tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15815719915835352472024-03-25T09:40:38.648-07:00Behind the Scenes at Stuart Ng BooksWelcome to BEHIND THE SCENES AT STUART NG BOOKS. New reader? Click on sidebar post "Your Guide.." Stuart does NOT write this blog. All the posts and opinions here are Amy's alone. This is SNB from the POV of the Bride of Bookseller. I'm here to advocate for indie artist creative rights and share resources. Aloha and thanks for visiting!awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.comBlogger883125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-12077240515398794762024-03-25T09:40:00.000-07:002024-03-25T09:40:06.500-07:00WonderCon 2024 -- SNB at Booth 1509<p><span style="font-size: medium;">SNB will be at the usual spot --- Booth 1509 -- for WonderCon 2024, March 29th-31st. Stuart will be at the con all 3 days. WonderCon exhibit hall hours are Friday 11:30am-7pm; Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday 10am-5pm.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pvpBS-ArHMP4_Hy1q-YNuhw9JqsI8z48Pun7ZuBLSkbAMCZiueCJqmyMIx5vVb_ccC-34nqdtfrNw6mLUDPeN-oZeDVXPknB-jRfJ5JzVX_eNDUqf0IIFAGwT5arHWjggTXVvJja-vpbb_4VM01MehdirhpmnjYu3NYV7EoE_8bolrs2N7cIzOuqSIY/s768/SNB%20WonderCon%203.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="740" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pvpBS-ArHMP4_Hy1q-YNuhw9JqsI8z48Pun7ZuBLSkbAMCZiueCJqmyMIx5vVb_ccC-34nqdtfrNw6mLUDPeN-oZeDVXPknB-jRfJ5JzVX_eNDUqf0IIFAGwT5arHWjggTXVvJja-vpbb_4VM01MehdirhpmnjYu3NYV7EoE_8bolrs2N7cIzOuqSIY/s320/SNB%20WonderCon%203.24.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJx4nA45uESHXpc_3zaOUT5oSkxehrzsl9Bqi_FOGdb9vySJ-EeyzSV9BZlU2ChP-IJEacfRHkFBNGSJdbWqzX3uHTF7f_mdpC-FeRUWJdUwUkAaUG3N55nJ6nTkV0cfmvk6xMQ6LGh6jENrDSaylDYrysBZmaMnTW05wksZN0l_TtoWy0dj6uxeTKpsQ/s663/SNB%20WonderCon%20map%203.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="663" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJx4nA45uESHXpc_3zaOUT5oSkxehrzsl9Bqi_FOGdb9vySJ-EeyzSV9BZlU2ChP-IJEacfRHkFBNGSJdbWqzX3uHTF7f_mdpC-FeRUWJdUwUkAaUG3N55nJ6nTkV0cfmvk6xMQ6LGh6jENrDSaylDYrysBZmaMnTW05wksZN0l_TtoWy0dj6uxeTKpsQ/s320/SNB%20WonderCon%20map%203.24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This link from the WonderCon website has all the info on panels, exhibitors, events and special guests: <a href="https://www.comic-con.org/wc/">https://www.comic-con.org/wc/</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-62795524499634862782024-03-22T21:07:00.000-07:002024-03-24T18:29:09.227-07:0010 reasons to care about ethics behind AI generated images<p> This list appeared recently on Facebook... Share info like this. Raise caution and awareness about what is "liked and shared" online.</p><p>-------------------------------------------------------------------</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2sxzPqwDeQjW1dZpDWdNEhTBmgsbk_OIQkF3TgpC-QzhqzKD27WFI4EA2PdZrwmDAM6jm29yhMCUA2sdqLs6Bw5HKJT7HlDVZc0fCH0iXtGxdEuGT1nBc84ExNO6_w3LDGdGQbNKo7ts3YvmwUupw2hbnHAYg_PSdbvd2VCWyLe8c97HGeATHy_6Izs/s1080/AI%2010%20reasons%203.24%20a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2sxzPqwDeQjW1dZpDWdNEhTBmgsbk_OIQkF3TgpC-QzhqzKD27WFI4EA2PdZrwmDAM6jm29yhMCUA2sdqLs6Bw5HKJT7HlDVZc0fCH0iXtGxdEuGT1nBc84ExNO6_w3LDGdGQbNKo7ts3YvmwUupw2hbnHAYg_PSdbvd2VCWyLe8c97HGeATHy_6Izs/s320/AI%2010%20reasons%203.24%20a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">" 10 REASONS YOU NEED TO START CARING ABOUT THE ETHICS BEHIND AI "ART" </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">1.There
are NO ai "art" programs that do not use stolen art. Even if you were
to have a program only use sources you provide those programs are trained on
stolen work. Court rulings in the US and several other countries have already
ruled to allow AI to use copyrighted artwork without consent.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">2.
