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perregrinstudiessometimes · 4 years

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Study tips/school advice

1- Once you get your syllabi put all of the due dates in your calendar

2- Make an assignment sheet for each class that you can look at throughout the year

3- Make a full assignment sheet with all due dates from all of your classes (organized by date)

4- Don’t be afraid to email your professors if you have a question that you can’t answer on your own

5- Be sure to send thank you emails to your professor when they help you with something

6- Don’t be afraid to go to your professor’s office hours. They exist for a reason (if you are not available during the professor’s office hours email them to find a time when you are both free)

7- Check your email! Seriously just do it! Check at least once a day! (but preferably more!)

8- If you don’t understand something do your best to get a good understanding of it as (if you have the same bad luck as I do) the one thing you don’t understand will most likely show up on the test. Don’t just hope it won’t show up on the test!

9- Don’t cram before an exam! Schedule your time so that you can relax/rest the night before the test (I will admit I normally take a glance over my notes the morning of the exam, but this is used as a refresher not an attempt for last-minute learning.

10- I see a lot of people suggest that you read through the whole exam before answering any questions. I would not recommend this as most exams are timed. Instead, I would suggest going through the exam in order skipping questions you don’t know to come back to later. (this way you can maximize the number of questions you get to that you do know the answer to without wasting time)

11- Over prepare for every test!

12- Take a mental note of how prepared you feel before a test/exam and the grade you make on said test/exam. The goal is to be able to have a pretty good guess as to what you will make on the test/exam based on how prepared you feel.

13- Use a final grade calculator (or this one) to see what you have to make on a final exam to get the grade you want (this is helpful to know what classes you will need to study more for)

14- Don’t skip class unless you absolutely have too. Showing up is half the battle.

15- On the first few days of each class wear layers because you never know how hot/cold each class will be. Take note of the temperature in each class and plan accordingly as the class goes on.

16- Show up to class a few minutes early (don’t bother showing up very early as the class before yours will probably still be in session, but you also don’t want to accidentally be late)

17- In class sit where is best for you (this will take some trial and error) I personally prefer to sit 2-3 rows back against the wall)

18- Write the date at the top of each of your papers (notes and handouts) this will make it easier to know what to study when your professor says the exam will cover everything from date A to date B.

19- Take class notes in your own words. If you can’t write it in your own words than you don’t understand it.

20- Learn and use abbreviations [here is @studyquirks post about it] and make your own for words you write often

21- read ahead in the textbooks so you will have a basic understanding when your professors bring a topic up.

22- Start studying from day one (even if it feels like there isn’t enough to go over)

23- Have specific goals for each study session.

24- Know your learning style and use it to your advantage

25- Find out what time of day you study best (for me this is first thing in the morning and around 3-6pm)

26- Don’t skip studying a section/subject just because you don’t find it interesting. Give each subject the time it deserves.

27- Get dressed to study (there is something about having shoes on that makes me feel productive)

28- This is a link to my main study method

29- Recall is the most important aspect of studying (as it is what you will have to do for a test)

30- Study what you are weakest on most but don’t neglect stuff that you already know. Review everything at least once.

31- Make the term memorable to YOU (for example I can remember what quid-pro-quo means because I have a trump voice in my head say “quid-pro-quo I’d like a favor though”)

32- Quizlet doesn’t work for me. The act of making physical flashcards helps me learn

33- Don’t make flashcards for things you already know

34- If you need a quick basic understanding of something to google the topic followed by “for kids” (example moon phases for kids)

35- If you get distracted while studying write down the distraction and promise yourself, you will deal with it during a break/ when you are done studying.

36- STOP MULTITASKING! Seriously you will get stuff done quicker if you give each task your full attention.

37- Studying is not a competition. (I see people on Tumblr/Instagram almost bragging about how long they study for, sometimes claiming 9+ hours, a day. This is not realistic!) remember quality over quantity.

38- Do the homework even if it isn’t graded. It will help you.

39- Make new deadlines for projects to make sure the projects get done on time (I usually set the new due take 3-7 days before the actual due date)

40- Start long term assignments within 3 days of it being assigned

41- Do all of your assignments (I often see people say it’s okay to skip a few assignments) in my opinion it is better to turn in a rushed/half-assed assignment than to have a 0 in the grade book.

42- When writing an opinion piece, you don’t have to write about your opinion (although you will probably enjoy writing about your own opinion more.)

43- If you plan on studying at the library find the least populated area (for my school this is the second floor)

44- Try and avoid the school’s library during exam season as it tends to get busy (instead try other places on campus, the public library, or a coffee shop)

45- Page flags/tabs/sticky notes are useful. Use them.

46- I prefer to use highlighters to underline rather than highlight the normal way. (the normal way makes it harder to reread as your eye is drawn to the highlighted portion)

47- Don’t over highlight (instead highlight small sections/words and expand on it in your own words in the margins/ on sticky notes)

48- When reading write summaries on sticky notes (keep these summaries concise and to the point)

59- When reading to take notes (such as from as a textbook) skim the section before doing a deep read (where you highlight/annotate) as it is difficult to know if a sentence is important without context.

50- When doing required readings for classes take detailed notes and summaries the reading in your own words both to help you understand the reading and so you can look back at the summaries when you need a refresher (like before an exam)

51- If you know you will be asked to write about the reading keep a list of quotes (with page numbers) and a description of why the quote is important/relevant

52- If you are reading a whole book, make sure to make summaries for each chapter and keep track of plot points (for when you are making an overall summary of the book/reading.

53- In short summarize! Summarize! Summarize!

54- ALL NIGHTERS ARE A WASTE OF TIME! Try and avoid them at all costs. Plan your time effectively and you won’t have to pull all-nighters.

55- Use a website like google drive or one drive to keep all of the assignments you are currently working on, so you don’t have to worry about carrying around a flash drive.

56- Give yourself a day off once a week where you don’t work on anything school-related (for me this is Sunday)

57- Use alarms to remind you to do things/ get you to do things (I use silent alarms on my watch to remind me when to leave so I can make it to my next class etc)

58- Study groups don’t work for me and I have found that they are a waste of my time.

59- Keep a list of all the places to study around campus for when the library is closed/busy

60- The Pomodoro method doesn’t work on me. I focus too much on how much time is left and not enough on my studies

61- Try a social media break

62- Mind maps don’t work for me. I find it much more effective to use a linear progression of thoughts

63- Don’t feel like you have to join clubs if you don’t want to.

64- Give yourself incentives (ex if I make a B+ or higher on this paper I will plan a movie night with friends, although don’t disregard pleasure if you don’t do well on a test/paper)

65- Clean your desk/study area every time you are done using it

66- Follow the two-minute rule, if it can be done in two minutes do it right then (don’t follow this while studying just write down a list of everything that needs to be done and do them once your study session is over)

67- Don’t rely on motivation. Rely on discipline. Be a parent to yourself.

68- Eat breakfast if you can (I know eating early upsets some people’s stomach) and always pack a snack in case you don’t have time for lunch

69- Try to carry as little as possible in your bag (if you can’t avoid carrying multiple textbooks try carrying one/some textbooks in your arms to help distribute the weight)

70- Keep a water bottle, chargers for all of your electronics, all the pens/highlighters, and study materials you will needs in your study area (so you won’t be tempted to get up and walk away from your studies)

71- Keep just one folder in your bag for all of the handouts you are given throughout the day. Organize these papers by class/topic/chapter when you get home

72- Clean out your bag often (I clean out mine every day)

73- Remember the best tips are the ones that work for you!!!!

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smkkbert · 5 years

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Mothers know best

Summary: Since they have been kids, they have been best friends. Since they have been friends, their mothers wanted them to be together. After coming back from the east coast, Felicity takes over a position at Queen Consolidated, the company her best friend will soon take over from his father. Their mothers still push for them to be together, and they seem closer to that goal than ever because wedding bells are ringing. The only problem is that they both plan to get married to someone else.

Rating: Explicit

Previous chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Author’s note: Here it is, the end of this story. Thanks to everyone who kept liking, reblogging and commenting on this fic. It meant a lot to me that so many joined into this fic and enjoyed reading it so much. You are the best! It’s going to take a while until my next multichapter is going to be posted, but I will update you about the writing process and tell you when to expect the first chapter ahead of time. :)

Chapter 22 of 22: Ikigai

= Reason for living (Japanese)

Within the last seven and a half months, Oliver had thought time and time again that he couldn’t possibly be happier or even just more content. Yet, time and time again, life had proved him wrong. It had just continued making him happier and even more content.

Having both of his girls sleeping in his arms, Oliver was really sure that there was no enhancement possible anymore now. Having both of his girls sleeping in his arms was all the happiness and all the content life could possibly offer to him. There was nothing more life could give him without making his chest burst from all the happiness he was feeling.

Smiling softly, Oliver looked at Felicity. She was nestled against his side, her arms wrapped around him loosely. Her head was resting on his chest, her cheek snuggled to shirt with her nose pressing against it slightly like she wanted to breathe him in with every breath she took in. She looked peaceful as Oliver guessed that giving birth to their baby girl just a couple of hours ago had left her completely out of energy.

He brushed a gentle kiss to the crown of her head and watched the way she smiled in her sleep. She took in a deep breath, pushing her nose even more against his chest. A long sigh fell from her lips before her muscles relaxed against his body again. She just continued sleeping, catching a little more rest.

Oliver turned his head to focus on his other girl. Just like her mother, the little girl was sleeping in his arms. Even in her sleep, she was moving her tiny fingers together like she wanted to hold onto something. Without any hesitation, Oliver combed his fingers through Felicity’s hair one last time before he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and placed his digit between his daughter’s hands. Her fingers wrapped around it, holding onto it tightly and, just like her mother before, she released a long sigh.

In all his life, Oliver had seen maybe three newborn babies. He didn’t have much experience with newborns, and he had never been exactly interested in them either. Still, Oliver knew without any doubt that his daughter was the most beautiful and entirely perfect baby that had ever been born. His whole life would revolve around her from now on.

“She’s so beautiful, isn’t she?”

Surprised, Oliver turned his head to find that Felicity had woken up. She was looking at their daughter. While her entire face showed tiredness, her eyes were wake as the same love he could feel in his heart was sparkling in the expression in her eyes. A soft smile was playing on her lips when she lifted her hand and put it to Oliver’s on their daughter’s stomach.

“The most beautiful girl that has ever been born,” Oliver agreed in a whisper, nodding his head. “No offense.”

Felicity chuckled and placed a kiss on his shoulder through his shirt before she replied, “None taken.”

They stayed like this for a long moment, just watching their daughter and enjoying the moment as the little family they were now. It was still so new, but it felt so incredibly right. Since he and Felicity had left the friendzone and finally become lovers, it had always been that way. Everything about them and their family was absolutely right.

The last year had brought a lot of troubles. Everything between Felicity moving to Starling City to their wild Las Vegas wedding had been utter chaos. There were so many things they regretted about how they had handled things. The cheating and the lying and the denial of what was right had just been utterly wrong, and there was no apology for what they had done. It would forever be a dark spot in their lives, but they wouldn’t let that taint what they had. It wouldn’t do good to either of them now that they were together and everything about it was finally right.

Even after that wedding, there had still been a lot of trouble as everyone around them had started to get used to them being together and having a family together and leading a company together. People had whispered behind their backs, reminding them of all the chaos they had created and all the people they had hurt with their actions.

This last year had been incredibly tough. It would forever be with them, but they would still move forward. There was so much they still had to enjoy, and they couldn’t let any past mistakes stop them from that.

Hence, it had been the best kind of surprise when their baby girl’s birth had worked out without any unexpected troubles.

Ariana Rose Queen-Smoak had been born at 10am after thirteen hours of labor. At 19.6 inches and 7.2 pound, she was perfectly healthy. Her lungs, as her loud cries had proved, had developed perfectly during the last nine months of pregnancy. Her breathing had been deep and even, her heartbeat perfectly strong. Oliver couldn’t have been any prouder.

Holding Ariana now and feeling her heartbeat against his chest, Oliver still couldn’t believe that this tiny human being was made by Felicity and him. He doubted that he’d ever really believe it. All he could hope for was that he’d eventually get used to it.

Moving up the bed a little, so she could sit up and lean back into the pillows, Felicity reached out her arms to take Ariana from him. Oliver brushed a kiss against the little girl’s forehead before he handed her over to her mother. As soon as Ariana was rested safely in Felicity’s arms, kept warm against her chest, he wrapped both of his arms around the two of them.

Holding them felt like his most favorite thing to do now. Growing up with expensive toys and other luxurious stuff had made it hard to really appreciate what he had. He had taken too many things for granted, but that was different now. He knew that he would never take Felicity’s or Ariana’s presence in his life for granted. Never.

“Everything I love is right in my arms,” Oliver whispered against the crown of Felicity’s hair. “I have never been happier.”

Felicity smiled, angling her head back. “You’ve said that a couple of times before already.”

“I know.” Oliver chuckled. “And I meant it every time.”

The expression in Felicity’s eyes softened, and she rested her head back against his shoulder, leaning on him. Without saying anything, she took in his face thoroughly. The corners of her lips twitched as she was still smiling at him.

“This last year brought a lot of changes.”

Oliver nodded his head. “Good changes though.”

“The best of changes.” Felicity smiled, turning her head to look at Ariana again, who was still sleeping so very peacefully. “Especially as long as she sleeps like an angel.”

“Let’s hope that is not going to change when we take her home tonight.”

Even if that changed and Ariana turned out to be one of the babies that cried basically all day, Oliver knew that he’d still be as happy as he possibly could be. He’d be exhausted without any doubt, but he’d still be happy. He was together with the woman he loved more than he had ever loved anyone else, and they got to raise their baby together. There was nothing that could overshadow this happiness for him.

“Speaking of home,” Oliver said eventually, clearing his throat, “there is something we have to discuss.”

“I know.” Felicity sighed. “We have to find a new place to stay. Our townhouse just doesn’t offer enough space to raise Ariana there the way we want to raise her. I love our townhouse, but I know we have to move out. I am not even trying to make finding a new place harder than it ought to be, but I just couldn’t picture the three of us in any of the places we saw and-“

“I know,” Oliver hurried to say and tightened his arms around her. “I know you are not trying to make it harder. I actually didn’t like any of the houses we have seen enough to live there either. We are both aiming for perfect, and I think that is what we deserve.”

After everything they had been through and all the obstacles they had had to overcome, they didn’t deserve anything less than perfect. They had had a hard start, so he’d make sure that everything was exactly the way they wanted it to be from now on.

“At first, I thought that there was no perfect place for us to live,” Oliver said quietly. “I thought that we just wanted too much. I mean we wanted everything and everything at once. I thought maybe that was the problem.”

Felicity frowned, looking at his face intensely. He could see that she didn’t like the thought because, just like he himself, she really wanted their home to be perfect. She didn’t want to settle for second best.

“Then I figured that the reason we didn’t find something that clicked with us was that we were searching at the wrong spots,” Oliver continued after a moment. “We already have our perfect home. We just forgot about it.”

Scrunching up her nose slightly, Felicity cleared her throat. “If you suggest kicking your parents out of the mansion and moving into that giant palace ourselves, I-“

“No, no.”

Oliver chuckled at the bare panic in Felicity’s eyes. It was the same expression that had been on her face back when she had been a kid and she had first moved into the mansion with her mother. Once she had been over the shock of being uprooted from her home and her life in Las Vegas and had been dragged to Starling City instead, she had taken in her new home with the same disapproving expression that was on her face now.

That look on her face back then had told him that Felicity wouldn’t want to live in the mansion or any place that was similar to it. She wasn’t the kind of woman to live in a palace with a dozen of people that made sure the chores were taken care of. She loved a smaller life, something intimate that was just for the family, just like he himself preferred it too.

“Our treehouse.”

Oliver bit down on his tongue as he watched the different reactions playing on Felicity’s face, almost the same way they did after he had proposed to her in their kitchen months ago. She looked confused, then amused and finally confused again.

“The treehouse is nice and cozy, but it lacks space. I mean it’s even smaller than our townhouse. Significantly smaller, I might add. I don’t mind living in a tiny home with you because I could never feel crowded as long as it’s just us, but that treehouse is maybe a hundred square feet which is even little for the most in-love people. It’s also quite difficult to reach with a car or even a stroller, never mind the lack of electricity and water supply.”

