Thursday, March 14, 2024

Las Mascotas - Argentina, a Pet-Loving Nation



Dogs in both El Chalten and El Calafate, Patagonia, roam the streets from dawn till dusk.  Most of the time, they are just walking down the street as if they have to be somewhere. But often you will see them outside of a restaurant or grocery store, just hanging out like they are waiting for someone.  They sometimes have collars, and are almost always friendly, whether they look like a stray or not.  See a video of the dogs in El Calafate:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVsZOVWF9i4

In Esquel, Patagonia, homeless dogs are fed every day at noon time
by a pet store.  Never have I seen this wonderful gesture anywhere else in the world.

 



Lots of ownerless dogs are roaming the streets or lying around, walking into stores and restaurants.  Sometimes they come in and just take place underneath the table, sleeping, or waiting for some bits and bones.  They are friendly and quietly waiting for these scraps.  These dogs are not a nuisance, don’t bark and it is amusing to watch them. 

I did talk to and also pet one who approached me with a wagging tail and friendly face.  He followed me back to the hotel uninvited but knew not to try to enter.  He was still there in the morning, as though waiting. 




And in Buenos Aires?
It seems as if everyone has a dog here.  You see them at all times of the day or night, walking their dogs (and sometimes not picking up after them...).  Lots of vets in all neighborhoods are caring for pets.  Large parks in every part of the city make it easy for your dog to never get bored.  You might also see lots of dog sitters with sometimes up to half a dozen dogs on leashes.  It is a popular site gig for young men.  

Going on vacation is no problem either as house/pet sitters will take care of your furry friends until you return from your trip.  Check out Mindmyhouse.com to find a person who will play with your dog, walk it, and safeguard your home while you are away.  Best of all:  it is free for home/pet owners.




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Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Airline Luggage Fees and How to Avoid Them



Last week´s headlines in aviation magazines:

¨The top 20 airlines made over $33 billion in baggage fees last year, the highest one by American Airlines.  Baggage charges have steadily increased over the last 10-15 years. The total also includes fines for overweight or extra large checked bags, which contributed to making up more than 4,1% of global airline revenue in 2023.¨


Passengers might not be happy to read all this…


I could not care less!  The last time I checked in luggage was in 2001, but only because I moved to another part of the world.  Ever since I travel only with a small tote bag, less than the dimensions of low-cost carriers allow for handbags.  No matter how long my trip lasts, or how many countries I visit.  And often,  I return home and have not even used all the contents of my small bag. 


How Do I Do This?

There are laundry services everywhere, some hotels even have washing machines to use, and Airbnb often too.

If I really need a certain piece of clothing, I could purchase one.  But that never happened so far.  I roll all my clothing to save space and also take the smallest items of hand cream, toothpaste, etc. that I can find.  Staying longer in one place, I can buy these items at my destination. 



Why Airlines Charge These Fees:

However, it is more than greed and making extra money that airlines are charging these fees.  Why are airlines so concerned with checked baggage weight?  And do not weigh customers?  Only Air Samoa currently weighs each passenger and tickets them by weight. In the West, an assumed average is used for passengers.


Weight costs money to carry, and not just in fuel burn.  Less luggage in the hold means more room for cargo, so the profit motive is for more carry-on and less check-in luggage.  However, heavy carry-on has its issues too: It’s also weight and it takes time for passengers to stow their suitcases in the overhead. In case of a crash, interior collapse can block evacuation routes in an otherwise survivable crash.  Airlines do care about the weight of your carry-on baggage - this is the main reason why they limit the number and size of your carryons.



A friend of mine travels like this ...


For pax and carry-on, airlines can assume a standard adult passenger weight of 190 lbs in summer and 195 in winter.  Carry-on bags are assumed to be 16 lbs. (this is in North America).  The average pax weight being too low and lots of heavy baggage contributed to the crash of Air Midwest flight 5481.  The aircraft was found to be actually 580 lb (264 kg) above its maximum allowable take-off weight, with its center of gravity 5% to the rear of the allowable limit.  


As a result of the weight issues discovered, the FAA planned to investigate and potentially revise estimated weight values, which had not been done since 1936.  Air Midwest used an average weight of 200 lb (90.7 kg) per passenger after the accident, but the NTSB suggests that airlines use actual weights instead of average.  About 70% of small air carriers still use average passenger weights.  Some mainline carriers do have weight limits for carry-on, but they're typically generous and often not enforced.

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Real People Have to Carry Your Suitcases...

Checked luggage is handled by employees, who often lug bags all day long.  A weight limit is important to preserve their health and safety.  Most baggage handling systems (BHS) are designed around a maximum of 32 kg per piece.  If heavier bags are being consistently run through the system this will result in high wear and tear on people and the system - which may result in delay/damage to bags for which the airlines usually blame the airport! 