When we use AI "art" programs, share their images, react positively,
and continue the trends we are only telling companies "we like AI
art", "AI art does well with the public".</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">3.
Many big companies have laid off artists and are no longer working with
freelancers unless it's to have them help fix up AI "art".</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">4.
Those who intend to hire real artists have been tricked into hiring people who
pose as real artists but use AI and do not disclose such.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">5.
Artists who make art for big companies are not being paid very much to begin
with. They are artists trying to make a living, whether that's a full-time
position doing art for a company or freelancing for them. It is already a
highly saturated and highly competitive market even without AI I'm the mix.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">6.
Trends like the Bratz and Funko-pop AI "art" aren't just using images
from those franchises. The clothing, hair, accessories, etc are coming from
other artwork.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">7.
When I say it hurts artists I don't just mean those who do digital art. I also
mean photographers, painters, sculptors, even fiber artists and interior
designers. Communities have become flooded with AI images and sadly there are a
lot of people who don't recognize it as such. It suppresses actual creations
people made and makes viewers less impressed by real works and more likely to
presume it's not real.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">8.
AI as a whole has been having significant environmental impact similar to those
we saw with NFTs. Microsoft's water usage for tech cooling has gone up by a
third and could fill 2,500 Olympic pools.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">9.
Artists have had AI "art" creates based off their works come up first
in Google searches for their names. Even celebrities have had AI images of them
come up as the first image on Google. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">10.
There are significant consumer privacy issues including biometric data. The
company who owns Lensa is being sued for biometric theft from data collected
through their "magic avatars".</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Please
support real, human artists. Stop using AI images programs, stop sharing them,
stop acting like it's not a big deal."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Shared
by Ember Etsuko on “Artists Against AI”</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">-----------------------------------------------------</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">These links are posts on the blog with more info on AI generated images:</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2024/03/basics-on-copyright-trademark-ai.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2024/03/basics-on-copyright-trademark-ai.html</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2024/02/normalizing-ai-generated-images-is.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2024/02/normalizing-ai-generated-images-is.html</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/deciphering-ai-images-clues-to-look-for.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/deciphering-ai-images-clues-to-look-for.html</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/beware-ai-image-generated-non.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/beware-ai-image-generated-non.html</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2024/03/beware-of-shady-ai-on-facebook-groups.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2024/03/beware-of-shady-ai-on-facebook-groups.html</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Next 2 images from the Facebook page "AI Spotting"</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-r9Szjjm5VmUF5t3aBOVHuaxMIfjPCYCcCgyZDZGk1iy9ZrM77EJf9m5akBEBP4ycRkXeBrqX53q8Ffau3WCl-SxjFKgyLcbTChmNQU69h77l4zKDkhKpvOeRemBzbCkHoTGtWckXBk2j0wlrFI4DYLJgxk0QBa3KDlOxPLgmzgTEYWDjosReMu7LC8/s1280/AI%20Spotting%20why%20important%202.24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-r9Szjjm5VmUF5t3aBOVHuaxMIfjPCYCcCgyZDZGk1iy9ZrM77EJf9m5akBEBP4ycRkXeBrqX53q8Ffau3WCl-SxjFKgyLcbTChmNQU69h77l4zKDkhKpvOeRemBzbCkHoTGtWckXBk2j0wlrFI4DYLJgxk0QBa3KDlOxPLgmzgTEYWDjosReMu7LC8/s320/AI%20Spotting%20why%20important%202.24.