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Meeting Invitation
Meeting Invitation


    Ava Roberts avaroberts
    Why do people put pressure on others to be themselves then get mad when they do just that? What's meant by "be yourself" if it's not meant to be something to encourage others to be more genuine rather than pretending to socialize the same ways as everyone else?

    Every time I'm told to be myself, I genuinely don't know what's expected of me. Do people want me to fit in with normal behaviors? If that's the meaning, then don't tell me to be myself, because I'm nothing close to normal.

    Me being myself is me explaining that I read Atlas Shrugged because of the fact most of the plot revolves around saving train companies from collapsing under the financial ruin of the country, not because of the commentary on Communism being bad, because I already knew that it didn't work, so I didn't need the politics of it.

    Me being myself is rambling about how the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Doctor Who Universe makes sense together because they both have moments of time travel, the Stark Tower from the MCU got reused as UNIT Headquarters in Doctor Who, and they'd all get along if they met because they're fighting to save reality day in and day out. There's more in-depth reasons, but I'll spare the details for now.

    Me being myself is me being goofy and nerdy, not fitting in to a social standard that doesn't make sense to me. If I wanted to know if the weather was nice, I wouldn't ask someone who has a different perspective on what nice weather is, as I'm the odd one to prefer rain over sun, I'll just look out a window.

    All of that to say I don't understand why people say to just be myself then get upset if I'm too nerdy for them. If you ask for it, don't be surprised and angry that you got it.



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    Amy Christie amy_christie


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    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - Sponsored News -Whether you are in a hotel room, at your desk, in an RV, or by a campfire, it can be difficult to get a good cup of coffee away from home. With the holiday travel season in full swing, travelers are wondering how best to enjoy their morning java while on the go.

    Most away-from-home coffee options have major drawbacks. Hotel room coffee makers are convenient and cheap, but the coffee they brew means a major compromise on taste. Local cafes often offer good coffee, but the cost of all those to-go cups can really add up. Existing travel coffee presses offer a way to brew while on the go, but they typically brew slowly and therefore brew a bitter and very acidic cup.

    Travelers benefit from being able to brew delicious coffee quickly and easily wherever they are. Luckily there is a perfect way to do just that. The AeroPress Go travel coffee press brews up to three cups of delicious hot or cold brew coffee that is richer, smoother, and lower in acidity than coffee brewed by other travel presses. Simply add ground coffee and water, stir briskly, press, and enjoy a cup of hot or cold brew coffee in just a minute or two.

    The AeroPress Go travels self- contained in its own mug with a lid, making it easy to fit in a suitcase, in a desk, with camping gear, in an RV or in a backpack. It is compact, lightweight, and durable, making it easy to transport. And it cleans up in just a few seconds with a quick rinse.

    The AeroPress Go's ability to make cold brew coffee is a big additional advantage because it can be used where there is no access to hot water. Wherever you go, there is almost always a source of water, but often no way to heat it. Use the AeroPress Go to join the hot new trend of drinking coffee that's an amazingly smooth, rich cold brew. With the AeroPress Go, it's easy to brew a cup of cold brew using unheated water in about two minutes.

    Visit https://aeropress.com/ for more information about how to brew great coffee on the road.

    Ref: Gadgets - in Blogs
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    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - When Jess Michaels isn't obsessively checking her steps on FitBit or watching daytime Court TV, she's a best-selling author who writes historical romances with heroines who speak their mind.

    Her first foray into publishing began, as many picture the life of an author, with a traditional publishing deal. But after releasing a few books, Michaels decided to turn down an additional deal and try self-publishing.

    "I'd begun developing an audience for my books and wanted to try something different. Authors I respected had success and greater control over their work with self-publishing, so I was eager to try it for myself," says Michaels.

    She mastered it quickly and decided to go "strictly indie" in 2015, using Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) service to publish in both eBook and print. Since her decision to self-publish, she has been on the USA bestseller list ten times. Her husband quit his job at a large technology company and now works with Michaels to run their publishing company.

    "I wanted more control over not just the creative writing, but also the marketing strategy, cover art, and other business aspects of publishing. I grew frustrated being unable to make these decisions going the traditional publishing route," she says. "I'm both a writer and entrepreneur, and I'm enjoying more creative and financial rewards than I ever have."

    For Michaels, who says the initial idea of going indie was "taking a leap off a cliff and hoping you can fly before you crash," the resulting benefits have exceeded her expectations.

    For those authors wrestling with the idea of self-publishing, consider this:

    - Creative control. Self-publishing a book allows authors to build characters and stories exactly the way they want and, ultimately, retain full rights to their original material. A book that has been nursed from inception to novel remains yours.

