#Review:

[malicedafirenze]

The Sharing Knife by Lois McMaster Bujold - Recommendation and Discussion

I'm backing up all my book reviews from reddit. This was originally posted on /r/Fantasy on 2018/03/18

I already made a post about the first book in the series a few weeks, but I want to elaborate now that I've read the whole series.

I'll try to make this post work as a recommendation for people who haven't read it, so spoilers will be tagged.

The Basics:

The Sharing Knife is a story about a young farmer girl who meets an older lakewalker, a kind of soldier-sorcerer. They fall in love and eventually realize that magical and non-magical people need to work together against the malices (life-stealing magic entities) or both will be doomed.

The sub-genre would be best described as romance/adventure, I suppose, with a lot of the plot focusing on relatively "mundane" events, but with bits of action here and there.

Themes and Scope: I liked that Sharing Knife is pretty "slice of life", even though the later books lead on that some fairly world-changing events are happening, or at least being set into motion. The overall focus on the relationship between the cultures of lakewalkers and farmers makes for pretty interesting worldbuilding I think.

Not a Standalone: It's obviously a series, but I thought it more extreme for this one than for other series that the first book cannot and should not really stand on its own. As I explained in my other post, I was somewhat underwhelmed by the plot of the first book because basically all the action happens right at the start and I'm not a big fan of plots solely about weddings. The balance works a lot better if you look at the whole series as two big volumes (one/two and three/four) or even one big story.

Family Issues: Both protagonist have a number of issues with their families on a very relatable scale. Fawn's issues in the first book particularly resonated with me, where she is starting to become more confident once away from her family, but slips back into old insecure habits once she is back in those surroundings. I've been there both with some members of my family and with certain groups of friends, and found it incredibly relatable to read: this feeling that you don't particularly like yourself around a certain group of people or that you just lose all confidence if you're around people who have a tendency to pick on you, even if it's for minor things.

Ground Sense: I loved the workings and descriptions of Ground Sense (the lakewalkers' magic, their underlying sense of the 'spirit' of everything around them, but especially living things). Some of the concepts, like changing the Ground / essence of something in the 'spiritual world' seemed really familiar to me, but I'm not sure where to place it. I guess Shadesmar and Soulcasting from the Stormlight Archive have similarities, but I'm not sure if it doesn't also remind me of something else. What other books have a 'magic system' where everything has an 'essence' or 'spirit' and the physical of it can be changed by modifying that spirit, if you have the skill/magic powers to do so?

Romance: I always find myself pining for more romance in most of the fantasy that I read, and I quite liked it in Sharing Knife, after getting over the characters' age gap. Because the later books' "drama" is much more focused on the world around the characters rather than any conflict between them, the romance got much less prominent. Which is nice, I guess. I wouldn't have wanted there to be any artificial drama between them, but it's not really romance anymore if it's just a story about a couple? Idk, I like more turbulent relationships I guess, but it was also nice for a change to just have an established couple with no pointless issues between them.

'Women's Health': I liked that pregnancy and miscarriage are both fairly big themes/plot points at some point in the series, since that is something so often left out of fantasy/adventure books. Sharing Knife is pretty 'open' about such things and I thought that was a fresh change. very minor complaint

Gender Roles: Sharing Knife does a pretty amazing job of having female characters who fit into traditional gender roles and expectations (Fawn, for example) while still letting them be interesting and relatable characters. There's no 'not like the other girls' and no 'strong independent woman ^^tm syndrome, but there are women who patrol and fight etc. and both that and being a traditional housewife are presented without any sort of judgement for the other, which I think is really nice since a lot of fiction still tends to look down on traditional femininity.

Book 4 Action: All the books have their action sequences with a real sense of danger, but hot damn I didn't expect shit to get that real in book four. book 4 spoiler

Sequels: I thought the events set into motion towards the end of the series, meaning book 4 spoilers, would make for a super interesting sequel, perhaps set a few decades later.

I really enjoyed Sharing Knife in a... special kind of way. It was all really warming, somehow. There's conflict and danger sometimes, but all in all it's a really comfortable-feeling story, it's got a certain kind of coziness to it.

I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who likes romance and slice-of-life types of stories.

So yeah thank you /r/fantasy, as usual, for recommending good books to me and I hope to pass on the favor :D

Edit: forgot to mention: I listened to the whole series as audiobook read by Bernadette Dunne. Very good audiobook and pleasant narrator :)

#book review #the sharing knife #lois mcmaster bujold #fantasy books

[jcmarchi]

Car Transport: What You Need to Know Before Shipping Your Car - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/car-transport-what-you-need-to-know-before-shipping-your-car-technology-org/

Car Transport: What You Need to Know Before Shipping Your Car - Technology Org

Car transfer is a trip that has to be well considered and understood before beginning. When shipping your automobile, it’s important to know what to expect, whether you’re buying it from a distant vendor or relocating to a new place.  This guide explores five crucial points to ensure a smooth and informed car transport experience.