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OLsBgCllaf-ImHVDMUbMUjYTKccGmnmCKHs3WWMot5vgAFBOSiXzaNz559LlyBQP-YiWL0dRnJVhiSsmHSRxd0vgtLEG6ZJET2crM98H0pHZ4wQ22AXOD5nHLvZEnpNKiUIpf-DYLF9k5Af8UnuygMttK8tk8PGkKKO-gmhkb7vHmzTRfH5yfGYQv2M/s2000/AI%20Spot%20handmade%202.22.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OLsBgCllaf-ImHVDMUbMUjYTKccGmnmCKHs3WWMot5vgAFBOSiXzaNz559LlyBQP-YiWL0dRnJVhiSsmHSRxd0vgtLEG6ZJET2crM98H0pHZ4wQ22AXOD5nHLvZEnpNKiUIpf-DYLF9k5Af8UnuygMttK8tk8PGkKKO-gmhkb7vHmzTRfH5yfGYQv2M/s320/AI%20Spot%20handmade%202.22.24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">Next image is art by Jennifer Herd</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IsTudYBmM-wsuy-joH10npgAGxrB3tV5XXdCJJoD1HbPilFVeWO4DtFXL8AJTKis0EolCRn1FiOShIGo9STKYcq0nkiaZA7E2_qEl74xKHEUT62RVYQmf65KhcgsBSKBNEMzodZyVE5TfGlRMZcs7_gFkoed12M6phSO8Uha7mcPOzIGmqvhw6quNio/s1793/your%20artist%20friend%20by%20Jennifer%20Herd%202.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1793" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IsTudYBmM-wsuy-joH10npgAGxrB3tV5XXdCJJoD1HbPilFVeWO4DtFXL8AJTKis0EolCRn1FiOShIGo9STKYcq0nkiaZA7E2_qEl74xKHEUT62RVYQmf65KhcgsBSKBNEMzodZyVE5TfGlRMZcs7_gFkoed12M6phSO8Uha7mcPOzIGmqvhw6quNio/s320/your%20artist%20friend%20by%20Jennifer%20Herd%202.24.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-9616033816376240922024-03-19T20:53:00.000-07:002024-03-19T20:53:21.498-07:00Beware of shady AI on Facebook Groups and Feeds -- Article on Medium.com<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggl91GFedMnpOg2E-ebjUUxAkjL2XjIWQ92POlrqB8syqQxdl63weksvMHG5HYxDFKSflhwPJ9Po_h-eTYpDUr1OTMgEe3_vTTqvV-vlPth-a9KwJWQxbhrFb0Rk13UjHDlD0L44xCn6ItOoLSDbimOBSIavV9m9-k_HhBB6dntpRuAr93H4jpUdDBBZQ/s1374/AI%20Medium%203.24%20b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1374" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggl91GFedMnpOg2E-ebjUUxAkjL2XjIWQ92POlrqB8syqQxdl63weksvMHG5HYxDFKSflhwPJ9Po_h-eTYpDUr1OTMgEe3_vTTqvV-vlPth-a9KwJWQxbhrFb0Rk13UjHDlD0L44xCn6ItOoLSDbimOBSIavV9m9-k_HhBB6dntpRuAr93H4jpUdDBBZQ/s320/AI%20Medium%203.24%20b.jpg" width="175" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">The link for this important article on Medium.com appeared on my radar via a post on the "AI Spotting" Facebook page. Here's the link: <a href="https://medium.com/adventures-in-consumer-technology/is-your-facebook-feed-full-of-ai-generated-junk-too-a2d8c40325cb">https://medium.com/adventures-in-consumer-technology/is-your-facebook-feed-full-of-ai-generated-junk-too-a2d8c40325cb</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">And the text of the entire article...</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">IS YOUR FACEBOOK FEED FULL OF AI GENERATED JUNK
TOO?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">By
Shannon Steidel<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Published
in Adventures in Consumer Technology
1.30.24 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">https://medium.com/adventures-in-consumer-technology/about<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">-------------------------------------------- </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Maybe
you still check your Facebook account every day like it’s 2011. Maybe you
haven’t checked it in years or even deactivated it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">As
much as people want to claim that Facebook is “dead,” the social network still
boasts an impressive two billion daily users and three billion active users who
check in at least once a month.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">“But
those are all old people,” you say.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">True,
Facebook’s main demographic skews older than its counterparts like Instagram
and TikTok. And that’s what makes the recent AI takeover all the more
concerning.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The