Biting down on his tongue, Oliver just continued to watch Felicity. He guessed that she still had to be very exhausted from giving birth because she didn’t talk herself into one of her rambles that would just go on and on until he framed her face with his hands and kissed her. Finally, that was how he could end her rambles instead of putting a hand to her shoulder and making her stop that way.

Felicity didn’t miss his silence, and she could probably see his amusement on his face too. Pursing her lips, she cocked her head and looked at him intensely.

“You don’t mean that we should move into the treehouse.”

“No,” Oliver replied lightly, tapping the tip of his finger against the tip of her nose. “Dad agreed to clear some of the forest land though. That way, we can build a house there, and we will have our treehouse in our garden.”

The moment he had thought back to the treehouse, that they hadn’t visited since the morning of Christmas Eve because Oliver hadn’t wanted Felicity to climb up that ladder anymore, he had turned the car and visited his father at home. On his way to the mansion, he had already been able to see what their home would look like. He knew exactly what cozy, little house they would build there, and he had been eager to start building it since the moment his father had agreed with the plan.

“You hear that, Ariana?” Felicity whispered to their daughter. “Daddy wants us to die like in all the good horror movies we will watch together in twenty years.”

Oliver was temporarily distracted by Felicity calling him ‘daddy’. The word made his heart stumble. She had said it before, but now it felt even more true. He really was a daddy now, daddy of a perfectly healthy and unbelievably beautiful baby girl.

Soon, he focused back onto the conversation at hand though. “Don’t worry. The forest is well protected. Dad showed me the location of the treehouse on the map. We can build a path from northwest. That way, not too much of the forest has to be cleared to lead to our home. It would also be far enough away from the mansion for us to enjoy some time alone and yet close enough so Raisa can drop Ariana at my parents’ place if we have some spontaneous meetings coming up late.”

Felicity perked up her eyebrows. “You stole Raisa from your parents?”

“No.” Oliver smiled innocently and brushed his fingertips over Ariana’s scalp. “They would have never let me steal Raisa. Ariana stole her.”

Oliver could see how hard she was trying to bite back her amusement and to look at him judgingly instead. She puckered her lips and cocked her head.

“You used our daughter to snap your parents’ house staff away from them?”

“I would have used everything and everyone to snap Raisa away from them,” Oliver replied matter-of-factly. “It’s Raisa after all.”

Felicity smiled, and he was sure that he had made the right decision. Raisa had helped raising the two of them. She was the right one to help raising Ariana now.

“So, you agree on Raisa,” he stated. “What do you say about the idea of moving into the forest and towards our treehouse?”

Felicity’s smile widened even more. “I love it.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Felicity straightened up a little and brushed her lips to the underside of his chin. “I love it very much.”

Tightening his arms around her, Oliver leaned in and captured Felicity’s lips in a gentle kiss. Their tongues moved together in a slow dance. Everything inside of Oliver focused on Felicity for a moment. All that mattered was her and all that existed was her.

The low cry Ariana released made Oliver pull back and break the kiss to watch his newborn daughter instead. She was squirming in Felicity’s arms slightly, telling them that she was awake now. Her eyes opened every now and then, but they were never opened for long, and she didn’t manage to really look at anything for long yet. According to the books he had read, Oliver knew that it would take another few weeks until Ariana would really look at him.

Oliver had no words to describe how much he loved Ariana. If anyone had asked him twenty-four hours ago, he wouldn’t have thought that it was possible to love someone this much. He had loved this baby the moment Felicity had told him that she was pregnant. It was nothing compared to how much his love had increased when he had been able to first hold Ariana in his arms though.

Nothing would ever be able to compare to that again.

“Will you tell me now?”

Perking up his eyebrows, Oliver looked at Felicity. “Tell you what?”

Felicity smiled. “The secret you shared with Ariana during our wedding night.”

Oliver couldn’t help but smile. So many things had happened before and after that night. Still, Felicity remembered that moment of maybe fifteen seconds when he had whispered something to their unborn baby. He shouldn’t be surprised and he wasn’t actually surprised. It was just so much like Felicity to remember something like that.

“It wasn’t actually a secret,” Oliver replied eventually while Felicity’s gaze was still lingering on him. “I asked her something.”

Felicity perked up her eyebrow. “What did you ask her?”

“I asked her to be a girl:”

Surprised glimpsed in Felicity’s eyes. “Really?”

“Yeah.” Oliver chuckled almost a little embarrassedly and massaged the back of his neck. “I grew up with girls. I mean my little sister is a girl, and my best friend is and has been a girl for as long as I can remember. I get along with girls, better than I do with boys, I guess. It felt like a legit question to ask, and, as you can see, Ariana and I have that special bond where she does what I ask of her.”

Grinning, Felicity cocked her head. “Do you need more tutoring in biology? I mean that is not actually how the sex of a baby is determined.”

“It’s not?”

“No,” Felicity replied with a wide smile, “but I leave it to you. I don’t want to disillusion you.”

“You couldn’t disillusion me even if you tried to,” Oliver replied, pecking her lips. “Not today.”

They turned their heads to watch Ariana silently once more. The little girl had fallen back asleep in Felicity’s arms peacefully. She was sleeping quietly, breathing in and out with an even rhythm that Oliver felt weirdly comforting.

When Felicity yawned, Oliver rubbed his hand up and down her arm slowly. Placing a kiss against her hairline, he leaned his cheek against the crown of her head. Felicity sighed and snuggled even closer to him in response.

“Are you tired?”

“Exhausted rather than tired,” Felicity replied, yawning once more. “Getting this baby out of me was quite exhausting.”

“I wouldn’t have noticed.” Oliver grinned. “I mean you did have enough energy to almost break my hand with your death grip.”

Felicity glared at him with mocking anger. “Really? Do you want to switch places the next time?”

For a second, Oliver considered if he should tell Felicity that she had just alluded to having a second baby. He decided to keep the conversation lightly though. They had been parents for less than twenty-four hours so far, so maybe they should delay the planning of any siblings for a while. They should at least explore what it was like to be parents of one kid before they even considered adding another into the mix.

“Oh, I don’t think I would look that graceful when I tried to do that.”

Felicity pursed her lips, knowing that he was just teasing her, and pushed her elbow into his ribs. Oliver just chuckled though.

“Maybe you should sleep for a little longer,” Oliver suggested, brushing his fingers through Felicity’s hair when she yawned a third time within this minute. “Catch some rest. You had an exhausting day.”

Making herself more comfortable at his side, Felicity angled her head back to look at him. She was frowning slightly.

“I am surprised our mothers didn’t show up yet to argue who Ariana looks like and to hand us all kind of unnecessary and unwelcome advice.”

Oliver chuckled, kissing her temple. “They arrived here eight minutes after we texted them that Ariana was born.”

“How did you manage to keep them out?” Felicity asked in a whisper. “I imagined them storming in here and ripping Ariana from our arms the moment they arrived.”

Oliver didn’t doubt that they had the power to do so. When they had arrived here right after Felicity and Ariana had fallen asleep, he had had trouble to keep them out of the room. Only telling them that both of them were fine but in need of some well-deserved sleep, they had agreed to sit down in front of the room and wait until the two had caught some rest.

“On our wedding day, I vowed to always protect the two of you, so that is what I will do.”

Felicity frowned. “I don’t think that was in your wedding vows.”

“I think it was.”

“I don’t think so.”

Oliver shrugged his shoulders. “Then I vow that to you now. Felicity, I will always protect Ariana and you.”

“Even from our mothers?”

“Especially from our mothers.”

Felicity smiled warmly. “Good.”

Oliver leaned in and brushed another kiss against Felicity’s lips, sealing his promise to her. He loved his two girls so much that he knew he’d jump in front of a car to protect them. Handling their mothers might be more dangerous than jumping in front of a car, but he’d do that too. He’d do everything to keep them safe.

“I’d still like to wait a little before we introduce Ariana to anyone else,” Felicity told him when she rested her head against his shoulder once more. “Just until we get used to this.”

She tightened her arms around Ariana when she said those words. Oliver felt his arms tighten around the two of them too.

“So, I tell them to come back in eighteen to twenty years?”

Felicity smiled. “Spending twenty years just like this sounds perfect to me.”

“Yeah,” Oliver agreed. “Sounds perfect to me too.”

Everything that included Felicity, Ariana and him to be together for as long as possible sounded perfect to him. He could forever live in his moment as long as he just got to hold them.

When Felicity’s lids grew heavy again and tiredness threatened to take her away, she handed Ariana back to him. Oliver wrapped an arm around their daughter safely and put the other around Felicity’s shoulders while she was snuggling back into her sleeping position at his side. It took less than a minute for her breath to even out and her muscles to relax as she fell asleep.

Oliver placed a kiss into her hair and rested his nose there to breathe her in. As soon as Ariana moved in his arms, he turned his head to look at his daughter. His cheek stayed rested against the crown of Felicity’s head though.

“Hey,” he whispered quietly when Ariana turned her head right and left, her eyes opening and looking around. “Did you have enough sleep for now?”

Ariana let out a little sound, not really a cry but something like a sweet sigh. Oliver smiled as it was a new sound for him, one he felt already carving into his heart.

“Well, now that it’s only us again,” he continued to whisper, not wanting to wake Felicity and not wanting to frighten Ariana either, “I guess it’s time for me to give you a first taste of daddy’s wisdom. I wouldn’t really call myself wise, especially given who your mommy is, but I think I have three little things to tell you that will make your life a lot easier. Ready to hear them?”

Again, Ariana let out a little sigh. Oliver knew it was probably just his imagination, but he felt like his little girl was turning a little in his arms like she was trying to get even close to him.

“Okay, here’s the first,” he said and lifted Ariana a little close to his face. “There are no people on this earth that love you as much as mommy and daddy do. Some people might tell you that you have been an accident or the circumstances surrounding your birth have been crappy or whatever, but please don’t ever doubt that mommy and I wanted you and loved you from the first second on. The moment we knew about you, our entire life revolved around you, and it always will. We two will always love you, no matter what you say or do. You can always come to us.”

He was sure that it was the most obvious of the three wisdoms he wanted to share with her.

“The second is not less important.” Oliver smiled. “Always chase your dreams, no matter how unreachable they seem. If you really want something, you gotta work to make it happen. It might be scary and it might cause trouble, but you can only be happy if you aim for what you really want and need. Always.”

For way too long, Oliver had tried to hold onto what was right and what he thought was supposed to be. It had almost cost him what he really wanted and what he really needed in his life. It had almost cost him everything he was holding in his arms right now.

“And the last wisdom for your first day on earth,” Oliver continued after a moment, “is that mommy always knows best. I mean mothers in general always know best, but your mommy in particular. I mean she is the smartest woman I have ever met, and I really hope that you grow up to as beautiful and as smart as she is. And because she is your mother, she will love you and just know best what is good for me. Trust me on that because my mommy knew what was best for me too, long before I knew it actually.”

These last months since he and Felicity had told their mothers about everything that had happened, they hadn’t stopped telling them that they could have found this blissful kind of happiness if they had just listened to them. Oliver knew that they were right. If he and Felicity hadn’t fought against their mother’s wishes for them to be together for so long, maybe they would have found their way to each other more easily.

Sometimes, people just had to learn the hard way. It might have been more comfortable and less painful for everyone involved otherwise, but Oliver wasn’t sure if he’d be here, with his wife and his daughter in his arms, if they had taken the easy way.

Oliver lifted Ariana in his arms until he could brush his lips against her forehead. When he opened his eyes, for almost a second, it looked like Ariana was looking right back at him. The next moment, she was squirming in his arms again slightly, turning her head to the right and to the left like she was just getting used to having a body she could move.

It was adorable and heartwarming at the same time.

“Oh, and Ariana,” he whispered, leaning his head down once more to whisper into her ear with a wide grin on his lips, “we don’t tell your grannies about this. Ever.”

* * *

@fannaz @promiseyoullbepatientwithme @bytemegeekette @felicity-said-just-in-case @phanseptiic @orangeisorange @mspotatohead14 @whentheheavenfades @emmaamelia95 @smoakingskye @seaolicity @ourwritinginvein @1022bridgetp @felicityqueenforever @leagueofolicity17 @yryssss @myhauntedblacksoul @sherlock44 @sinceriouslybea @arrowsalways @olivyflavescentdeer @olicitys-castle @ofnothingcharming @vaelisamaza @smoakedandcharmed @alexisa1206 @mysaudadespt2 @florence-bubbles @addictiontelly @queens-of-arrows @memcjo @hysterical-for-joshifer-blog @oswinelevenforever @olicitylovemaking @bandanab310 @mymusiclove101 @lynslogic @scarletqueen23 @olicityshipper19 @alex-wesley @arrows-4ever @unabashedlynerdypatrol @louehmysoul @ligiapimenta @chattyyana @charlie-leau @coal000 @samcrowleys @ishippolivia @julianegomesqueen @malafle @miriam1779 @charlinert @melaux @ontheolicityship @myshipperlife @wrightainsley @lexi9515 @ladygreenwood @multi-fandom-crazy-fangirl @morinamel @mje-thomas @kebarry @canadianheartgirl @nannett2307 @almondblossomme @paarti12 @kathrynelizabeth89 @imdfabulous @cutearrowgirl @mrt2501 @mecha1330 @arsipaci14 @mzminx @salasvia @brandis91 @cainc3 @morganmiguess @pr0fessi0nal-fangurl @iamisalima @nessafrancis-blog @jonhdiggle @niki-is-amazing @universed-posts @hopeful-warrior @senoritaswiftie @bellemmie @green-arrows-of-karamel @iheartarrow @olicityovereverything @oliverfel4 @navyaarsha @fandoms-breathe-life @simone4mcswarek @olicity-in-the-heart @fullychippedcreation @geemarie @everything-but-normal-cat @myarroworld @tjmartinez @pleasantfanandstudent @itsmagnoliagirl @j69confessional2 @scentedcolorpirate @icanica74 @javinancupil @tjmartinez98 @certainmentalityface @tatianadamaceno @ryelew @wildwillowzepplin @missafairy @letsplaymurde-r @lipizette @positivepiper @nuttymilkshakehologram @laksagirl @turnupthemusicandscream @pumpernickle93 @onceuponanolicity @1106angel @jaspertown @fadinglands @morganashimi83 @mochababychristy @omglovechrissie @mariejr88-blog @thetaufactor @onceuponanolicity @speakandseethetruth @bri206 @aglasgo @thats0klaroline @geemarie @pineprincess @nerdgirljen @peterpanslostgirl666 @eternal-olicity14 @allyouhadtodowas-stay-stay-stay @lovelycssefan @tsseract @flowerandsunshine @dcnmarvelgamergeek @blondeeoneexox @monetsmark @soaring-cities @bb-olicity @mashamarty @rulerofsilence @erika-amber @felicity087 @i-claim-only-emily @pattid1 @westallenandolicityshipper @babyolicityandwestallen @nothingmorethanmyotps @kayleenyc @tonto16 @olicityfluv @olicitea1990 @olicity5ever @haahaaa2408 @pattid1 @faegal04 @24karatgem @wrldtravler @readerkas @valery6488 @lemmyeatspeaches @olicity-beliver @greencoffeecups

(If you want to be tagged or untagged, just let me know. :))

#arrow #olicity #olicity fic #olicity fanfic #mothers know best

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youtubioreview-blog · 4 years

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YouTubio Review: Ready to drive traffic from YouTube like a boss?

Today every business knows that being present online and that too especially on YouTube is no longer a matter of choice.

Being the 2nd largest search engine with 2 Billion Unique users per month and 1 billion watch hours everyday… YouTube has the potential to take your business to a whole another stratosphere!

With that being said… How would you like to get your hands on a Brand-New cloud-based app that pull continuous traffic & profits from Youtube? Interested in? If you answer yes then you need to check my YouTubio Review below!

What is YouTubio?

We all know that traffic is the lifeblood of any online business or opportunity right? Without it, you’re simply dead in the water! But generating that traffic can be very daunting for most online business owners like yourself. Even more so if you have to pay for it.

Thankfully, a brand new cloud based app has been just-released to help ANYONE get free traffic quickly from YouTube. It’s called YouTubio. YouTubio is a revolutionary cloud-based app that allows you to completely dominate YouTube with its advanced features and functionalities.

