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Reviews For Lying Josephine
Name: cambangst (Signed) · Date: 20 Nov 2019 03:35 PM · For: Eye of the Storm
Actually, make that two more for now. ;) Last one for today, though.
Wow, what a kick in the feels! You managed to pack a massive amount of emotion into one chapter, and you did it without sacrificing anything about the way you write your main character. You never give in and have her scream and yell and spill out all of her roiling emotions. Yet she manages to express so much without saying anything at all. It takes a crazy amount of talent to do what you're doing here.
I absolutely love the way you wrote Fred's "confession" to Josephine. The two of them balance each other out so brilliantly. She speaks a word or two at a time and he's infected with permanent verbal diarrhea. I should state for the record that he's extremely lucky that Angelina didn't fling him off of a tall building for that little stunt with the teddy bear. But it's such a Fred thing to do. The twins are pretty tone deaf when it comes to the possibility -- nee likelihood -- that other people won't find their pranks all that amusing. I love the fact that Angelina is able to frustrate Fred so. For starters, I think he needs some of that in his life. Someone he finds as infuriating as other people might find him. It's very humanizing.
Before I get into the heavy material in the second scene, I have to say how much I LOVED the mis-transcriptions you created for the Quick Quotes Quill. Those were hilarious! Especially the long array of poo-related ones.
Both George and Josephine go through a lot of stages of grief in this. Starting from George's accidental near-mention of Fred's role as Chief Supply Orderer, the conversation spirals into a lot of dark, difficult territory. I love the fact that you weren't afraid to explore some of George's less logical reactions. The fact that he's still angry at anything and anyone that might have done something different to prevent Fred's death. And Josephine's reactions to his emotions are spot on, even if she can't find the words for them. To wit:
It's okay to miss him. You're allowed to miss him. You're allowed to be sad, to be angry, to break snow globes; to be anything you need to be because you miss him. I miss him, too. You are not alone. I love you.
No, not that one.
Oh, you know I wasn't leaving out those last four words. ;)
George's thoughts on his mother rang perfectly true to me. She's hurting every bit as much as he is. So much so that she can't see how her grief is spilling over onto him. It isn't anyone's fault, per se, but it's clear why George would want some space.
The moment the door clicks shut behind him my head falls heavy into my hands, and I, as quietly as can be managed, fall apart. -- A perfect ending line to this heavy, emotional chapter.
Beautiful job and congratulations on reaching the 200 review mark. It's very well deserved for this amazing story!
Name: cambangst (Signed) · Date: 20 Nov 2019 03:34 PM · For: Breakable Girls and Boys
One more for now, but it's good to move reviews to a happier place!
Fred is a special kind of annoying. And Josephine is a special kind of stubborn. I don't want either one of those statements to come off as cheap and flip. Fred is literally impossible to ignore if he's decided that he wants your attention. And Josephine has that special type of stubbornness born out of a paralyzing fear of doing or saying something if it might be the wrong thing. We're in "irresistible force vs. immovable object" territory here. It's nice to see that irresistible force won.
The snow globe was such a cool idea! Honestly, it was cool enough for me before it started talking. That was like extra decoration on a cake that was already iced.
Utter, utter git. -- But it works, because the git gets the girl. Ha! I slay me.
And then we move on to the sad half of the chapter. :-|
You did a really great job of writing it with an awkward, claustrophobic feel, like the world was collapsing around Josephine and George and -- at least from her point of view -- everyone else in the shop. It seemed painful for both of them. When George throws in the towel at closing time, it's pretty obvious that he's done enough "recovering" for one day.
Fred's voice in her mind, urging her on to try to help George recover, was a good plot device. It really doesn't matter whether it's real or just in her head. (Obligatory: why should that make it any less real?) The imperative is there to try to ease George's pain.
I really love the way you paced the scene in the back room of the store. I have to imagine that you're always tempted to have Josephine move a little faster, to have her step a bit out of character and rush to George's side. But you resist the urge and keep her true to form and I really appreciate that.
Your writing was beautiful in this. I couldn't see a thing wrong with it. In fact, from now on, if I don't say otherwise, just assume your writing was brilliant. ;)
Great job! I shall return soon, but probably not soon enough to keep someone else from scooping review #200. :-/
Name: cambangst (Signed) · Date: 20 Nov 2019 03:32 PM · For: Nice to Meet You
Super-long review, finally making its way to its new home!
Hi, Tanya! I'm back again, taking in some more Josephine.
One thing that makes this story tough to review -- and please don't take this as a bad thing; it's anything but -- is the fact that there are so many things I want to comment on. You do such an awesome job with Josephine's inner voice, her observations, her expressions and her unspoken responses to things... it's overwhelming at times as a reviewer. I want to point it all out, say how much I enjoyed it. But if I did, the review would be nearly as long as the chapter itself. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it frustrates me in the best possible way.
Anyway, let's move on to the substance. I think you've created the best and worst job interview ever. There's just no in-between here. The experience careens back and forth between amazing and awful, spending plenty of time at both extremes. It all starts with the help wanted flyer, which was classic Fred and George.
Josephine's motivations for interviewing are sad and kind of sweet at the same time. You can't help but feel bad for the girl, even if you're also a bit frustrated with her. She's the perfect wallflower, living a life of unrequited devotion to a person who doesn't seem to realize she exists. I don't know whether to hug her or shake her, possibly both.
Fred gets the interview off to a roaring start, sneaking the whoopee cushion in on her. Their reactions are perfect, as well. She's mortified, desperate for him to know that it wasn't her, which sends him over the edge into a debilitating fit of laughter. She's so far outside of her comfort zone she can barely stand it and he's so deep in his own comfort zone that he doesn't feel an ounce of restraint.
"Five Galleons each: a steal!" -- A showman and a salesman! Fred is perfect.
I loved the interview questions. I really need to remember some of those for the next time I have to interview somebody at work. Especially the fruit one.
I feel a pang of envy at his level of comfort and can't help but wish that his continuously carefree attitude would have rubbed off on me after all this time of observation. -- This one line kind of summed up the entire interview experience for me. As a reader, I just keep hoping that somehow the twin's carefree attitude is going to start to infect her, but I'm fairly sure that isn't going to happen.
Wow. Josephine's one shining moment of the chapter came when she laid out her pitch to manage the shop's finances. She sounds so put together and polished in this one section. She probably rehearsed the words a thousand times in her mind, but for that one golden moment she was more than just wallflower Josephine. I wanted to cheer for her.
But it all ends so quickly. Fred is a pretty sharp judge of character, or at least his survival instincts have taught him how to sniff out a situation where things don't quite add up. There's one missing piece to Josephine's story, one gap. And then he walks through the door...
Josephine's response was about as far from elegant as you can get, but it was perfectly in character. Again, Fred is on to her. He puts the pieces together and hurries George out of the room. And then he's got her!
This time I do run. Without another word, I make a break for the door. -- Aww, poor Josephine! I feel terrible for her, but not terrible enough to want to see her get away. At least not yet.
"Wow, that's... You must really, really like him. It's actually kind of sweet. But mostly stalkerish." -- Well, Fred said it, I didn't. Not that I completely disagree.
Fred's proposition is, literally, too good for her to turn down. I'm amazed and somewhat in awe of the lengths he's willing to go to in order to be constantly entertained by her discomfort. Not that there's nothing else in it for him, obviously. Her business plan sounds quite brilliant and he might have found a girlfriend -- thinking long term here. Stalker, in the short run -- for his twin. What's not to like if you're Fred? But he puts so much effort into convincing her to take the job.
Ouch. Now back to reality. Back to the present day when Fred is laid to rest in a box. That phrase hits me every time, the sobering finality of it. I love your thought that Fred and George never gave up on their business, even when they were forced into hiding. They're so irrepressible, and they knew how much people needed laughter to keep going. I also think it was a testament to the spirit of the magical community in the aftermath of the war that they were so far from correct about how the grand reopening of the store was received.
I really, really enjoy reading this story, no matter now much Josephine frustrates me. And I suspect she'll frustrate me a lot more before it's all said and done. It seems that there are turbulent times ahead. Great job!
Name: cambangst (Signed) · Date: 20 Nov 2019 03:31 PM · For: Promises, Promises
Hi, Tanya! Another review makes the leap...
Hi, Tanya!
The first section sounds so much like Fred. He's always one to want to spread the joy, but do it in his own, distinctive way. I love the way that he uses his sense of humor to keep Josephine off her guard. She probably should have seen it coming, but it's hard when he's being so disarming. He lures her in with all of his faux flirting and endless kidding around. Then, he switches gears and gets serious on her for a moment. He lets some genuine concern show through, which pushes her even farther out of her carefully constructed comfort zone of denial. Then he goes for the kill...
We got to see a little more of Josephine in this chapter, and I found myself feeling optimistic for her and horribly sorry for her at different points in the chapter. What on earth happened to his poor girl? She's alluded a couple of times to having nobody aside from Fred. I'm guessing that means she's an orphan, or at least estranged from her family. With the war raging, it isn't hard to imagine how either situation would come to pass. Whatever happened, she seems to lack any sort of self-confidence. Fred is able to pry her out of her shell, but only by relentlessly being himself.
It's a shame, because she's obviously a clever person. I love her inner monologue. You did a fantastic job with that. I think she speaks a grand total of three words to Fred, but the section still felt really engaging because her thoughts were so amusing.
Fred Weasley is lying in a box. -- I can see why you kept coming back to this. It's such a powerful statement, with its devastating simplicity.
The pictures were just heart-breaking. Great choices.
Quicker than before I approach the casket, alone with Fred again. With one hand on the tomb I fix my eyes on the portrait of Fred.
"I will keep my promise." -- I really wish that she will. Although based on the story summary and all that I've read so far, I have the feeling that something is going to go terribly wrong in the trying.
Great chapter! I'll be back soon...
Name: cambangst (Signed) · Date: 20 Nov 2019 03:29 PM · For: Introduction: Boxes
Hi, Tanya! I'm moving some reviews from the old place to their forever home!
Tanya! How have I never seen this before? You have a story set in my favorite era (post-war) to read. You certainly have a compelling plot idea and a lead character who seems to be living the horror of Fred's death from the periphery. Again, HOW have I never seen this?
You set a very stark tone from the outset. Six months after the end of the war -- six months after Fred's death -- she's completely alone. It seems pretty obvious that she's done something terrible. Or at least she thinks it was terrible. But what?
The section that flashes back to the funeral was also beautifully done. This is my favorite type of first chapter to read. You don't bother introducing anyone or anything. All of that name, rank and serial number crap can come later. Instead, you pulled me right into the gut-wrenching emotions of the story. It didn't matter so much whose funeral she was attending or who she was, because I could relate to exactly what she was feeling. I've read a dozen or more different authors' versions of Fred's funeral over the years. I didn't need you to tell me who was there or how anyone was dressed or how devastated George looked or what anyone had to say. All of those emotions are inside. You just set the scene from the perspective of someone who feels like an unworthy outsider and that was the context I needed right there. Brilliant!
I'm really looking forward to reading more! Great job!
Name: Emmy Rose (Anonymous) · Date: 02 Feb 2019 07:23 PM · For: This is For
I absolutely ADORE this story! Please, please, please tell me you're going to finish it! (I've been following since you first posted it on harrypotterfanfiction.com)
Author's Response:
This is so incredible to hear that you followed me over from HPFF! I'm absolutely blown away by that information! Thank you so much! And I promise I plan to finish the story! I've actually made a decent amount of progress on the next chapter these past few weeks, so fingers crossed chapter eight is up soon! Thank you again for your continued support, and for leaving this lovely review!
Name: starbuck (Signed) · Date: 25 Jan 2019 03:57 PM · For: Introduction: Boxes
the start of this chapter seems to actually be the end of the story (though lets hope it isn't for real because i like my happy endings) and it just pulls you right in. i think it was a great way to start the story because first, you want to know about the events that led up to it and then you hope that the story will continue even after this opening scene.
the main character is obviously extremely shaken up and sad at the fact that fred, her best friend, has died that she can't even bring herself to celebrate the demise of lord voldemort. i think that this is perfectly understandable and she is most likely not alone in feeling like that because a lot of people lost their loved ones during the war. it's all well and good when the hero defeats the villain, but there are always the ones that had to suffer through the villain's reign and deal with the aftermath of it. you've definitely made me feel for josephine even if she does tell us at the start that she lied for a couple of months to everybody.
Hello Kris, and thank you for this thoughtful and lovely review! I'm so glad you were intrigued from the start (but no spoilers on whether this story will have a happy ending or not :-p)! I'm really glad the intro worked for you; that's always a relief!