new algorithm</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">In
its heyday, Facebook used to feel much more like a tight-knit club. By starting
out as a social media platform just for college kids, there was already an air
of exclusivity. Users were quick to send dozens of friend requests so they
could like, comment, poke, and tag their favorite people.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Up
until recently, there was also an end to your newsfeed. Once you got caught up
on all of the newest pictures and status updates and started recognizing the
old stuff, you could rest assured that you were up to date on everyone’s lives
and close your laptop or switch to a different app.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Of
course, this is the last thing a social media platform really wants.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">A
better algorithm includes content from other sources outside of the friends and
pages that you follow to keep you scrolling. By mixing in content that is
“suggested for you” with friend’s posts and ads, people stay on Facebook
longer, and more revenue is generated.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Content
mills can’t seem to crank out enough content</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">With
these changes, Facebook pages are more incentivized than ever to post more
content and keep their engagement high. So, how do you spot the difference
between a legitimate page and AI-created garbage? As of right now, it’s still
pretty simple.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">1.Everyone
has the smoothest skin you’ve ever seen</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Not
every AI image is designed to look extremely realistic. It’s not unusual for
content farms to recreate a celebrity’s picture in a smooth, more art-like
style with just a dash of uncanny valley.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlSlKbpz3GnyRG9O80cgbnCFs-CmSTefdPqIyJmMt8xBf-CEcmhQfFtnGVlfip95Jsbs3vA0ywsmJKhAhApG1dyq-5C37PCgYe1Ombq3X8LmGM8sAKDBaHYe-3sr_s7JgEtu-5MRuWNKnYXuD4JlNPoni8AHv9-CJoqBiIKqzHu1mT5KJ5UbB1wl0-TE/s750/AI%20Medium%203.24%20c.WEBP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlSlKbpz3GnyRG9O80cgbnCFs-CmSTefdPqIyJmMt8xBf-CEcmhQfFtnGVlfip95Jsbs3vA0ywsmJKhAhApG1dyq-5C37PCgYe1Ombq3X8LmGM8sAKDBaHYe-3sr_s7JgEtu-5MRuWNKnYXuD4JlNPoni8AHv9-CJoqBiIKqzHu1mT5KJ5UbB1wl0-TE/s320/AI%20Medium%203.24%20c.WEBP" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Other
images are a little harder to identify upon first glance, but still relatively
easy. Which one of these images was uploaded to Twitter by Jim Carrey, and
which one was altered in an AI generator and posted to a weird Facebook page?</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik22Hfxl_eqgGODnL53gYnxyuAqOYUK6QSr7Mm1_wi8BpcDmGAEAshSKoyvAokceF4CqlHOXxoiSaAIab2qR54GT6gR1mruZyogFBbRtEXWTCHTdg6dADqNbvWen8brq0n-yvC8nGEt-7zX2MZNynQaEl7yVC8gEjIih555n-hfmJyFSd5c6S7jRN9MsM/s750/AI%20Medium%203.24%20d.WEBP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="750" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik22Hfxl_eqgGODnL53gYnxyuAqOYUK6QSr7Mm1_wi8BpcDmGAEAshSKoyvAokceF4CqlHOXxoiSaAIab2qR54GT6gR1mruZyogFBbRtEXWTCHTdg6dADqNbvWen8brq0n-yvC8nGEt-7zX2MZNynQaEl7yVC8gEjIih555n-hfmJyFSd5c6S7jRN9MsM/s320/AI%20Medium%203.24%20d.WEBP" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrazxOkt6CxSvYQiXmAI3BHkDuZyxPQn-j5_vf3_kEbWQGQZE-zcUVqs8f4QdCCbc0572q3PLW_CG2Sx-f4_KWmjmuDjNmuSCC8Col9rTtR8FFEJ1IY9X3bHgn4oiJJqE0LpNBFeP_Y-KhrMstyzHhqA9pCn53EdFKERrosY178WDHqNGndrvm2BwBak/s800/AI%20Medium%203.24%20e.WEBP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="682" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrazxOkt6CxSvYQiXmAI3BHkDuZyxPQn-j5_vf3_kEbWQGQZE-zcUVqs8f4QdCCbc0572q3PLW_CG2Sx-f4_KWmjmuDjNmuSCC8Col9rTtR8FFEJ1IY9X3bHgn4oiJJqE0LpNBFeP_Y-KhrMstyzHhqA9pCn53EdFKERrosY178WDHqNGndrvm2BwBak/s320/AI%20Medium%203.24%20e.WEBP" width="273" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">But
why alter them at all? Why not just repost the original picture? Most likely,
it’s a quick and easy way to help avoid copyright infringement as well as spam
filters.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">2.