It automates all the YouTube and video marketing grunt-work in just a few minutes, allowing you to focus on more important aspects of your business.

In other words, YouTubio is a revolutionary software that automates your YouTube and Video marketing in just a few clicks. This incredible app performs all manual YouTube labor and helps you in creating more engaging and compelling videos.

Up until now, whatever it is you are struggling with on YouTube, be it SEO, Video Thumbnails, Playlist Management, Video Editing, Managing Followers, Managing Multiple Channels, Replying Comments, Deleting Offensive Comments, Tracking Users’ Behavior, Channel Analytics, etc.

… YouTubio is going to change the YouTube & video marketing game for you forever! It is a world-class platform that allows you to get…

Higher Rankings

Increased Organic Traffic

Better Engagements

More Clicks, Views, Likes, Shares, Comments & Subscribers

Enhanced Profits & ROI

And So Much More From Right Inside One Dashboard.

With Advanced Channel Manager, Video Manager, Playlist Manager, Template Manager, Keyword Finder, Rank Tracking, Auto-Reply, Thumbnail Creator, Analytics Feature, And Video Splitter – This App Alone Performs The Functionality Of 10-12 Apps In Just A Few Minutes.

Are you aware, 70% marketers state youtube videos convert more than any other content? So, YouTubio is an all in one solution that includes all the latest and proven youtube marketing strategies to create engaging and high converting youtube marketing campaigns hands down.

It comes with Ebook, audio & video training. The course is developed by their own team. It’s not just a copy paste work so don’t get confused with complicated word.

With its help, you will be able to tap into billions of youtube users & get high returns from youtube marketing like never before. So Don’t hesitate to check the next parts of this YouTubio Review as I’ll show you how powerful it is!

YouTubio Review Overview

Vendor Firelaunchers et al

Product YouTubio

Launch Date 2020-Aug-31

Launch Time 11:00 EDT

Front-End Price $37

Bonuses YES, HUGE BONUS

Refund YES, 30 Days Money-Back Guarantee

Product Type Youtube marketing

Support Effective Response

Official site 👉VISIT OFFICIAL SITE

Recommended Highly Recommended

Skill Level Needed All Levels

About Creator

Firelaunchers is known as one of the most successful PLR creator / provider on Internet. Their products have a good quality, and sold over 50000 sales on Jvzoo.

You can get to know more about their previous product by searching for their names such as MediaCloudPro, LogoMart, Viral Traffic Quotes Pack, etc.

Now, let’s look at the next part of this YouTubio Review and find out its features.

Key features of YouTubio

Here’s a list of mind-blowing features:

Channel Manager

Import and manage multiple channels from right inside one dashboard. Manage likes, views, subscribers, and more without having to switch between different tabs, windows, or desktops.

Video Manager

Upload, Download, Optimize, and Manage multiple videos from right inside our app – no extra software required. Also, you can create and manage multiple playlists to shortcut the process and get straight to results.

Keyword Finder

Struggling to optimize your videos? Not anymore, with our advanced keyword finder, you will get a downloadable list of targeted keywords to optimize your videos with awesome Title, Tags, and Descriptions within minutes only.

Auto-Reply

With our powerful platform, you just need to set-up your template once and your comments will be replied automatically. You can also make generic replies/comments, multiple comments/replies, and delete offensive comments completely hands-free.

Rank Tracking

Track Rankings based on keywords and see how your and other people’s video do over time. This will help you in keeping an eye on trends and know exactly when to take action.

Dashboard

Get detailed and accurate statistics on the dashboard to find the real winner. Re-evaluate your videos and efforts, check for weaknesses, and improve them for HIGHER ranking and more traffic.

And many more other features:

Easily import and manage multiple channels in one click

Automate reply, likes and comments via Auto-reply and Auto-comment template

Manage your videos and playlist with advanced playlist manager

Instantly Search, Upload, Download and Edit Videos in few clicks

Enhance your video rankings by optimizing them with targeted Title, Description, Tags, and Category

Uncover the Exact Keywords You Should Rank For with Keyword Finder & Get The Most Traffic from Your Videos

Instantly Check & Track Your Video Rankings with our special Rank Tracking tool

Phenomenal Link Wheel for multiple videos to increase your YouTube Income

Create compelling thumbnails for your videos and get better engagements

Split videos into smaller parts via splitter to post on FB, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, or anywhere else.

Get detailed analytics reports of ranking, traffic, watch time, clicks, views, likes, comments, share, subscribers, etc. right under one dashboard

Everything you need and more under ONE roof.

YouTubio is a DFY product that can be used in following ways:

Smart Ways To Get More Subscribers on YouTube

How to Get YouTube Videos Ranked

Using the YouTube Trending Feed for Market Research

Affiliate Marketing with YouTube

As it includes Complete & Step by Step Course on:

What YouTube is all about Nowadays

What Business Goals can you accomplish with YouTube

Shocking YouTube Marketing Facts to Consider

That’s not all. The first 50 people will be receiving these additional modules:

1: High Quality Training Guide (Valued at $720)

2: Cheat Sheet (Valued at $20)

3: Mind Map (Valued at $40)

4: Top Resources Report (Valued at $20)

5: High Converting Sales Copy (Valued at $320)

6: 6 Professional Minisites (Valued at $160)

7: Doodle Style Sales Video (Valued at $320)

8: Swipe Emails for Affiliates (Valued at $20)

9: Complete Set of Animated Banners (Valued at $160)

10: Complete Set of Professional Graphics (Valued at $240)

They will also give you their High Quality Training Guide:

An unique and completely updated 102 pages/16900+ words Training Guide full of examples and highly effective and very easy to apply YouTube Marketing techniques.

You will not get a boring PDF full of text with 20-line paragraphs. The training guide also includes graphics, nicely formatted subtitles, and high-quality information with screenshots showing how to apply every step of the process as well.

Check the segments and tips that you will discover after downloading this Training Guide:

Section 1: YouTube Marketing 2020 Basics

Chapter 1: What Is YouTube Marketing All About?

Chapter 2: Creating and Optimizing A Branded YouTube Channel

Chapter 3: Enabling Monetization On Your Channel

Chapter 4: Picking A Profitable Niche And Doing Keyword Research

Section 2: YouTube Marketing In 2020 – Step by Step

Chapter 5: Ranking A Video The Right Way

Chapter 6: Making Money With Direct Affiliate Links

Chapter 7: Using End-Of-Video Calls To Action To Send People To Your Store

Chapter 8: Making Money By Jacking Product Launches

Chapter 9: Making Money By Renting Annotation Space

Chapter 10: Using YouTube To Raise Money With PayPal.Me

Section 3: Advanced YouTube Marketing 2019 Strategies

Chapter 11: Promoting Your Videos For Cheap With AdWords

Chapter 12: How To Find Direct Sponsorship Deals (PowerPoint)

Chapter 13: How To Increase Watch Times, Engagement, and Other Metrics

Chapter 14: Search Engine Optimization Strategies That Make Money In 2020

Chapter 15: Must-Know YouTube Best Practices For Businesses

Chapter 16: Alternative Monetization Strategies To Consider

Section 4: Additional Tips to consider

Chapter 17: Do’s And Don’ts

Chapter 18: Premium Tools And Services To Consider

Chapter 19: Shocking Case Studies

Chapter 20: Frequently Asked Questions

👉VISIT OFFICIAL SITE

YouTubio Review: Is it worth your money?

Are you ready to absolutely dominate youtube for higher rankings, traffic, leads and sales in just minutes from now?

Right on this YouTubio Review page we’re going to provide you a groundbreaking youtube automation tool that will help your videos to climb on the top of youtube, get quality traffic, command better attention, convert visitors into subscribers and sales and ultimately make you big profits.

Amazing right? The thing is when it comes to online marketing, your conversions and sales directly depend on the traffic you receive. More traffic equals more sales, equals more leads, equals more profits.

And nothing is more powerful for traffic than video marketing. With super-fast broadband and the likes of 4G / 5G readily available – along with the popularity of Smartphones – Video is BOOMING!

And now due to pandemic outbreak and country-wise lockdown, the video train is moving even faster, and it’s moving with or without you. And when it comes to successful video marketing, youtube is hot property.

As you can see, YouTube represents the biggest and best opportunity for you to get in front of your potential customers. But it is not that easy as big as youtube is. It seems it presents even bigger challenges for marketers to extract profits from it.

Video SEO Is The Biggest Problem

YouTube Channel Management Is A Pain

Replying And Managing Comments Is Challenging

Tracking Metrics Can Be Daunting

The list goes on and on. All of these are overwhelming even for professional marketers. So we can only imagine how newbies are going to feel and the tools available in the market to help.

Let’s just say that their cost will almost put you in an early grave. So if you don’t have money to burn on expensive complicated software and don’t have time to do every mundane tedious task manually then YouTubio is your solution.

YouTubio is the most powerful advanced all-in-one youtube automation platform to help in getting higher rankings, traffic, leads and sales to any offer in any niche whenever you like.

Don’t worry if you are not very technical, you’ll find that youtubio is easy enough for newbies but still powerful for the most advanced marketers.

With this YouTubio, you can turn youtube into a profit pulling machine and so much more in just three simple steps. Simply log into the dashboard, set up your campaigns and that’s it.

Using this you’ll be able to…

Explode your traffic by ranking tons of videos on youtube.

Save tons of time by extracting keywords to optimize your title, description and tags.

Redirect extremely targeted traffic to any website page or offer you want.

Start seeing traffic flow to your preferred destinations in the same day compete with all the big boys in extremely competitive niches.

Create traffic from scratch with just a few clicks of your mouse.

Spend less than an hour a day to boost your income from youtube

and a lot lot more…

With YouTubio, you could dominate YouTube for sending you free traffic and funnel that traffic right to your sales funnel. This would allow you to build a list, generate leads, and close sales all on the handsfree mode in the present and the future!

With auto-reply, playlist manager, and keyword research, you can point people to your favorite videos that you use to profit. You can get more juice and boost your YouTube rankings while getting more subscribers to your channel.And the more subscribers you have, the more revenue you’ll make!

Just think about it. Having 1st Page Ranker is like having an army of salespeople who go out and bring you more buyers for your products – no matter the niche.

One of the great things you’ll love about YouTubio is that you never have to be on camera. Not one single time.

There are several ways to get amazing results with videos WITHOUT the need to be on camera such as:

Use slides and record yourself talking through the presentation. Then save the video, upload to YouTubio, hit a few buttons to optimize it and you’re ready to start getting traffic.

Or tap into the power of YouTube Creative Commons videos which you download as many as you like from YouTubio. You simply use them, add a call to action, optimize it withYouTubio and you’re off to the races!

So whether you want to appear on camera or just lay in the background, you can start getting traffic and rankings within minutes hands down.

The beauty of YouTubio is that everything is 100% cloud-based.No longer will you have to wait for 100’s of megabytes or even gigabytes to download to your computer. And even once you do, who knows if there will be any compatibility issues?

They’ve taken care of that by creating the best YouTube automation software tool in the cloud.This way, instead of focusing on trying to get the software up and running, you can focus on what really matters.And that’s increasing your profits.

As you can see there is just so much that YouTubio can offer to your business. You can either keep trying to simulate profits from youtube the hard way or you can do it the easy way with YouTubio.

With that being said, no other software app out there can do what YouTubio does especially at a low one-time price which is only available for a limited time.

All other apps out there are charging monthly fees are limited on features and have lots of restrictions, but with YouTubio at just one time ridiculously low payment, you’ll get an advanced youtube weapon that will skyrocket your engagement, leads and sales almost instantly.

Pricing

For a limited time, you can grab YouTubio with early bird discount price in these options below. Let’s pick the best suited options for you before this special offer gone!

Front-end: YouTubio ($37)

Now that we have established that YouTubio is an INCREDIBLE, no-risk, and cost-effective tool to increase your traffic, sales, leads, and profits from videos…for just about any niche you can think of…the next move is up to YOU.

OTO 1: Pro Upgrade ($97)

Advanced Video Splitter App to split big videos in smaller chunks

Share short videos on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat or anywhere you want to grab viral traffic

Super-simple thumbnail creator to create impossible-to-ignore thumbnails for your YouTube videos

Easy-to-use sitemap generator to generate a sitemap of all videos in just minutes

Import and manage Unlimited Channels with just a few clicks

Upload/Manage Unlimited Videos and snag tons of server-melting traffic

Create Unlimited Auto-Reply & Auto-Comment templates for better engagement

Find keywords and track rankings for Unlimited Videos and boost your profits

Details Analytics and Reporting panel to find the real winner

OTO 2: Agency Rights ($167)

You don’t need to pay THOUSANDS of dollars to Designers and Developers, to custom develop a YouTube automation software and then taking months to get it off the ground.

YouTubio Agency Upgrade is a fraction of the cost of doing all of this hard work and effort. This is one of those investments that will quickly pay for itself.

If you want to charge your clients good money and make as much money as possible with the software you just purchased, grab this Agency License Now!

It is a very useful product that has tons of features that makes it something to look out for.

OTO 3: Reseller License ($197)

Sell YouTubio to Anyone you want and Keep all the Profits

DFY Set-up Saving you Hundreds of Dollars

24*7 Software membership and Customer support

Earn Hands-Free Recurring Income

Get 100% Commission on FE and 50% on all OTOs

And so much more…

YouTubio Review Conclusion

Thank you so much for reading YouTubio Review! I really hope it did help you with your buying decision. This system is coming out with many bonuses for the early bird. Take your action ASAP for the best deal.

REMEMBER! If you purchase through my link, you will be supported 24/7; That means you can contact me ANYTIME when you get trouble in using or can not contact with the authors/ product supporters. I will help you RIGHT AWAY!

Besides, if you buy this product through my link, you can also get these huge bonuses below (Please remember that these bonuses are not for the TRIAL or FREE versions):

👉VISIT OFFICIAL SITE

You can have an opportunity to receive extra bonuses if you finish 3 steps below:

Step 1: Order the product by Clicking here.

Step 2: Choose 1 of my huge Bonus Packages below! Remember that you can pick one more bonuses pack for each Upgrade you purchased!

Step 3: After your purchase goes through, email your receipt & your chosen bonuses pack to me at [email protected] so I can confirm your purchase and email you information about how to access to your bonus material.

I Will Always Update New Bonus

Now, Check your bonus below!

»»Plugin Bonus Package««

»»Theme Bonus Package««

»»General Bonus Package««

#YouTubio #YouTubio review #YouTubio oto #YouTubio demo

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sparkleywonderful · 6 years

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The Prince of Ice: Ch.24.4

Part 24.4 of The Prince of Ice series, a retelling of Heir of Fire from Rowan’s point of view.

The Prince of Ice Parts [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ] [ 9 ] [ 10 ] [ 11 ] [ 12 ] [ 13 ] [ 14 ] [ 14.5 ] [ 15 ] [ 16 ] [ 17 ] [ 18 ] [ 19 ] [ 20 ] [ 21 ] [ 22 ] [ 23 ] [ 24.1 ] [ 24.2 ] [ 24.3 ] [ 24.4 ] [ 24.5 ] [ 24.6 ] [ 24.7 ] [ AO3 ]

A/N: I have been dying to write this chapter, just dying. It was so much fun to write and I always felt that this exclusive belonged in the book. Although we all filled in the gaps, it is the first time you truly see the friendship that is growing between Rowan and Aelin. For tumblr, I will be braking this apart into seven sections for your viewing pleasure.

Gratitude goes to @bookofademigod and @themaasofwar for posting the target exclusive. Without this I would have never been able to write this very important POV.

- - - - - - -

Months before Aelin reclaimed her identity as the long-lost Queen of Terrasen, she still called herself Celaena Sardothien - and was trained to wield her rekindled magic by a Fae Prince in a mountain fortress of Wendlyn… Despite their rough beginning, Aelin and Rowan have finally formed a solid friendship, based on mutual respect, trust, and more than a bit of banter. But just when their bond begins to shift into something neither of them quite anticipates - something far deeper - the fortress of Mistward receives a visit from three Fae nobles. And one of them claims some very, very personal ties to Rowan himself. Read on for an exclusive deleted scene from Heir of Fire, in which Aelin gets her first glimpse of the Fae nobility of Doranelle, and a bit more of Rowan’s history is revealed to her … with fiery consequences.