I completely agree with that assessment. The end of the war is obviously an incredible moment, but it's also when a lot of reality hits. I doubt too many people were strictly happy and celebratory about the war ending, as so many good lives were lost. I'm glad you were able to feel for Jo from this first short little chapter, too. First impressions are obviously important with a fic, so yay!
Thank you again for this sweet review!
Name: Nix (Signed) · Date: 22 Jul 2018 09:19 PM · For: Promises, Promises
Hi Tanya! I love the twins! I can't believe I've never actually read this before. Anyway, I think this is a wonderful start to a story! I'm really curious to learn more about Josephine. What happened to her family? Why is she alone? Why is she so afraid to talk to anyone? She barely seems to talk to her own best friend which is quite interesting. What did make Fred so interested in befriending her in the first place? Hopefully some of my questions get answered in the following questions.
I do feel very sorry for Jo. This is such a tragic way to start a story, with her losing her one and only friend. Of course she feels completely and utterly alone now. But I also hope she doesn't continue to shut everybody out. Poor George, I wonder what he thought seeing her there? And what he thinks of the girl who works for him but doesn't speak? I wish Molly hadn't interrupted him from talking to her, and that she hadn't run and hid from them both.
I really liked the bits where Jo chastised herself for being selfish. Of course, she misses Fred dearly, and he holds a special place in her heart, but she's also trying to remind herself that other people loved him to and also need to mourn.
I'm really curious to see how this story builds and how Jo intends to keep her promise to Fred. I'm really glad she decided to do that for him, but I know she's also doing it for herself now that she's lost the only person she had who cared about her.
Great first two chapters, Tanya! I look forward to reading the rest very soon.
xxNix
Name: StarFeather (Signed) · Date: 01 Jul 2018 12:52 AM · For: Brave Face, Kid
Transferred from the old hpff,
16th April 2017:
Jailbreak for Sian
I forgot to tell you, Tanya, the previous CI and this CI are so fantastic, which suit your fabulous story so well! And this chapter is so heartrending. They were going to close the shop!
The dark time was coming to twins' joke shop. You cut the very right dramatic scene, Tanya. I spotted this:
"he begins again, voice softer and gentler than it's been all day. I brace myself for impact.
I was very impressed by the sentence. ^
..ur big.. ol' family of blood-traitorous gingers... ...putting you all in danger, having you work here so openly... ...have to board the place up, make it look like we've shut down for good... ...want to continue undercover... ...anyone willing to help out" So severe facts!
Oh, Tanya, I am so lucky to be back to this story, 'cause I am struggling with one story challenge where I have to write the mind movement between one female character and one male character.
I spotted this: "A dance around each other. He steps right, so I step left. I step forward, so he steps back. We move away together, skirting around each other in perfect unison; a poorly choreographed duet of solos. And in retrospect, it shouldn't feel so strange, so foreign." I love these expressions very much. How could you think of this?
Wow, I was so amazed by the next movement : "Fred always sent them?" These expressed everything around George and Josephine. They lost Fred and they were forced to notice how big his existence had been and once again lamented for him" I understand George couldn't stop repeating to get fury and be sad. And then I'm relieved George said 'sorry' to her.
I like your story line, Josephine took a role to comfort George who missed his brother Fred. You really did a great job to analyze George's mind from Josephine's POV.
Name: StarFeather (Signed) · Date: 01 Jul 2018 12:20 AM · For: Breakable Girls and Boys
21st September 2016:
Hi, I came back to your story, grabbing a chance at Gryffindor Tower, CTF game.
Since I hadn't been aware of romance of twins until I read your story, I enjoy your ship with Josephine. Your Fred is lively and unforgettable through your author's mirror. Each move, each word spoken by him are all energetic.
You captured his characteristics. He never gave up until Josephine glances back to him. Both of them are very impatient. Most of the boys give up when the girl does not pay attention or most of the girls stop ignoring when the boy pestered her.
Oh, it's "break the ice" moment. Josephine would help Fred with choosing the gift.
Ah, the object, your choice is nice, Josephine (Tanya)! I remembered my child was happy to see a small replica of New York City, sadly, it was confiscated by the officer due to the strict management of terrorism at the airport.
Agh! It's a quiz time. No, I'm not good at, but Josephine is very good at response.
Well, she loves George, but as I read, it seems Josephine is getting fond more of Fred.
Oh, the story on June 10, 1998, is so heartbreaking. I understand why your story was chosen for Dobbys. Everyone can't stop grieving Fred's death and feeling sorry for George after reading this. Imagining so broken George and Fred's voice let us feel strongly sad. Oh, Josephine determined to say goodbye to him?
Name: justawillowtree (Signed) · Date: 10 Jun 2018 10:42 PM · For: This is For
HERE IS THE ORIGIN STORY FOR JOSEPHINE'S PARTICIPATION IN THE WAR.
[I gotta be honest, I so desperately want to call Josephine "Jo," but I also call JKR "Jo," so sometimes I get a little confused. But I have decided that because Josephine is, at present, of higher priority to me, I shall start calling her "Jo" and JKR "JKR."]
I love that Fred just Apparated on top of Jo's face. Of course that these two would meet up again this way, after so many months of not seeing each other. And I love how you managed to tie this meeting into the later reveal that Jo is actually so talented at healing (and I love that Fred was at first like "Jo you can't fight please don't strain yourself" but then later Jo realized she was amazing and valuable and was like "um you can't stop me"). I wonder if Jo will be able to help heal the Weasley family in some small way, now that Fred's dead? </3
Also I said last review that I am very bad with dates, but I did actually recognize the date on top! (What kind of HP fan would I be if I didn't haha.) Granted, I didn't notice until after Fred said that it was war at Hogwarts, and then I scrolled up and checked, and lo and behold, it was May 2nd.
I love that Jo wanted to help in the war. I love that at first, she thought poorly of her skills, but then realized she was entirely capable and level-headed enough to do healing spells. (Fred almost taking out her nose with his attempt at the healing smell lmao. Also Fred being all sheepish when she actually remembered to wash off the blood first hahahaha. YOUR FRED IS AMAZING.)
These two. When they hugged, I just. This friendship is so amazing and beautiful. </3
Okay now I have many thoughts about this plan of Josephine and George's, about pretending that Jo was Fred's girlfriend. Of course I wholeheartedly support their cause, because Molly Weasley deserves all the love and reassurances in the world, but I do have many concerns. (I haven't yet read the second part, so I'm just gonna list them all out here first.) My main concern is – what if Angelina comes back? I feel like it would be a terrible blow for her, returning to the family of her dead boyfriend only to find that she's been replaced. Wait, that was my only question haha, nevermind everything else.
Your description of the Barrel made my heart sing. I'm not even lying. I was reading that part over and over and over again because I couldn't get enough of it, of all the little bits of magic going on inside, of the eggs cracking themselves and all that. I love little, beautiful descriptions like this, and you write so beautifully that it just fit right in, and I LOVE THIS PART.
I am so excited for Jo to start being able to talk to George like she did with Fred.
Aww, Molly. Oh, my heart. That image of Molly hugging Jo made me so, so happy omg. (I am a huge fan of hugs. I, in fact, pester my younger sister for hugs all the time, just because she's so tiny and huggable. So seeing such a full description of a hug, especially to someone who hasn't had many, just delighted me so much. I'm getting so emotional talking about Molly's hug, I need to calm down.)
Okay, so. After reading about Molly's hug I just went and read through the chapter straight, and. Oh my god. My eyes genuinely started prickling with tears at the dinner table scene. And I never cry while reading. I've never cried while reading fics, and I rarely, rarely, rarely cry while reading published books, and so I didn't expect to get teary-eyed while reading this. But I did. And that just solidifies my love for this fic even more, because you captured the family moments so, so well. I love stories about family more than anything. And literally all of their characterizations were so accurate, it was painful. (Arthur's joke about balding lmfao.) Josephine feeling at home for the first time in a long while, her telling her stories about Fred, the family telling their own…
It was all so beautifully written. I adored this so, so much. And I'm so worried for Jo, because she clearly craves this more than anything, and I think she deserves it all, but the fact that George is slightly hesitant on this makes me nervous. (And what was that question at the end that he asked, about whether Jo wanting to see them again was true? Was he genuinely happy that Jo wanted to be closer to them, or was he happy that her connection with Fred was that strong? EITHER WAY, EXCITEMENT.) But anyway, I wonder how Jo'll navigate this. I want her to see Molly again. I want her to feel like she has a family again.
And will she really be planting a mango tree in her yard? Ahhh, I think my heart might break further if she does. That's honestly the absolute sweetest thing. <3
Please update this soon!! I'm dying to read more of this. <3333
~Eva
Name: justawillowtree (Signed) · Date: 10 Jun 2018 08:58 PM · For: Brave Face, Kid
I wanted to commend you on your ability to keep dates straight. I'm just staring at these dates and trying to do the math (don't worry, I can figure out what happened when through context clues, but I am just terrible with dates).
Anyway I love that you wove the war into the pieces of this story. I remember being horrified in the books when it was revealed that George's ear was cursed off, and I think you painted that picture well here! Jo being shocked and concerned was really sweet, and Fred warning her to wipe her face clean of any emotion was also cute haha. Unfortunate that George lost an ear, though. I was always so relieved that he was alright…up until the point Fred died and then my heart broke forever haha.
Ahhh I love that Fred's comforting her!! I love!!! their friendship!!!!!!! so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (That was a lot of exclamation marks but just know that for every exclamation point is an extra dose of love for you and your story.) Everything about their relationship is so platonic and so good and I love it. Love love love. Even though it's under such violent, trying, and difficult times as this. And I did feel sorry for Josephine when the announcement was made that the shop was closing (and I thought it was sweet of Fred to look after her reaction once they said it), because she's just so lonely, but of course I also understood why the twins did that.
(The twins' ridiculousness is so perfect. It's just. Perfect. <3)
You know, at this point, I feel like I should be prepared for the complete and utter heartbreak of the present-day chapters, but I never am. Because you always find a new way to just completely destroy my soul?? And I'm just never ready.
When George took out all his anger on Josephine, I was admittedly furious with him. I could understand why he was angry, but it was unfair on so many levels to Josephine, who seemed to believe that she deserved it, to a degree, and that it was okay for George to speak to her like this. And I was like, "No, darling, you don't deserve this at all." So I felt so sorry that the two of them weren't adjusting to Fred's absence, but George just. He made me so mad at first, especially when he knocked the folders down.
But then he came back and apologized, and omg there has never been an apology that has made me feel as relieved as this one. I think one big problem I have with people getting unreasonably furious in fics is that…they never apologize. Or, when they do, it's way, way too late. So when George came in immediately afterwards, and spent the entire rest of the chapter apologizing…I felt a lot better about him. And I thank you for writing him this way, because I don't know how I would've dealt with a George who was horrible and mean to the person who deserved it least. <3
And the plot!! I was so excited here because Josephine was the one who hatched the plan herself. I wasn't sure if the story was going to be similar to the rom-com While You Were Sleeping (have you ever watched it? it's adorable), and it turns out it's quite different! Either way would've been fine by me, because I love While You Were Sleeping, but I'm super excited by this turn of events. And I didn't expect that George would be in on it, too! And that's even better! HOW IS THIS STORY SO GOOD SLKDFJKL.
Name: justawillowtree (Signed) · Date: 10 Jun 2018 08:31 PM · For: Eye of the Storm
(WHY AM I SO BAD AT KEEPING A DAILY SCHEDULE WITH THIS FIC, IT'S LITERALLY ALL I THINK ABOUT, BUT I KEEP. FALLING. ASLEEP.)
Anyway I'm here now!
Okay I just wanted to say, I love the way you structured that first section, where it starts off with Fred knocking only once and then ends with Fred never knocking again. (His declaration about friendship and knocking was literally the sweetest, most adorable thing in the world, and I can't even imagine how happy it must've made Josephine feel.) What I love about this relationship is that it's largely Fred just talking at Josephine, and rambling on and on about the details of his life, and even though she's quiet, she's not cold. I love her reactions omg.
(Also I live for quiet characters becoming subtly more vulgar upon hanging out with the more gregarious, rowdy type haha. Fred's jokes about her not knowing the location of George were funny already, but then she gave him the [British equivalent of?] the middle finger, and I just about died.)
Fred being so secretive about Angelina is actually kind of adorable? Because he's so loud and rambunctious that it's amazing he's actually working to keep this between him and Angelina (and George). What is significantly less adorable is that he pranked her by having her hug a clown instead of a teddy bear. That is terrible hahaha. I mean, I'm laughing now, but I bet he totally freaked Angelina out. And I love Fred's dramatics so much, like, he's clearly playing it up a little bit but also he is kind of clueless about this lmao. (Which is maybe why they break up so much hahaha.)
I really, really relate to Josephine, though. Like, seriously. I'm not as quiet as her, but being shy and awkward around people who are always confident? Y e s. But also at the same time, I really appreciate having people like that as friends. So when she was just so delighted and hopeful at the idea of being friends with Fred (SHE IS LITERALLY THE SWEETEST OMG) I was just aww-ing left and right. <3
Literally Fred's entire story made me laugh, but I especially loved the exchange that prompted Josephine to go: "I consider yelling, ya think!?" Amazing. A true work of art.