The comments are very nice, very short, and very fake</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Because
— they’re written by bots of course! Why else would these random pictures all
have thousands upon thousands of likes and comments?</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-XWG0n0QlJ8d5s3Vb-BY6mceE7CxSY8eU2V6aaTuXd4mIdtG5c-AUoDmj9rjCuRFBsD1_2vK8rQqV81eaHc6iTA0EUdwk_PEa0rREr5VmAF_c3rQ35_feUGx5d6Vg-8hyi0YeReROOdFi-Y-tZkbFxR_VGwKuAdjaDyUzTQ9948fMoRBgXyc63ZfE8s/s1374/AI%20Medium%203.24%20comments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1374" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-XWG0n0QlJ8d5s3Vb-BY6mceE7CxSY8eU2V6aaTuXd4mIdtG5c-AUoDmj9rjCuRFBsD1_2vK8rQqV81eaHc6iTA0EUdwk_PEa0rREr5VmAF_c3rQ35_feUGx5d6Vg-8hyi0YeReROOdFi-Y-tZkbFxR_VGwKuAdjaDyUzTQ9948fMoRBgXyc63ZfE8s/s320/AI%20Medium%203.24%20comments.jpg" width="175" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">3.
The content is just plain weird</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Posting
about celebrities and movies makes sense. It’s easy to grab pictures of famous
actors from Google, run them through an AI program, and hope that nostalgia
gets attention and engagement from at least a few real people.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Interestingly,
there’s a random trend of AI content farms posting pictures of giant ice and
wooden sculptures with their artists (who are also not real of course). This is
probably because it’s just realistic enough to be believable, but wild enough
to catch the precious attention of Facebook scrollers. Other popular options
include kids holding pictures of art they made, military personnel, and of
course, inspirational quotes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">And
before you try to argue why the below image could be real, I’d invite you to
take a closer look at the artist’s right hand (a classic AI dead giveaway!)</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghKF6dVS6Zh_hYKfO-PVq-rGl_pnUfOnG2saZPB_yHaHbpt3dKHAkzc1GH7NcynbsdBeuo9gKkLWkdLDvQ34lynj1Xmjt3A-tqGC328lCMdWSsSQb70sDyLJm25U-AcaA5A7xlhZZgEVHjRU0-83ENfcNx6eI5-yG7VNrCHonRLVCB6FHc0PgADhSQJY/s1269/AI%20Medium%203.24%20bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghKF6dVS6Zh_hYKfO-PVq-rGl_pnUfOnG2saZPB_yHaHbpt3dKHAkzc1GH7NcynbsdBeuo9gKkLWkdLDvQ34lynj1Xmjt3A-tqGC328lCMdWSsSQb70sDyLJm25U-AcaA5A7xlhZZgEVHjRU0-83ENfcNx6eI5-yG7VNrCHonRLVCB6FHc0PgADhSQJY/s320/AI%20Medium%203.24%20bird.jpg" width="189" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Who
cares if Facebook is more cluttered than ever?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Facebook
frequently receives jabs from its users and haters alike. However, it does
offer unique qualities that make it worth using, at least for some.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Facebook
groups offer an opportunity for users to connect with people they know in real
life as well as people from around the world. While other platforms are more
about influencers talking at you, joining Facebook groups can allow for real
connection with others, which was the whole point of social media once upon a
time.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Facebook
Marketplace has also become a hugely popular way for users to buy and sell
items, perhaps because it feels just a hair safer than Craigslist.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Shady
origins</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Additionally,
these content generators do not always create their pages from scratch.