- - - - - - -

He paced his rooms after Remelle left. The raging anger refusing to diminish. He shifted in the hope that a flight would clear the emotions coursing through him. Not surprising he perched outside the kitchen, ensuring that Remelle did not find her blood scattered throughout the kitchen.

Aelin did indeed go to the kitchen, where she helped Emrys prepare the meal. Luca was there, prattling away, but the chatter stopped mid-sentence. He had no idea how she could stand his constant prattling.

Essar was standing at the foot of the stairs, smiling faintly.

“Dinner won’t be ready for another twenty minutes,” Aelin said, wiping her hands on a dishcloth before approaching the lady. Luca was practically gaping at the small beauty, but Essar gave him a polite smile and he immediately found himself interested in whatever he was doing with a hint of a blush. “I can show you to the dining hall, if you’d like to wait there.”

“Oh, no. Benson’s in there already, and he … I think I’d have more fun in here.”

“It can be chaotic and loud and messy in here—”

“I know how a kitchen operates,” Essar said. “Just tell me what work needs to be done, and I’ll do it.”

Aelin looked to Emrys, who bowed and introduced himself and Luca—whose blush went beet red at the attention. Aelin stood chopping vegetables beside the Essar. He should fly away, but a small part of him was curious with what Essar would see in Aelin. Her gift of fire was nothing compared to Aelin’s, her true gift he was coming to realize was reading people.

Aelin broke the silence,“So, you’re just … travelling around?”

“Maeve gave us a task, which I’m not supposed to talk about, but yes—it involved us travelling for a bit. We’re on our way back to Doranelle though—thank the Bright Lady.”

Aelin raised a brow. ‘Mala?”

Essar lifted a hand, and flames danced on her fingertips. “Not much of a gift, but it kept us warm on the road at least.”

He watched as Aelin swallowed. He knew that she’d never met another fire-wielder. “Is it hard—to master the fire?”

He was not surprised that Aelin continued to hide her gift. It was then that he realized there was a secondary reason for Maeve sending Esaar on this task.

Essar shrugged. “I was very young when my training began, and I’ve had about two centuries to master what little power I have. Aside from a few burns and blisters, I’ve never really been able to do much harm, or impress anyone, really. Remelle’s got the more interesting gift—her magic lends itself toward mastering any language she hears, no matter how briefly. It’s why Maeve likes to send her around to places. And Benson’s got a knack for becoming invisible whenever he wants to, which …” Essar winced.

“Makes him a good listener,” Aelin finished finished for her.

Essar responded wanting to move from talking of the others,“You must have impressive gifts if Prince Rowan is training you.”

“I—”

“Those vegetables done?” Emrys asked, he was once again reminded how astute the demi-Fae male was.

Essar said casually, “I can’t imagine Rowan is as easy teacher.”

“You could say that.”

“But they’re all like that—Rowan and his companions who serve the queen.”

“You know them?”

Essar blushed. “I was involved with Lorcan, their leader, for a time. But—his lifestyle and mine are very different.”

“And what is Lorcan like?”

“A demi-Fae, like you.”

Aelin masked her surprise. Essar went on, “He has had to prove himself every single day, every hour, since he was born. Even though his power isn’t challenged—by anyone other than Rowan that is—he … Lorcan is not an easy male to be around. Some days, I’m surprised he has friends.”

“And Rowan is his friend?”

Essar gave Aelin an amused smile. “In a way. They frighten even us, you know. Especially when they’re together. When Rowan and Lorcan are together in a room … Let’s just say that they sometimes do not leave that room intact by the time they depart. Or the city for that matter.”

True, Essar had even seen that there was little friendship between him and Lorcan, more of a common goal and the ability to destroy anything that stood in their way or Maeve’s way. Though the destruction came from different places and needs within each of them.

“And yet Maeve lets them work together?”

“She would be a fool to let either of them go—which is why she bound them to her with the blood oath. They’ve levelled cities for her before.”

“Actually levelled cities?”

Essar nodded gravely. “And yet Remelle thinks she can control Rowan—wants to possess him.”

“She’s an idiot.”

“Indeed. But power is power, and since Remelle can’t look past Lorcan’s mixed bloodline, Rowan is her only other option.”

“Would—would their children also belong to Maeve, the way Rowan does?”

Essar cocked her head. “I don’t know. None of his companions have sired offspring, so there’s no way of telling what Maeve would do.”

He could see Aelin’s shudder, “You don’t seem to speak as reverently as the others do about her.”

“Not all Fae are her willing slaves, you know. And part of—part of why my relationship with Lorcan fell apart was due to that. He is blood-sworn to her, and no matter how I cared for him, I am most certainly not. Nor will I ever swear such an oath.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because you are training with the most dangerous pure-blooded Fae male in the world, and yet he treats you as an equal. He presented you as his equal.”

He did not realize he had done such an innate action in front of the nobles. Even he was just realizing and coming to terms with the fact that Aelin was his equal and if given the chance he knew that she would surpass him. He had to remember to mask himself, that action was dangerous both for Aelin and himself.

“I think Rowan just didn’t feel like dealing with Remelle alone.”

“Probably. But he’s also dealt with her on his own plenty. And since Rowan’s not one to show off a new companion just to spite an old lover …”

“I’m not sure I follow what you’re getting at.”

“I find it all very interesting.”

“I think you’re reading a bit into it.”

But Essar only gave her a soft smile. “I’m sure I am.”

He had been fighting for weeks this connection between them. The likelihood that they were Carranam. As he flew off, it unsettled him a bit that Essar could see the bond that they were beginning to form. Such a bond was dangerous not only because he was blood sworn to Maeve, but a bond like this could destroy him or the princess. A bond that Essar felt she needed to warn Aelin of.

#The Prince of Ice #Prince of Ice #rowan whitethorn #rowan pov #heir of fire #aelin ashryver galathynius #sparkleywonderful

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thezodiaczone · 6 years

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June Forecast for Taurus

Start turning those dreams into reality, Taurus. This is a month for buckling down and building, as the Sun sprints through Gemini until June 21, activating your stabilizing second house. You can make “practical magic” happen by sticking to a simple plan and prioritizing. And since Taurus is the natural ruler of the zodiac’s second house, you should be pretty comfortable doing that.

Of course, not all the planets will cooperate with your efforts to make life more predictable and profitable. June is the first full month of a MAJOR cosmic chapter that started on May 15, when disruptor Uranus moved into Taurus for the first time since 1942. This eight-year cycle, which only happens every 84 years, will be a once-in-a-lifetime visit for many Bulls—one that could send you on a massive reinvention tour. Hosting the planet of innovation, radical change and freedom isn’t exactly a lighthearted experience, and between now and 2026, you could change everything from your appearance to your lifestyle to your career path. Resistance to progress is futile, so you might as well embrace the philosopher Heraclitus’ principle, “the only constant is change.”

It doesn’t have to happen all at once, though, and it wouldn’t hurt to use the rest of Gemini season to drop a few anchors where you can. You’ll return to those safety zones between Uranian voyages into the unknown and unfamiliar. Lock in some security on June 13, when the year’s only Gemini new moon brings a lunar lift to your second house or work, money and daily routines. You might apply for a promotion or a new gig, start a healthy routine or use this burst of energy to clarify and tweak your goals.

Father’s Day falls on June 17, and if you’re celebrating, the nostalgic vibes could flow. The moon is in showy Leo and your emotional, domestic fourth house. Gather with loved ones and your favorite father figures, keeping the festivities intimate. A home-cooked meal, a handwritten card and a meaningful gift will give you all the warm-fuzzies.

If things are a little tense on the home front (and hey, even if they aren’t), avoid controversial topics like politics—a hot-button issue in so many families today. With peaceful Venus and combative Mars facing off in your communication sectors, one caustic comment could ignite an unnecessary firestorm. While we don’t recommend stuffing down your true feelings or avoiding tough discussions, see if you can all agree to take a day off. And hey, you might want to read these tips in advance just to be prepared.

Once the Sun moves into Cancer on June 21, you’ll have an easier time talking about any subject, since el Sol will heat up your third house of communication and local culture. Get out and mingle in your neighborhood, catch up with friends you haven’t seen in a while, devour a few books and podcasts. Your mind is hungry for great conversation and new ideas—you might decide to sign up for a short class or attend a workshop.

The pace could slow down during the latter part of June, as dreamy Neptune and ambitious Mars turn retrograde, bringing the total retrograde planet count to five. Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto are already in their slowed-down cycles, giving summer a more reflective tone.

Hazy Neptune is the first to start its backspin, on June 18, reversing through your eleventh house of teamwork and technology until November 24. Neptune turns retrograde during approximately the same time each year, and in some ways, the foggy planet’s U-turn can actually help you see things with MORE clarity. If you’ve been on the fence about a friendship or collaboration, take a step back. Codependent or “user-friendly” relationships will hold less appeal once you get a look at this person’s true colors. Remembering that their actions reflect on YOU might make you think twice about being associated with them.

Protect your tech and strengthen your passwords: With shady Neptune going awry in your digital domain, you could be susceptible to identity theft or phishing scams. Take extra precautions with all things virtual, and post conscientiously. Make sure your online presence reflects the best version of you. Strengthen the privacy settings on those raucous vacation photos (or maybe take ’em down) and stay off unsecured networks. That “free open-source Wi-Fi hotspot” could cost you a lot more than you bargained for.

Your career has been hurtling along at warp speed since May 16, when go-getter Mars blazed into Aquarius and your tenth house of professional success—a sizzling transit that only happens every two years. While work could be demanding, with long hours and short deadlines, the right strategic moves could pay off handsomely. Prepare to feel the blast of your office’s air conditioners or the sweltering summer sun on your back as you make those money moves all summer.

Be discerning: The red planet is here for an extended stay (until August 12), but on June 26 turns retrograde and won’t correct course until August 27. This could bring a few setbacks or extra demands you didn’t see coming. Not ALL hard work was created equal. In fact, with stressful Mars in your prestigious tenth house, you could feel full-on tension with a boss, client or authority figure. Since this zodiac sector rules fathers, some old “dad issues” could rear up (all the more reason to wave that white flag wildly on Father’s Day).

Have you gotten obsessed with status or the end goal, and lost sight of the journey? Check out Simon Sinek’s Start with Why —it could be the perfect audiobook to listen to during a long commute or while you tackle a laborious job, like moving your office or cleaning out a cluttered supply room.

Even the relentless Bull needs a vacation, and the perfect pack-your-bags day arrives on June 28, when the Capricorn full moon beams into your ninth house of travel, expansion and new perspectives. Broaden your horizons by taking a bucket-list trip—or at least making serious plans for one! With stern Saturn hovering one mere degree away from the moon, you might have to keep it short and sweet. But even a night away—or heck, a day trip out of city limits if that’s all you can manage—can give you enough of a reboot to keep on keepin’ on.

The ninth house rules personal growth and higher education, and you could be inspired to return to school or do some self-discovery work. From the Myers-Briggs test to the Clifton Strengths Finder to getting your astrology chart read and learn what makes you tick (besides the obvious Taurus list of beautiful things, great food and plentiful sex) and let that guide your next moves. There’s metaphysical magic in the air today. Look beyond what’s right in front of your nose and open up to inspiring new ideas, friendships and teachings that you might otherwise miss.

Love & Romance

Amiable, amorous Venus is sailing through Cancer and your social third house until June 13, putting you in high spirits and fine flirting form. You’ll enjoy nights out with your posse, perhaps going on double dates or meeting friends of their friends with serious dating potential. Don’t overthink how you engage. Being friendly, authentic and outgoing will win you admirers!

During that two-week uptick, the love planet makes some “direct hits” with weighty planets, which could trigger interesting events in your romantic life. On June 1, she forms a harmonious trine to expansive Jupiter in Scorpio and your house of committed relationships. You could fall head over heels for someone within minutes of meeting them, but tug on the reins so you don’t go galloping off into the sunset—yet. Couples may do something to deepen their bond, like put a ring on it, renew their vows or talk about growing their family.

The next day, Venus forms a second trine to dreamy Neptune in quixotic Pisces and your communal eleventh house. A formerly platonic friend may suddenly have a certain glow about them, or you might introduce your love interest to members of your inner circle.

One day to stay on your guard is June 5, when vixen Venus forms its annual opposition to shadowy Pluto and your spontaneous, adventurous ninth house. You could feel abruptly stifled in your partnership or like your mate is playing mind games. In the dating world, a budding connection could fizzle, or you could be ghosted with zero warning. Try not to take it personally; while painful, this is a classic Pluto move.

Meanwhile, the other cosmic lovebird, Mars, is in Aquarius and your goal-driven tenth house all month, which could siphon off a bit of your romantic energy as you focus on work demands and lofty plans for the future. Mars will turn retrograde for two months starting on June 26 (until August 27), making its passionate, powerful energy even harder to get a handle on. Take a time-out from trying to force things to go one way or another this summer and let things develop at a more natural pace.

When Venus enters Leo and your emotional fourth house on June 13 (until July 9), it will oppose Mars (their exact faceoff is on June 21), which might lead to some disagreements on the home front or with a new love interest. Try to keep a head-heart balance—though that can be tricky under this influence. Stay mindful: You could easily get roped into a squabble that you hardly have the appetite for!

Key Dates

June 14: Venus-Uranus Square Fickle much? You’re feeling sentimental and even clingy one minute then detached the next, thanks to sensitive Venus in your touchy-feely fourth house squaring indie Uranus in your sign. Watch for emotional outbursts, especially when someone close to you pushes your buttons.

Money & Career

And…you’re off! This month you’re in serious-business mode as the Sun journeys through Gemini and your productive, profit-minded second house until June 21. With go-getter Mars in Aquarius and your tenth house of career from May 16 to August 27, your influence and ambition could be off the charts. Wooing decision makers, courting contacts with clout—your pitches will be hard to resist, especially with silver-tongued Mercury in Gemini and your money house until June 12.

The Gemini new moon on June 13 sets off a six-month cycle of abundance. Set some intentions for where you’d like to be by the corresponding Gemini full moon on November 23, then map out an action plan for how you’ll get there. Look at your budget and set a few monetary milestones. If you’re job hunting, this is a favorable day to start a search. Step by careful step—in other words, the methodical Taurus way—is how you’ll reach those goals.

Grand plans could hit a summer slowdown on June 26, when Mars turns retrograde until August 27—a backspin that happens once every two years. As Mars reverses through your career zone, you might reevaluate your professional trajectory, cut ties with a difficult client or just have to put in some extra hours of hustle to get through a demanding project. Have you rushed into a big undertaking without the proper structure or long-term plan? Use this two-month U-turn to tweak and revise so you’re ready to go full steam ahead this fall.

The end of the month gets tricky. On June 27, the confident Sun in your communication house will lock into its annual opposition with skeptical Saturn, causing you to second-guess your ideas. Reschedule any pitches or big meetings today, as you’ll be met with resistance and cautious conservatism rather than a warm reception. If you need to take a hard look at your plans and scale back a bit, the Sun-Saturn opposition can help you face any cold, hard facts you’ve been avoiding. But beware the hefty dose of pessimism that this aspect can bring. You may see the glass as barely filled, as the stars cast an overly bleak picture of what’s really going on. A gentle reality check is fine, but don’t lose your perspective! Talk to a friend, colleague or mentor who can help you regain your balance. The June 28 Capricorn full moon in your optimistic ninth house arrives just in time, helping you regain some hopefulness again.

Key Dates

June 7: Sun-Neptune Square Unreliable or downright flaky colleagues could make Team Taurus feel shaky. If you don’t want all your hard work to unravel, call them out on this. By the same token, you might need to work harder to keep your own focus on the project at hand. Close those social media apps and stay off the shopping sites during this distracting influence.

Love Days: 19, 23 Money Days: 13, 4 Luck Days: 11, 29 Off Days: 8, 21, 26

#taurus #Monthly Forecast #astrology #horoscope #zodiac #taurus monthly

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myjourneytoux · 3 years

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Insights Learned So Far...

I’ve been keeping a journal to log my thoughts, feelings and insights. It also serves as my accountability partner to keep me on task.