And I love in the end that Fred just sort of sighs and admits that he needs to apologize. He's a good guy, and I'm happy that he's becoming friends with Josephine. Ahhh I love these two so much I could write entire essays about their relationship [my reviews are kind of turning into mini-essays lol], and it makes me sad that Josephine had to suffer the loss of Fred, who I'm assuming is one of her only friends. Poor, poor girl. <3
And now I just read through the entire second half of the chapter and my heart is actually shattered into pieces. (Okay but quick note first, your Quick Quotes Quill notes were honestly so funny, I was chuckling really hard at those. Now back to sadness.) At first, when George came in and started helping Josephine (poor girl was petrified haha), I was a little hopeful. He was smiling a little bit, and laughing at some of the things that the quill wrote… But obviously grief isn't constant sadness, and he'd only just gotten a brief respite from it. And I loved this entire conversation between George and Josephine (and in many ways, it reminded me of Fred's conversations with Josephine, where it's actually fairly one-sided with fairly strong emotional responses from within Jo).
I especially loved the way Josephine reacted to George's statements of Molly claiming Fred would never know love, and how it spawned an entirely different set of reactions from George. I wonder exactly what he was feeling – was he just surprised? Did he actually feel betrayed? Ahh but whatever it was, I just wanted to hug him, and I wanted Josephine to hug him. And I also loved (I keep saying "loved" when I mean "wanted to bawl my eyes out at this part") that entire conversation about Josephine's role in the war.
You go, girl.
And omg. That bit when Josephine realized that if she died, only Fred would've grieved…my heart hurts. It hurts so much right now for her, because I hate that she feels unloved, because everyone deserves to be loved.
I KEEP TALKING AHH, BUT I JUST LOVE THIS STORY SO MUCH.
Name: justawillowtree (Signed) · Date: 07 Jun 2018 04:21 AM · For: Breakable Girls and Boys
A new day, a new chapter of Lying Josephine! <3
(Or, that's how it was supposed to be two days ago, but I kept FALLING ASLEEP and so I'm only getting to this review now, which is tragic because this is the best chapter ever.)
FRED SLDKJLSJKG. What I love about your Fred is that he's like a big, overgrown child; innocent but wise at moments, and very, completely annoying. I couldn't help laughing though (and I'm sure that Jo was super amused as well, though she was probably also mildly annoyed at the fact that her employer was such a kid), like when he went "hey hey hey hey," accompanied by pokes. HE'S SO FUNNY. (And you're such a funny author! How do you get Fred's characterization so perfect, I can't.)
The sweetness that accompanies his usual boisterous ridiculousness was unexpected but also kind of expected at the same time. I love that your Fred isn't one-dimensional, that he actually genuinely cares for George more than anyone in the world. AND HIS PRESENT IS SO GOOD OMFG. Can I just…adopt Fred as a twin brother?? Ahhh that ridiculous boy, why was he worried about George liking it, it's so good. Lmao Fred, laughing at his own jokes. I love it. I love him. I love Jo. This is all amazing.
And what I love is that you've managed to capture this platonic friendship of it all, that there's no moment where I'm sensing strange sexual tension. (You know, I feel like Hollywood gets this wrong all the time, where they market two people as friends but then have them do…oddly couply things and speak with oddly couply banter? That's not a problem here, though, which I'm so happy about!)
And now we're with George. Oh, I can't even imagine losing a sibling, let alone someone who's as close to George as Fred was. No wonder why he was done for the day. No wonder why he threw things in grief. My heart hurts so much for him, because I don't even know what I would do if I lost one of my little sisters. And Josephine – I can't tell if she was really doing it for Fred or if she just genuinely wanted to talk to George and see if he was okay (why not both, I suppose?) – whatever it was, I'm glad that she talked to George. Because I think he needed the emotional support.
That entire scene had me so emotional, when she was fixing up his hand, the globe, his room…when she asked if he was okay?? Ahhhh. </3
You're writing such a beautiful story! Your writing is magical and perfect and wonderful and I'm so so in love.
Name: justawillowtree (Signed) · Date: 05 Jun 2018 12:15 AM · For: Nice to Meet You
(I love this story so much that after reading this chapter, I went and nominated it for a Golden Chalice Award. It's so good, I'm in love. <3)
I totally forgot to mention this in the previous chapters, but I love the time-jumps. It's filling in the story in bits and pieces, and I love stories like this, they're so much fun to read and figure out.
WHOA I also just realized that you were writing in first person present! Which is literally the hardest thing in the world to do well without sounding too in-your-face, but your Jo's voice is perfect?? How are you so talented omg.
Okay onto the actual story!
Oh, my dear Jo. It makes me so sad for her that she's so lonely, to the point where she fixates upon George as the only real thing in her life. I'm glad that she applied for this job, because I feel like, from what I've seen in this story, it did present her with many unexpected gifts (Fred Weasley being one of them), but her reasons for applying make me want to hug her. I want her to have more friends, but that's always easier said than done. But ahh the girl deserves so much more love than what she's received.
But okay. How perfect is that introduction to Fred Weasley, with his boisterous attitude and cheery voice? Also I love that the guy makes her sit on a freaking whoopee cushion (chair? it's a chair, why did I write cushion) as a practical joke for the interview. I LOVE IT. THIS IS EVERYTHING THAT FRED IS MEANT TO BE AND MORE. Jo's reaction made me laugh as well, but omg that girl is in desperate need of friends (for which I happily volunteer – you know, ignoring the fact that she's a fictional character), she definitely needs to be teased more. <3
THIS INTERVIEW IS MAKING MY LIFE. I wonder if Fred figured out who she was? (And did her crush start from George helping her pick up papers that she dropped??) And SLDKJLS that's exactly the type of question they would ask!! "If you were a fruit, what would you be?" AMAZING. THIS IS SO SPOT-ON I LOVE. And Josephineee, my smart, darling girl! Finances are literally the bane of my existence so I would so hire her. Unfortunately, Fred is quite astute haha and figured she had some ulterior motive. (I love how smart you made him. I love it.)
Aw no, the girl's life revolves around George. I hope she can fix that soon, but in the meantime, let's be sad and antisocial together, Jo. <3
That entire exchange where Fred figured out her crush and then negotiated with her into staying was just pure gold. What I loved was how you managed to communicate Jo's personality despite her silence; she's so full of reactions and amusement but she's just so shy and awkward, and I adore that.
And that section at the end, to the part after the war. Oh, that was beautifully written. I can't even imagine how George would be feeling after having lost his twin, and the quiet way the shop just opened up again was really heartbreaking, in a way.
Name: justawillowtree (Signed) · Date: 04 Jun 2018 08:17 PM · For: Promises, Promises
I LOVE THIS. INTO THE FIRST TWO PARAGRAPHS AND I AM ALREADY A THOUSAND PERCENT IN LOVE.
Okay I love how this story has elements of common fanfiction tropes but just turns them slightly on their head, such as the main character being best friends with Fred Weasley but not being in love with him. I love that. It's such a unique look at this friendship, and it allows for all of Fred's teasing and self-preening jokes without any potentially awkward romantic undertones in it. I love that Fred is on board with Josephine loving George (well, except for the part where she never talks to him haha), and I love that Josephine works for the twins purely to ogle George.
I'M BARELY INTO THE CHAPTER AND I'M ALREADY VERY HAPPY.
How does she tell Fred and George apart, anyway? (I've known a pair of twins for like five years and I still can't tell them apart. And one of them even got a haircut so it's not even like they're completely identical anymore. However, this may also be a Silly Eva moment lmao.) Also, can we take a moment to appreciate what a good friend Fred is?? It takes a great strength of will to watch your friend love someone unrequitedly without meddling haha and setting them up together. GO FRED. I appreciate him so much.
Also also also Jo is literally the most relatable character I've ever met in my life. I'm so painfully shy in real life omg. If I'm sitting with someone I don't know, and they don't strike up conversation, we will be sitting in silence for eternity. Which is also why I love people who are outgoing and wonderful because they're so natural at it, and it's easier for me to talk to them that way. JO IS ME. I AM JO. CAN WE BE BEST FRIENDS PLEASE.
I love that Fred's trying to push her out of her comfort zone. He's so adorable about it too omfg.
Oh wait. Statement about non-meddling Fred retracted. FRED, BLACKMAIL IS UNACCEPTABLE. IN FACT IT IS ILLEGAL. (Jk he's not doing any harm with it haha.) But omg Josephine's feelings are so relatable, and her friendship with Fred is so precious, and I love this.
Wait now we're sad. *sobs* I feel like crying actual tears now. Your description of him, this line – "The over-the-top, life-of-the-party, vivacious, prankster-in-chief, loud, hilarious, bordering on obnoxious, rule-breaking, explosive, larger-than-life-itself Fred Weasley… is lying in a small, confined, wooden box." – is so good and perfect and accurate, and is perhaps the best description of Fred I've ever seen. Which makes the juxtaposition to the box that much more painful. :(
And this line – "How could such a big head fit in such a small box?" – made me want to simultaneously laugh and sob, so thank you for stabbing me through the heart with emotion. </3
Holy crap this entire section is just wrecking me. Ohh I feel so badly for Josephine, who's lost her family (details unknown?), who has no one, who can barely even stand seeing George being comforted by his mother. I feel bad for her, even though her thoughts are selfish in a way, because she deserves to have love, because just about everyone in this world deserves to have love. And I love that you've created this wonderfully complex character who thinks selfish things but is also so clearly largely good that you can't help but want the very best for her anyway. I want the best for Jo. And I'm, once again, heartbroken that Fred has died.
What are you doing to me omg I'm talking way too much. But ahh you're such a talented writer, and you write characters flawlessly – Fred's characterization is one of the best I've ever seen. He was funny, silly, energetic, lively, and everything in his dialogue reflected that. I LOVE THIS. EVEN THOUGH IT MAKES ME WANT TO WEEP MANY TEARS.
Name: justawillowtree (Signed) · Date: 04 Jun 2018 07:51 PM · For: Introduction: Boxes
So I have been eyeing this story for the longest time, because it feels like something that leapt straight out of my wish-list of Types of Fics I Would Like To Read Forever and Ever, and I'm so glad that I finally have the time to sit down and read it now!
Oh no! The beginning's already so sad. Am I going to be weeping all throughout this story? (Be right back, prepping some tissues for the near future haha.) So Josephine is really sad because something's happened between May and December to have ruined her world. Judging by the story summary, I'm assuming that it's that she lied (perhaps it was an accident at first, but she probably kept up the ruse because she loved the Weasleys too much) and was found out, and so she was ostracized. I feel so bad that she had to return to an empty home. Already she sounds like someone who'd lost a lot before meeting the Weasleys.
This is just so sad. She's standing at Fred Weasley's funeral (okay, let's be real, his death was the most tragic in the book, and just the mention of Fred Weasley is enough to get me all emotional these days), and they were best friends?? Aww poor girl, so much heartbreak already. </3
I'm so so excited to work my way through the rest of this story, I'm going to have so much fun reading it, I just know it! No wonder why it was nominated for so many awards. <3
Name: Cupid's Winding Arrow (Anonymous) · Date: 28 Feb 2018 09:30 PM · For: Breakable Girls and Boys
I have to tell you now that these back and forth scenes between the past and the present are what really rip my heart apart. It is because you give me just enough of the present to know that things are bad, and just enough of the hopeful past to tell me that Fred was special and wanted to help Josephine with her secret. I feel all the hope of those past scenes, all the anticipation of how things will work out for the best, and then when Fred is gone, it is like the hope has vanished with him.
I suppose that is how Josephine views it too. How is it possible to feel so much?
This snowglobe is going to come back to haunt me. I can feel it. This cannot end well.
But I will tell you this. The jokes are REAL. They are FUNNY. SO VERY FUNNY and SO VERY FRED. I think I cried a little while laughing. I really did.
And now we come to the "after" part of the chapter, which is always so sad after reading the "before". I am lifted by the fact that Josephine makes herself available finally and listens to the voice of Fred inside her head to go and help his brother.
The snowglobe shatters. I knew it would get me.
I am so relieved that Josephine finally talks to him here. You don't even know. Well, maybe you do, because you wrote this, but what I am trying to say is that the anticipation of her actually breaking out of her comfort zone was slowly leaking the life out of me, and I kept hoping it would be 'today', or 'now', or 'soon'.
She is right, though. Three words were enough for me too. For now.
Your words are true.
Name: Cupid's Winding Arrow (Anonymous) · Date: 22 Feb 2018 09:56 PM · For: Nice to Meet You
Chapter three, here I come!
I love the way you portray the Weasley brothers in their advertisement for the job, and Josephine's embarrassing confession that she needs to be around George so strongly that she'd get the job just to be near him. The poor girl! I am hoping so strongly that things are going to work out for the best, even after the echoes of the prologue still sit in my mind.
And oh, the farting chair plagues her during that interview so much! I think I might want to throw it out of the window, just to make her more comfortable. This is the part where she and Fred mak that deal from the last chapter, isn't that right? At this point, you write Josephine's complete embarrassment so totally convincingly that I feel it in my bones. I feel for her, and I even want to help her hide from the maniacal prankster, that Fred. But then, there wouldn't be much story, so I suppose that I will have to watch Josephine's great uncomfortableness for a bit longer. I really, truly hope that there is a happy ending to this story, and I mean with George, since Fred is undeniably gone at this point.
The whole scenario that you have set up here is so very intriguing and I'm getting that 'need to know' feeling with every chapter I read. I need to know if Josephine gets her happy ending. I need to know if George ever figures out what is going on. I need, I really need to know whether the prologue is simply the unhappy briefness before things get sorted out, because an author such as you has gone and made me feel like, even though she doesn't think she deserves it, she really does. She deserves that happiness that she craves, and so does George.
