www.weforum.org 01/30/2010 reach of children, their full potential, the profits must be replicated in the field of general education, primary to the next level, only 54% of children attend secondary school in countries development. How can education systems converted to their full potential in the 21st century to provide? Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a member of the Foundation of the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council on EducationIrina Bokova Systems, Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Paris, John T. Chambers, President and CEO, Cisco, USA Trevor Manuel, Minister of National Planning Commission (NPC) South Africa Harold McGraw III, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The McGraw-Hill Companies, USA Moderated by Riz khan, again, Al Jazeera, U.S.
Fayetteville offers everything that you can possibly imagine in a North Carolina vacation. If you like history, culture, art and good old southern hospitality, come to Fayetteville on your next trip away from home.
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, you have a choice in many fine accommodations. There are many economy hotels and motels available that offer excellent accommodations for weary travelers. Most of the hotels in Fayetteville have swimming pools and continental breakfasts available for guests as well as daily housekeeping services. There are many different Fayetteville travel deals available both on the internet and through travel agents.
If you are planning on staying in Fayetteville for a long period of time or are traveling with children or other family members, you may enjoy staying at an extended stay hotel. Extended stay hotels are ideal accommodations for families because they offer privacy, separate kitchen and living areas as well as all the amenities that you would expect in your home. Some extended stay hotels in Fayetteville have swimming pools as well as breakfast and coffee for guests. Extended stay hotels make your Fayetteville travel much easier.
There are many things to do when staying in Fayetteville. This charming, North Carolina city is rich in both history and culture. Historical sites abound and you can visit several homes that date back to pre-Revolutionary War times. These homes have been renovated and welcome visitors who wish to experience what life was like in Colonial America.
In addition to historical sites, you can also visit the Cape Fear Nature Preserve that has many winding trails that take you along the Cape Fear River. Those who enjoy the wonders of nature are sure to enjoy walking the fascinating trails and seeing some unusual plants and flowers that adorn the Cape Fear Nature Preserve.
Art and culture is rife throughout Fayetteville. Make your Fayetteville travel something special by taking home some beautiful artwork handcrafted by local artisans. Whether you are looking for handcrafts or fine art, Fayetteville has something perfect to adorn your home. Some art studios even give hands-on lessons to those who want to try their hand in creating some of their own artwork.
You will find many opportunities to enjoy live theater as well as some fine cinema during your Fayetteville travel vacation. There are many different theaters within the city that offer everything from comedy, drama and musical productions. Maybe you can even take in a Symphony concert while you are here. You can also see some of the best independent and foreign films at the downtown theater.
Shopping is wonderful, particularly in downtown Fayetteville. Along Hay Street, you will find many different shops offering everything from gifts, candles and antiques. Make Hay Street your first stop during your Fayetteville travel vacation and you won’t be disappointed. You can even learn about the history of the community at the Fayetteville Art Center.
As for food, you can find virtually every cuisine under the sun in this charming community. Whether you want steak, seafood or international cuisine, Fayetteville restaurants are sure to tempt your taste buds.
Other items of interest include Fort Bragg Army Post that is located within the city of Fayetteville. Fort Bragg is home to military personnel and their families and is one of the largest army posts in the nation. Many people who come to Fayetteville, travel here to greet family or friends who are stationed at Fort Bragg.
Fayetteville travel vacations are fun for the entire family. Once you arrive in this wonderful city, you will never want to leave. And if you decide to stay, there are plenty of opportunities for you to find employment and real estate in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Sam Huntington lives in North Carolina and frequently writes about various North Carolina locales, particularly about all things Fayetteville NC. For more great Fayetteville information visit http://www.visitfayettevillenc.com
In July 2007 DJ Andy Pulz flew to Thailand to get Lasik surgery done on her eyes. He did it because it is cheaper that performed in New Zealand (NZ $ 5,800 to $ 2,800 was in Thailand) and won a holiday in Thailand and Singapore thrown in for good measure. course is crazy, traveled to Thailand alone, with nobody to see him. He lost a kidney, a testicle, or other body parts? Who knew. Here is his personal blog is about the experience. I hope that is enrichedwatching them (and not boring at all!).