Since January 24th, I’ve done a TON of work. I didn’t realize how far I’ve come in such a short time. One of the things I’ve learned, is to celebrate the wins, however small. Itemizing these accomplishments just goes to show how far I’ve come, and how dedicated I am to reaching this goal of being a UX designer.

Here is my list of 16 accomplishments and insights in just 3 weeks’ time:

1) I finished the UX Research course on LinkedIn by Amanda Stockwell. That course helped me outline the research for the project I’m doing for a group called “Teaching: The Path to Learning & Development.” (TPLD)

2) Conducted stakeholder interviews with the Founder and President, Sara Stevick, and Director of Marketing and Social Media, Erin Chancellor, to document their goals for the TPLD website

3) Continued networking by reaching out to 2 people at work; one who is working to help me find a mentor and the other who worked within design and can offer feedback about getting my foot in the door

4) Began reading “100 Things Every Designer Should Know About People” and finished it in 17 days. Already using insights from that to inform my design work (as you’ll see below in accomplishment #16!)

5) Completed two more LinkedIn Learning courses (Personas and Experience Mapping).

6) Created three personas after conducting a random assessment of 50 members in the Teaching: Path to Learning and Development group. My assumptions of the group were changed, knowing that there’s a larger than realized group that’s internationally based (39%) and that not everyone is a teacher (only 40%), the next majority of occupations are education-related but are not teachers.

7) Created a volunteer interest sign-up form and used the opportunity to ask a few questions. Thankfully, I realized I didn’t need a true screener questionnaire since I’m working with the members associated with the TPLD group, but I did want to validate a few key items within my personas. Questions within the volunteer sign up form reflect just the basics.

8) Found a UX Design Learning Path within LinkedIn Learning; I’m already 3 hours into an 11 hour path and hope to complete that by mid-March.

9) I decided to use a tree test research study and compiled an outline of tasks associated with that research.

10) Upon further reading, found an article within Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g) that discusses the advantages of conducting concurrent research obtaining both quantitative research (via tree testing) and qualitative research (via usability study). Both will then point to either the Information Architecture (IA) or the Usability Interface (UI) when looking at the overall website design and use of ease.

11) Realized from another article with NN/g that both research studies would also benefit from post-task questionnaire as well as post-research questionnaires. I evaluated the and decided upon Single Ease Questionnaire (SEQ) for the tree test and System Usability Scale (SUS) for the usability research.

12) I evaluated different software for each study and concluded that Optimal Workshop would be best for the tree test and Try My UI would be best for the usability study. Uploaded content within and also created pre-research study demographic questionnaires.

13) I updated my Google Slides deck that I had been using as my rough draft for my portfolio while I work on finding a site that works best for me. This slide deck has been shared with people at work, to show I have more than just a passing interest in UX - that I’ve been diligently looking at design since November of 2019. Through feedback from my colleague Stacey, I created more graphics and used iconography to help share more of my design work in a clean, digestible way. I’ve since shared this with three others for their input, knowing that constant iteration is always a part of the design process.

14) This past weekend I created one portfolio and though it was ok, I realized the functionality wasn’t there that I desired so recreated my portfolio on UX folio. Just finding the right site to host my work was key. I didn’t want to opt for anything less than the best!

15) This past weekend I also created a new Tumblr blog and linked it to my new portfolio site as a way to document my findings throughout this experience.

16) Used this snowy, chilly day in Texas to snuggle up and create an outline of my case study. In doing so, I noticed I only had 4 individuals complete the unmoderated research. Out of 13 participants, that’s a meek 31%. Even though I’m asking for just 10 minutes of their time, I reflected on this while writing out my case study and realized time is a huge commodity. While finishing up my book (100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People), there was a chapter called “People May Care About Time More than They Care About Money.” In it, she says people are motivated when they have a personal connection and will offer their time. Me being a random member doesn’t garner any personal connection beyond basic affiliation.

Since my study is wrapping up this Friday, and I don’t have the benefit of time to get to know people, the suggestion was to “err on the side of time and experiences and delay the mention of money as long as possible.” I had called out yesterday the low cost of time involved and still have no new research collected. I reached out to the Director for this group and mentioned offering a small incentive ($5 gift card for each completed survey). She responded saying the cost could be too high and recommended we offer a raffle. We’ve decided to randomly select two individuals to receive a $25 gift cards to the location of their choosing. Will be interesting to see if this boosts results. I’ll share more findings in my next update!

17) And finally, because if this past weekend’s work wasn’t enough, I started a new book today, Creative Confidence. When I initially began looking at UX, I thought I’d have to be more of a visually creative designer. I realize that’s on the second diamond of the double diamond of design. I’m more comfortable, now, in the first diamond - discovery and defining through research and strategy, and am looking forward to entering the second diamond of developing by putting wireframes together this upcoming weekend. But I need to get comfortable with the visually creative - the final delivery, which is why I’m being really conscious of the look and feel of my portfolio. But to be a utility player, I know it helps to play both sides of the diamond.

These next few weeks of putting some polish on my portfolio and moving into the developing aspect of the TPLD project will challenge me to do just that. And I’m so freaking excited. :)

#progress learning insights UX research design #learning #insights #ux #uxresearch #uxdesign #uxdesigner #progress

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santiagostyle · 6 years

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U kno what plot twist ill only ask u for all the even numbers this time!!! Unless any of the odd ones involve music bc i know those are the ones u rly wanna answer so

MARK THE DAY KIDS JO IS BEING NICE TO ME

anyway this is a hella long post lmao s o r r y

2. name your favourite books; why are they your favourite books and do they affect your writing?

my all time favourite is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee which like,, I feel like it doesn’t really affect my writing but it definitely reignited my love for literature which I guess consequently led to me getting back into writing??

also the A to Z of You and Me by James Hannah literally ripped out my heart and stomped on it and I’m seriously pretty sure I finished it within a few hours of starting it. That one probably does affect my writing because it’s very angsty but also in terms of style it’s pretty fragmented which is kinda the direction I tend to go in so!!!

I’m yet to make it past the first chapter but the style of Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy is,,, everything

not technically a book but I’m a theatre major so ofc i’m gonna include a play!!! 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane ripped my heart out, tore it to pieces, threw it on the ground and stomped on it (also side note it took me a solid week and a half to recover from watching it performed live). the style is so abstract and disjointed and strange and fragmented but it’s so so perfect and absolutely heartbreaking (also big ass trigger warning if you’re thinking about looking it up)

ALSO i got about halfway through before life got in the way so I didn’t get the chance to finish it but I absolutely adore the style of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and like,,, fun fact I’m actually related to him so ???? i guess writing runs in the family ????? and yeah there are some small parts of that book that I read and thought ‘this sounds like something i would write’ just because i feel like we have pretty similar styles4. why do you like writing? what inspired you to put paper to pen?

I guess I haven’t ever really been happy just living one life or doing one thing at a time so,,,, I write 6. tag any writers that you want to collab with!

hoooooo boy um ?? literally ?? everyone??? but specifically @elsaclack @startofamoment @kasuchi @peraltiagoisland and my girl @johnnydora but for real i wanna write with EVERYONE 8. how many wip do you currently have? which one is your favourite as of the moment?

HA HA HA HA HA for real I literally have like,,, 4 Big Major Fics in the works and then like 11-12 little drabble things also in progress (and by in progress I mean I’ve thought about them and done absolutely nothing else)10. describe your writing in five sentences or less.

sentences suck imma do dot points

- I can’t write chronologically and the beginning of a story is usually the last thing I do

- I have a tendency to write ‘moments’ as opposed to actual full fledged stories if that makes sense? like I find it so much easier to write little ‘scenes’ or slices of life so i often use quite a few time jumps because i find it so difficult to write the stuff that occurs in between big moments

- i always spend so much time and so many words describing the littlest details because those are what i think are most important

- literally everything i write has a song associated with it and i can’t write without music

- i either use really long super flowery descriptive sentences, or sentences with like 3 words in them. there is no in between

12. what do you associate with each of your stories? with your writing in general?

I mean I’ve only published two (2) things on here/ao3 so far but like I mentioned before the music thing so I suppose i associate particular songs with each of my stories?

but also like in general all of my writing comes from a really intense emotional place and like, even if I’m unsure of how my?? mental state?? is doing at a particular time, it comes through in my writing. so if i suddenly only wanna write fluff i know i’m doing okay, whereas i kinda have to be sad to write something angsty like the hellfic14. write a personal history/mini autobiography/author description that you don’t mind sharing.

smol anxious tina fey wannabe spends too much time crying in her room thinking about so many stories while putting off actually writing 16. three pieces of other’s writing that people need to read to understand your inspirations and you?

alright i know like everyone and their dog has already read it but foR REAL @elsaclack‘s sleepwalking changed my goddamn life alright it was literally everything i had ever wanted in a fic and i am still Shooktd to this day okay frick

Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho is also a book that is very important to me and I think everyone should read it

Neighbourhood Watch by Lally Katz is the first play that actually made me cry just by reading it (like, I didn’t see it live, I cried reading the actual text) because god there’s so much emotion and so many issues that it deals with that are very close to my heart and it reminded me a lot of some people I’m very close to so!!!!18. make a playlist for people to listen to if they want to understand you.

AIGHT I DON’T HAVE TIME TO DO AN ACTUAL PLAYLIST RN BUT I’M GONNA EDIT THIS LATER AND ADD A LINK BUT FOR NOW HERE ARE SOME OF MY ALL TIME FAVOURITE SONGS:

America - XYLØ

Young Blood - The Naked and Famous

Go Bang - PNAU

Sucker - Peaches

Raspberry Beret - Prince

Salvation - The Cranberries

Hero - Regina Spektor

Caught - Florence + The Machine

Time (Video Version) - Stray Dogg & Devendra Banhart

Leaving the City - Joanna Newsom

September 22nd - Brock Berrigan

Havana - Camila Cabello

Queen of Peace - Florence + The Machine

Regular Touch - Vera Blue

Here I Lie - Marika Hackman

Maneater - Nelly Furtado

Kiwi - Harry Styles

Shut Up and Dance - WALK THE MOON

Baby I Call Hell - Deap Vally

Motel - Meg Myers20. describe your writing life in one sentence.

I have been writing since I could hold a pen, and telling stories since before then22. your favourite characters to write and why.

oBVIOUSLY JAKE AND AMY but like I think I find Jake just a tiiiiiny bit easier to write because I’m always talking about Amy, like, externally??24. name one fact about yourself that you want your readers to know about you.

for real i’ve literally been writing since i could hold a pen. my mum still has ‘books’ i wrote when i was 3 about the adventures of my teddy bear lmfao26. what are your writing goals for the week? for the month? for the year? how many words/poems do you write per week?

HAHAHAHH WELLLLLL i was meant to be doing nanowrimo this month but then some Things happened so it hasn’t really gotten done. my biggest writing goal at the moment is to make some soliddddd progress on the hellfic (it’s all planned and a lot of the next chapter is written i just,,, can’t make the words work atm) so!!!

also i pretty much write when i have ideas?? which is,,, not often unfortunately

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thisdaynews · 4 years

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Mourinho speaks before Man Utd return

New Post has been published on https://thebiafrastar.com/mourinho-speaks-before-man-utd-return/

Mourinho speaks before Man Utd return

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Live Reporting

By Alex Bysouth and Denise Evans

All times stated are UK

Posted at 13:0713:07

Post update

Arsenal v Brighton (Thursday, 20:15 GMT)

Arsenal’s interim boss Freddie Ljungberg should be one of the first managers up this afternoon.

Is he the right man for the job, Gunners fans? And if not, who would you like?

Let us know on #bbcfootball

Posted at 13:0513:05

Post update

The news conferences this afternoon are in relation to Wednesday’s fixtures…

BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport

And two more on Thursday, when Sheffield United host Newcastle and Arsenal welcome Brighton.

Posted at 13:0013:00

Post update

PA MediaCopyright: PA Media

Loads of news conferences to bring you over the next hour or so, including Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, Frank Lampard at Chelsea and Freddie Ljungberg at Arsenal…

Posted at 12:0412:04

Post update

Right, we’re going to take a short break before bringing you another 10 (TEN) Premier League manager news conferences from 13:00 GMT.

Until then, enjoy Jose on Jose…

Video content

Video caption: Jose Mourinho: Watch the new Tottenham head coach’s classic momentsJose Mourinho: Watch the new Tottenham head coach’s classic moments

Posted at 12:0012:00

I trust them – Mourinho on Eriksen, Alderweireld & Vertonghen

Man Utd v Tottenham (Wednesday, 19:30 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

More from Mourinho on Eriksen, Alderweireld and Vertonghen: “The important thing, really, is (they are) great professionals, big relationship with Tottenham, amazing understanding of what the club is and what we need from them.

“So, all three ready to play, all three ready to forget the contractual situation.

“And that’s the most important thing now because we’re in three competitions and these boys are great players and Tottenham people. I trust them.”

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Posted at 11:5611:56

Mourinho discussing contracts with Levy

Man Utd v Tottenham (Wednesday, 19:30 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho was asked about the futures of midfielder Christian Eriksen and defenders Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, whose contracts are running low.

“I’m not going to discuss these individual things. If I tell you that I didn’t speak with Mr (Daniel) Levy about Eriksen, Alderweireld and Vertonghen, I would be lying,” he said.

“So, yes I’m speaking with Mr Levy about it. At the same time, I speak also with the players, with all of them.

“We speak and try to understand every detail but it’s not something I’m going to discuss.”

Posted at 11:4811:48

Marathon, not a sprint – Hasenhuttl

Southampton v Norwich (Wednesday, 19:30 GMT)

Southampton

More from Ralph Hasenhuttl, on the idea that the Saints are the “grim reapers” of the Premier League.

Both former Arsenal managerUnai Emeryand Watford ex-bossQuiqueSanchez Floreswere sacked after their sides faced Southampton this season.

“Not a good signal for us, Unai also had [the Europa League loss to] Frankfurt so it wasn’t all our fault,” Hasenhuttl said.

“We had a chance to win at the Emirates as we had a good game there. We have 12 points and seventh has 19 points so it is very tight in the table.

“Two or three wins takes us up to the middle of the table and we need to take as many points as possible this year and make sure we are in best possible position for the second half of the season.

“Every manager has pressure. It is a marathon, not a sprint and we know how to handle it.”

toe injury – running into a kitchen table.

He played against Watford, coming on as a substitute, but has since had a flare-up of the injury.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Posted at 11:3911:39

Watford win was ‘about mentality’

Southampton v Norwich (Wednesday, 19:30 GMT)

Southampton

Ralph Hasenhuttl on the weekend’s win over Watford:“It’s important to get points in the home games.

“Afterwards, I was disappointed by the first half. We just had a few moments where we struggled building up in attack and took too many risks at the back.

“In the second half we tried to find a solution and the rest was about mentality and a few good substitutions helped put more pressure on the back five of Watford.”

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Posted at 11:3811:38

Post update

Southampton v Norwich (Wednesday, 19:30 GMT)

Right, let’s hear from Ralph…

Posted at 11:3411:34

The Special One to 11…

Man Utd v Totttenham (Wednesday, 19:30 GMT)

Posted at 11:2911:29

‘United in my history book’

Man Utd v Tottenham (Wednesday, 19:30 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Jose Mourinho says his time at Manchester United is “a closed chapter for me”.

“I left the club. I took my time to process everything that happened, took my time to prepare myself for the next challenge and honestly Manchester United for me now is in my book of experiences, my history book,” said the Tottenham boss, before quoting Nelson Mandela’s ‘I never lose, I either win or learn’.

“At United I won and I learned. My time after I left was a good time for me.

“It is not for me to analyse United now. I analyse them as an opponent, how they play. How can we beat them? How can they beat us? For me that is the important thing.”

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Posted at 11:2511:25

comments

David Penn:OllieGS looks like he’s aged 10 years since he took the job. I think the next two games will see him put out of his misery.

Roger Hayes:Who would I welcome back, Pochettino at Tottenham

Posted at 11:2211:22

‘Jose will get a good reception’

Man Utd v Tottenham (Wednesday, 19:30 GMT)

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already spoken this morning about Jose Mourinho’s return.

“I don’t think whoever the manager or the opposition team is will change their motivation,” he said.

“When you put that shirt on, it doesn’t matter who you’re going to play against, you’ve got to give it your all.