Driving car. Illustrative photo. Image credit: jeshoots.com via pexels.com, free license

1. Research Reputable Transport Companies

Initiate your car shipping process by researching reputable auto transport companies thoroughly. Delve into reviews, testimonials, and ratings from previous customers to gauge the reliability and performance of each potential service provider. Choosing a well-regarded company with positive feedback ensures a higher likelihood of receiving a secure and efficient car transport service. Other customers’ experiences can offer valuable insights into the professionalism, reliability, and overall quality of the auto transportation company, aiding you in making an informed decision that aligns with your car shipping needs.

In addition, think about asking friends, relatives, or coworkers for firsthand suggestions based on their automobile shipping experiences. Getting different viewpoints might help create a more thorough understanding of the different transportation firms. Remember to verify the licensing and insurance credentials of the chosen companies to ensure they meet industry standards, further ensuring a smooth and worry-free car shipping process for your vehicle.

2. Understand Different Transport Options

When embarking on car transport, it’s crucial to comprehend the different options available, primarily open and enclosed transport. Although open transit is less expensive, it exposes your automobile to the elements during the journey. This option is suitable for standard vehicles and those looking to minimize costs. However, covered transportation offers an extra degree of security against bad weather and falling objects on the road, even if it is more expensive.

It becomes especially useful when shipping expensive or vintage vehicles that need special handling. Choosing between these options should consider your vehicle type and budget constraints. Assess the advantages of each method carefully – open transport for cost-effectiveness and enclosed transport for added protection – to make an informed decision that aligns with your specific car transport needs.

3. Check Licensing and Insurance

Make sure the firm has the required insurance and license before choosing a car transport service. A licensed company indicates adherence to industry regulations, assuring that it operates within legal and professional boundaries. Insurance coverage is also very significant since it protects your car in case of any unanticipated damage or loss while being transported. Before finalizing your choice, meticulously verify and authenticate these credentials. This diligence not only ensures legal compliance on the part of the car transport company but also provides peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle is covered in the event of any unexpected incidents during its journey.

4. Obtain Clear Cost Estimates

In the process of arranging car transport, it is crucial to go beyond mere quotes and obtain detailed and transparent cost estimates from potential service providers. Pricing may be greatly impacted by a number of variables, such as the distance to be traveled, the kind of car being transported, and the mode of transportation used. Be vigilant for hidden fees and request a comprehensive breakdown of all associated expenses to avoid any surprises.

A reputable car transport company should provide clear and transparent communication about its pricing structure, ensuring that you have a thorough understanding of the financial aspects of the transportation service. This transparency allows you to plan your budget effectively and select a service provider that not only meets your car transport needs but also aligns with your financial considerations.

5. Prepare Your Vehicle

Prior to entrusting your car to the transport service, it’s essential to prepare your vehicle for a smooth and secure journey adequately. Start by removing all personal items from the car, ensuring it is empty and ready for transport. Make sure to carefully examine your car, taking note of any previous damage or flaws.

Taking photographs of these conditions provides visual documentation that can be valuable in the rare event of an issue during transport, serving as evidence for insurance claims or dispute resolution. Your automobile will be transported with transparency and ease if you prepare it well and keep track of its present condition. This will provide you with peace of mind for the duration of the trip.

Conclusion

Prioritizing research, understanding transport options, checking credentials, obtaining clear cost estimates, and preparing your vehicle are key considerations before shipping your car. You may go confidently through the auto shipment procedure if you adhere to these recommendations.

You can offer your link to a page which is relevant to the topic of this post.

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[eagleaifx]

Top 10 Forex Brokers 2023: Unbiased Reviews & Expert Insights

Navigating the Currency Waves: A Review of the Top 10 Forex Brokers Criteria for Ranking On Each Forex Broker Brief Overview Of Top 10 Forex Broker Vantagefx: GMI Edge Broker: FBS Broker: Pepperstone: IC Markets: OctaFX: Tickmill: TMGM: Lirunex: FXCM (Forex Capital Markets): Summary

Navigating the Currency Waves: A Review of the Top 10 Forex Brokers

The world of foreign exchange trading, or Forex, is a realm where currency pairs are traded 24 hours a day, offering a dynamic and lucrative avenue for seasoned traders and newcomers alike. The pulse of the global economy resonates through the Forex market, where over $6 trillion of currency exchanges hands each day. At the core of this bustling marketplace is an array of Forex brokers, the linchpins that connect individual traders to the vast currency exchange network. Choosing a reliable and well-suited broker is a crucial stepping stone on the path to trading success, as the right broker can significantly enhance the trading experience, offering superior platforms, insightful market analysis, and robust customer support. The essence of this article unfolds as a meticulous review of the top 10 Forex brokers specified in Asian region, shining a spotlight on the brokerage firms. Through a prism of defined criteria encompassing trading platforms, trading conditions, regulatory adherence, and customer support, we embark on a quest to sieve through the brokerage landscape and present a curated list of elite brokers. Whether you are a novice trader setting sail on your trading voyage, or a seasoned trader looking to switch brokers, this article aims to provide a well-rounded perspective to aid in making an informed decision.