Building a popular social media page requires time, work, and dedication, and
it should be clear by now that content farms are not interested in any of those
things.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If
you scroll back far enough, you may discover that an AI-filled page once
belonged to someone else and was hacked and rebranded. The hacker will remove
the admins, change the name of the page, begin posting AI generated junk, and
won’t even bother to delete the old content, which could be anything from a
band’s past tour dates to pictures of dogs that were available for adoption.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">What’s
worse, Meta has limited authority, and maybe interest, in helping the thousands
of people whose accounts are hacked and/or cloned every year. That popular page
you spent years building? It’s now just a collection of smooth-skinned
celebrities unfortunately.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Fooling
users</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">No
conversation about AI is complete without discussing the ramifications of
tricking people into thinking that an image is real.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Yes,
most of these images are more or less harmless</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Yes,
these pages have to abide by Facebook’s guidelines to ensure that their content
is not only approved, but shown to the masses.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">But
it’s still disturbing to think about just how much social media content is now
entirely fabricated. Filters and photoshop don’t hold a candle to AI programs
that can create a completely new picture out of images it sourced from the
internet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Let’s
hope that Meta can begin to crack down on this issue for the sake of its users.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSwTmcVSuV0v7YNOFIbCMuNANAZ3NyFGUAaOZ6QUqdNqvqLgmBEc74t26gmQASBxZddVTBGZOID9meSwAd4__i06rFwUxBokl8dNLVpA3XfJH8WHrUQR3TPYSndQ83_76PgFC4_NReTc76tGsGtnQD7bu-zLSWuGPsAT1H-I5RzjYR-ZXjDk9G3QHTfk/s750/AI%20Medium%203.24%20a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="750" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSwTmcVSuV0v7YNOFIbCMuNANAZ3NyFGUAaOZ6QUqdNqvqLgmBEc74t26gmQASBxZddVTBGZOID9meSwAd4__i06rFwUxBokl8dNLVpA3XfJH8WHrUQR3TPYSndQ83_76PgFC4_NReTc76tGsGtnQD7bu-zLSWuGPsAT1H-I5RzjYR-ZXjDk9G3QHTfk/s320/AI%20Medium%203.24%20a.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span> </p>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-4538988746850089012024-03-11T10:52:00.000-07:002024-03-17T13:29:09.775-07:00SNB at Paperback Collector's Show Sunday 3.17.24<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Stuart is a big fan of this annual event. It's a one-day show h</span><span>eld at the Glendale Civic Auditorium. Admission is $10.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqQ5vs0yf-7jey4fEkA_LBq-YcP-SoCMMgAfDb2-WHoe0PCzYFvrmxkWQCYrm0IakWcixJD8R8_fwiKDl110Y6HzgLUs4dy4WrLYYtGGOtFZUyRqxmQMvA53qu0NzfX3xx4nChR01FzUvtFmczHLSzwb86e9CqSFGfxEM1BaX8E_PRW5GaYfmtTdIMdk/s1600/paperback%20show%203.24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqQ5vs0yf-7jey4fEkA_LBq-YcP-SoCMMgAfDb2-WHoe0PCzYFvrmxkWQCYrm0IakWcixJD8R8_fwiKDl110Y6HzgLUs4dy4WrLYYtGGOtFZUyRqxmQMvA53qu0NzfX3xx4nChR01FzUvtFmczHLSzwb86e9CqSFGfxEM1BaX8E_PRW5GaYfmtTdIMdk/s320/paperback%20show%203.24.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This show is a great place to discover classic pulp artist illustrations. There are 80 dealer tables and over 40 artists/authors on the schedule. The vibe is relaxing -- more like the pre-internet era book fairs. Not like the other more hectic conventions on the SNB calendar. If you'd like a fan-based vintage art con without crowds on the scale of SDCC and WonderCon, this show is for you!