Metal is wonderful stuff isn’t it, you can bend & twist it into all kinds of shapes, you can draw it with dies, cut, drill, and mill & turn it, weld it, and off course melt it and pour the molten metal into moulds of all kinds.
There are few other materials where you can do all of the above, and I’ve probably omitted some of the metal forming/shaping operations.
Have you had a life long passion with metal?
I know many people who have, generally the passion for metal can start from a very young age, especially if you once had a father or grandfather who introduced you to the blacksmith forge, this simple piece of equipment is always a total source of fascination, especially the way it could build so much heat using a simple fuel such as charcoal and air blast created with the hand operated bellows.
My guess is that many people must feel this way about metal, otherwise you wouldn’t be doing what you’re doing right now in your workshop. Just the other day I exchanged a few emails on an Australian based hobby foundry group: With a young fellow whose name is Ryan.
Ryan lives in Queensland Australia. He is only about 17 years old and still attending school, but has discovered metal casting. He creates some amazing ceremonial swords. It is great to see someone so young involved in a metal craft hobby such as metal casting, I’m sure Ryan wont ever have time to get bored with life while being involved with an interesting metal craft hobby.
Many other young fellows could take a leaf out of Ryan’s book and get involved with practical hobbies like metal casting or some other form of metal craft. It is not hard to do once you have a little guidance and instruction and the hobby provides immense personal satisfaction and reward.
Boredom is a general malaise with so many young people these days, and there is really no need for it when there are so many great practical hobbies to do in your spare time. Too many people take the easy option to veg out in front of the T.V. idiot box.. what a terrible waste of time that is.
Ryan will never be bored, he just doesn’t have time for boredom, he is such an adventurous, energetic young fellow. It reminds me of my young days when I would wander down to the old farm blacksmith on a wet miserable winters day to light the old forge then heat up a few bits of metal and just generally tinker around, that’s where my passion for metal started, it has never really stopped. I hope you don’t let your passion for metal ever wane.
The word boredom just doesn’t exist in the metal workers vocabulary. Honest.
To find out more about hobby metal crafts and how you can employ the methods & techniques to build & create your unique projects visit our web site http://www.myhomefoundry.com to download a free ebook to begin your understanding and intrigue of metal craft.
Dodie Cross describes herself as a Virgo-compromised female, who adheres to a strict regimen: “I write four hours a day, play golf four hours a day, quilt for a couple hours, and watch Seinfeld reruns; these tasks are accomplished whenever the urge hits me. Sleep comes in 5 or 6 hour spurts but I’m rarin’ to go by 5 a.m. I’m a hopeless romantic, love and devour memoirs-the funnier the better. I fantasize about Dave Barry, Bill Bryson-The Thunderbolt Kid-and me, a literary ménage a trois, on an island in the Caribbean, writing and laughing at each other’s hilarious humor.”
Dodie has traveled the world writing about her experiences in foreign countries such as Iran-very foreign; Thailand-very happy; as well as non-foreign places like New Orleans-very kinky; Orange County, California-very last week; and Lake Chelan, Washington-very old-world lovely.
She is the recipient of numerous awards for writing and poetry, including the prestigious Southern California Writer’s Conference First Place Award for “Best Nonfiction” for “A Broad Abroad,” as well as First Place in their Inaugural Poetry Award. Her articles have appeared in the “Palm Desert Sun,” “Seattle Post Intelligencer” and as a guest columnist for the “Lake Chelan Mirror” in Washington State, as well as “The Monterey Bay Parents Magazine” and The University of Texas Literary Magazine, “RiverSedge.” She is also a contributing editor to the Palm Springs Writers Guild Newsletter.
Dodie is married, has four children and nine grandchildren. She spends her writer’s life between Eastern Washington’s Beautiful Lake Chelan and Southern California’s balmy Palm Desert.
Tyler: Welcome, Dodie. I’m glad you could join me today. Wow, moving to Thailand! I can’t even imagine it. Will you begin by telling us the circumstances that led to your moving there?
Dodie: Well, Tyler, ordinarily I’d say “Buy the book and find out” but since this is an interview and I know you have inquiring-minds as readers, I guess I’ll have to spill the beans. I was in a relationship with a man who was offered a two-year assignment in Thailand. To be able to get all the perks that go along with “married status” I acquiesced and walked the plank. I mean the aisle.
