingerbread ships.”

“Ships?” she asked.  “You didn’t make houses?”

“Houses?  For a fine, strong sea-faring family like ours?  I think not.”

Emma grinned.  “I stand corrected.”

“Somehow, even in the worst of times I could recall those gingerbread ships--the fine sight they made, the delectable taste.  It reminded me that there was good, there was beauty, there was happiness out there once upon a time, and if it was out there once, it could be captured again.”

They continued talking for what felt like hours--although time was rather meaningless on this stupid island--swapping story after story of Christmases past, but finally Emma yawned, realizing she was finally sleepy.

“I guess we really should try to get some sleep,” she said.

“Aye, you’re right,” Hook said, getting to his feet and offering her his hand to help her do the same.

It was then that Emma realized she didn’t hear the crying anymore.  “Hey!  They’ve stopped!  The crying stopped.”

He smiled, a soft, genuine sight, and then shook his head.  “No, I’m afraid not,” he said.  “You’ve merely come to realize that you aren’t a lost girl all alone in the world anymore.  If there’s anything I’ve learned from you hero types, it’s that together, you always succeed in the end.  Emma, we will find your lad, and we will find a way to get him, and all the rest of your friends and family home.”

“Thanks, Hook,” she said, meaning it with her whole being.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

New York, the next Christmastime, during the curse

Emma rolled her shoulders as she walked down the street on her way back to the apartment she shared with Henry.  It had been a long night, but in the end, she’d finally gotten her skip.  Everywhere she looked evidence of the season greeted her.

She supposed she should be happy--she was damn good at her job, she had a great home, a great kid, and she’d even started dating again.  Henry called Walsh her boyfriend, and while she wasn’t ready to put a label to it yet, she could potentially see something developing there.

She was happy.  She had a good life.

It’s just….well, sometimes, she couldn’t help but feel like there was something missing.  Sometimes she had this weird, almost deja-vu type feeling that there was something important, something vital that she was forgetting.  It was like one of those dreams where you remember the emotions of it after you wake, but hard as you try, you can never quite remember the details.

Emma walked past the bakery she and Henry went to every Sunday morning and peered inside.  The baker had placed a magnificent gingerbread house in the display window, decorated within an inch of its life with all manner of frosting and candies.

Henry and I should make a gingerbread house together, she thought to herself.  No, not a house.  A ship.  We should make a gingerbread ship.

Now where had that thought come from?  Who made gingerbread ships?

There was good, there was beauty, there was happiness out there once upon a time, and if it was out there once, it could be captured again.

She could almost hear a deep, British voice saying those words, and the feeling it evoked was--peace, peace and joy.

And there was something more, a feeling so deep and intense it almost scared her.

Emma shook her head, trying to dislodge the strange deja-vu.

Back to the issue at hand.  No, making a gingerbread ship might make no sense, but somehow it was right.  It was time she and Henry make a new tradition together.  Stepping into the bakery, Emma made her way to the counter, placing an order for several sheets of gingerbread.

NEXT CHAPTER->

[inflatables-with-bouncy-rentals]

🎉 Hosting a Party in Anne Arundel County? Read This First!

Planning a party in Anne Arundel County? Whether it's a birthday bash in Glen Burnie, a graduation celebration in Pasadena, or a church picnic in Severn—there are a few local tips you should know to keep things smooth, legal, and totally stress-free.

At Bouncy Rentals LLC, we’ve delivered to just about every park, backyard, and neighborhood in the area. So here’s what YOU need to know before you bounce into party mode in Anne Arundel County!

🏡 1. Know Your Location Type: Private Property vs. Public Spaces

Private Party at Home? You're good to go! We just need:

A flat surface

Access to power (or we can provide a generator)

Enough space for your inflatable

Party at a Park or School? Here’s where it gets a little trickier. Most public spaces in Anne Arundel County require permits for inflatable use. You may also need:

Proof of insurance (✅ We provide this!)

Approval from the Parks & Rec department

Generator use (most parks don’t have outlets)

💡 Pro Tip: Let us know the park name and we’ll help guide you through the process.

📄 2. Permit & Insurance Requirements

If you're using a county park or public space, you’ll likely need:

A facility use permit

A certificate of insurance listing Anne Arundel County as additionally insured

📝 Don’t stress—we handle COIs all the time and can provide them fast, free of charge. Just let us know what the park requires.