“Jose will get a good reception. That’s a testament to this club and the fans. They’ll remember the two-and-a-half years he was here, he won trophies, so I’m 100% sure that fans, the staff and the club will welcome him.”

Posted at 11:1811:18

‘I expect United fans to forget me’

Man Utd v Tottenham (Wednesday, 19:30 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

More from Jose Mourinho: “Tomorrow I go back as a coach of the team that is going to try and beat Manchester United and that maybe gives a different perspective.

“I expect there is respect shown towards me, but I understand what they want is exactly the opposite of what I want – I want Tottenham to win, during the match of course I expect them to forget me and I expect them to support their team to try and get the result they want.”

Posted at 11:1511:15

Mourinho ‘humbled’ by Old Trafford reception

Man Utd v Tottenham (Wednesday, 19:30 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

And here is Spurs boss Jose Mourinho:“I feel good, I like to play big matches. I like to play against the best teams and that is the important thing.

“Going back to Old Trafford is to go back to a place where I was happy. I can say that. I have a great relation with the Manchester United supporters.

“I went back as a pundit, which is a different perspective. I was really humbled by such a beautiful reception.”

Posted at 11:1411:14

Post update

Southampton v Norwich (Wednesday, 19:30 GMT)

We’ll also be hearing from Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl shortly, whose side welcome Norwich City on Wednesday.

Posted at 11:1111:11

Post update

Man Utd v Tottenham (Wednesday, 19:30 GMT)

Jose Mourinho’s arrival has brought the best out of some of the stars who were deemed to be under-performing towards the end of Maurico Pochettino’s tenure.

He’s turned Serge Aurier in the new Cafu, Dele Alli into Dele Alli rather than Dele Alli’s brother and even the ball-boy into an assist machine, but Mourinho’s toughest task as Spurs boss so far will come at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, when he returns to to face his old employers for the first time.

We’ll be hearing what the Tottenham manager has to say shortly…

Posted at 11:0711:07

Injury news

Man Utd v Tottenham (Wednesday, 19:30 GMT)

Goalkeepers Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm are still out for Spurs, alongside defender Ben Davies and midfielder Erik Lamela.

Posted at 11:0511:05

Post update

Man Utd v Tottenham (Wednesday, 19:30 GMT)

EPACopyright: EPA

“No, that’s not Tim Sherwood’s gilet…”Image caption: “No, that’s not Tim Sherwood’s gilet…”

It’s been blockbuster stuff at Tottenham in the past couple of weeks, someone should commission a behind-the-scenes documentary series…

Mauricio Pochettino was sacked only to be replaced by Jose Mourinho within 24 hours, and the north London club have won all three games since he took charge.

Spurs have scored 10 goals in that time, but have conceded two per match.

He’s the happy/humble/refreshed one for now, but how long will that last if Mourinho’s side fail to shore up at the back?

#return #speaks

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aion-rsa · 4 years

Text

Ninja Returns Back to Twitch with New Exclusive Contract

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Richard Tyler Blevins, better known as the live steamer Ninja, has announced his return to Twitch. His return to the platform that made him famous (and very wealthy) comes just over a year after he left Twitch for an exclusive deal with Microsoft’s Mixer platform, which shut its doors earlier this year.

Blevins made the announcement on Twitter, with Twitch officially welcoming him back in a reply:

Great to have Team Ninja back on our side.

— Twitch (@Twitch) September 10, 2020

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

According to a press release, Blevins has signed a new exclusive deal with Twitch, which will be his streaming home moving forward. Blevins’ first stream under this deal with Twitch is happening today, Sept. 10 at 12:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. ET, per the platform. You can watch the stream here.

“I am excited to get back to streaming full-time and connecting with my loyal fanbase,” said Blevins in a statement. “I really took my time to decide which platform was best and Twitch has been very supportive throughout this process and understanding my overall career goals. In this next chapter, I’m going to make it a point to elevate and bring more eyes to underrepresented creators. I am looking forward to working with Twitch to demonstrate how this amazing community of gamers can make a meaningful impact.”

Blevins’ official return to Twitch actually seemed like a foregone conclusion at this point after he recently streamed on the platform with DrLupo, another popular streamer. The stream was a success, to say the least, peaking at over 98,000 concurrent viewers at one point. As you’d expect, Blevins played his beloved Fortnite and some Call of Duty Warzone.

Super early stream planned within 14 hours was a super success on twitch with @DrLupo I really missed this. Also! JUST HIT AFFILIATE! pic.twitter.com/Nm5xZ98pBM

— Ninja (@Ninja) August 5, 2020

“We are thrilled Ninja is returning to Twitch,” said Michael Aragon, SVP of Content at Twitch. “Tyler is an iconic force in the gaming community, and it’s been amazing to see the impact he’s made on the industry and broader culture. Gaming – and the people who love it – are being recognized by a broad mainstream audience now in part because of Tyler, and we know he’s just getting started.”

Blevins’ return comes just weeks after Counter-Strike and Call of Duty Warzone master Shroud announced his own comeback on Twitch. Shroud, whose real name is Michael Grzesiek, was another streamer poached by Microsoft last year, only to be released back into the wild after Mixer went under.

The comeback also comes just a few months after Guy Beahm, better known as the controversial streamer Dr DisRespect, was booted from the platform for reasons that remain a mystery. Twitch’s official stance on the perma-ban is that Beahm violated the platform’s community guidelines and/or terms of service. Beahm himself has said that he still doesn’t know why he was booted. You can now watch Dr DisRespect on YouTube.

More on Ninja’s return as we learn it!

The post Ninja Returns Back to Twitch with New Exclusive Contract appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/2FtaK8k

#aion-rsa #Den of Geek

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mceproductions · 5 years

Text

December 2018 Blurbs

12/1/18 The final Chapter on 2018's book began with me checking out the sequel to Wreck It Ralph. And it was Near perfect in every way possible. What wasn't was my drive back and the snowstorm that laid waste to the road, never had driven in snow that bad until today. Honestly was shaking for nealry 20 miles. Luckilly came back in time to see Bama win in epic fashion. I may not like them but they are #1. UCF won as well hopeful they can make the jump. 12/2/18 Connor ended up picking up a new kitten, he and Amber named Nelson. Now I know how Peele felt in Keanu. That cat was adorable and so sweet to be around. Especially that poofball tail. Packers stink as usual to the point where McCarthy got fired during his postgame press conference. Bama, Clemson, and Oklahoma will batlle on the 29th to see who gets the chance to play in Santa Clara. Notre Dame will join them, this should be expanded by all counts. 12/3/18 Andrew has another job, this one late at night. Hoping he'll stick this out. Heisman this year went down to the 3 QB's from Bama, Oklahoma and Ohio State. Wonder how the finalst math is done to drop the number from 5 to 3. Gifts need to be sent out to Eric and Company soon. New Tree skirt looks hopefully ok. 12/4/18 Stuff can take the cake really quickly when it comes to life. Connor apparently has broken things off with Amber now his gut is killing him. Karma at its finest people. Other than that, I don't mind having to get called out to do carts what irks me is when someone like Cole, drops off so I'm completley alone out there. His weaseled out method just really iritates me more. Bowl Mercahndise looking rather dull this year, may save money along those lines. 12/5/18 Well, Connor may have gut problems like me. The real kicker is how incompitent our hospital is here, and how they were throwing in words like liver failure and appendix issues. Grabbed mounted photo which allowed me to finish wrapping the gifts to be sent out to Eric and them. Hopeful that Eli Like gummi Bears. Main gift hunting will begin next week. Do love Holiday seaons, and all that they entail. 12/6/18 The cat may be be cute, but Connor breaking, entering and placing him on me in the middle of the night. Nope. He, can really take the cake when it comes to not knowing how to amicably end a relationship. Rebought Hobbit and that gave me, Legos for the first time in 15 Years. Will only get the Target lego hobbit editons and that will be it. Survey for class is adjusted and will hopefully be done by weekends end. Seminar I still have to do, hoping Dad will give a hand with that. Looking forward to Mamoa on SNL. 12/7/18 Pearl Harbor, a tragic event that led to a worse movie. But on this day there should be a new atalige on when it rains it pours for the winter. I call it When it snows it bursts, cause we all had issues today. Bravada may have a frozen gear shift. Eric lost another girlfriend, Connor may be out of a job, and Andrew may actually be doing better than any of us for once. This is a burst of bad luck. 12/8/18 A day that i had originally set out to do nothing now had me doing even less, thanks to the Bum gear shift. Not sure how we can fix that, other vehicle still waits in the wings. Watched more SpongeBob then i had in a long time wow I missed a bunch. Could really use some good in these next few days. 12/9/18 Packers finally won, just need miracles to happen in order to squeak into wild card. Vehicles e break lite may give me clue in order to fix it. Winter and Christmas need to show up quicker cause it certainly doesnt feel like it especially not around here. 12/10/18 Early night when it came to the back. Used VTO to leave early, stinks i lost a day but at least i caught up on stuff. 12/11/18 Bravada i bought finally became mine with licence plates. Saving insurance for after Christmas. Store had less on today which made the work at least plenteful. But the group with the exception of me and 2 others all left at 9:50 as we got left with the bulk of the cleanup. Not cool in the slightest. 12/12/18 First day with Bravada, not a bad go of things. Penultimate class, surprisingly am at an A hoping i can get this done within the next week. Contingency plan needed for tomorrow, will see SpiderMan on Saturday and hold off on Aquaman until after Christmas. 12/13/18 Nice to find out i can still tack miles on my feet. Will need to do that again soon. Packages got sent including book for retun. Retuned a bunch of stuff for gift stipened, hoping dad likes revenant more than hacksaw ridge. South Park finale made no sense. 12/14/18 Saving spiderverse for sunday, mainly so i can get rid off stuff at BAM, more cash more presents. Will still read Mortal Engines even though movie looks lousy. A lot of ties on countdown, and just discovered a couple i overlooked. Binging Bob's Burgers like crazy. Man that show is a lot better than i gave it credit for. Busted truck is gone from parking lot, didn't expect to have to have management nearly call cops on stolen vehicle though. 12/15/18 Day from hell is an understatement. Eric getting arested, Im working on stuff and Andrew seemed to not know when to keep his mouth shut. Bowl games starting today brought only form of relief. 12/16/18 Better day, Animated Spiderman was something to behold. Got bulk of christmas shopping out of the way. Bravada held up just wished i could get it back fully. Packers got knocked out of postseason. Just hope we can win one more, at least chances are good. Smash Bros Ultimate is awesome. 12/17/18 Mom's gift now safley wrapped. Football continues and the Saints better be hoping they stop stinkin things up. 12/18/18 Cap 2 was down to 4 with a mysterious virus going round. As everyone left by 6, i managed to get out early. Just hoping this doesnt come back to bite me in the butt. Hoping to wrap up gifts by Friday, Aquaman on Saturday may be possibile. Glad thats in town at least. Also did annual watch of Haruhi Suzumiya movie, how come they can't make a movie that long in America. Stinks it has to be shorter than 2 for animated. 12/19/18 Last Class, thankfully was short and sweet. Walked out in good mood after making thank you card. Just curious to know when i may get funds, cause have to take 2 classes otherwise just to get scholarship. Rose Bowl shirt looks great. Will finish gift wrapping by friday at least. 12/20/18 I dont know why but it just doesnt feel like christmas this year. Snow almost gone, skies are dreary and whatever mood were in around here just keeps going up. Better Days by Goo Goo Dolls seems more and more perfect in telling the moood were in right now. Hoping for a few good days, free christmas dinner at store tommorow should lift funk. 12/21/18 The mood certainly is festive store wise. Finished grabbing gifts. Wil be hoping they like them. 12/22/18 Down to the single digits in days left of 2018, one goal of mine i wished i picked up more on was the sign language aspect. Will be putting that back on the 2019 docket. Store for a few more days. Just hoped to go watch Aquaman thanks to VTO but based on what i got coming, better to hold off on that. 12/23/18 Penultimate truck of 2018, thankfully got that done by 10, finally got tree from mountain, bulbs i picked up worked brillantly. Hard to belive it all ends in a week. Good year overall. 12/24/18 Short 4 hours with only Chris and Cheyenne. Best store day of the year in which we turn off all lights and tell people who come in to leave. Cole on the other hand, once again, i got drugged out to fix his mess. Not pleasent. What was was prime rib and quiet dinner with family before i gave them gifts. Poofball hat idea worked on all but Dad may have to return his. Looking forward to nba on christmas day. Wonderful life and Polar Express double feature to round things out. 12/25/18 Linus from peanuts says it all. With angellic hosts proclaim christ is born in bethlehem. 12/26/18 Amazing how one day in total silence with family can turn into one explosive return to reality. All for the best 5 days of the year i suppose. Aquaman movie ended up being pretty great, never figured Julie Andrews would play a squid. Badgers Bowl game tomorrow then final day of work for year on friday. Just hopin i can get final blog posted on monday before library closes. Year is rapidly closing fast. Also 2nd Charlie Brown Christmas special sucks, a little bit much on the meaning of the season and not on what made the first special great all around. 12/27/18 Rain filled the day, a lot of water that may turn whatever snow we have into ice. Badgers won in Yankee Stadium and tomorrow is Walmart 2018 finale for me. Just wish i didn't have a week off after that, but i can make do with micro paycheck for a bit. Already trying to figure 2019 Goals, dont know whether to up it or lower it. Found Attack on Titan Season 3 on Digital. Yeah gonna be good tv this weekend. 12/28/18 The 2018 Season finale at Wallyworld. Epicly enjoyable. Just miffed that have a week off with little to no Coverage coming in. May seek alternative option. Truck tire thankfully got fixed but other issue may now have arisen. Bad luck streak wrapping this year up strong isn't it? 12/29/18 Another college football playoff another Bama Clemson beatdown. At least Kyler and Oklahoma actually put up a fight. Not sure what movie to see tomorrow. Possibly saving Bumblebee for next week, or VICE. 12/30/18 Entry 364 and on this penultimate day, I chose to go see the Mary Poppins sequel. Oh man it was charming. The welcome balance of modern with slight hat tips to what came before. Packers embarrassingly concluded thier season. Orville came back on tonight and that was equally good, a bunch of side plots that somehow all culminated in one odd ritual where Bortus took a dump, and it was good. Looking forward to adding that on DVR. 5 Packages to send out tomorrow, not sure what i'll be doing when ball drops. 12/31/18 Bye Bye Yesterday...The culmination of 365 Days of life, and as we conclude 2018 I think, there was so much more I could have gotten done. 2 Weddings, A Super Bowl visit, watching Connor finish school, buying my first vehicle, nearly seeing a sporting event, and a prmomotion at wally world. So much more I could have squeezed in. Finished today up with helping dad with bread, and he made chili, hoping that that wont make us all sick as hes been these last few days. As for this journaling buiness. I may look into continuing this come 2019. After all that is now as i have put it the year of the endgame. Definetly would want to chronicle that. Though maybe i'll go the Your Name Route and download an app to chronicle that for my Phone and Ipad. Here's to you 2018, now as Thanos snaps at 11:53 you'll crumble to dust and fade away in our minds and hearts. Its time for the next chapter, and im ready...To Be hopefully continued.

End of 2018 Journal

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afurst · 5 years

Text

On Being Right – Dialectic Two Step

A stranger who is an evangelical Christian has been sending a series of emails to me. According to his address, his name is Jeff. Jeff has offered some lengthy expositions touting evidence that Christianity is “right”. The latest edition offers an earnest four part treatment on the trustworthiness of the New Testament, the historicity of Jesus, and the virtue of miracle-claims and predictive prophecies. He or someone that he has quoted put a lot of effort into this essay.

I usually ignore emails like this. In fact my response to the first one was to request that he remove me from his list. Alas, it had no effect, they kept coming. I chose to respond to this latest message. In my response I’ve made an effort to be kind and respectful but I’m also careful to be clear that his efforts are lost on me.

His email can be found at the bottom of this post.

This is my response:

For what purpose do you send me these emails?

Why does a perspective require a defense?

What does the authenticity of a text inform us about loving our neighbors?

If Christianity or Buddhism or Atheism were false, would that change the fact that we benefit from mutual respect?

These academic exercises invite criticism and fact checking; mental accounting that is unrelated to the purpose of religion. They also invite suspicion from those of us who distrust the religious instinct to indoctrinate.