Tyler: I know you had much more than a language barrier to overcome, but to start off, did you know anything of the language before you moved and what language difficulties did you have to overcome?
Dodie: It was a struggle in futility when I first arrived. I took some Thai language lessons that the company provided, but we all ended up slaughtering the language and the poor teachers were in shock as we tried to pronounce their words. I sincerely wanted to be able to talk to them in their own tongue. And they did appreciate it when you tried.
Tyler: What was the biggest culture shock you experienced in Thailand?
Dodie: The driving was probably the hardest to cope with. I’d not been overseas in some time so I’d forgotten just how bad it was, and how good it is in America!
Tyler: What did you do in Thailand? Did you work? What was an average day like for you?
Dodie: I never sat home and moped, that’s for sure. I’d make sure that my time was filled for the week. I volunteered at the orphanage, then maybe lunch with friends, some cards or tennis, usually golf at least four times a week. I spent a couple hours each day working on the Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) newsletter after I became their editor, and generally just enjoyed being with friends, seeing the country and trying to experience anything Thai that I could find. From shopping, to eating, to playing…life was good. However, my home life was another story, and that’s why I tried to be gone as much as possible. And, that’s another story… as someone famous once said.
Tyler: You had to have an operation while in Thailand which you described as the doctor trying to restore your virginity? Would you tell us more about this?
Dodie: Wow, Tyler! Who’s going to want to buy my book after I give this interview? Oh well, I guess I can go back to selling pencils on the street corner. Okay. I learned much later that it’s an Asian thing for a surgeon to give her female patients a little extra stitch or two when performing any type of vaginal surgery. You know, sort of “A stitch in time…” Actually, many US docs will do that for you…but I think they ask first!
Tyler: Most of the reviews for “A Broad Abroad” describe it as a very humorous book. Why do you choose to concentrate on humor in your writing?
Dodie: I don’t know how to write any other way. Most writers draw from their life when they write, and as I see most of life as humorous, it’s pretty easy to throw that in the mix. Maybe that’s why I’ve survived the things I’ve gone through. By seeing the humorous side of things, we don’t dwell on the negative so much.
Tyler: You mentioned you would love to be on a deserted island with Dave Barry, Bill Bryson and the Thunderbolt Kid? What about their humor do you enjoy? Do you see them as influences on your writing, or are their other influences you would acknowledge?
Dodie: I read, and reread authors who make me laugh. The two mentioned above are so “off the wall” but at the same time hit right on the target. Their humor just jumps off the page and smacks you in the face. I love that kind of writing, and yes, I’d love to say they have influenced my writing. By the way, the book is called “The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid” which was a memoir by Bill Bryson. If you have not read it, you are missing a hilarious read. Other writers are Erma Bombeck, Janet Evanovich, and also Carol Burnett, who wrote one of the funniest (and saddest) books that I’ve ever read. When I like an author, I will sometimes read them two and three times, just for the sheer pleasure of floating on their wonderful words. (I do leave a few months in-between).
Tyler: What do you think was the funniest experience you wrote about in the book?
Dodie: My opinion differs from that of some of my readers. I get emails that tell me they “…cracked up” in such and such a chapter, and then other people don’t even mention that chapter, but name another that had them rolling. I think I most enjoyed describing the “squat toilet,” but then, I’m prejudiced. I laugh at my words as I type them and then again when I edit, so I’m my best audience. My husband hears me laughing and calls out: “What’s so funny?” “Me!” I answer back.
Tyler: Despite the humor, “A Broad Abroad” also treats Thailand in a very serious way. What do you most respect about the country and the culture?
Dodie: Lord Buddha’s teachings, I feel, are what makes them so peaceful. As a card-carrying hyperkinetic American, I found myself amazed at the peaceful way they went about their lives. They seem to be amused that we foreigners are always checking our watches. They live in the “here and now” rather than focusing on what’s next. I found that those of us who respected their culture and tried to speak their language, were welcomed. If you were rude and displayed the “ugly American” syndrome, or ugly any type of nationality, rather than confront you, they would lower their head and look away. They aren’t given to public demonstrations of anger or rudeness. Foreigners are always welcomed, and they share their country and land with childish, uninhibited grace. Now, that said, there is the seamy side of life in Thailand, and that’s the sex-trade. As I said in my book, you can either join in or completely ignore it. It’s your choice. The Thais make it available, and again, it’s supply and demand that keeps it going.