    - Get to market fast. Once a book is ready, self-publishing services, such as KDP, guide authors through setting up their books and getting them in the hands of readers in just a matter of days.

    - Make more money. Authors who opt to self-publish can set their own prices and take home a higher percentage of royalties.

    While a self-published author serves as his or her own marketing department, indie publishers make marketing simple and effective. Self-publishing companies, such as Amazon, also offer authors additional promotional opportunities to make their work available to more readers.

    Many authors find support through writers' groups online, such as Facebook groups, or in-person by attending workshops and writers' conferences. Most cities have local writing groups that meet regularly. These meetings can provide constructive criticism of your work and other resources.

    "I fell into self-publishing by accident, and found that connecting with other authors and joining a local writers' organization helped me improve my technique and career tremendously," says self-published science fiction and fantasy author T.S. Paul. "When sales of my novels began to take off, I began working with freelancers and a virtual assistant, also, to grow the community around me."

    Regardless of whether a writer is interested in romance, mystery, fantasy, or biographies, self-publishing with services such as KDP can empower them to pursue their dreams, especially if they're willing to study the business side of publishing as well as Jess Michaels did.

    Who knows? Maybe the best seller list is closer than you think.

    For more information, visit https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/.

    Ref: Books - in Blogs
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    Vanessa Leannon Vanessa_Leannon


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    Jason Wilson jason




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    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - We live in an age of new mobility, where the landscape of our digital life is expanding and evolving at unprecedented speed. Wireless connectivity has spread from computers and smartphones to cars, homes and cities, and it's simplifying and improving our way of living.

    The rise of "smart" objects and machines powered by machine-to-machine (M2M) technology has been a huge catalyst for the Internet of Things -- a web of connected objects and devices that communicate with one another to make life easier. The automotive industry is leading the way forward with more than 23 million connected cars on the road today and projections for 152 million by 2020.

    Connected cars enhance our lives with rich services, including advanced 3D navigation, automatic emergency calling when accidents occur and always-on mobile WiFi. They can automatically exchange information with other smart objects, such as traffic lights, to help reduce road congestion and improve navigation. They can also direct drivers to the nearest open parking spot and turn on the heat and stereo system before arriving home.

    The possibilities are exciting and limited only by our ability to securely manage wireless service plans for the long life of vehicles and smart city solutions.

    Until recently, updating connected car systems was costly and time-consuming, requiring a visit to a dealership to change electronic components embedded under the dashboard. Consumers will soon be able to securely update wireless features and even add new vehicles or smart home devices to existing mobile service plans via a mobile device app or website visit. The new "on-demand connectivity" solution makes it much easier to adopt new technology or instantly take advantage of special offers without additional service contracts or monthly invoices.

    "In an increasingly connected world, it is vital to remove barriers for growth," said Gemalto Vice President Juan Lazcano. "On Demand Connectivity allows people to easily manage their connected devices while helping mobile network operators improve service offerings and customer loyalty. It's a win-win scenario."

    The best part is Gemalto's solution adds a layer of data security that ensures personal information is protected when service plan updates are made. This allows all of us to trust in the connected cars and smart cities of the future. For more information, visit www.gemalto.com/iot.

    Ref: Cars - in Blogs
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    Vanessa Leannon Vanessa_Leannon


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    Samuel Chi-divine ic_sammie
    Bent in Heaven's Twist

    I wear a smile, a fragile disguise
    A mask that hides, the tears I've cried
    The heavens twist, in a cruel design
    A fate that's sealed, yet I'm left to redefine

    In heavenly design, I'm lost in pain
    A twist of fate, that drives me insane
    The stars align, yet I'm still unsure
    A celestial guide, that's hard to endure

    I'm bent and broken, in a world so grand
    A fragile soul, in a body so unplanned
    The heavens whisper, "You're strong and free"
    But I'm trapped in doubts, that haunt me relentlessly

    I search for answers, in the darkest night
    A glimmer of hope, that shines with all its might
    But the twist of fate, it plays a cruel game
    Leaving me shattered, with a heart that's tamed

    In twisted threads, I'm woven with flaws
    A fragile fabric, with scars that never fade
    The heavens bend, in a mysterious spin
    A divine irony, that I'm forced to give in

    I'm a paradox, of strength and weakness combined
    A human heart, that's constantly redefined
    The twist of heaven's hand, a mysterious fate
    A life that's unpredictable, with moments that create

    I yearn for solace, in the chaos and strife
    A peaceful haven, where I can be alive
    But the heavens twist, in a celestial rhyme
    A melody of pain, that echoes through my prime

    In this twisted world, I'm searching for a light
    A guiding star, that shines through the darkest night
    A beacon of hope, that leads me to the shore
    Where I can find peace, and be forever more.

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