As we delve deeper into the intricacies of each broker, we'll explore their unique selling propositions, evaluate their service offerings, and analyze user reviews to paint a vivid picture of what traders can expect. The culmination of this exploration is a comprehensive compilation that not only reviews but ranks these brokers, offering a beacon of insight in the stormy seas of Forex trading. So, without further ado, let’s navigate through the waves of the Forex brokerage world, and set a course towards finding a broker that’s the perfect co-pilot on your trading journey.

Criteria for Ranking On Each Forex Broker

These criteria serve as the yardstick to gauge the competence, reliability, and overall excellence of the brokers in question. Let’s navigate through the key parameters that will steer the evaluation and ranking of the top 10 Forex brokers: - Trading Platforms: - A broker's trading platform is the trader's gateway to the Forex markets. The evaluation will consider the user-friendliness, stability, and technological prowess of the trading platforms offered. - Features like charting tools, market analysis, order execution speed, and mobile trading capabilities will be scrutinized. - Trading Conditions: - Trading conditions encapsulate aspects like spreads, leverage, and order types available. - The transparency and competitiveness of a broker's trading conditions are paramount for ensuring traders can maximize their potential profits while minimizing costs. - Regulation and Licensing: - A broker's adherence to regulatory standards and licensing by reputable financial authorities is a testimony to its credibility and the safety of traders' funds. - The geographical extent of regulation and compliance with international financial standards will also be assessed. - Customer Support: - Exceptional customer support is the backbone of a satisfactory trading experience. - The availability, responsiveness, and expertise of the customer support team, alongside the variety of channels available for support (e.g., live chat, email, phone), will be evaluated. - Educational Resources: - An array of educational resources is crucial for helping traders hone their skills and stay updated with market trends. - The quality, accessibility, and variety of educational materials, including webinars, articles, and interactive learning tools, will be assessed. - Asset Variety: - A diverse offering of tradable assets, including currency pairs, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, provides traders with ample opportunities to diversify their trading portfolio. - The evaluation will also consider the market access and the ease of trading different assets. - Deposit and Withdrawal Options: - Seamless and flexible deposit and withdrawal options enhance the overall trading experience. - The security, speed, and variety of payment methods, alongside the transparency of the fee structure, will be examined. - User Reviews and Reputation: - The reputation of a broker within the trading community and the overall user satisfaction are indicative of the broker's quality and reliability. - Authentic user reviews and testimonials, alongside ratings on reputable review platforms, will be taken into account. - Additional Features: - Brokers that offer additional features like social trading, automated trading, or personalized account management services add a layer of value to their offerings. - The usability and benefits of these additional features will be evaluated. The meticulous examination of these criteria aims to provide a holistic insight into the brokers' service quality, reliability, and potential to provide a conducive trading environment. Each of the aforementioned parameters will be dissected and analyzed, laying the foundation for a comprehensive and enlightening review of the top 10 Forex brokers that aim to steer traders towards a rewarding trading journey.

Brief Overview Of Top 10 Forex Broker

Vantagefx:

- Country of Operation: Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and operates in 172 countries​​. - Regulatory Status: Regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Financial Services Authority (FSA)​. - Trading Platform: Offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and the Vantage FX app for trading​​. - Trading Conditions: - Minimum Deposit: £200. - Maximum Leverage: 1:30 for retail clients on major forex currency pairs, and up to 1:500 for professional clients. - Spreads: As low as 1 pip for EUR/USD. - Commission: Offers commission-free trading account. - Negative Balance Protection: Available for both retail and pro clients​​. - Asset Variety: - Offers trading on a wide variety of assets including forex, indices, metals, energies, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and shares​​. - Deposit and Withdrawal Options: - Deposit Methods: The specific methods aren't mentioned, but they offer a wide range of deposit methods according to their official website. - Withdrawal Fees: Neteller withdrawals incur a 2% fee; Skrill withdrawals incur a 1% fee. A Neteller deposit fee covered by Vantage of 4.9% + 0.29 USD will be deducted from the withdrawal amount for clients residing in Vietnam​. - Customer Support: - Award-winning 24/5 customer support is available to assist traders, although 24/7 support is not provided​​. - Copy Trade Features: - Copy Trading Program: Vantage has a program where experienced traders (League Traders) share their portfolio, and other traders (Copiers) can follow these experienced traders’ portfolios via PAMM technology.​. - AutoTrade: An account mirroring service where only successful FOREX traders are available for auto copying. All traders must be verified and have a proven successful track record before being approved by AutoTrade​. - DupliTrade: An automatic trade copying service where traders can copy experienced traders by connecting to DupliTrade with a minimum account funding of $2,000​. - Upgraded Copy Trading Features: Vantage has upgraded its copy trading features allowing traders to copy trades from signal providers at the click of a button or apply to become signal providers themselves​​. - Users Review and Reputation: - BrokerChooser awarded VantageFX a rating of 4.2 out of 5, highlighting the pros such as low non-trading fees, quick account opening, and smooth deposit and withdrawal processes. However, they also mentioned some cons like a limited product selection and room for improvement in customer service​​. - VantageFX has garnered a reputable standing in the forex trading community based on various reviews and ratings from different platforms. Here's a summary of the reviews and reputation of VantageFX: - Global Reputation: - VantageFX is recognized as a top forex broker with an excellent global reputation. Having commenced operations in 2009 based out of Australia, it has since expanded to numerous locations and has built a substantial worldwide trader base​​. - Customer Reviews: - On Trustpilot, a user praised VantageFX for being a good broker with friendly customer support and prompt payout processes. They also appreciated the sufficient range of trading instruments provided by the broker​​. - Regulatory Standing: - Forex Peace Army mentions that Vantage Markets (VantageFX) is regulated by ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), and CIMA (Cayman Islands), which is a strong indicator of its legitimacy and adherence to international financial standards​​. - Industry Recognition: - VantageFX, noted for being a well-established and often awarded Australian FX/CFD broker, has undergone evolution over the years to foster a more serious and reputable appearance within the trading community​.