Tyler: How would you describe the role of women in Thailand compared to in the United States?
Dodie: Wow, that’s a hard one. I did notice that the men had a much easier life than the women. There’s a chapter in my book that deals with that. The Thai people, as I’ve said, all seem to accept their life. Again, it’s the Buddhist influence that seems to guide them.
Tyler: You also talk about orphanages and healthcare and many other aspects of Thai society. Are there any ways you think Thailand is actually more progressive than the United States or Western Culture in general?
Dodie: You know, I would never dream to make any assumption about that. I was there in the early 90s and so much has changed since then. As for health care, a year or so there was a special on CBS 60 Minutes showing how many Americans and Europeans were traveling to Thailand and India for surgery. Not only were the charges for such surgeries ridiculously high in the States, but in Thailand the cost could be $25 to $50,000 dollars less, plus the patients were treated to at least seven registered nurses while in the hospital. Now, that is unheard of in our country. We’re lucky if we see an R.N. scurry past our room with her arms full of charts. So, obviously things have changed since I was there. Also, according to some blogs I’ve read, the Thais have picked up a sort of “shorthand” English, where they can communicate much better with the foreigner. They had plenty of nurses when I was there, but no one understood me. As I said in my book, they would have done anything I asked for, but they just didn’t understand WHAT I asked for. But, even then, the caring was there, just not the “care.” Plus, having a pre-menopausal nurse with PMS didn’t help. I honestly believe she was the only one in the country who was intolerant and “vengeful.”
Tyler: Dodie, you’ve been to many other places around the world and written about them-how would you rate or compare Thailand to the other countries you’ve lived in and written about?
Dodie: I would have to say that Thailand, because of its Buddhist influence, is incomparable to anywhere I’ve ever lived. “Serene” is a good adjective I like to associate with the people of Thailand.
Tyler: If you could go to Thailand again, knowing what you know now, would you?
Dodie: Again, it has changed in the years since I was there, with many more expats and foreigners calling it their home, but it still has the most beautiful ocean views, skies, the breathtaking jungles and flowers, and welcomes all foreigners with open arms. I am in touch with a publisher in Thailand who wants to publish my book, which for me would be wonderful because of the expat market there. So, I may be flying back there to set up that deal.
Tyler: If your book were published in the Thai language, how do you think the Thai people would receive your reflections on their culture?
DDodie: I can’t speak for them, but I loved their country, their culture, their hospitality, and I think it resounds in my book, so I think they’d be happy.
Tyler: Dodie, since you have already been such a successful writer, what kinds of writing challenges do you foresee for yourself in the future?
Dodie: I think my biggest challenge will be the book on Iran that I’m working on now. It will be very hard to be “funny” about a country that has deteriorated from a historic and old-world country that many travelers visited, to the hotbed of hate and religious fanaticism that it is today. I did have great times there, but because I made sure that I did, but it ended in a nightmare. I have to find a way to get around the bad stuff and concentrate on the good. I had some very wonderful Iranian friends while living there, so I’ll bring them into the picture as well. I would say that there were many Iranians who were terrified when they heard the Ayatollah was coming back, even though he promised a progressive Iran, he led them back into the old testament.
Tyler: I hope you’ll come back later to talk about your book on Iran. I won’t ask about the nightmare part of it now but let our readers remain curious. Do you have plans to visit any other countries and write about them?
Dodie: My husband has had Parkinson’s for some time now, so the “overland” traveling is out of the question. However, we do enjoy cruising, which is easier for him. In January he is going to have the Deep Brain Stimulation procedure that Michael J. Fox underwent, and which seemed to help him. So we will plan our trips based on that.
Tyler: Thank you for joining me today, Dodie. Before we go, will you tell our readers a little bit about your website and what further information can be found there about your book?
Dodie: Yes, I’d love for your listeners to see all the wonderful reviews I’ve had, as well as the pictures of the little orphans and some of the beautiful Thai statues. I’d also like for them to be able to leave me their comments on the book once they’ve read it. I have a place on my website called: “contact me” where they can leave their thoughts.