Please, please, let this be so?
Your words ring true.
Name: Cupid's Winding Arrow (Anonymous) · Date: 20 Feb 2018 09:03 PM · For: Promises, Promises
Fred is so completely adorable in this opening, I can hardly STAND it!!!
Even with all of Josephine's declarations that she's okay with loving George from afar, I stand with Fred on this. I worry for her as well, because if there was anyone who could put in a good word for her, it would be George's brother, but I see how they got into this situation. That was a slick move on Fred's part, even as he now realizes that it might not have been for the best.
And I also agree with Fred about the ogling. Josephine ogles like a pro.
Ah, but the resolution… that is brilliant, Fred! I am so glad you thought of that!
And look at me, now talking to your characters as if they were real. That is the true mark of a great writer, when you are able to bring to life real people who jump off the page like you do. I feel like Fred is larger than life, and I feel like Josephine is a mousey thing who needs a big hug and lots of chocolate, and prodding. I am glad that Fred is giving her some prodding.
I really like this line: "I should have known he'd do this. Too smart for his own good, that one. (Well, for my own good, at least.)"
It shows that Josephine knows her best friend is right in what he is saying to her. She just needs a little more self confidence, more bravery.
More words would help.
Ah, and then my heart breaks when the flashback ends. Josephine is broken here, but she has a strength also that she doesn't recognize. I love the last line you give to her, even after she chastises herself for being selfish, which I cannot accept. She has every right to grieve, just as his family grieves. It's okay. It's okay, Josephine. And I hope she keeps that promise too.
This chapter had so many highs and lows in it. I was on an emotional rollercoaster with this. The way you made Fred so funny, and then the way you made him gone. It eats at me, and I feel those things that Josephine feels. And I am desperately wanting to know how she will cope in the next chapter.
Name: Cupid's Winding Arrow (Anonymous) · Date: 17 Feb 2018 06:58 AM · For: Introduction: Boxes
Oh my goodness, what did I just step into?????
I'm left a little speechless, and a little bit shaken up as I finish this prologue. I have been hit straight in the heart. The first part made me feel like I was in the middle of a sad, sad story, and even though it was sad, it was deliciously enticing. There is nothing better than beginning a new story and getting the shivers as if I had been there all along. I wanted to know so ferently what had happened and why the person speaking was so lost and alone and hurting.
I thought I would get answers in the second section, and I did, to a certain extent. I went back into time and received more context about what might be going on... and oh, the tragedy!
I think the thing that strikes me the most about this prologue is the tone of so much loss. It makes me wonder if the whole story is going to be about this loss, or if there is going to be a small glimmer of hope somewhere. I try to look for the hope as much as I can, wherever I go. Right now, this character needs some serious love, and I wish I could reach through the screen and give her a huge snuggly hug. She's so lost and alone, and I feel heaps of compassion for her.
But the burning question, the single most important query that I have deep inside of me, the reason that I am going to revisit this story and click on the second chapter, is WHY.
I need to know why she is broken and alone, and how that relates to Fred Weasley, and what happened in six months to make her believe that she deserves to be miserable like she is.
So many feels. So. Many. Shaken and speechless aside, I must know how she got here, and if she is able to overcome her devastation.
Name: Stella Blue (Signed) · Date: 09 Feb 2018 09:29 PM · For: This is For
TANYA OMG OMG OMG DO MINE EYES DECEIVE ME OR IS THIS AN ACTUAL NEW CHAPTER I LOVE YOU SO MUCH
THIS JUST MADE MY DAY, NO WAIT MY ENTIRE WEEK
I HAVE SO MANY FEELINGS THAT I CAN ONLY EMOTE IN CAPSLOCK
But that'd be kinda annoying if I did this entire review in capslock, so I'll try to restrain myself.
George is on his way in next, and as much as I'm sure you'd love for him to land on top of you, this is simply neither the time nor place." -- HA. this is during a sad scene in a dusty boarded up Weasley's Wizard Wheezes and the battle of Hogwarts is going on and FRED IS MAKING JOKES LIKE THIS. Bahahaah I just don't know how to handle it.
This whole section really. I absolutely love your use of detail. I can picture the whole scene so clearly. And love, love, love the scene with Jo and Fred right before he goes back into the battle. This scene kind of encapsulates everything about their relationship. He's still managing to bring joy at a dark time and lift Jo's spirits, and he's all talk and she's all silence, and she silently keeps him from getting too cocky. I mean, if she hadn't moved, that spell could have been bad :P And when he kisses her forehead at the end. Gah, these two are so adorable and I love their friendship SO. MUCH.
I love your description of the Burrow and all the sights and smells that make it the home that it is. ♥ Also I am now very hungry.
"I'm scared," I tell my shoelaces. I know she's talking to her shoelaces here rather than the person who asked her a question, but she TALKED. This is huge character development right here.
The way Josephine is welcomed with so much love into the family kind of makes my heart explode with feels. and hugs me like I matter. -- GUH. Is someone cutting onions in here?
Percy actually reaches out to shake my hand, and while he gives a polite smile, it doesn't quite meet his eyes. I can't help but feel shaken by his obvious skepticism. -- honestly I really loved this line because it's perfect. I can totally imagine Percy's smile doesn't reach his eyes, but that it's because he likely is still haunted by the guilt that he was there distracting Fred with his first ever joke when Fred was hit with the curse. (or at least that's how he sees it). I want to tell Jo it's nothing personal.
Mr. Weasley simply grins. "I have one word for you all," he announces above the giggling, eyeing each of his sons with a pointed look. "Genetics."
And that shuts them all up.
-- If they'd had a science class at Hogwarts, Charlie could tell his father that male baldness is actually inherited through the mother. So there, Arthur. But they didn't, so Arthur wins this round. Bahaha, this whole conversation was so entertaining though. Can I just say how PERFECTLY you write the Weasleys? Not just Fred and George, because everyone already knew that you're amazing at writing them, but the whole family. This could be a scene from the books. They are all exactly what I'd expect from them in this situation. Their mannerisms, their exact type of humor - everything is PERFECT. I love the way George elaborated on Molly's threat about the lawnmower when he told Arthur. Leaving him for Hagrid... I'm dying of laughter XD
Josephine did a really good job holding it together surrounded by all those people asking her questions, I know she's miles outside of her comfort zone, but she does so well. And the fact that she was able to be totally honest about some things (like the story about Fred) really makes it believable. And oh, I think it's raining on my face.
I'm just as sad as Josephine is about the idea of her not being able to spend time with the Weasleys again. That would crush me. Just, it's so good for all of them - for Josephine, for George, for all of the Weasleys, for them to have her around. I know it's all based on a lie, but it's bringing Josephine out of her shell and helping her deal with her grief, and the Weasleys get to relive all their favorite moments with Fred all over again and know that Fred was loved, and it's just so healing for all of them. Which will ultimately make it harder as more time passes, I know, and Jo realizes how stuck she is in her lie, but honestly they need this. Grief is so much easier when shared.
I'm running out of characters, and this is so long that you must be already dreading having to respond to it, but I just wanted to say how beautiful this chapter was and you have no need to doubt yourself on your writing, or on your incredible portrayal of the Weasleys or Harry. They are all perfect, so is this story, and so are you.
Name: Stella Blue (Signed) · Date: 09 Feb 2018 09:27 PM · For: Brave Face, Kid
Tanya! Words can't even begin to describe how excited I was when I saw this had been updated!! Congrats on finishing a new chapter :) And once again you've done such an incredible job. I'm afraid my review won't really do it justice - there's so much I want to say and compliment but I'm typing this on my phone in one of those rare, brief occasions when I have internet. So while I can't go into the amount of detail you deserve, let me just say this was an incredible chapter. I love Josephine as a character and it was just so painful to read that last section when she's suffering silently and tells George that silence can be a cry for help. Wahh :-( and how their methods of trying to cope are so opposite but both really understandable. I think it would help Josephine a lot to learn how to release her feelings instead of keeping everything inside, and George could learn to not release his pain as anger at the nearest person - and in that respect I think their friendship (or whatever it is) will be immensely helpful in helping them change and grow as they deal with such an intense loss. One particulat line in this section stood out to me - a poorly choreographed duet of solos - I just love this as it's a beautiful description and so vivid. What perfect imagery. just aah. I loved it.
The first section was really intense! Things are really changing as the story works itself towards the battle of Hogwarts and I'm really interested to se how they managed things during that year and Josephine's part in it all.
I just love this story and I wish I could leave a better review but my thumbs are tired from this tiny keyboard so I will just conclude by stating: You are an incredible writer and I love the way you write characters and make them so real. the way you convey their emotions is amazing. And your writing of the twins, both in humorous situations and somber ones, make me wonder if you are actually JKR herself. I will continue to hound your AP and maybe send you annoying yet persuasive PM's until you finish chapter 7 because I'm so eager to read on and because you know how much I dislike even numbers.
Love this story (and you)!
Name: Stella Blue (Signed) · Date: 09 Feb 2018 09:26 PM · For: Eye of the Storm
*Transferred with love*
Tanya! Words cannot express how stoked I was to see a new chapter of this! Also, now I know your secret - if your writing is motivated by PM's full of love and pestering, I will get on that ASAP. :p
I love love love the growing friendship between Jo and Fred - their conversations are so funny as it's mostly just Fred prattling on, punctuated by very to-the-point comments (or hand gestures) from Jo. Aw, he told her his secrets! That is the mark of friendship. Besides, it's not like she's the type to tell secrets, or anything really :p
I know the second section with George is much more somber, but I still couldn't help giggling at the sheer amount of poo-related products available for purchase at the twins' shop. Poo d'Etat... haha brilliant. Faecal Treacle? Ew. And brilliant. These shouldn't be as funny as they are. XD
But moving on - I really loved the whole conversation between Jo and George. It was all kinds of awkward, but just the fact that they went through all these emotions together - the guilt, the accusations, the grief - that's bringing them closer together, because intense conversations like that aren't something you just forget about the next day. I only wish Jo had said the things she was thinking about saying! I know she uses a lot of facial expressions and few words which maybe Fred would have understood a deeper meaning, but George doesn't know her as well yet. I mean, I'm sure he knew she was trying, but I think if she'd actually articulated what she wanted to say, it would have helped George a lot. Well, they will have more time for that..
I noticed one small typo in this chapter. It's in the A/N: you wrote "I am the worst", but I think you meant "best". ;) BECAUSE YOU'RE THE BEST! I'll pester you with love and support in a few days to see how chapter six is coming along ;) Awesome work!
Name: Stella Blue (Signed) · Date: 09 Feb 2018 09:23 PM · For: Breakable Girls and Boys
Another transfer :)
Once again my feelings went on a bit of a roller coaster here. The beginning section was a combination of sweet and ridiculous - the idea of Fred's gift was just so sincere and the jokes involved kind of cancelled out the sincerity ahaha but I loved the delicate balance between Fred's nervousness and cheeky arrogance while Josephine looks at the snowglobe.
oh and I loved the bit where Fred is secretly just 5 years old, poking Jo repeatedly and saying hey until she gives up, and her determination to keep silent until he gives up!
The second part was so sad, but I'm glad Jo listened to her internal Fred-voice, because I think that did help George. Honestly, I love that Jo knew Fred well enough to hear his voice advising her, because he would know exactly what to do when it comes to George.
Lovely chapter, Tanya!
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Hillary Clinton gains a 10-point lead over Donald Trump
US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has gained a 10-point lead over her Republican rival Donald Trump, who has attracted outrage over his comments about a Muslim Gold Star family.
Published: August 4, 2016 7:15 AM IST
By Indo-Asian News Service Email
Washington, Aug 4: US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has gained a 10-point lead over her Republican rival Donald Trump, who has attracted outrage over his comments about a Muslim Gold Star family, according to a new national poll. Clinton leads Trump 49 per cent to 39 per cent in a head-to-head Fox News survey released on Wednesday. In a three-way race including Libertarian Gary Johnson, Clinton leads 44 per cent to 35 per cent, with Johnson claiming 12 per cent, CNN reported. Also Read - Biden Says Trump Wrote a 'Very Generous' Letter Before Departing White House
A CNN/ORC poll this week showed Clinton with a 9-point edge in a head-to-head matchup with Trump. When Fox polled voters in late June — before both conventions — Clinton was up only six points, 44 per cent to 38 per cent.Voters also weighed in on the controversy surrounding Trump after his comments on the Muslim family of a fallen US soldier. Also Read - On Day 1 as President, Biden Reverses Trump Policies on Climate, Immigration And Coronavirus
Sixty-nine per cent of respondents familiar with the comments declared Trump's criticism in response to the family's speech against Trump at the Democratic convention "out of bounds", compared to 19 per cent who said it was "in bounds".Republicans are about evenly split on the back-and-forth, with 41 per cent saying similarly while 40 per cent of Republicans saying Trump's response is "in bounds". Fox surveyed 1,022 registered voters from Sunday to Tuesday, and the poll has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points. Also Read - Ready To Serve US And American People: Kamala Harris After Taking Oath as 49th Vice President of United States
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest World News on India.com.
Donald TrumpHillary ClintonUS Presidential election 2016
Published Date: August 4, 2016 7:15 AM IST