⚡ 3. Don’t Forget Power

Most inflatables need a standard 3-prong outlet within 50–100 feet. But parks don’t usually offer that, which means:

You’ll need a generator

We offer generator rentals with your inflatable package

No power = no bounce. So this step is super important for outdoor public spaces.

🗓️ 4. Book Early—Especially in Spring & Summer

Anne Arundel County gets busy during warmer months with graduations, birthdays, and community events. We recommend:

Booking 2–4 weeks in advance

Confirming your permit before reserving your inflatable

Having a backup rain plan (some parks don’t allow reschedules)

🌧️ 5. Rain & Weather Policy

Don’t worry—if it rains, we’ve got options:

Free rescheduling if you cancel due to bad weather

We always watch the forecast and contact you ahead of time

Our inflatables are safe in light rain, but safety always comes first

👶 6. Think About Your Crowd

Is this party for toddlers, big kids, teens, or a mix? That affects:

What size bounce house is best

Whether a combo unit or obstacle course is a better fit

If you’ll need more than one inflatable to avoid crowding

🎯 We’ll help you match the unit to the age group and space available.

✅ 7. Why Locals Choose Bouncy Rentals LLC

We’re not just a rental company—we’re your local party pros. When you book with us, you get:

Fast, professional delivery across Anne Arundel County

Full insurance and safety inspections

Clean, sanitized units every time

Friendly support and local event knowledge

Let’s Make Your Anne Arundel County Party Epic!

Whether you're bouncing in Brooklyn Park or sliding in Severna Park, we’ve got the gear, the crew, and the know-how to make it a hit.

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Bouncy Rentals LLC – Where Anne Arundel Parties Start with a Bounce! 🎈

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CSEET May 2025 Exam

The Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) is the gateway to a promising career in the Company Secretary (CS) profession. Conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), this exam tests your aptitude in Business Communication, Legal Aptitude, Economics, and Current Affairs. Cracking the CSEET on the first attempt is not just a milestone but a confidence booster for your CS journey. However, with the right CSEET preparation tips, a solid CSEET study plan 2025, and strategic execution, you can achieve this goal effortlessly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you crack the May 2025 CSEET exam on the first attempt:

Understand the CSEET Exam Pattern and Syllabus

To crack CSEET on the first attempt, start by understanding the exam pattern. The CSEET consists of four papers:

Paper 1: Business Communication

Paper 2: Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning

Paper 3: Economic and Business Environment

Paper 4: Current Affairs and Quantitative Aptitude

Each paper carries 50 marks, and the exam is conducted online. Knowing the syllabus thoroughly is crucial. Focus on high-weightage topics like contract law in Legal Aptitude, communication models in Business Communication, and macroeconomic concepts in Economics. A clear understanding of the syllabus will help you prioritize your efforts effectively.

Effective CSEET Study Plan May 2025

An organized and strategic study plan is key to excelling in the CSEET May 2025 exam. Follow these steps to create an efficient plan:

Time Management: Allocate specific hours daily for each subject.

Balanced Approach: Ensure equal attention to all subjects while focusing on weaker areas.

Weekly Targets: Set achievable weekly goals to track your progress.

Study Material: Use ICSI-recommended books, online resources, and video lectures for comprehensive preparation.

A disciplined study plan will help you stay on track and avoid last-minute stress.

Practice with Mock Tests and Previous Papers

Mock tests are a game-changer in your CSEET exam strategy. They help you:

Assess Preparation: Identify strengths and weaknesses.

Time Management: Simulate real exam conditions to improve speed and accuracy.

Understand Patterns: Analyze previous years papers to familiarize yourself with question trends.

Aim to take at least 5-10 mock tests before the exam to build confidence.

Stay Updated with Current Affairs

Current Affairs is a scoring section in the CSEET exam. To stay updated:

Daily Reading: Read newspapers like The Hindu or Economic Times.

Online Resources: Follow credible news websites and monthly current affairs magazines.

Notes: Maintain a separate notebook for current affairs to revise before the exam.

Focus on Revision

Revision is the key to retaining what you’ve learned. Here’s how to revise effectively:

Frequent Revision: Revise each subject at least 2-3 times before the exam.

Summary Sheets: Create concise notes for quick revision.

Final Week Strategy: Focus on weak areas and high-weightage topics in the last week.

Stress on Mental and Physical Well-being

Your health plays a vital role in exam preparation. Follow these tips:

Healthy Habits: Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and sleep for 7-8 hours daily.

Stress Management: Practice meditation or yoga to stay calm and focused.