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's a link for the paperback show's website: <a href="https://www.la-vintage-paperback-show.com/">https://www.la-vintage-paperback-show.com/</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Map of the exhibition hall:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8tVOUFy0aS1xdI4vQ1ZiHQ7avkqLqSFnjYnWmL2l8APq9MaSClvqZ5AM53QCxWLr0Da0bu2oDmwk_iHQiXs4Pnuwk_lMNXqJrYQujbf1tTTz9jKW05pfURQdIOqn3C3iuIUZAtAr37lHLDXYxisoV5DvA3c_iH26hDAYsi6oXYlx_zIt-D0_pl5MTXo/s1098/paperback%20show%20dealers-room-2024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1098" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8tVOUFy0aS1xdI4vQ1ZiHQ7avkqLqSFnjYnWmL2l8APq9MaSClvqZ5AM53QCxWLr0Da0bu2oDmwk_iHQiXs4Pnuwk_lMNXqJrYQujbf1tTTz9jKW05pfURQdIOqn3C3iuIUZAtAr37lHLDXYxisoV5DvA3c_iH26hDAYsi6oXYlx_zIt-D0_pl5MTXo/s320/paperback%20show%20dealers-room-2024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There are photos and more info on the Paperback show's Facebook page as well. <a href="https://www.la-vintage-paperback-show.com/books.html">https://www.la-vintage-paperback-show.com/books.html</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are Stuart's comments from his 3.8.24 email newsletter:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>"The
Los Angeles Paperback Show is the World's Largest Vintage Paperback Show and it
is a blast. There are more paperbacks and related material in the room than you
can see in one day. It only comes around once a year, so don't miss it!<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>Los
Angeles Vintage Paperback Collectors Show & Sale<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>Sunday
March 17, 2024</i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>9am
to 4pm</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Admission
$10</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The
Best Bargain in Town!!!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>Glendale
Civic Auditorium<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>1401
Verdugo Rd, Glendale, CA</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>Jim
and I will be there set up in our usual corner of the room. Tables 73 & 74."</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /></span><p></p>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-46706077315910432662024-03-11T10:49:00.000-07:002024-03-11T10:49:27.840-07:00SNB website upgrade Live now! <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>The upgrade to the SNB website... first announced by Stuart on his weekly email newsletter back in January... is Live now! </span><span>Here are some screen grabs from the SNB email newsletter introducing the new look.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7owS8vcXtlZK_RqRwpWp-PQWesHCHA0k1u6Jje5cMlAKEGRmbXgd66lO46p0tDQ7cZeZnZh18NTdCllBsiYOK7tDkgZt-WJnTfemT5ocneqdZThiFvpcwGiSG3mLd8Es7rUvNDfD43GBzMSQd-w94QrexOdACmVKQxSXBSzWGyS7c0kpKFFn-2ru9W4U/s1200/website%20banner%20lauched%203.8.24.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1200" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7owS8vcXtlZK_RqRwpWp-PQWesHCHA0k1u6Jje5cMlAKEGRmbXgd66lO46p0tDQ7cZeZnZh18NTdCllBsiYOK7tDkgZt-WJnTfemT5ocneqdZThiFvpcwGiSG3mLd8Es7rUvNDfD43GBzMSQd-w94QrexOdACmVKQxSXBSzWGyS7c0kpKFFn-2ru9W4U/s320/website%20banner%20lauched%203.8.24.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zlhWvJB2jGzLbQDZ5w8rOhEkSQHO_CWY_EXN7akDQqs3-FkCFRldClI95yWwhuuwmwO1A-i4DV95Af1STJ3WdOj6MI-9kB4bL-3-w6-hivXqTRZ60RSEvi5NJ_qTBmjDVolmrOxgjmbw49cOQtrLCHZ4ocEDnOq3buwtQK_NNQEG4_re-PJQcWkI35k/s1009/SNB%20website%20live%203.24%20b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zlhWvJB2jGzLbQDZ5w8rOhEkSQHO_CWY_EXN7akDQqs3-FkCFRldClI95yWwhuuwmwO1A-i4DV95Af1STJ3WdOj6MI-9kB4bL-3-w6-hivXqTRZ60RSEvi5NJ_qTBmjDVolmrOxgjmbw49cOQtrLCHZ4ocEDnOq3buwtQK_NNQEG4_re-PJQcWkI35k/s320/SNB%20website%20live%203.24%20b.jpg" width="238" /></a><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's a view of the site back in January 2024.