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Sixteen years ago, at the age of thirteen months, I suffered third degree burns on my left arm. At the time, the physical pain was the main aspect of the injury that I had to deal with. But as I get older, while I feel no physical pain, the emotional pain is not easy to describe.
I never really thought much of my scar as I grew up within my family circle because they had grown accustomed to it. I started to realize there was something different about me when I started attending school. Kids would stare or ask what had happened to me, because of this I became very aware of my burn and what made me stand out. As a result, I began to wear only long-sleeve shirts and I would only wear bathing suits around the closest family members.
Destiny put me in contact with Carrol Ann Stankovitz, a volunteer with the Children's Burn Foundation of Florida, Inc., and an employee at Boca Raton Fire-Rescue Services Department. Meeting this woman would change my attitude toward my burn forever. She convinced my mother to let me attend a four-day camp at the Florida's Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla, Florida that was especially for children with burns. For the first time I felt comfortable in my skin because here I did not feel different. Being around other kids like me, I learned to accept myself and not let my scar affect me emotionally anymore. I continue to attend the camp almost ten years later. I volunteer and try to help other young girls understand that outward beauty is not only skin deep, but instead, that our appearance is a reflection of who we are on the inside. Nowadays, I am a regular teenage girl who wears short-sleeve shirts, tank tops, and bathing suits regardless of who is around.
I am not going to say that I am happy that I was burned, but I can say that it happened for a reason. My disfigurements gave me a strong sense of character and an even stronger sense of myself. As a result, I have gained a confidence that enables me to go after my goals, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. I also use my story to always remind myself that that I should never be afraid to be different. Among many factors, I believe that these qualities would make me a great candidate for the Florida State University. I welcome the opportunity to expand my wings, even the burned one, by becoming a member of the Seminole community.