A healthy mind and body will enhance your productivity and concentration.

Seek Guidance from Experts and Coaching Institutes

If you’re struggling to prepare on your own, consider joining the best CSEET coaching classes. Coaching institutes like Agrawal Classes in Pune offer:

Expert Mentorship: Guidance from experienced faculty.

Structured Learning: Well-planned study material and test series.

Proven Track Record: A history of helping students crack the CSEET on the first attempt.

Agrawal Classes specializes in CA, CS, and CMA coaching and provides personalized attention to help you excel.

Conclusion

Cracking the CSEET May 2025 exam on the first attempt requires a combination of strategic planning, consistent effort, and the right guidance. By following the above CSEET preparation tips, creating a robust CSEET study plan 2025, and practicing diligently, you can achieve your goal.

Agrawal Classes is your trusted partner for those seeking expert mentorship and a structured approach. With their proven CSEET exam strategy and dedicated faculty, you can confidently prepare for the exam and set the foundation for a successful CS career.

By following this guide and leveraging the right resources, you can crack the May 2025 CSEET exam on the first attempt and embark on a rewarding journey as a Company Secretary.

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USMLE Preparation for Indian Students

Indian medical students seeking to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) have many available resources to help them prepare and succeed. This article outlines the best tips for USMLE preparation for Indian students, focusing on how to crack the USMLE from India using available resources and coaching from USMLE Strike.

What is the USMLE?

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step process required for obtaining a medical license to practice medicine in the United States. Indian students who wish to pursue a medical career in the U.S. must complete the USMLE to be eligible for licensure.

USMLE preparation for Indian students evaluates a physician’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles while demonstrating essential patient-focused skills critical in healthcare. The exam is divided into three steps:

Step 1: Assesses basic science knowledge and understanding required for safe and effective patient care. The exam is now Pass/Fail.

Step 2 CK: Evaluates clinical knowledge and understanding of important scientific concepts necessary for patient care under supervision.

Step 2 CS: This component has been permanently discontinued.

Step 3: Assesses a candidate’s ability to apply medical knowledge for the unsupervised practice of medicine, emphasizing patient management in ambulatory settings. This final step is crucial for obtaining a medical license.

USMLE Test Format

The USMLE is a multi-tiered examination sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). It primarily consists of multiple-choice questions, with case simulation components in Step 3.

Step 1:

A computer-based test administered in a single day.

Comprises seven blocks, each lasting 60 minutes.

The total test duration is eight hours, with a maximum of 280 questions.

Pass/Fail format.

Step 2 CK:

A one-day exam consisting of eight blocks of 60 minutes each.

Administered over nine hours, with up to 318 questions.

Step 3:

A two-day exam featuring multiple-choice questions and case simulations.

Day 1 (FIP - Foundations of Independent Practice): Tests medical knowledge and decision-making.

Day 2 (ACM - Advanced Clinical Medicine): Focuses on diagnosis, management, prognosis, therapeutics, and medical decision-making.

When to Start USMLE Preparation?

USMLE preparation for Indian students should ideally begin early. The best time to start preparing is during the second year of medical school. However, even late starters can succeed with dedicated effort. Indian students face intense competition for residency programs, making early preparation essential.

Dr. Apurva Popat states, “It’s never too late to start USMLE preparation—even at 45!”

How to Prepare for the USMLE?

Cracking the USMLE from India requires a strategic approach. Here are some key strategies:

1. Choose Standard Study Materials

Select high-quality resources that align with the latest exam pattern. Some recommended books include:

First Aid for the USMLE Step 1

UWorld question banks

Kaplan review courses

Additional resources like flashcards, previous years’ question papers, and online question banks can also aid preparation.

2. Create a Study Schedule and Stick to It

Avoid distractions during study sessions.

Take short breaks to maintain focus.

Maintain a balance between studying and self-care to prevent burnout.

3. Practice Repeatedly

Spend time mastering each subject.

Take practice tests regularly.

Analyze results to identify weak areas and improve accordingly.

4. Avoid Burnout

Burnout can lead to fatigue, decreased motivation, and poor performance. To prevent burnout:

Recognize early signs of exhaustion.

Take necessary breaks.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

When Should You Take USMLE Step 1?

For Indian students, the best time to take Step 1 is after completing their second year of medical school. Before scheduling the exam, students should:

Take a USMLE practice exam to assess readiness.

Review the exam format, content, and eligibility criteria thoroughly.