Read more:

https://simpleflying.com/global-baggage-revenue-topped-33-billion-in-2023

https://aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/54337/why-are-airlines-so-concerned-with-checked-baggage-weight

https://poe.com/continue_chat?context_content_oid=1477743717294342&context_content_type=answer&reply=Tell+me+more&scroll_to=bottom&bot_name=Assistant&redirect_url=%2FAssistant


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Sunday, March 3, 2024

Newsletter March: Successful Publishing

 


Content of the March newsletter


  • WRITING CONTESTS
  • WRITERS RESIDENCIES, FELLOWSHIPS, & GRANTS
  • FREELANCE WRITING


Welcome to our March Writing and Publishing Newsletter!

I just came across this article (excerpt) on the Internet when searching for the word ¨March.

¨How (writing) habits are formed:

Rather than thinking about the left and right sides of the brain, think instead of the front and back. The front of the brain processes new information.  That new information, if repeated often enough (30 days), moves to the back of the brain to form habits.  Once things are habits, they become easier to do because we no longer have to think about doing them.¨


And I have been asking myself for the hundredth time: Why does a writer have to motivate her or himself to sit down and hone their craft?  I have never read, heard, or seen a creative profession where people have to motivate themselves.  Why is it that writers constantly complain about ¨ writer's block?¨

Why is it that writers are not getting up in the morning and looking forward working on their next novel or non-fiction article?  Why is it a drag for them to write their next book?


If writing 150-page books is too much, why not write articles or short stories? Participate in writing contests, contribute articles to magazines or newspapers, or apply for a free writer residency to charge you creativity and meet like-minded souls. Attend a writer's conference or workshops. Also, check out the many lucrative fellowships in our newsletters. Getting paid for what you (hopefully) love: WRITING

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For Writers in British Columbia:


An afternoon of editing and peer review - a free workshop

  • Presented By: Inspired Word Cafe
  • Date: March 23 from 2 pm to 4 pm
  • Location: Rutland Library, 301 Hwy 33, Kelowna, BC, Canada

https://www.inspiredwordcafe.com/events


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  • WRITING CONTESTS

Bogliasco Foundation Fellowships

Awarded to artists and scholars in the various disciplines of the arts and humanities, including archaeology, architecture, classics, dance, film/video, history, landscape architecture, literature, music, philosophy, theater, or visual arts. During their month-long stay at the center, fellows are provided with living quarters (bedrooms with private bath), full board, and a workspace or separate studio, depending on the discipline. All meals are shared, and every evening, fellows come together for a dinner featuring typical local cuisine. Bogliasco Fellowships cover room and board but do not provide a travel or living stipend. Location Italy.  Deadline March 14

https://www.bfny.org/en/about/program-overview

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BBC National Short Story Award 

Open to UK residents or nationals, 18 or over, who have a history of publication in creative writing. Short fiction.  Prize: £15,000 to the winner, £3,000 for the runner-up and £500 for three further shortlisted writers. 

Deadline: March 18

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4Z1gg8wqDRRThQJGS4VfhX8/how-to-enter

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City of Literature Paul Engle Prize

This prize does not recognize one work, nor is it solely limited to reflecting literary achievement. Rather, the award seeks to recognize a writer, like Engle, who makes an impact on his or her community and the world at large through efforts beyond the page.  Prize: $20,000.   Deadline: March 31

https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/paul-engle-day/#1655230881973-dc276dbb-7391

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Lewis Galantiere Award

Open to US citizens or permanent residents. Translation of book-length literary work from any language, except German, into English. Entries must have been published in the US in the past two years. Prize: $1000. Deadline: March 31

https://www.atanet.org/award/lewis-galantiere-award/

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Vancouver Public Library Writer in Residence

The writer-in-residence program promotes Canadian writing and literature to Vancouver citizens. During the four-month residency from September to December, the writer spends 50% of their time working on their own project and 50% of their time mentoring emerging writers, conducting workshops and participating in other activities and programs to share their experience with the community. Contract terms: $22,000 for four months full-time activity ($5,500 per month on a self-employed basis). Contract dates: April 15 through April 30 and September 2 through December 8, 2024. Deadline March 22

https://www.vpl.ca/writer

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-   WRITERS RESIDENCIES, FELLOWSHIPS, & GRANTS


Replenish Residencies - A Studio in the Woods
Located in eight forested acres on the Mississippi River in Bulbancha/New Orleans. One- to two-week restorative visioning retreats to local BIPOC artists and culture bearers--the heart of New Orleans culture. Recipients will be provided with a $1,600 stipend, a one- to two-week residency, staff support, and an opportunity to have a documentation session with a photographer. Selected residents receive full room and board including food, utilities for living, and studio space. 
Deadline March 13

https://www.astudiointhewoods.org/apply-for-replenish-residencies-2024-25/

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NEA Literature Fellowships 

They are sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. Genre: Poetry.  Prize: US$25,000 Grants to published creative writers that enable recipients to set aside time for writing, research, travel, and general career advancement.  Deadline: March 13

https://www.arts.gov/grants/creative-writing-fellowships/program-description

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Greater Yellowstone Creative Writing and Journalism Fellowship

Established and recognized authors are being sought, but emerging and mid-career writers are also encouraged to apply.  Fellowship: US$3,500. 