Kritters Ramblings: March - reading like a lion and a lamb!
March - reading like a lion and a lamb!
March was a longer month than February, but was packed full of crazy weekend plans and work weeks that were harder than the usual. I didn't fall behind on my yearly schedule, but barely made my monthly goal!
Love your titles, many new to me! I will do more research on them and add to my wishlist. Looks like you had a productive and fun month. Thanks for sharing this.


text:
Q: Send emails to multiple domains via wordpress I have a small Digital Ocean VPS that at the moment is configured with 2 small and WordPress websites.
I want both WordPress instalations to be able to send emails via zoho.com. (DNS is configured correctly on both domains and both point to zoho.com on the MX record).
For my domain I managed to configure sSMTP to successfully send emails but sSMTP seems to be sort of a one-account configuration.
How would go about configuring the server so that both WordPress instalations with different domains can send email successfully to zoho.com?

A: I would probably recommend using a plugin on each WordPress site, such as https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-mail-smtp/, instead of configuring it on the server with sSMTP.
Also, make sure that you have proper SPF records in place (although I guess that's mostly a moot point if you're using SMTP).

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Literacy DuPage recruits and trains volunteers to tutor adults who wish to improve their English speaking, listening, reading, and/or writing. Sitting side-by-side with learners every day, we aren't just teaching literacy, we're changing lives.
Empowering an adult with language will change that person's life—and yours, too. No foreign language or teaching experience needed. Just time and heart.
More than 100,000 DuPage County residents need help improving their English skills. We dream of reaching them all.
Our tutoring happens in quiet libraries and other public spaces. But in the community, we're making noise—online and in person.
We're eager to tell the story of our organization, but even more excited to share the inspiring stories of our learners' successes.
Do you want to learn English? Call Literacy DuPage at 630.416.6699.
We hold volunteer meet & greet sessions every few weeks, at locations throughout DuPage County.
Since 1972, we've been changing lives through literacy. Our passion just keeps growing. Read our strategic plan and annual report.


A rich and powerful wine with a remarkable persistence and a nose dominated by aromas of acacia, sweet spices and white flesh ripe fruits. Ideal with poultries and veal cooked in sauce. Serving temperature : 11-13°C. Should be drunk between 2018 and 2021. This fleshy white offers peach, apple, lemon, honey and spice flavors. A fine structure lends support, providing balance and driving the lingering finish of citrus and baking spices. Drink now through 2022.


A bipartisan group of influential Maine lawmakers is telling Massachusetts regulators to reject Central Maine Power's (CMP) proposal to build a big transmission line through western Maine.
The 145-mile high voltage line would bring electricity from Hydro-Québec's dam system in Canada down to Massachusetts consumers. Now, the bipartisan, bicameral chairs of the Legislature's Energy and Natural Resources committee is telling the Bay State's utility regulators to keep Maine out of it.
Republican state Senator David Woodsome of Waterboro, Chair of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, says that he has always felt that historically CMP has been a good corporate citizen.
However, "CMP is no longer the CMP as we know it. It's a new international corporation and the bottom line is the dollar," Woodsome says.
Woodsome says in its negotiations with stakeholders, the company has offered some specific deals to address some of the impacts of the project.
Woodsome and four other committee chairs have sent a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities citing additional concerns: that the project may increase total greenhouse gas emissions, could result in lost tax revenue and energy investments in Maine, and could have negative impacts on wildlife, forests and clean water.
But Senator Andre Cushing, one of Woodsome's Republican colleagues on the energy committee, says that the lawmakers are speaking out of turn. He broadly disagrees with project opponents, including on the question of effects on the state's environment.
"The bulk of this line from Lewiston to the forks is along an existing right of way that already carries capacity, because Maine has had a long tradition of generation from hydro-facilities," Cushing says.
CMP's proposed $950 million project is still under negotiation with Massachusetts officials, and, after that, it will need to win multiple permits in both states, as well as from the federal government.


text:
January transfer window: Stroud-born former Norwich, Brentford and Aberdeen keeper joins Sutton United
Stuart Nelson
Stuart Nelson has joined Forest Green's promotion rivals Sutton United.
Stroud-born Nelson has had a stellar career in the game, racking up more than 500 professional games at the likes of Norwich City, Aberdeen, and Brentford.
The former Archway student started the season training with Joey Barton's Bristol Rovers before a short stint at Dorking FC.
Nelson said: "I'm absolutely buzzing with the move. I can already see that it's a fantastic club that's definitely going places on and off the pitch."
There's still time to play Longfield Hospice's winter raffle
A suite selection of furniture at Brimscombe Mills


She now faces two charges of embezzlement herself following an extradition request by authorities in Azerbaijan and has been in detention since last week, the BBC reported on Tuesday.
Hajiyeva's husband, Jahangir Hajiyev, was chairman of the state-controlled International Bank of Azerbaijan from 2001 until his resignation in 2015.
Hajiyeva, 55, is the first person to be subject to an Unexplained Wealth Order, a measure introduced by the U.K.at the beginning of the year in a bid to curb London's status as a haven for ill-gotten gains.
Britain's National Crime Agency wants to know where Hajiyeva got the money to fund her Harrods shopping sprees and buy two United Kingdom properties worth 22 million pounds ($29 million). While he languished in a prison cell, she had continued to live in London where she spent £16m in the upmarket Harrods store over a decade, court documents revealed last month.
However, the decision was challenged by prosecutors and Hajiyeva will remain in custody pending an appeal on Thursday.
In court this week, her legal team said she was a "spendthrift", but was not a "fraudster".
Head of paediatric surgery Dr Joe Crameri, who led the operation, said the girls were breathing independently and in recovery. The twins were flown from their home in Bhutan to Australia on October 2 for the operation.
Hajiyeva, who was not in court, must also report to a central London police station every day, has surrendered her passport and is banned from travelling outside London's M25 ring road.
The wife of a crooked banker who blew £16million shopping at Harrods is fighting extradition to her homeland.
Ms Hajiyeva also bought an $20.7 million five-bedroom home which, according to UK's The Guardian, was roughly 90 metres from the Harrods doors. Last week, jewellery worth £400,000 was seized from the auction house Christie's in connection with the case.
Hajiyeva has denied any wrongdoing. The Azerbaijani woman must explain how she afforded the assets in question, otherwise she could lose them.
They said the UWO was part of an investigative process, not a criminal procedure, and did not involve the finding of any criminal offence, and they said an application to appeal against the judge's order had been filed.