Ensure adequate preparation time to build confidence.

USMLE Preparation Checklist for Indian Students

To ensure thorough preparation, follow this checklist:

Understand the Exam Format and Content.

Plan Your Preparation Timeline: Ideally, start 6-12 months in advance.

Create a Study Schedule: Cover all topics and include practice tests.

Choose the Right Resources: Use textbooks, question banks, and review courses.

Focus on High-Yield Topics: Prioritize biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology.

Practice Regularly: Take mock tests to track progress.

Seek Guidance: Consult faculty or senior students for tips.

Improve English Proficiency: Effective communication is crucial for success.

Apply for the Exam: Register through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health: Exercise, eat well, and manage stress.

USMLE Exam Fees in India

Indian students must pay examination fees for each USMLE step. Additional fees apply for international test centers. Below is a breakdown of USMLE costs:

Step 1: ~$1,000

Step 2 CK: ~$1,000

Step 3: ~$1,500

Additional Fees: International testing surcharge varies by location.

Conclusion

USMLE preparation for Indian students requires dedication, strategic planning, and the right resources. With proper guidance from USMLE Strike and early preparation, cracking the USMLE from India is achievable. By following a structured approach, Indian students can secure medical licensure in the U.S. and build a successful career in medicine.  For more details visit https://usmlestrike.com/usmle-step-scores-by-specialty/

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CSEET Online Classes: The Ultimate Guide to Cracking the Exam

Introduction

Are you planning to appear for the CSEET exam and looking for the best online classes? Well, you’re in the right place! The Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) is the first step towards becoming a successful Company Secretary. Given its importance, choosing the right CSEET Online Classes can make a huge difference in your preparation. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about CSEET, its benefits, and why Unique Academy for Commerce is the best choice for your coaching.

What is CSEET?

The Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) is a mandatory exam conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) for those aspiring to pursue the CS (Company Secretary) course.

Who Should Take the CSEET Exam?

CSEET is a must for students who:

Have completed or are in the final year of their 12th standard.

Want to pursue a career in corporate law and governance.

Are looking to become a certified Company Secretary.

Benefits of Taking CSEET Online Classes

If you're wondering whether online classes are the right choice, here are some reasons why they can be a game-changer:

1. Flexibility and Convenience

You can study anytime, anywhere—no need to travel to physical coaching centers.

2. Access to Expert Faculty

Learn from top educators and experienced professionals who specialize in CSEET subjects.

3. Cost-Effectiveness

Online courses are generally more affordable compared to offline coaching centers.

4. Comprehensive Study Materials

Get access to updated notes, recorded lectures, and e-books to enhance your preparation.

Why Choose Unique Academy for Commerce for CSEET Classes?

When it comes to CSEET Classes in Pune, Unique Academy for Commerce stands out for the following reasons:

Expert Faculty: Learn from industry professionals with years of experience.

Structured Learning Approach: A well-planned curriculum covering all topics in-depth.

High Success Rate: Many students have cleared CSEET in their first attempt.

Interactive Sessions: Live classes, doubt-solving sessions, and personalized mentoring.

Key Features of CSEET Online Classes

Here’s what you get when you enroll in CSEET Online Classes at Unique Academy for Commerce:

1. Live and Recorded Lectures

Attend live sessions or watch recorded videos at your convenience.

2. Personalized Doubt-Solving Sessions

Get your doubts cleared by experts through dedicated Q&A sessions.

3. Mock Tests and Performance Analysis

Regular mock tests to evaluate your progress and improve your weak areas.

4. Updated Study Materials

Access the latest syllabus, e-books, and PDFs for better understanding.

Importance of Mock Tests and Revisions

Mock tests help in:

Understanding the exam pattern.

Improving time management skills.

Identifying strengths and weaknesses.

Common Challenges Faced by CSEET Aspirants

Some common hurdles include:

Lack of proper guidance – Solve this by joining the right coaching.

Difficulty in managing time – Stick to a disciplined study schedule.

Exam stress – Stay motivated and practice meditation or exercise.

Career Opportunities After Clearing CSEET

After clearing CSEET, you can:

Pursue the CS Executive Program.

Work in corporate law firms, finance departments, or MNCs.

Start your own CS consulting firm.

Conclusion

Preparing for the CSEET exam doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right CSEET Online Classes, proper guidance, and dedicated practice, you can crack the exam with ease. Enroll in Unique Academy for Commerce today and take a step towards a bright future as a Company Secretary!