VantageFX seems to provide a well-rounded trading environment with a variety of trading conditions, a broad spectrum of assets, multiple deposit and withdrawal options, responsive customer support, and robust copy trading features to cater to different types of traders. Read more details review for Vantagefx broker to learn more. Register Vantagefx GMI Edge Broker:

- Country of Operation: Initially established in Shanghai, it expanded to have offices within China, Auckland, and London​. - Regulatory Status: Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius​. - Trading Platform: Offers MT4, Alpine Trader, ClearPro, MTF, and Currenex platforms for trading​​. - Trading Conditions: - Minimum Deposit: The minimum deposit required to open a standard trading account is $25, and for social trading, the minimum deposit is $500​. - Leverage: Up to 1:2000 leverage is available for trading​. - Commission: There is no commission charged on trades, and the broker offers contract sizes of 100,000 base currency​. - Asset Variety: - GMI Broker provides over 40 forex currency pairs, indices, energy, gold, and silver for trading​. - Deposit and Withdrawal Options: - The broker facilitates simple and secure deposit and withdrawal methods. Deposit top-ups are quick, especially during low margin calls, and withdrawals are processed within 24 hours without any extra fees​​. - Deposit methods include Local Bank Transfer, Neteller, Skrill, Perfect Money, DragonPay, and FasaPay​. - Customer Support: - GMI Broker offers online customer support available 24/5 to assist traders with account management and other queries​. - Copy Trade Features: - Platform: GMI Social Trading Edge platform is used for copy trading with MAM technology , which allows traders to copy the trades of master traders directly​​. - Master Traders: A global community of experienced 'Master Traders' are available to be followed​. - Profit Sharing: Traders share a percentage of their profits with the Master Traders they choose to follow, with the percentage agreed upon in advance​​. - Control: Traders have complete control over which trades they want to copy, with real-time monitoring of Master Traders’ performances to help decide when to start and stop following their trades​​. - User Reviews and Reputation: GMI edge broker is well trusted and have a good reputation in overall in markets according to our research and analysis with more than ten years of history in the forex market. - User Reviews: User reviews can provide a glimpse into the experiences of individuals who have used GMI broker. You can find reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Forex Peace Army, wikifx or similar review sites. - Global Reputation: GMI egge broker, or Global Market Index, seems to have established a presence in the Forex trading industry. They may have a strong reputation in certain regions, but like many brokers, their reputation may vary across different geographic locations. - Regulatory Standing: GMI brokers is regulated by financial authorities like FCA and VFSC. Regulatory information can be found on the broker's official website or through financial regulatory authorities' websites. - Industry Recognition: GMI broker has received industry awards, including recognition as the Best Liquidity Provider Platform, Best Broker Support for Traders, Best Trading Platform for Traders, and Best Trading Environment for Traders within the financial trading industry, which can be indicative of their standing within the industry.

The GMI Broker's offering seems to cater to a wide range of traders from beginners to advanced, providing various trading conditions and features to enhance the trading experience, read more details review for GMI Edge broker to learn more. Register GMI Broker Read more review here https://eagleaifx.com/best-forex-broker-for-trading-2023/ Read the full article

#best forex #forex review #forex broker #best forex broker #forex broker review #forextrading

[thorntonhoneycutt12]

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[randomrichards]

MCLAREN REVIEW 1: HAND-PAINTED ABSTRACTIONS

Before he became the abstract animator we know and love, Norman McLaren was an artist studying set design at the Glasgow School of Art. Then his life changed when he laid eyes on Oskar Fischinger’s animated short film Study No. 7[i]. It was the images of abstract shapes moving in tune to the Braham’s’ Hungarian Dance No. 5 that he had found “the medium to express my feelings about music.”[ii] This led him to join a group of experimental artists in the Kinecraft Society[iii]. “We realized here was a new area not really being explored just been invented about 20 or 30 years ago”[iv] McLaren later said.

So, McLaren collaborated with Stewart McAllister to make their debut abstract short film Hand-Painted Abstraction. Sadly, the original print was worn beyond repair and McLaren didn’t make an extra print.[1] But from what I could gather from research, this film showed early signs of his trademark techniques.