I first heard about Moarira holidays from a colleague at the office where I work. He had just returned a couple of months back from a trip there with his family, and he couldn't make 2 sentences without going on and on about how much fun they had while there. Well, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about so since I was due for vacation soon, I decided to book a 7-day trip down there with three of my buddies. To say the least, I was not disappointed on my holiday to Moraira.
We flew down to Alicante Airport and hired a taxi for the roughly 95 kilometer drive to Moraira. A villa had been booked for our stay and being a bit picky about accommodation, I was anxious to see it.
The building is located in El Portet and is called the Villa Ciguena: an air conditioned, private, gated villa on 2 floors consisting of 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and reliable Wi-Fi connection. We took a quick tour around the Villa and noticed it, had break taking views over the main town of Moraira, the popular Penon de Ifech Natural Park and the Mediterranean Sea. It had ample parking spaces on the gentle sweeping driveway expertly decorated with beautiful greenery and plants.
I could tell a lot of thought and care had gone into both the inside and outside of the building as the Villa boasted of tasteful decorations and furnishings for both indoor and outdoor enjoyment. From the large living room to the fully-fitted kitchen, to the outdoor barbecue, spacy terraces, laundry, outdoor dining and shower, everything was well laid out with the comfort and convenience of the inhabitants in mind. The private pool in particular was stunning, the water was so clear and blue and added to the charm of the entire structure.
I was informed that Moraira is often described as The Jewel of the Costa Blanca, and after we had settled down into our individual rooms, I was eager to begin exploring this town.
It's not a large town and until the 1970's it was a small cluster of fishermen's cottages. Over the years, it has grown into an exclusive holiday resort attracting over 20,000 tourist during the summer season. Despite this, it still maintains a tranquil, unspoilt and relaxed atmosphere I quickly fell in love with.
On our first day, we visited the Algar waterfalls and the picturesque village of Guadalest. Guadalest has spectacular views of the blue lakes and boasts a historical castle. By this time we were getting hungry so we headed back to find a place to eat. We ended up eating at Piscis, a Spanish restaurant in central Moraira. Other days that followed, we ate at D'Gust, Pescador, Ca Pepe to mention just a few.
The next day we decided to stay indoors laze around enjoying the pool and napping on the cool, breezy terraces. I had a Skype session using the Wi-Fi and the connection was excellent.
Our third day there was a Friday. We learnt the Moraira market was holding we headed down there to enjoy the bustling atmosphere and pick up some souvenirs for our friends and family back home. Other nearby towns like Javea, Calpe, Benissa and Teulada also have their market days on different days of the week.
I'm an avid scuba diver so there was no lack of choice for water sports to keep us busy. We went scuba diving, surf boarding and jet skiing near Moraira beach.
Over the next few days, we visited so many places the days went by so quickly. We visited the restored castle on the sea front and visited the beaches: some sandy and others stony. We saw the Terra MItica, Aqualandia and Mundomar parks in Benidorm. The Marina was not left out with the shopping district, daily fish auction and vast selection of fish restaurants. Also the Plata del Portet beach and the Cap d'Or Watchtower.
We took a 1 1/2 hour drive to Valencia for the dolphin show and scenic center.
Overall, it was trip to remember and I had a lot of fond memories till date. I was not in a hurry to leave and I'm planning another trip back there soon.


... it's because my friend is here to help me cry.
It continues to be the case with me that the things I expect to be difficult (going into his nursery, visiting his grave site, seeing babies out in public) aren't as difficult as I anticipate them to be. For me, the difficulty continues in those unexpected moments of stillness and silence and remembering. The tension between the truth of what he now enjoys and the loss we must endure continues to pull at me.
Sometimes the hardest thing is just to let that tension be -- not to ask the feelings to surrender to the truth or for the truth to surrender to the feelings. Just to let them both remain.
My heart is with you today and always. Thinking about you.
it's good to cry in the company of a friend who's not afraid of your tears. i'm so looking forward to being in your company soon.
I'm glad your friend is there to help you cry...and hopefully help you smile too! Always praying for you!
So so so glad you're crying with Christianne today. Not glad you're crying, but glad that she can hold your tears. Walk soft today, friend. I'll see you soon.
we're praying for you in the tension.
we are thankful you have time with a friend.
Praying. Glad your friend is helping you get through this.
Continually thinking about you and praying for you.
Peace on Ewan's 1 month Angel Day. It does become easier, I promise.
My life has had an overarching theme of Seasons. Rebecca even did a gorgeous embroidered piece for me on my 40th birthday, showing the four seasons. Ecclesiastes 3 underscores the truth that there is a season for everything.


text:
Omicron, even a brief touch can infect the air… Possible airborne transmission?
Home » News » Omicron, even a brief touch can infect the air… Possible airborne transmission?
Topics: air propagation, COVID-19, Omicron
◀ anchor ▶
Omicron's domestic spread is strong.
In particular, the possibility of airborne transmission is emerging as cases of infection have been confirmed even through brief contact at restaurants.
This is Reporter Lee Jun-beom.
◀ Report ▶
Within a week of the confirmation of the Omicron mutation in Korea, the number of confirmed cases of Omicron infection has risen to 36.
It spread from the pastor's couple, the first infected, to a man in his 30s, an acquaintance, and then to the man's family and acquaintances.
The risk of spread within the region is increasing.
As three foreign students attending Seoul National University, Kyunghee University and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies were confirmed to have mutated infection, the first confirmed case of Omicron was confirmed in Seoul.
After Incheon, Gyeonggi-do, and Chungbuk, the number of Omicron infected areas increased to four in all, including Seoul.
The quarantine authorities are paying attention to the rapid spread of Omicron.
In particular, there are growing concerns about Omicron's rapid propagation power as cases that spread through a restaurant rather than inside a church appear.
The owner of a restaurant where the mother-in-law of a man in his 30s who was infected by the pastor and his wife ate was infected with Omicron, because the only contact was to deliver food and pay.
Overseas, reports of rapid transmission are continuing, such as the infection reproduction index of the Omicron mutation is 2 or higher and the infectivity is 3-6 times higher than that of the Delta mutation.
In Hong Kong, a study found that travelers who were quarantined in other rooms were more likely to have contracted omicron and airborne transmission when they opened a door to receive food.
The quarantine authorities explained that in an enclosed space, the length of stay is more important than the time of direct contact.
However, he said that it is difficult to accurately determine the propagation power of microns only in this case, and he said that he is investigating the possibility that the propagation power is higher than the delta variation.
This is Lee Jun-beom from MBC News.
MBC News awaits your report 24 hours a day.
▷ Tel 02-784-4000
▷ Email [email protected]
▷ KakaoTalk @mbc report
A Dijiang said he wanted to applaud the performance of the players Arslan: I learned a lesson from the first two losses – yqqlm
Original title: Ah Dijiang said he wanted to applaud the performance of the players Arslan: I learned a lesson from the first two losses On
"Recognition of luxury 'fake'" Song Ji-ah, will 'Children' and 'Once Upon a Time' air safely after filming?
Photo = Captured from YouTube channel 'Freesia' While YouTuber and influencer Freesia (real name Song Ji-ah) apologized for the so-called 'fake' controversy, it was predicted
Elementary school teacher to dream major "super-unnamed" 155km right arm contracted with Dodgers | Full-Count
Yasushi Matsuda of Ibaraki Astro Planets who signed a minor contract with the Dodgers An unfinished large instrument crosses the sea and challenges the major
Surya's Jai Bhim 'on Oscar's YouTube channel; Fans say it was a proud moment
Jai Bhim, who was recently released with Tamil actor Surya in the lead role, has been in the news ever since he came through ODT.
[방송]Kim Sae-rom's experience of dating violence "When we broke up, I used a knife…" (Crazy. Love.X)
Broadcaster Kim Sae-rom, who first confessed her experience of dating violence, turned the studio upside down. On the 19th, on TV Chosun's 'Crazy Love.X', Kim
The doctor pointed out that blisters Occurs after vaccination against covids. Repeat. It can be cured.
The doctor pointed out that blisters It can occur after vaccination against the coronavirus, but it is rare. may be a joint event or a


text:
typedef struct NamingAuthority_st {
    ASN1_OBJECT* namingAuthorityId;
    ASN1_IA5STRING* namingAuthorityUrl;
    ASN1_STRING* namingAuthorityText;
} NAMING_AUTHORITY;
DECLARE_ASN1_ITEM(NAMING_AUTHORITY)

typedef struct ProfessionInfo_st {
    NAMING_AUTHORITY* namingAuthority;
    STACK_OF(DIRECTORYSTRING)* professionItems;
    STACK_OF(ASN1_OBJECT)* professionOIDs;
    ASN1_PRINTABLESTRING* registrationNumber;
    ASN1_OCTET_STRING* addProfessionInfo;
} PROFESSION_INFO;
DECLARE_ASN1_ITEM(PROFESSION_INFO)

typedef struct Admissions_st {
    GENERAL_NAME* admissionAuthority;
    NAMING_AUTHORITY* namingAuthority;
    STACK_OF(PROFESSION_INFO)* professionInfos;
} ADMISSIONS;
DECLARE_ASN1_ITEM(ADMISSIONS)

typedef struct AdmissionSyntax_st {
    GENERAL_NAME* admissionAuthority;
    STACK_OF(ADMISSIONS)* contentsOfAdmissions;
} ADMISSION_SYNTAX;
DECLARE_ASN1_ITEM(ADMISSION_SYNTAX)