If you seek the satisfaction of being right, I wish you luck.

If you seek to change someone’s mind, I recommend convincing them to turn from violence to peace; from malice to empathy, from ignorance to wisdom. What do we gain from establishing religious authority but oppression?

A Meditation

I consider this a meditation. When I first started reading Jeff’s email (below), I went into critic mode. I was tearing through the text, finding ironies and falsehoods, circular reasoning and other fallacies. But the shear volume of it seemed daunting. Would I spend two hours methodically shredding Jeff’s email, working my self into a frenzy? Or could I avoid that mess and even turn it into something good?

Something clicked. What would a cold and logically precise demolition of an evangelists beliefs accomplish? I’d loose a few hours. We might go back and forth on email pointing out each others errors. One of us could resort to ad hominem attacks and spiral further and further from civil discourse. All of this in the hopes of somehow being right! All of this completely removed from the goal of religion – union with the divine.

The mystery of the divine escapes words, descriptions, or labels. Arguing about the words, descriptions, and labels is about as productive as pushing the wind. It leads to agitation, anger, and alienates us from the experience of the divine.

I was lucky this time around (I think). I didn’t stray from my beliefs, I delivered my message respectfully, and I didn’t get riled up. I also don’t think I insulted Jeff. I call that a win! Call me after my 2 hours of reclaimed peace are done!

Jeff’s email

Positive Defense of the Christian Perspective

Email from [email protected]

A. The Trustworthiness of the New Testament

The New Testament has better manuscript evidence than any other ancient book.

There are over 5,000 New Testament manuscripts and portions of manuscripts. By comparison, the majority of classical works have less than 20 manuscripts.

The dates of the New Testament manuscripts are close to the original writings. One Gospel fragment (Ryland’s) dates about 25 years after the Gospel of John and most of the New Testament (Chester Beatty and Bodmer Papyri) from 50-150 years after the originals. Most classical works date from 700 – 1400 years after the originals.

None of the canonical New Testament is lost or missing. By comparison, 107 of Livy’s 142 books of history have been lost and about one half of Tacitus’ 30 books of Annals and Histories is missing.

Good arguments can be given that each of the Gospels was either written by an eyewitness, or significantly influenced by firsthand testimony, as recognized by many contemporary scholars.

Even without proving eyewitness authorship, the Gospels measure up well by normal historical standards used in ancient historiography.

The Gospel are trustworthy sources, as explained by A.M. Hunter

These Christian authors, like their Jewish counterparts, were careful to preserve traditional material.

The Gospels are close to eyewitness sources.

The Gospel authors were honest reporters.

The picture of Jesus presented in the four Gospels is virtually the same (see Archibald M. Hunter, Bible and Gospel, 32-37).

The Gospels and Acts exhibit a specific interest in reporting historical facts, not mythology. This is especially the case when the life of Jesus is reported.

Contemporary historians frequently opposed the application of radical criticism to New Testament studies. According to A.N. Sherwin-White and Michael Grant, such attacks fail at a number of crucial points (see A.N. Sherman-White, Roman Society, 186-193; Grant, Jesus: An Historian Review, pp. 179-184, 199-201).

Numerous ancient works exhibit intentions and methodologies similar to that of the New Testament authors, and yet these ancient works are well accredited as historical works.

There are no ancient writings in the category that radical critics place the Gospels.

New Testament books such as Acts have been largely confirmed by external test of historicity.

The Gospel and Acts were recognized as inspired books almost immediately after being written (see J.B. Lightfoot,The Apostolic Fathers).

1 Timothy 5:18 quotes Luke 10:7 and refers to it as “Scripture.”

Clement of Rome (about AD 95) speaks of the “Gospel” and quotes portions found in all three synoptic Gospels, referring to them as the words of Jesus (Corinthians 13,46).

Ignatius (Smyrnaeans 3) and Polycarp (Philippians 2, 7), both writing about AD 115, refer to verses in the synoptic Gospels as the words of Christ.

Paul’s epistles were also recognized as inspired Scripture almost immediately after being written.

2 Peter 3:15-16 calls Paul’s epistles “Scripture.”

Clement of Roman (Corinthians 47), Ignatius (Ephesians 10; to Polycarp 5), and Polycarp (Philippians 1,3-4, 6) all refer to Paul’s writings as inspired

B. The Historicity of Jesus

The trustworthy Gospels (A above) exhibit much interest in the historical Jesus and give accurate accounts of his life, death, and resurrection.

Numerous pre- and extra biblical sources record much ancient testimony concerning Jesus within 125 years after his death.

Early Christian creeds that pre-date the New Testament, as well as the historical facts that virtually all critical scholars admit, provide an extremely strong case for the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Archaeology contributes a few finds that illuminate and provide background for Jesus’ career, such as the crucifixion victims investigated by archaeologist Vasilius Tzaferis, “Jewish Tombs At and Near Giv’at ha-Mivtar,” Israel Exploration Journal 20 (1970), pp. 38-59.

Also the Shroud of Turin (Historically proclaimed to be the actual burial garment of Jesus). See Ian Wilson, The Shroud of Turin (New York: Doubleday, 1978, also see John Heller, Report on the Shroud of Turin (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1983), especially chapters 12-14.

Secular historians (e.g. Cornelius Tacitus, Gaius Suetonius Tranquillas), government officials (e.g. Piny the Younger, Emperor Trajan), religious works (e.g. The Talmud, Toledoth Jesu, and other sources report many details about Jesus from non-Christian viewpoints.

Ancient Christian sources preserve a number of historical statements about Jesus (e.g. Clement of Rome, Ignatius, Justin Martyr).

To reject Jesus’ miracles a priori is to ignore correct inductive procedure where all the facts are investigated before a decision is made.

To reject Jesus’ doctrinal teachings a priori as valid for today is to pick and choose portions of the Gospels. Further, If Jesus was raised from the dead, there is, at a minimum, some implied significance for Jesus’ teachings, as well.

Without a significant historical basis in the life of Jesus, Christianity would have had no impetus for its origins.

Jesus died on the cross, as indicated by several facts.

The nature of crucifixion, including the discovery of Yohanan’s skeleton, reveals both the nature and assurance of death by this method.

The explanation of Jesus’ heart wound indicates that it would have killed him even if he had been alive.

The death of Jesus is the most recorded event in ancient, non-Christian history.

The trustworthy Gospels give accurate accounts of Jesus’ death.

After his death, Jesus was raised bodily and appeared to his followers.

Naturalistic hypothesis that have sought to explain in normal terms the supernatural element of Jesus’ resurrection have failed to do so, chiefly because they are refuted by the known historical data. Several other reasons also indicate this failure.

There are numerous positive evidences for the resurrection that indicate that Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to many of those who followed him.

A case for the resurrection can be built by using only those minimal facts that are clearly established by the historical method. On a smaller scale, these facts can refute the alternative hypotheses and provide the best evidences for the resurrection.

The Shroud of Turin may supply some additional scientific evidence of Jesus’ resurrection.

Jesus’ message was not changed by Paul or by other followers.

In both the synoptics, as well as in John, Jesus claimed to be deity. Often this was done by his words, such as his claims to be Son of God and Son of Man (c.f. Mark 2:10-11; 10:45; 13:32; 14:36). At other times he showed his deity by his actions, such as forgiven sin, fulfilling Old Testament messianic prophecy and by claiming authority much greater than that of the Jewish leaders (see Mark 2:1-12; Matthew 5;20-48; cf. Isaiah 9:6-7).

Numerous pre-Pauline creeds such as Philippians 2:6-11, Romans 1:3-4, 1 Corinthians 11:23, and many from the book of Acts designate Jesus by the loftiest titles, thereby indicating the early teaching of his deity. These show further that this doctrine definitely did not originate with Paul.

Neither Jesus nor Paul taught that Christianity was a new religion. Both held that Christianity was a fulfillment of Judaism (see Matt. 5:18; Luke 16:16-17; Romans 10:4:9-11; Colossians 2:16-17).

Jesus’ central teaching of the Kingdom of God and its entrance requirements of faith in his person and teachings in found in all four Gospels (c.f. Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 18:3-6; Luke 18:28-30; John 1:10-13) and in Paul’s epistles (c.f. Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Paul was known as the apostle to the Gentiles (see Acts 9:15;16; 22:21; Romans 11:13-14). Not only did Jesus command his disciples to take the gospel to the Gentiles (see Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:47; John 10:16; Acts 1:8), but this was actually a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, not a new doctrine (see Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 19:18-25 for two examples).

Since Jesus literally rose from the dead, any verification of the truthfulness of his teachings would even extend to Paul’s message and writings, since they are in agreement with the Gospels at these points.

Jesus was not an international traveler during his “silent years” or after his death.

There is no viable historical evidence for such international ventures.

The swoon theory fails and is rejected by critical scholars.

These endeavors almost always involved a long trail of illogic and incredibly mysterious connections.

C. Miracle-claims

Although many would place miracle-claims completely in the realm of faith, such is to ignore their possibly objective theistic and historical nature.

If it is taught that miraculous events have occurred in history, as in the case with New Testament miracle-claims, then at least the objective, historical side of such a claim can be investigated. In other words, if it actually happened, at least the portion of the event that touched the space-time world can potentially be examined.

In the New Testament, the resurrection of Jesus is not only the central tenet Christianity, but it is asserted that if Jesus did not rise from the dead, then faith in actually in vain (1 Corinthians 15:1-20). Paul even supports his point that Jesus was raised by citing eyewitnesses, historical testimony to this fact (vv. 5-8). Under these circumstances, one could hardly claim that objective, factual interests in the resurrection are foreign to the New Testament.

This objection also commits errors that are associated with the “leap of faith.” If carried to its logical conclusion, it provides no objective basis for faith, including any reasons why faith should be exercised at all. As such, it is difficult to distinguish between belief and credulity.

Alternative theories that have been proposed to account for Jesus’ resurrection on naturalistic grounds have failed to account for the known historical facts.

There are many strong historical reasons to believe that Jesus was raised from the dead.

The disciples’ experiences

The transformation of the disciples into bold witnesses

The empty tomb

The resurrection of Jesus was the very center of the apostolic message.

The Jewish leaders could not disprove their message.

The very existence and growth of the church.

In this resurrected physical body Jesus appeared to more than five hundred of his disciples on twelve different occasions over a forty-day period and conversed with them (see Luke 24:13-49, 1 Corinthians 15:5-7, Acts 1:4-8, Matthew 28:1-10, John 20:24-31).

This was the greatest of all miracles since the creation itself, and could have been accomplished only if Jesus indeed is God, as He had claimed to be.

D Predictive Prophecies

Consider the following predictions made centuries in advanced that Jesus would be:

born of a woman (Genesis 3:15; cf. Galatians 4:4);

born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; cf. Matthew 1:21);

“cut off” (die) 483 years after the declaration to reconstruct the city of Jerusalem in 444 C. (Daniel 9:24);

of the seed of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3 and 22:18; cf. Mathew 1:1);

of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10, cf. Luke 3:23);

of the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12; cf. Matthew 1:1);

born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; cf. Matthew 2:1);

anointed by the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; cf. Mattthew 3:16-17);

that Jesus would performed miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6; cf. Matthew 9:35);

would cleanse the temple (Malachi 3:1; cf. Matthew 21:12);

would be rejected by Jews (Psalms 118:22; cf. 1 Peter 2:7);

die a humiliating death (Psalms 22; cf. Matthew 9:35);

that he would rise from the dead (Psalm 2:7 and 16:10; cf. Acts 2:31)

ascended into heaven (Psalm 68:8; cf. Acts 1:9);

and sit at the right hand of God (Psalm 110:1; cf. Hebrew 1:3).

It is important to understand that these prophecies were written hundreds of years before Christ was born. No one could have been reading the trends of the times or just making intelligent guesses, like the “prophecies” we see in the checkout line at the supermarket.

The post On Being Right – Dialectic Two Step written by Andrew Furst appeared on Andrew Furst.

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socialmediamarketing2sales-blog · 6 years

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21-social-media-marketing-tips-for-small-businesses

The social media universe can be an overwhelming place for small businesses. And, as a small business marketer, you’re likely strapped: for funds, time, and/or manpower. That means you need to enter the space with a game plan, because without a game plan, social media marketing can be as much of an exercise in existential crises as Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.

So where do you start? What do you post? How do you measure?

Luckily, many people have been through this looking glass before, so they can provide some guidance.

I asked the experts for their best social media tips, and here’s what they had to say.

Jump to a section:

Getting Started

Where Should I Post?

What Should I Post?

Scheduling

Boosting Engagement

Measuring Returns

Getting Started:

The rabbit-hole went straight on like a tunnel for some way, and then dipped suddenly down, so suddenly that Alice had not a moment to think about stopping herself before she found herself falling down what seemed to be a very deep well.

-Chapter 1

It can be very easy, when it comes to social media, to think of it as a rabbit hole: it’s a fairly simple concept, but who knows what it’ll require of you once you begin. When making the case for yourself or a team member to get started with social media, here are some things the experts suggest you keep in mind.

1. A lack of social presence makes customers question your legitimacy.

“It’s no longer a question of “if” you should get on social media, but instead “what” social media you should focus on. Any business with a social media presence is automatically viewed as more competent, focused, and thoughtful than competitors that do not. An active social media presence is even better, since it shows customers that your company runs smoothly and takes care of everything, down to the online marketing presence.”

-Amy Dalcanton, Marketing Specialist at Unlimited | Sotheby’s International Realty, @Unlimited_SIR

2. Combat that lack of presence by front-loading new profiles with content..

“When you’re just getting started, I suggest pushing as much as content as possible, as consistently as possible. Don’t worry so much whether “it’s brand appropriate;” you just want to get started and build content.”

-Jas Banwait, Growth Marketing Expert at JasBanwait.co, @JasBanwait

3. That said, you don’t have to be an every-man. In fact, it might be more effective if you’re not.

“Marketing on social media takes finding your niche and building a relationship there. Trying to reach a broad audience will fail.”

-Nick Leffler, Owner of Your Brand By Nick Leffler, @Nick_Leffler

4. Knowing your target customer can help develop a niche voice on social.

“Developing buyer personas is a great way to narrow down your target audience. Your product/service isn’t for everyone, so make sure you’re speaking to the right people.”

-Ashton Haywood, Marketing Specialist at Software Advice, @SoftwareAdvice, @ItsAshtonLynne

5. Don’t over-process your posts.

“Be human! A lot of organizations are afraid of making mistakes on social – they’ll run their posts through 20 different people and approval processes before actually posting, and the result comes across as robotic and bland. People don’t respond to that!”

-Brandon Echter, Engagement Manager at Science Friday, @SciFri, @BEchter

Where Should I Post?

“How do you know I’m mad?” said Alice.

“You must be,” said the Cat, “or you wouldn’t have come here.”

-Chapter 6

There’s been a prevailing attitude over the past decade or so that you need to be on platform X, or that you may as well not exist if you’re not on platform Y *cough FACEBOOK cough*. But the winds are changing. And today, no platform is a requirement.

6. Start where your customers are.

“Just because you love reddit doesn’t mean your customers are there. Figure out where your ideal customers are already hanging out and learn how to use that platform to reach them. It’s much easier to go to them than to try to bring them over to your favourite space.”

-Anita Kirkbride, Head Twirp at Twirp Communications, @AnitaKirkbride

7. Take on what you can handle–and nothing more.

“Planning, creating, scheduling social media content and having conversations with potential customers takes time. If you sign up for every social media channel under the sun, you will be spreading yourself too thin and your content will perform poorly”

-Danica Benson, Marketing Communications Manager at RivalIQ, @RivalIQ

8. Don’t sweat it if you’re not on the

latest

craze.

“Some businesses may never make it to Instagram or Snapchat – but that’s okay! Concentrate on your target audience and your goals from social media. In the world of choosing social platforms to concentrate on for small businesses, less is often always more.”

-Jessica Kornfeind, Senior Marketing Manager at PrimePay, @JesKorn

What Should I Post?

“Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle.”

-Chapter 2

What sort of content is your audience interested in? It’s going to take a lot of trial and error to figure that out. But these experts provide a good jumping off point:

9. Take your cues from the successes of others.

“You can find ideas anywhere; be sure to analyze and watch what your competitors are doing/posting. It’s also important to monitor what other businesses and companies are doing that catches your attention. Sign up for social media articles and tips from experts so you can daily or weekly receive emails with all sorts of tips, new information and social updates.”