It’s his first film and already he’s applying his trademark technique of drawing/painting on the film strip. The funny thing is this was first used out of necessity. Despite being a filmmaking club, the Kinecraft Society lacked one thing necessary make movies: a camera. All they had was a 35 mm projector and used commercial films. (pg. 33)[v] But as the old saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” “I begged an old print of a commercial film,” he recalls “soaked it in the family bathtub for about two weeks – so no one could have a bath for two weeks – to get off the emulsion, to make it clear.”[vi]

Then he and McAllister painted on the film using “a very limited range of semi-transparent dyes, shoe-polish and India ink.” Well, they tried drawing in every single frame. But they got first-hand experience to the tediousness that comes with modifying images frame by frame to create movement (Pg. 33.)[vii] As YouTuber Alessandro Sabbadini points out “The film frame was tiny. A mere 16 or 35 mm across. And drawing onto such a tiny area meant that the image could only be very simple.”[viii] The result is what the technical notes describes as “The very rapid fluctuations of patterns and the very fast music created an acceptable random synchronization.” (Pg. 20)[ix] I imagine McLaren would eventually develop the self-discipline needed to make animated films.

The lack of existing film makes it impossible to review this short. But McLaren’s recollections indicated it wasn’t his best work. “It was like an endless band of effects.” He stated. “It had no climax or conclusion.” While his Technical notes states the film was “designed to be accompanied by discs of any fast jazz or popular music,” it also points out that it had a “total disregard for the frame line or for synchronization with the music.” Though McLaren later said that he and McAllister found that “when we used very fast popular music of the day, the tempo of the music was so fast and what was in front of the eye was so fast, that there was more than a 50% feeling of synchronization.”[x]

Of course, there’s no shame in someone’s first student film not being a masterpiece. This was an early period for movies, and it was less than 10 years ago that we got full length talking pictures. Besides, this would be a moment in a filmmaker’s life when they’re figuring out their style. I imagine that McLaren would be imitating Fischinger’s style along with that of fellow influences like Emile Cohl and Alexander Alexeieff. Again, no shame in this. Student filmmakers aren’t going to have it all figured out on their first try and trying out the styles of other filmmakers can give them clarity on why the other filmmaker’s style works.

Hand-Painted Abstractions is a tragic reminder of the many early films lost forever to history due to negligence. It is a shame because this film would offer a glimpse of how McLaren grew as a filmmaker.

[1] Let that be a lesson, kids; always make a copy of your work.

[i] Study no. 7. (1931). [DVD]. Germany.

[ii] A National Film Board of Canada production in association with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Channel Four Television. (1990). Creative process: Norman McLaren. Ottawa?

[iii] Dobson, N. (2019). Norman McLaren: Between the frames. Bloomsbury Academic.

[iv] A National Film Board of Canada production in association with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Channel Four Television. (1990). Creative process: Norman McLaren. Ottawa?

[v] DODSON, T. (2017). Film work of Norman McLaren. JOHN LIBBEY & CO LTD.

[vi] British Broadcasting Corporation. (1972). the eye hears and the ear sees [DVD].

[vii] DODSON, T. (2017). Film work of Norman McLaren. JOHN LIBBEY & CO LTD.

[viii] YouTube. (2021). What About Norman McLaren? YouTube. Retrieved July 1, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhR2OCLqZfM.

[ix] McLaren, N. (2006). Technical notes. National Film Board of Canada. http://www3.nfb.ca/archives_mclaren/notech/NT04EN.pdf

[x] A National Film Board of Canada production in association with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Channel Four Television. (1990). Creative process: Norman McLaren. Ottawa?

#Hand painted abstractions #norman mclaren #random richards reviews #random richards #movie review #analysis #film analysis #national film board of canada #nfb #Creative Process #What about Norman McLaren #Film Work of Norman McLaren #Terrence Dobson #The Eye hears the ear sees #Study Number 7 #Stewart McAllister #Oskar Fischinger

[teenageread]

Review: Swimming in the Sea of Stars

Synopsis:

Journal entry: Heading to school. I know what everyone will say.  There goes the girl who tried to kill herself.

Addison is no stranger to feeling stressed, insecure, and sad. Her therapist recommended she keep a journal to help her understand those feelings better, which she really needs today. It’s her first day back to school, several weeks after she survived her suicide attempt. She knows there are rumors about why she did it: A lousy home life? Bullying? Heartbreak? None of them are true, but it doesn’t matter because Addison still feels like she’s drowning. She still holds secrets she’s not ready to share.

During the school day, Addison encounters four other students struggling with their own secrets:

Cooper is anxious about seeing Addison. They were sort of a couple until he tried to kiss her. She fled and then tried to end her life. Those two things couldn’t be related, could they?

Celia feels trapped by her mother’s abusive boyfriend. She can guess why Addison did what she did.

Damion is TikTok-famous and thinks befriending Addison could boost his followers. But what no one knows is he needs the world to remember him since his sick mom doesn’t anymore.