Genre: Seeking creative writers (poetry, fiction, nonfiction), or those in the field of journalism (writer, photojournalist, videographer, documentary filmmaker, online or print media) who demonstrate serious inquiry and dedication to the Greater Yellowstone region through their work.  Fellowship: $3,500.   Deadline: March 15

https://wyomingartscouncil.submittable.com/submit

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Bridport Prize Bursaries for Under-Represented Writers

Gives under represented writers a free entry to the Bridport Prize competition in any category. In order to support as many writers as possible, applications are limited to one per year, per writer. The short story, poetry, flash fiction and memoir competitions are open to international applicants, whilst the novel award is open to writers living in Britain and Ireland, British and Irish writers living overseas and writers living in British Overseas Territories.  Deadline March 31

https://bridportprize.org.uk/writers-room/bursaries-for-under-represented-writers/

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Silver Grant for Works in Progress

Anglophone writers of any nationality may apply for up to $10,000 to support long-form essays in the fields of literary criticism, arts writing, political analysis, and/or social reportage. Applicants must have an editorial agreement with a publication or publishing house for the work under consideration. Deadline March 31

https://silversfoundation.org/grants/


US Writers Aid Initiative

The U.S. Writers Aid Initiative is intended to assist fiction and nonfiction authors, poets, playwrights, translators, and journalists in addressing short-term financial emergencies. To be eligible, applicants must be professional writers based in the United States, and be able to demonstrate that this one-time grant will be meaningful in helping address a short-term emergency situation.

Deadlines April 1 July 1, October 1

https://pen.org/us-writers-aid-initiative/

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A Studio in the Woods Residencies
Self as Universe: Mending Our Collective Ecosystem. Open to artists of all disciplines who have demonstrated an established dialogue with environmental and cultural issues. Residencies are 6 weeks and will take place between Sept 2024 and May 2025. Recipients will be provided $3000 as a stipend and $2000 towards materials. Provides full room and board including food, utilities for living, and studio space to selected residents.   Deadline April 3

https://www.astudiointhewoods.org/apply-for-self-as-universe-mending-our-collective-ecosystems-residencies/








-   FREELANCE WRITING


Narratively
Open to reported longform pieces, memoir, profiles, Q&As or even some newfangled format that you think is destined to blow the world of narrative nonfiction wide open. Rates for these stories will start at $1,500 per story.  Deadline March 4

https://www.narratively.com/p/pitch-us-the-art-of-narrative-storytelling

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Maine Organic Farmer and Gardener
Invites readers to learn more about organic agriculture and sustainable living practices in Maine and beyond. Feature stories range from 1,200 to 2,200 words in length. How-to articles run 500 to 1,200 words in length. Interviews up to 2,500 words in length. Pays 25 cents per word, on publication. Since its inception in 1996, the Odyssey Writing Workshop has become one of the most highly respected workshops for writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror in the world.  Deadline March 27

 https://www.mofga.org/writers-guidelines/

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The Markup 

They are seeking pitches for stories on how misinformation impacts immigrant communities, especially non-native English speakers, in the United States, as a part of our “Languages of Misinformation” series. The Markup pays $1/word based on estimated word count.

https://themarkup.org/inside-the-markup/2024/02/09/call-for-pitches-misinformation-in-immigrant-communities

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The Wildest

The Wildest is a new platform for millennial and Gen-Z pet owners. They are looking for interesting article ideas about pets, with expert input. They prefer topics that are original and not focused on shopping or personal stories. Pay is £200-£300 per article, depending on length, interviews and research. If you're interested, send your pitches to jessica.commons.ext@kinship.co

https://www.thewildest.com/contact-us

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The Audio Publishers Association’s annual sales survey, out today, revealed an 11th straight year of double-digit growth in audiobook sales:

The Audiobook Market, and Its Revenue, Keep Growing 

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/audio-books/article/92444-the-audiobook-market-and-revenue-keeps-growing.html 

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March is National Reading Month in the USA - perfect when it is still a bit chilly outdoors.  But reading can be hearing too, think audiobooks!  Enjoy the beautiful first days of spring and the Easter weekend - early this year at the end of March.  Enjoy!

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