Also, if they’d like the book to be signed by the author, they can purchase it on my website and in the comments section they write the name they’d like me to sign it to.
Tyler: Thank you, Dodie. I’ve certainly enjoyed talking to you. I wish you a lot of luck with “A Broad Abroad in Thailand.”
Creativity and the Art of Problem Solving
“Problems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them.”
- Albert Einstein
No one is immune to problems. No matter how successful you are or how well prepared you may be, sooner or later you will be faced with a problem. The problem may be minor (an inner-office dispute that needs a brief intervention) or major (the stock market crashes and you loose what was going to be your retirement plan). No matter what the situation is, it is in your best interest to find a solution. Creativity is absolutely essential to effective problem solving and thereby essential to success.
I have often observed a tendency within myself and in others to get caught up in making the “right” decision. Most school systems and learning programs are built around the idea that there is a “right” and “wrong” way to do things, answers that are either “correct” or “incorrect” and actions that are either “good” or bad”. While it is of course important to learn the concept of right and wrong, thinking in such stark terms of black and white limit our ability to make decisions and come up with solutions to more complex problems.
This is where creativity comes in. By allowing the mind to think more freely and perhaps unconventionally, you alleviate yourself of restrictions that may have you locked in a bind. When it comes to successful business, the more creative the company, the better equipped they are to overcome any obstacles they may encounter. Some companies are able to rely upon money and an abundance of resources to stay afloat, however, in the event of a serious financial loss, they would be left with nothing. It is always the creative companies that are able to survive. If you were to level the playing field by taking away all the financial resources, what would be left would be the creative energy and intellectual stamina of the business as a whole.
Creativity means being able to depart from the status quo and take a step away from the standard means of operation. Failing to do so will only create more problems. As Einstein notes, it is impossible to solve a problem without shifting to some higher (or at the very least, alternative) level of thinking. Creative thinking is a means of progress. However, it also involves a willingness to take risks. New ideas always present the possibility of failure. Fear of failing is often what prevents companies from taking a more creative approach to the way they operate. Sticking to “tried and true” business methods feels safe. However, what happens when a major change occurs and the old methods no longer suffice? Companies must either choose to evolve or expire.
Take for example, the music recording industry. Record labels are infamous for taking a huge percentage of the artist’s album profits and placing them under contractual restrictions that ensure the label has control of the finished product. Tired of having to cater to their producers and label management, a few bands started to take matters into their own hands. In 2007, Radiohead released their album, In Rainbows, on the Internet. The band offered the album for free. Anyone who wanted to download it could pay whatever they wished to do so. Many paid nothing. A few gave extravagant amounts. Most gave somewhere in the range of what they would have paid for any other album. The difference was that all the money went straight to the artists. As a result, the band made far more money than they would have had they renewed their contract with EMI and they were able to have full artistic control of their music. The band took a risk in leaving the security offered by a big name label but came out the better for it.
Taking creative risks always presents the option of failure. The alternative, however, is a sure fade into the background, if not a full collapse with little hope of recovery. Take a creative risk and chances are that you will be successful.
Ken Sundheim is President and Founder of KAS Placement “KAS Sales Recruiter”
Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek announced "Operation End of Year Clearance" an imminent arrest warrant sweep designed to clear mandates of the number of books. The effort will take place this month until the end of 2009. Stanek hopes that friends and relatives of suspects encourage them, in turn, wanted to during the operation Stanek sent in. Unit probably stop adults and adolescents on a variety of offenses, and offenses by crime. In Hennepin County, 17000Warrants are outstanding as of November. The Sheriff's Office has joined forces with state and local police forces for the initiative. The moment is on warrants in connection with sexual predators, crimes and misdemeanors and gross value "life" to focus on crimes such as disorderly conduct. In continuation of our local holiday-video feature series here is a look at scenes from this year's tree lighting ceremony and Holly Robbinsdale Sunday in Brooklyn Center. Stay tuned tomorrow for video of CrystalWinterfest.
Water running dry "- designed a commitment to national public-education to reduce boating under the influence (but) the number of accidents and alcohol-related accidents and deaths. For more information: myfwc.com
There are multiple advantages to online shopping: no worrying about traffic, parking, lugging heavy packages, shopping hours…the list is long and attractive.