Avery is considered a loner and doesn’t know Addison, but they have neighboring lockers. With Avery’s older brother in jail for dealing drugs, Avery is desperate for meaningful human connection.

Plot:

A month after she attempted suicide, Addison found herself going back to her high school, trying to get her life back on track. Keeping journal entries like her therapist recommended, Addison recounts her first day back to high school and talks about the people she meets, the people she tries to avoid, and her general uneasy feeling of being gawked at. Where the gawking does happen, Addison finds herself interacting with others who like her, have bigger things going on than just high school. In the washroom she meets Celia, someone who is being abused by her mother’s boyfriend, and has to sneak away to the safety of school each day. In the halls, she meets Damion, a TikTok famous influencer who is desperate for public acknowledgment of his existence because he does not get it at home. Damion is also connected to Avery, an old childhood friend who needs Damion for a favor as she tries to put her family back together through the addition of a new member. Addison also runs into Booker, despite trying to avoid him, her ex-almost-boyfriend who doesn't understand why Addison tries to end her life after their almost kiss. What's worse is that when Addison tried to end her life, Booker’s best friend and cousin is fighting for his life as his cancer diagnosis indicates that hope might not cut it. Taken within a day, these five teens' lives are irreversibly changed as they are all interconnected and interact in what some might consider a normal day, but for these teens, it is a start of a whole new chapter.  

Thoughts:

Julie Wrights writes a wowzer novel, taken from 5 teenage perspectives in a day, Wright's novel emphasizes mental health in a realness and hopefulness perspective. Each of our teens is dealing with their own significant problems - Celia / Damion with their mom, Addison / Booker with potential death, and Avery’s trying to put their family back together. With so much happening, this makes the novel fly through your hands as you are eager to keep reading to get back to the character’s plotline you like the most. Although from a third-person perspective, Wrights really makes you be able to feel each teen’s struggles and emotions as they go through their challenge, relying on others in the novel for help. Despite a big cast of characters, Wrights makes it easy to figure out whose storyline each chapter is by stating their name, along with including a diary entry from Addison. That’s right, despite seeming to be the main character, we do not get to follow Addison around like the others, instead seeing how she interacts through her diary entry, and how other characters talk to her. My main complaint about this novel is that the timeline, just one day, seems so short that some storylines, like Celia, do not feel as flushed out as others like Avery. While Wright does solve some characters' issues, like Celia’s despite feeling rushed, others like Damion do not feel as solved as Wright could have made it. The story just felt rushed and needed more time for our characters to sort themselves out, but that would also ruin the magic of how Addison’s first day back changed these lives with just a small and simple interaction. Overall, it was a stellar read, and an important one as Wright really dives into the mental health problems our teenagers, both in this novel and real life, face, and how to empower them to get through these hard times and see the light, and the beauty of staying.  

Read more reviews: Goodreads

Buy the book: Amazon

#Swimming in the Sea of Stars #Julie Wright #book review

[rachaelwilterdink]

More Great Agile Debates, Part 1

My previous presentations and blogs on "Great Agile Debates" have proven extremely popular, so I thought I would add to this body of knowledge with a new blog series. In each blog, I will cover five more great agile debates for your consideration. Keep in mind that my opinions are my own, and not necessarily those of any other organization I am affiliated with. I'd also love to hear what you think, so don't be shy - leave some comments, and let's debate! Here are the first five topics of debate about agile I will cover: - The Developers are a Sub-team in Scrum - The Three Questions are Required - A Product Goal is Not Required - Backlog Refinement is an Official Scrum Event - Teams Cannot Combine Different Agile Elements

The Developers are a Sub-team in Scrum

This is now FALSE! In previous versions of The Scrum Guide, the Developers were considered a sub-team within a Scrum Team, but in the 2020 update to the guide, this concept was removed. The point of this change was to ensure that the team is a cohesive whole – without having a team within a team. The former Dev Team concept created an “us versus them” attitude between the Developers, the Scrum Master, and the Product Owner. Going forward as one united team, many things that were once in the domain of the Dev Team are now jointly owned responsibilities among the entire Scrum Team.

Further, having everyone on the Scrum Team on equal footing as team members allows people to collaborate and build trust more easily. Everyone on the team should be “in the know” on what’s happening, without any surprises from the separateness of having a sub-team.

The Three Questions are Required

This, too, is now FALSE! In the previous versions of The Scrum Guide, the three questions were, in fact, the prescribed format for running the Daily Scrum. As a reminder, the questions were: - What did I do yesterday that helped the Development Team meet the Sprint Goal? - What will I do today to help the Development Team meet the Sprint Goal? - Do I see any impediment that prevents me or the Development Team from meeting the Sprint Goal? The creators of the guide realized that requiring the answers to these three questions was far too prescriptive. Their goal was to simplify the framework. Many Scrum Teams had already stopped using the three questions because it felt rote and repetitive. Answering these questions didn’t really give the team the real opportunity to figure out their collective plan for the day toward accomplishing the Sprint Goal.