ASN1_SEQUENCE(NAMING_AUTHORITY) = {
    ASN1_OPT(NAMING_AUTHORITY, namingAuthorityId, ASN1_OBJECT),
    ASN1_OPT(NAMING_AUTHORITY, namingAuthorityUrl, ASN1_IA5STRING),
    ASN1_OPT(NAMING_AUTHORITY, namingAuthorityText, DIRECTORYSTRING),
} ASN1_SEQUENCE_END(NAMING_AUTHORITY)

ASN1_SEQUENCE(PROFESSION_INFO) = {
    ASN1_EXP_OPT(PROFESSION_INFO, namingAuthority, NAMING_AUTHORITY, 0),
    ASN1_SEQUENCE_OF(PROFESSION_INFO, professionItems, DIRECTORYSTRING),
    ASN1_SEQUENCE_OF(PROFESSION_INFO, professionOIDs, ASN1_OBJECT),
    ASN1_OPT(PROFESSION_INFO, registrationNumber, ASN1_PRINTABLESTRING),
    ASN1_OPT(PROFESSION_INFO, addProfessionInfo, ASN1_OCTET_STRING),
} ASN1_SEQUENCE_END(PROFESSION_INFO)

ASN1_SEQUENCE(ADMISSIONS) = {
    ASN1_EXP_OPT(ADMISSIONS, admissionAuthority, GENERAL_NAME, 0),
    ASN1_EXP_OPT(ADMISSIONS, namingAuthority, NAMING_AUTHORITY, 1),
    ASN1_SEQUENCE_OF(ADMISSIONS, professionInfos, PROFESSION_INFO),
} ASN1_SEQUENCE_END(ADMISSIONS)

ASN1_SEQUENCE(ADMISSION_SYNTAX) = {
    ASN1_OPT(ADMISSION_SYNTAX, admissionAuthority, GENERAL_NAME),
    ASN1_SEQUENCE_OF(ADMISSION_SYNTAX, contentsOfAdmissions, ADMISSIONS),
} ASN1_SEQUENCE_END(ADMISSION_SYNTAX)

IMPLEMENT_ASN1_FUNCTIONS(NAMING_AUTHORITY);
IMPLEMENT_ASN1_FUNCTIONS(PROFESSION_INFO);
IMPLEMENT_ASN1_FUNCTIONS(ADMISSIONS);
IMPLEMENT_ASN1_FUNCTIONS(ADMISSION_SYNTAX);

int x509_add_admission_extensions();
#endif

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
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Balanced Reporting. Trusted Insights. Thursday, January 21, 2021
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Home » H-2A rules changes would overhaul wage rates, cut farm expenses
News Politics Labor WEST
H-2A rules changes would overhaul wage rates, cut farm expenses
07/17/19 6:41 AM By Philip Brasher
KEYWORDS agricultural employment American Farm Bureau farm labor farmworkers H-2A Labor Department Labor Dept. Michael Marsh
A sweeping proposed overhaul of the H-2A farm labor program would have varying impacts on worker wages, while cutting farmers' transportation expenses and reducing the number of applications farms have to file to import employees.
Farm groups and worker advocacy organizations are still studying the 489-page plan to determine how it could affect individual growers and their workers, especially when it comes to the wages they have to pay H-2A workers.
The Labor Department proposal, known as an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking, includes a number of complex changes for calculating "adverse effect wage rates," or AEWR, which set a floor for what farms have to pay workers.
Experts say the changes could lead to higher rates for supervisors and lower wages for rank-and-file workers. The wage rates are currently calculated based on surveys of rates for all workers in a region, regardless of whether they have supervisory responsibilities.
The wage rates have risen sharply in some states in recent years even as demand for H-2A visa grows, and there are wide disparities among regions.
Other changes, which were immediately welcomed by farmers, included a proposal to allow farmers to file a single application for workers they need at different times of the year, a concept known as "staggered entry." Under current rules, for example, a farm must file separate applications for workers it needs at planting and those it needs at harvest. Under the proposal, a single application would suffice for both groups.
Another change would ease a requirement that farms who import H-2A workers also hire any domestic applicants who appear up to halfway through the season, a regulation known as the "50% rule." Under the department's plan, domestic workers wouldn't have to be hired unless they showed up within the first 30 days.
"Based on preliminary reading there seem to be positive elements to this rule," said Allison Crittenden, a director of congressional relations at the American Farm Bureau Federation. "We look forward to closely reviewing the new AEWR valuation and appreciate the efforts to make the process simpler, such as changing staggered entry and the 50% rule."
In addition, farms would no longer be required to pay transportation cost from the worker's country of origin to the place of employment. Farms would only have to pay for transportation to the U.S. consulate or embassy where the workers obtain their visas.
Farmworker advocates blasted the proposal, saying it would make it harder for domestic workers to get jobs and lower wages.
Bruce Goldstein, Farmworker Justice
"The Trump Administration's proposal would make it easier for farmers to bring in temporary foreign workers under substandard wages and working conditions, denying these valuable workers the economic and democratic freedoms on which this country is based," said Bruce Goldstein, president of Farmworker Justice.
Labor, ag groups critical of proposed overhaul of H-2A wage rates
Landmark ag labor bill would legalize workers, ease H-2A rules
H-2A wage rates to jump 6% nationally in 2020
Eliminating the 50% rule would make it significantly harder for domestic workers to find jobs on farms, and the changes in calculating workers could significantly reduce wages, according to his group.
The United Farm Workers said the plan "would make it easier to deny jobs to domestic farmworkers so growers can hire more temporary foreign agricultural guest workers and pay them less, thereby depressing pay for domestic workers. Although there are many undocumented farmworkers, there are also many legal residents and U.S. citizens who would be victims of Trump's changes in the H-2A program," the group said.
H-2A would continue to be restricted to seasonal workers, limiting its usefulness to dairy producers and other sectors that want year-round workers. Experts say making the program year-round would require Congress to change the law.
Demand for H-2A applicants has been increasing sharply ever year. The number of certified H-2A positions reached 242,762 in fiscal 2018, a 21 percent increase over 2017, and three times the 82,000 jobs that were approved in 2008.
Processing of applications has slowed in recent months, and farms also have been complaining about the AEWR, which reached $15.03 an hour this year in Oregon and Washington. Rates in other states vary from a low of $11.13 in Alabama and Georgia, to $12.23 in Oklahoma and Texas, $13.92 in California and $14.38 in the Dakotas, Kansas and Nebraska.
Michael Marsh, president and CEO of the National Council of Agricultural Employers
The rates are currently based on the gross hourly rate for field and livestock workers, based on the semiannual farm labor survey compiled by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Supervisors, agricultural inspectors, graders and sorters of animal products, agricultural equipment operators, construction laborers, and crop laborers are all the assigned the same state or regional rate.
In the proposal, the Labor Department says it's "concerned that the current AEWR methodology may have an adverse effect on the wages of workers in higher-paid agricultural occupations, such as construction laborers and supervisors of farmworkers." So, the department wants to start calculating separate rates for specific agricultural occupations.
Michael Marsh, president and CEO of the National Council of Agricultural Employers, gave an example of how basing wage rates on occupations could affect wages: Under current rules, if tomato pickers receive an average of $15 an hour and supervisors get $30 an hour, the AEWR would be calculated as the average of the two: $22.50. If the occupations were calculated separately, the AEWRs would be $15 and $30 respectively.
There are still some concerns about the accuracy of the NASS labor survey. Veronica Nigh, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation who has studied the issue, said the large swings in average wages are likely due to some outlier surveys, rather than major changes in the labor market.
The president of the California Farm Bureau, Jamie Johansson, welcomed the Labor Department proposals, saying it "would streamline certain aspects of the program and expand it to include additional forms of agriculture, such as reforestation work." He said the program has not been flexible enough for many California operations, noting that only 6% of producers surveyed this year about employee shortages said they used H-2A.
For more news, go to www.Agri-Pulse.com.
Philip Brasher
Biden COVID package calls for extension of SNAP increase, back hazard pay for essential workers
FFA CEO Mark Poeschl resigns
Biden picks Bronaugh for USDA deputy post
USDA tops up CFAP for hog farms, offers new aid to contract producers
Washington Week Ahead: Biden set to take office with flurry of actions
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USSEC CEO Jim Sutter
This week's Open Mic guest is Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council. In a matter of a few short months, the value of soybeans has seen an astronomical market spike. Sutter says China's renewed appetite for U.S. soy is a big reason, but not the only bullish influence in the market. Sutter says collaboration with other commodity organizations and USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service has helped revive global demand and improve the industry's balance of trade. Sutter says the U.S. soybean sustainability message is strong and could help other countries achieve their climate objectives. Sutter says the Biden administration's trade agenda will be a critical influence on the soybean market's long term outlook.
1. Corporate giants' climate pledges take root, pressing farmers to go green
2. Fate of climate payment plans in hands of researchers
3. Carbon markets lure farmers, but will benefits be enough to hook them?
4. Farmers look to innovate their way to a smaller environmental footprint
5. US farmers count on environmental practices to get edge in foreign markets
Read More Opinions
Britt Grossman
Opinion: Cracking the accounting jigsaw of on-farm conservation to grow the profitability of healthy soils
In this opinion piece, National Corn Growers Association CEO Jon Doggett and Environmental Defense Fund vice president of ecosystems Britt Groosman, discuss the importance of implementing sustainable practices at scale across U.S. agriculture.
Hear More Drive Time
DriveTime: Jan. 20, 2021
Washington Week in Review: Jan. 15, 2021: Rep. Rodney Davis on impeachment, COVID aid, and biofuels
It's been an eventful two weeks on Capitol Hill, and the impacts could linger for an extended period of time. Illinois Republican Rodney Davis, a veteran of the House Agriculture Committee and the ranking member of the House Administration Committee, joins Agri-Pulse to discuss the current outlook for Congress and how that might impact farm policy.
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На товар Сервер Cisco UCS-C240-M3S предоставляется официальная гарантия производителя.
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