And statistics prove there are more people shopping online than ever, and the numbers will be growing indefinitely.
Are you still holding out, convinced you may become a victim of fraud, or worse, identity theft? Here are some reassuring facts, and information you can use to protect yourself.
1. You are more likely to be safer shopping online. When you are placing your order, look for the URL to begin with “https” instead of “http”. This means the site has SSL, or secure-socket-layering. Remember, there are no helpful elves processing your order. It is done automatically by computers, not by a human.
Another thing to look for: Is the URL a readable website name? If you see only numbers after the “http”, with absolutely no text anywhere, definitely beware.
2. Look for a phone number that is actually answered by a human being. Of course be reasonable; a mom-and-pop operation will not be available around the clock, but you should be able to reach someone during normal business hours, or get a call returned.
3. A reputable site also does business with other businesses, meaning they have a Hacker Safe rated site, and have payment alternatives such as PayPal.
4. Read the privacy policy, or call to verify it.
5. If you are not using a third party escrow service like PayPal, use a credit card for payment; your liability is protected by your bank.
6. Do not give out credit card information by email or instant messaging. Neither is encrypted (scrambled) for safety.
7. If you are asked for extra information during checkout, such as a social security number or date of birth, beware. Your bank has the information needed; a merchant would not need to know this.
8. Save your receipts, and check your bank statements.
If you follow these simple tips, rest assured your online shopping experience will be a good one. The truth is, if you are doing online business with a reputable company, you are safer shopping online than in face-to-face transactions.
On a secure site, there is no ‘middle man’ between you and the bank, such as a clerk or a waiter.
I hope you have a safe and wonderful Holiday season.
K. Petit has written several ezine articles. Visit the secure family-owned site [http://www.justperfectgifts.com]
Read more about our family at http://www.squidoo.com/JPATT
More safe shopping at [http://www.justperfectgifts.com]
Stories are an important part of nonprofit marketing. Facts can be persuasive on their own, but when they are woven into a meaningful depiction of a real or imagined event, they bring added power. Stories put us into the action, allow us to experience the joy, misery, heartache and love of the characters involved, imagined or real. They are at the heart of fundraising, the inspiration for organizers to organize and donors to donate. Whether knocking door-to-door or using the many tools for nonprofits in Facebook, Twitter and social sites, when trying to convince people to jump aboard a cause it is helpful to not only let them know about the issues, but also to feel for them.
A picture can tell a thousand words, and coupled with a good narrative or blurb, can paint a picture of what it’s like to be impoverished, victimized or suffering from a disease or any other situation that might be the target of nonprofit fundraising. Running through every charity effort is a combination of two stories: the one about the problematic situation and the other one about a future where the problem is solved. Both are necessary because without the good story, there is no hope and without the bad, there is no problem to be solved.
Everyone is familiar with charities like the Foster Parents’ Plan where we are told the story of a child or family in an underdeveloped country for whom only a few cents a day could bring food, shelter and clean water. The sad photographs presented add vividness of the story. This strategy emphasizes the bad story and gives a glimmer of hope by showing that the good story is being written, if only more volunteers and donors would join the cause. This is the combination typically used, as it is very powerful, but it may not always be ideal for nonprofit branding.
Not everyone has the stomach for bad-story-first campaigns and some may choose to avoid them altogether. Another approach is to provide a sunnier side of what people take for granted as a negative thing, arousing curiosity as to how this might become a reality and what they can do to help. An example of this comes from the world of guerrilla marketing, where the Dubai Autism Center created a shopping bag featuring an image of a happy child reaching up with her little hand towards the handle of the bag so that when carried, it appears as though the girl is holding the shopper’s hand. While this campaign may not win as great an outpouring of support from each donor, it stands a chance of attracting more donors because it doesn’t bring them to a bad place emotionally.
Stories are an important part of our history and also of our future, literally, as they are being used by nonprofit organizations to better our world.
Kelly is a passionate writer and a voracious reader. She has been fortunate enough to live in many countries and cultures because her husband Lawrence works with the US embassy and has to travel a lot. Kelly and Lawrence currently live in India. Kelly volunteers for a local non-profit organization to help underprivileged children, and works as a freelance writer the rest of the time.
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