I myself had already stopped using this format on my Scrum Team. A far better exercise is to “walk the board” – going through your Sprint Backlog and looking at each item (either by person or from top to bottom) and its progress. Having this visual also helps to identify if there are any impediments, whether some team members are overloaded while others might not have much to do. There are other options, as well. The main idea is that you can choose the format that works best for your team in your context. Some teams prefer to post on a collaboration channel like Slack or Teams, while others simply go round robin verbally, without focusing on what has already happened – rather, looking forward to what needs to be accomplished today.

A Product Goal is Not Required

You guessed it – WRONG! A Product Goal is now required. Prior versions of The Scrum Guide did not include this concept. In the absence of this as a requirement of Scrum, many teams and Product Owners introduced their own idea to fill the void: Product Vision. Some people might argue that there is little difference between a vision and a goal. I struggle with this myself, especially having trained many Product Owners and helped them craft Product Vision Statements.

In training new Product Owners, I now feel obligated to include the Product Goal as it is now an official aspect of Scrum. The way I see it, these can be two separate things. The vision is the aspirational description of what the product is and how it is beneficial, which is strategic in nature. On the other hand, the Product Goal (or goals) is more tactical, with specific measurable objectives similar to SMART goals. These provide more direction on what is needed to achieve the vision.

Backlog Refinement is an Official Scrum Event

Sorry, folks! This one isn’t true, either (at least not yet). While The Scrum Guide infers that Backlog Refinement is an important, ongoing activity, it’s not an officially recognized Scrum event. Personally, I would like to see this added as an “official” requirement of the Scrum Framework. To be successful in any type of endeavor using Scrum, whether project- or product-based, having a properly managed Product Backlog is essential.

Many teams only do this activity on an ad-hoc basis, which is inconsistent and unpredictable. I prefer to have this activity, if running two-week sprints, on the opposite day from the Sprint Review. This ensures that Backlog Refinement actually happens regularly. I would also suggest a timebox similar to that of the Sprint Planning event. These events are very similar, but Backlog Refinement is a preliminary opportunity for the team to review and discuss upcoming stories, answer any open questions, and gain a shared understanding of each item. The team can also use this session to size the stories. Having done this work in advance also speeds up Sprint Planning.

Teams Cannot Combine Different Agile Elements

Once more, FALSE! There is no rule written that people cannot combine different aspects of various agile practices. Most Scrum Teams also use Kanban boards, and other concepts borrowed from lean, XP, or other agile frameworks. Scrum alone isn’t always sufficient to create all products or solve all business problems. Support teams, for example, would be much better suited toward sticking with Kanban, but may also use Scrum activities such as periodic retrospectives to look for improvement opportunities. Likewise, traditionally run projects (aka waterfall), can also benefit from inserting some agile ideas into their projects. They too may have more frequent retrospectives, rather than end-of-project Lessons Learned (when it’s too late to do anything about it).

For teams that want to avoid full-blown scaling, they might simply take from the Nexus scaling framework (or others) to achieve some parts of scaled agile, without adding too much additional overhead and cost. The Project Management Institute also offers a certification in Disciplined Agile, which I would call a compilation of all kinds of agile ideas, that can be combined in whatever fashion makes sense and works for your team.

Wrapping it Up

Thank you for reading! This is just the beginning of many more great agile debates, so come back often! And, if you have an alternate opinion, I would love to hear it - please post in the comments below! Read the full article

#agile #debates #iterations #ownership #planning #products #retrospectives #reviews #scrum #sprints #teams

[sexypinkon]

Sexypink - REVIEWS of A moment of Quiet by Wendy Nanan

#sexypink/Dr Marsha Pearce #sexypink/Pat Ganase #sexypink/Art reviews #sexypink/Wendy Nanan #tumblr/Wendy Nanan #tumblr/Art reviews #trinidad and tobago #Medulla Gallery #A moment of Quiet by Wendy Nanan #Wendy Nanan #Dr Marsha Pearce #Pat Ganase #writing on Art #Art writing

[nevver]

Korn, Uli Westphal (because)

[389]

PORTO ROCHA

#art #design #ice #cube #block #photography #porto rocha #u

[nanaluvbug]

🧀🥪🌶️🥭 The Ravening War portraits  🧀🥪🌶️🥭

patreon * twitch * shop  

[ID: a series of digitally illustrated portraits showing - top left to bottom right - Bishop Raphaniel Charlock (an old radish man with a big red head and large white eyebrows & a scraggly beard. he wears green and gold robes with symbols of the bulb and he smirks at the viewer) Karna Solara (a skinny young chili pepper woman with wavy green hair, freckled light green skin with red blooms on her cheeks. she wears a chili pepper hood lined with small pepper seeds and stares cagily ahead) Thane Delissandro Katzon (a muscular young beef man with bright pinkish skin with small skin variations to resemble pastrami and dark burgundy hair. he wears a bread headress with a swirl of rye covering his ears and he looks ahead, optimistic and determined) Queen Amangeaux Epicée du Peche (a bright mango woman with orange skin, big red hair adorned with a green laurel, and sparkling green/gold makeup. she wears large gold hoop earrings and a high leafy collar) and Colin Provolone (a scraggly cheese man with waxy yellow skin and dark slicked back hair and patchy dark facial hair. he wears a muted, ratty blue bandana around his neck and raises a scarred brow at the viewer with a smirk) End ID.)