-Erin Siefring, Social Media Coordinator at Totally Promotional, @TPromotional

10. Entertaining and useful content is better than promotional content.

“People go on social media to be entertained, not to be marketed at. Therefore, whatever your company puts on social media should be built to engage first and market second, if at all.”

-Nicholas Berry, Digital Marker at American Image Displays, @Am_Img_Displays

“Being ‘useful’ to your followers is crucial for engaging an audience. A genuine approach actually enables business owners to save time… one well thought out post will bring more engagement than 10 terrible posts.”

-Jayme Pretzloff, Director of Marketing at Wixon Jewelers, @WixonJewelers

11. Images are key.

“Use high quality, crisp visuals. Recent research shows images increase social media engagement: Twitter updates with images in them receive 150% more retweets than those without and Facebook posts with images in them receive 2.3 times more engagement than those without. Canva is a fantastic resource for creating custom images, with free and low-cost options available.”

-Emily Sidley, Senior Director of Publicity at Three Girls Media, @EmilySidleyPR

Related: Top 7 Free Photoshop Alternatives for Better Social Media

Scheduling

“My dear, here we must run as fast as we can, just to stay in place. And if you wish to go anywhere you must run twice as fast as that.”

― Through the Looking Glass

Social media can seem like a daunting task; there’s always more to do and little time to accomplish it. With so much to do, how do you accomplish it all?

12. Consider a posting plan, to start.

“Lots of small businesses get so caught up in ROI, strategy,and SEO that they forget the most important part: to post consistently. So many businesses are so wrapped up in the overthinking that they leave their pages out of date by months or years – dinging their credibility when a potential client looks them up online to see what they are all about. My best tip for small businesses just getting started is to come up with simple posting plan to start – and then actually carry out that plan consistently over time. Once you get comfortable posting on a regular basis, you can invest more time and money in a deeper strategy.”

-Stacy Erickson Edwards, Founder of Organized Social Media, @OrganizedSM

13. Invest in a scheduling tool.

“Investing in a scheduling tool, like Buffer for Hootsuite, to schedule your social posts in advance. These tools will save you hours of time each week. Social scheduling tools allow you to schedule posts across multiple social channels for the day, week or month. This way you don’t spend 30-60 minutes every day on social media.”

-Danica Benson, Marketing Communications Manager at RivalIQ, @RivalIQ

Related: The Top 7 Free Social Media Management Software

Boosting Engagement

“How puzzling all these changes are! I’m never sure what I’m going to be, from one minute to another.”

―Chapter 5

Social media moves quickly, so you need to be a little more reactive than other channels. You need to be engaged with what’s happening; if you plan on just setting something up and walking away, you’re going to have a bad time.

14. Engagement is a two-way street.

“When people mention your company on social media, let them know that you’re listening. If it’s a question or positive comment, respond ASAP. If not, make sure to like or favorite the post so they know you saw it. Little gestures like this go a long way.”

-Kyle Massa, Content Associate at TeamSnap, @TeamSnap

15. Look local for cross-promotion opportunities.

“Engage locally and authentically! Look for local organizations with whom your business has a natural affinity of demographic crossover.

Find them, follow them and engage with them. Retweet and repost their content and look for opportunities to feature them in your content. Soon enough, if the connection is real, you’ll find their audience becomes your audience, too.”

-Will Scott, CEO of Search Influence, @SearchInfluence

16. Set yourself up for success: Optimize your other channels/content for social sharing.

“You can also use email to promote social media. Include your social icons/links within the footer of your emails to build an audience.”

-Lexi Pemberton, Vendor Marketing Associate at Capterra, @Capterra

“Include social share icons with proper functionality on your web pages. Icons with ‘share’ functionality should be placed on article pages, and icons with ‘follow’ functionality should be placed in the footer or header.”

-Leslie Handmaker, Digital Marketer at LeslieHandmaker.com

Measuring Returns

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”

“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.

― Chapter 6

One of the biggest challenges any social media manager faces is proving the return on investment. It’s easy to say ‘we need to be on social media,’ but–for small businesses where resources are sparse–the executive team often needs to see how you’re moving the needle.

17. Take advantage of the built-in analytics tools.

“You can’t manage what you don’t measure, but measuring social media ROI doesn’t have to be expensive. Small businesses can take advantage of the wealth of information provided in built-in, free analytics tools like Facebook Insights. The key is know what to measure – don’t worry too much about gathering a million followers. The important numbers to watch are engagement and impressions.”

-Natalie O’Grady, Social Media Specialist at A.Wordsmith, @MissNatalieJ

18. Define what success looks like to you and build from there.

“In terms of measuring ROI, it depends on your business objectives. If increasing your following is a major goal, create a simple shared doc or spreadsheet with others on your team and record the number of followers per channel at the beginning of the month. Then, once a week or once a month, go back and write in the most current follower counts. This will show you where you’re growing, stalling or losing ground…

If web traffic is a goal (and it probably should be), set yourself up with a Google Analytics account so that you can measure all of the pertinent metrics that show where your visitors are coming from, which channels are the sources of valuable traffic, how long do people stay and read your content before bouncing, and whether they leave your page quickly or visit other pages on your site. This data will help you develop a solid strategy and ensure you’re not simply spinning your wheels with social media or blogging efforts.”

-Jason Myers, Senior Account Executive at The Content Factory, @ContentFac

19. Don’t get swayed by vanity metrics.

“Most businesses only focus on vanity metrics like number of followers, likes, and retweets. Those can be a good measure of your success, but they can also be deceiving. Not every follower is useful to you. Is it better to have 1,000 great followers that could potentially be customers one day or 10,000 followers that are in a different country that will never buy from you. It’s pretty obvious that you’d rather have the 1,000. High numbers don’t always mean great success.

I’d recommend figuring out what action you really want your followers to make. Do you want them to click through to your website? Do you want to start more conversations with them through social? Do you want them to claim an offer that you’re sharing specifically through social media? Define the action that you want them to take and start tracking it. Social media is at least as much about branding as it is marketing so if you make sure that you’re putting your best foot forward and branding yourself as an authority in your industry, you’ll be just fine!”

-Dustin Brackett, CEO of HIVE Digital Strategy, @HIVE_Strategy @DBrackett88

20. Test constantly

“Testing of your social media content needs to be ongoing, and there should always be a monthly, if not weekly discussion as a team on what content is performing either well or poorly, and what can be done to remedy that. This can be fixed by optimizing timing of posts, stronger call to actions, curation of industry content, etc.”

-Melissa Fears, Social Media Specialist at Anvil Media, @MJFears

21. Be patient! It’s a learning experience.

“Be patient! A lot of small business owners don’t know about all of a platform’s capabilities, or get frustrated when they don’t see a high engagement rate or grand following right away. If you’re not getting the results you want, spend a little more time going back to basics. Optimize your Facebook Page, follow relevant accounts on Twitter, post regularly to Instagram, and so on.”

-Kelly Jacobson, Content Creator and Social Media Manager at Illumine8 Marketing and PR, @Illumine8PR

Well, there you have it: advice straight from the experts.

Which one of these tips did you find most actionable? Or do you have a favorite tip I missed? Let me know in the comments!

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chicagopdlover · 6 years

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24: Live Another Day

Edit In May 2013, Deadline first reported that Fox was considering a limited-run “event series” for 24 based on a concept by Howard Gordon , after failed efforts to produce the 24 feature film and the cancellation of Kiefer Sutherland ‘s series Touch . David Fury confirmed on Twitter that he would also be involved, pulling “double duty” with Gordon’s new series Tyrant . [1] The following week, Fox officially announced 24: Live Another Day , a limited-run series of twelve episodes that would feature the return of Jack Bauer . Fox CEO Kevin Reilly said that the series would essentially represent the twelve “most important” hours of a typical 24 season, with jumps forward between hours as needed. As with the rest of Fox’s push into event programming, the production was promised to have “a big scope and top talent and top marketing budgets.” Reilly also noted that the project could pave the way for sequel series in the future. [2] In the press release, Gordon said: “ Jack Bauer has always been an exciting, thrilling character, and I confess that I’ve missed him. I think the audience has too. The character has evolved through the years, and this new and exciting event series format is perfect to tell the next chapter of his story and continue to reflect how the world is changing. Fans can rest assured that the Jack they know and love will be back. ” Kiefer Sutherland , who was confirmed to executive produce and star in the new series, added: “ The response to ‘24’ is unlike anything I have ever experienced as an actor before. To have the chance to reunite with the character, Jack Bauer, is like finding a lost friend. The story ideas from Howard Gordon are exciting and fresh, and will not disappoint. Great thanks to 20th Century Fox Television, Imagine Television and the FOX network for this opportunity. Make no mistake, my goal is to knock your socks off. See you soon. ” In June, it was announced that Jon Cassar was signed to executive produce and direct multiple episodes of Live Another Day , including the first two. [3] Executive producers and writers Robert Cochran , Manny Coto and Evan Katz also returned, with Coto and Katz serving as showrunners. [4] [5] Sean Callery composed the score for the series. [6] The writing process began on July 1 , with David Fury pitching the first episode. [7] The first episode, ” 11:00am-12:00pm “, was written by Evan Katz & Manny Coto [8] and the second, ” 12:00pm-1:00pm “, by Robert Cochran and David Fury . [9] Returning 24 director Milan Cheylov directed episodes 9 and 10. [10] On July 11 , 2013 , executive producer Brian Grazer announced in an interview that the 24 miniseries would “be a limited series that would then spin off into a series itself. Fox is doing it, Fox studio and Fox network, and we’re totally thrilled by that.” [11] Casting After Kiefer Sutherland , Mary Lynn Rajskub was announced as the second official cast member in August 2013 , reprising her role as Chloe O’Brian . [12] In September 2013, it was revealed Kim Raver was negotiating a deal to return as Audrey . It was also revealed that the new President of the United States would be a character the audience has met before, leading to speculation that William Devane ‘s James Heller would be returning as President. [13] On October 4 it was confirmed that both Raver and Devane had signed deals to rejoin the cast. [14] In November 2013, Canadian actor Michael Wincott was announced as the first new cast member, portraying an infamous hacker and activist named Adrian . [15] Soon after, Gbenga Akinnagbe and Giles Matthey were cast as series regulars, playing CIA agents Erik Ritter and Jordan Reed . [16] At the TCA panel on January 13, 2014, Fox announced that Yvonne Strahovski had joined the cast as Kate Morgan , a CIA field operative on the trail of Jack Bauer. [17] The same week, Emmy Award -nominated film and television actor Benjamin Bratt was announced to play the role of Steve Navarro , the CIA’s London chief of operations. [18] Tate Donovan was announced to play Audrey Raines’ new husband and White House Chief of Staff Mark Boudreau . [19] On January 24, the casting of renowned actor and comedian Stephen Fry as British Prime Minister Trevor Davies was announced. [20] In December 2013, two-time Oscar nominee Judy Davis was cast as Margot Al-Harazi , a British national and the widow of a notorious terrorist. [21] However, in February, Davis left the role after personal matters prevented her from traveling to London for filming. [22] Davis was replaced by Game of Thrones actress Michelle Fairley . [23] In December 2013, David Fury sent out a pair of tweets suggesting that Carlos Bernard could return to portray Tony Almeida . [24] Bernard ultimately did not appear, but an ” extra scene ” involving Almeida will appear on the season Blu-ray Disc set . [25] Filming Edit 24: Live Another Day filmed on location in London , United Kingdom . [26] Pre-production and location scouting by the crew, including Jon Cassar , began in November 2013. [27] The production offices for Live Another Day were based in the Gillette Building in west London, previously used for films such as Red 2 . [28] Production began on January 6 , 2014 , with filming scheduled to occur from January 25 through June 13 . [29] Promotion Edit A 45-second teaser titled “Street Chaos,” featuring Jack Bauer and Chloe O’Brian , was filmed on January 21 for debut during the February 2 Super Bowl XLVIII telecast on Fox . Several short fifteen-second clips were released on YouTube during the pre-game broadcast. The first promo featuring footage from the new episodes, titled “The Clock Starts Ticking”, aired on Fox on March 9, 2014. On April 7, ” Jack Is Back “, a half-hour behind-the-scenes featurette featuring interviews with cast and crew members, was released on Fox.com and other outlets. On April 11, a new movie-style trailer was released, along with the debut of a viral marketing campaign focusing on Chloe O’Brian and her new organization Open Cell . A fifteen-second TV spot features Chloe warning viewers that Jack is innocent and directing them to Open-Cell.org to learn more. This was accompanied by similar radio advertisements and the “hacking” of Fox’s 24 Facebook and Twitter pages to link to posts on the website. Following each new episode, a new web feature called Connect24 , sponsored by Sprint , offered exclusive sneak peeks for the subsequent episode after the user completes certain “missions.” A 24 panel was held at the 2014 San Diego Comic-Con on July 26 , 2014 , featuring Kiefer Sutherland , Jon Cassar , and Yvonne Strahovski . [30] Release Edit In April, Amazon.com announced a deal with Fox Broadcasting Company to become the exclusive streaming carrier for 24: Live Another Day via its Amazon Prime service. [31] The first four episodes of Live Another Day were made available for purchase on Amazon.com starting on May 6 , 2014 , the day after the two-hour premiere. The series was simulcast in Canada, debuting on May 5, 2014, on Global . [32] In the United Kingdom, the series premiere aired on Sky1 at 1:00am on May 6 , 2014 simultaneous with the U.S. premiere, with the official premiere on May 7 and airing on Wednesdays thereafter. [33] Canal+ , which holds the airing rights in France, aired the premiere with a 40-minute delay from the U.S. airing. [34] On May 6, 2014, it premiered in Germany on Sky Deutschland , [35] in Mexico and Latin America on Canal Fox [36] in Greece and Cyprus on Fox , [37] and in the Philippines on Jack City — first at the exclusive time of 1:00 pm via satellite before airing in its regular primetime slot of 9:00 pm. [38] In Asia, the series aired on AXN , starting on May 6 on AXN Asia and May 9 on AXN India. [39] It was broadcast in Australia on Network Ten . [40] It also premiered in South Africa on May 29 , 2014 , on M-Net . [41] 24: Live Another Day was released on DVD and Blu-ray in the U.S. on September 30 , 2014 . [42] Among the special features is ” 24: Solitary “, a Blu-ray-exclusive “story extension” that addresses Tony Almeida ‘s fate following Season 7 . [25] Reception Edit As of May 7, 2014, 24: Live Another Day holds a rating of 70 out of 100 on the review aggregator site Metacritic, indicating “generally favorable” reviews.” [43] On Rotten Tomatoes, another review aggregator, the series currently holds a score of 84%, and is considered “Certified Fresh.” [44] The two-hour premiere episode received generally positive reviews. Merrill Barr ( Forbes ) compared the premiere favorably to previous seasons of 24 , stating that “The audience is given reason to care about Jack and his associates again because events are given reason to matter again… Here, much like in seasons one and two , everything ties together. The plot Jack’s trying to stop has a direct connection to the lives of multiple supporting characters he’s yet to interact with. It’s this dynamic that made the show great once, and will make it great again.” [45] Aaron Riccio ( Slant Magazine ) wrote that the twelve-episode format was a promising development, and that “the result is a leaner, scrappier 24 that is both firmly within its comfort zone…and somehow outside it, with Jack and the other returning characters more readily showing the wear and tear of their profession.” [46] Other reviews were less positive; Jeff Jensen ( Entertainment Weekly ) criticized the reuse of story elements and character archetypes, concluding that “Despite the high-grade action, the premiere is more a showcase for everything that was bad about 24 than a reminder of everything that was good.” [47] Reception for the season’s finale was generally positive [48] [49] and ratings for the finale were up to 21% from the previous installment. [50] Despite airing in mid-2014, Live Another Day competed in the 2014-2015 season at the Primetime Emmy Awards , as it had not aired half of its episodes by the May 31 , 2014 deadline to qualify for the 2013-2014 awards. [51] Live Another Day was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards in the Miniseries or Movie category: Outstanding Music Composition (Original Dramatic Score), Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing, and Outstanding Sound Editing. Media tie-ins

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