#trw #the ravening war #dimension 20 #acoc #trw fanart #ttrpg #dnd #bishop raphaniel charlock #karna solara #thane delissandro katzon #queen amangeaux epicee du peche #colin provolone

[70sscifiart]

One of my favorites by Paul Lehr, used as a 1971 cover to "Earth Abides," by George R. Stewart. It's also in my upcoming art book!

#sci-fi art

[layla-keating]

#thistension

XO, KITTY — 1.09 “SNAFU”

#xokittyedit #tatbilbedit #kdramaedit #netflixedit #wlwedit #xokittydaily #asiancentral #cinemapix #cinematv #filmtvcentral #pocfiction #smallscreensource #teendramaedit #wlwgif #kitty song covey #yuri han #xo kitty #anna cathcart #gia kim #~ #inspiration: romantic. #dynamic: ff.

[valley-tulya]

(The Sims 4) Estrela Hair

Hair

24 EA Colors

Hat Compatible

55403 polygons

Custom thumbnail

Hair Accessories Overlay

15 Colors Variations

Custom thumbnail

Brow ring category

If you have any issue let me know, enjoy.

T.O.U.

Credits

Download (Patreon - Curseforge)

@maxismatchccworld​ @sssvitlanz​ @emilyccfinds​

#my cc #ts4cc #ts4 custom content #ts4 cc #ts4cc hair #S4CC #s4mm

[kithtaehyung]

AGUST D : DAECHWITA (大吹打) & HAEGEUM (解禁)  ⤷ movie posters | ig ; twt (click for hi-res)

#i'm back and ready to create again :')) #bts #bangtan #yoongi #agust d #suga #userbangtan #usersky #bangtanarmynet #hyunglinenetwork #dailybts #*latest #*posters #*gfx #btsgfx #idk if i wanna do an amygdala one #that one seems too personal to edit for me #so these will do for now

[randomrichards]

CANUCK FANTASIA: INTRODUCTION TO NORMAN MCLAREN REVIEWS

“If there’s a technical thing invented a person with an artist nature is likely to take that thing and use it.”

-          Norman McLaren[1]

For over 45 years, Norman McLaren and his collaborators has created new ways to animate films for the National Film Board, resulting in a series of visually intriguing experimental animated shorts. He’s used optical printers to multiply a single dancer. He’s drawn on 16mm celluloid. He even created sounds by sketching on the optical soundtrack strip. His experimentations have earned him international acclaim and earned him multiple awards including 10 Canadian Film Awards and a Palme D’or. He even won an Academy Award for his iconic short Neighbours. There was even an app dedicated to him where the user can create their own animated shorts.

A year ago, I used that app to create a 1 minute short film to be screened at Edmonton’s Gotta Minute Film Festival. This gave me the first-hand experience of the long, strenuous work required just to create one minute of stop motion animation. I have more appreciation for the meticulous diligence and extraordinary patience required to be an animator.

Being a Canadian, I recall one of my teachers playing a McLaren short or two during class. But I wasn’t aware of McLaren until I saw a documentary short about him screened at a theatre while I was in college. It intrigued me to see him paint images on a tiny film or create sounds on a celluloid. But it was the McLaren app that inspired me to want to watch and review all of his films from his student films to his final short. And so begins this project.

Once upon a time, I did a similar project focusing on Jacques Tati’s movies. Thanks to the Criterion Collection’s box set, I not only learned how Tati grew as a filmmaker, but I grew to appreciate his subversive film structure, his satirical take on urbanization and creative dry humour.[i] I wanted to try this again with another filmmaker, but it’s a long term commitment that requires research and lots of note taking. Plus, I want to have access to all the filmmaker’s work including the short films so I can examine how they grew as an artist. But the need for a job caused this to fall by the wayside. It took the Gotta Minute Film Festival and learning how to write film critiques that I finally decided to try another project and I’ve chosen to start small with an iconic creator of animated shorts.

To make it more interesting, I will create another short film using the McLaren app while I’m writing these reviews. I already have an idea for a short film and am excited to pull it off. Sure, it will be a long and tedious journey, but I believe it will be well worth it.

And so begins my Norman McLaren project.

[1] A National Film Board of Canada production in association with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Channel Four Television. (1990). Creative process: Norman McLaren. Ottawa?

 [i] On top of that, I also enjoyed how the dubbed versions add to the satire by only having the materialistic characters speak English while Mr. Hulot (Tati) still spoke French.

#Canuck Fantasia #fantasia #random richards #Random Richards Review #Review #movie review #film analysis #norman mclaren #national film board of canada #NFB #creative process #Gotta Minute Film Festival #Neighbours #palme d'or #Canadian Film Awards #academy awards