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcExpn0GZlNz6krCwTqsdcJChs3FomGfcbASykn7W0EUDurCoGjgOPCO7NOERftwl3EYB1rHvUV3yZ7H6PHCvkwxwHXPg9yHjoyk2V7kEAHIv9Hot4Ms-k_wtFhNPZeoJysZIA4lMLalWLIp-pOPVUVnEiO5U9iRVOmiLgxVxqueTNRLnFfWSmaGAErw/s748/SNB%201.24%20wish%20banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="748" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcExpn0GZlNz6krCwTqsdcJChs3FomGfcbASykn7W0EUDurCoGjgOPCO7NOERftwl3EYB1rHvUV3yZ7H6PHCvkwxwHXPg9yHjoyk2V7kEAHIv9Hot4Ms-k_wtFhNPZeoJysZIA4lMLalWLIp-pOPVUVnEiO5U9iRVOmiLgxVxqueTNRLnFfWSmaGAErw/s320/SNB%201.24%20wish%20banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">One of my favorite features on the website now is a page called "Conventions & Events" with calendar countdowns to the next place you can find SNB exhibiting.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdiWLPjBQmidFq5Q8pDKyIrNUxGWlBPWJa4pqpyJFvmTqoFapZ-RITg4OfaGAglbtm16IvTjjFp1LdiwjCtnz1xuxt3ZNsI1Dk2G4OHIvGJwAOX0Bk8qVhxaEQ_ESnnIZFGRI67bclkLQQYl0p0TWpdTootMhMUDVdv2Jn6WkkjIk10skzqUNenAv57w/s1436/SNB%20web%20list%20of%20pages%203.8.24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdiWLPjBQmidFq5Q8pDKyIrNUxGWlBPWJa4pqpyJFvmTqoFapZ-RITg4OfaGAglbtm16IvTjjFp1LdiwjCtnz1xuxt3ZNsI1Dk2G4OHIvGJwAOX0Bk8qVhxaEQ_ESnnIZFGRI67bclkLQQYl0p0TWpdTootMhMUDVdv2Jn6WkkjIk10skzqUNenAv57w/s320/SNB%20web%20list%20of%20pages%203.8.24.jpg" width="167" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Coming up on Sunday Match 17th is the Los Angeles Vintage Paperback Collector's show. (the countdown image below is a screen grab and not current)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMI8f6JRJurS3WdMkW8E5KaOgOo-GM7tAB7WMQU4iWpL-1-3rpWr0OHR0WztI33sgmNPo7vhjqZh6FwN7wiacMHse1V-zfHm4rBNHSL6ZBB5nhl2DuEStwyvPH0Sp2jjq937AEwGNS2uecXNHj55A-BxGEqij36bHTRwAxtsYVtY7D48oPZuUMeEYM6U/s990/SNB%20web%20paperbk%20show%203.8.24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="743" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMI8f6JRJurS3WdMkW8E5KaOgOo-GM7tAB7WMQU4iWpL-1-3rpWr0OHR0WztI33sgmNPo7vhjqZh6FwN7wiacMHse1V-zfHm4rBNHSL6ZBB5nhl2DuEStwyvPH0Sp2jjq937AEwGNS2uecXNHj55A-BxGEqij36bHTRwAxtsYVtY7D48oPZuUMeEYM6U/s320/SNB%20web%20paperbk%20show%203.8.24.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Stuart is a big fan of this annual event. Held at the Glendale Civic Auditorium. Admission is $10. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Next event on the Calendar is WonderCon at the Anaheim Convention Center, March 29th-31st... (image below is also a screen grab and for illustration purposes only).</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlC5XrT0RZQhehGAbl4qELYaaCV-24WRvvEhI3E9kKbO5xoV_48SCUGFY540VEKeDUthVoE65q8tMbo3hoptEzwLvIiPvFs9KlPIJMpYQNwqWnNLfkFpHNj5pkCe3iWeQu9Zt6GVwyIKrKJNOSwlLrMHGBfyOYj9WNor6mWgLqBa1Dc52yaVhaBjVl2vg/s945/SNB%20wondercon%203.8.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlC5XrT0RZQhehGAbl4qELYaaCV-24WRvvEhI3E9kKbO5xoV_48SCUGFY540VEKeDUthVoE65q8tMbo3hoptEzwLvIiPvFs9KlPIJMpYQNwqWnNLfkFpHNj5pkCe3iWeQu9Zt6GVwyIKrKJNOSwlLrMHGBfyOYj9WNor6mWgLqBa1Dc52yaVhaBjVl2vg/s320/SNB%20wondercon%203.8.24.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Click here to view the website: <a href="https://stuartngbooks.com/">https://stuartngbooks.com/</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Click here to sign up for Stuart's weekly email newsletter: <a href="https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001HT_4jDa_Q_wr9MkttYf8IrlLs8tDOXvfCpbqB6je5GxZy9rM2TkKxl3RBIYBk5jbgEjBAP6dgW7dl_CrHk-NLOw0w52C9r8ofoGYRNSD2LbvUE7dXDOR5uufmMYdSmj5tu5b5hVkY4SFfWvFF1Nz9vYcUN0rr2r6">https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001HT_4jDa_Q_wr9MkttYf8IrlLs8tDOXvfCpbqB6je5GxZy9rM2TkKxl3RBIYBk5jbgEjBAP6dgW7dl_CrHk-NLOw0w52C9r8ofoGYRNSD2LbvUE7dXDOR5uufmMYdSmj5tu5b5hVkY4SFfWvFF1Nz9vYcUN0rr2r6</a></p><p><br /></p>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-36907373719397620502024-03-11T09:53:00.000-07:002024-03-11T09:53:54.881-07:00Top Tips - Caregiving (3.11.24)<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_dESyufrBIeKcl4ycuzecGcBy6PoxXChZxjcJR699CZnJmj3dD8ArS9yrfjDhbQyuOAVy8_0w2om7uvRvFpFOxmq-dNrhjtssRks6xF05aEmkmdoUR3qMBZOyML5KUapkmfa9dcDJDGzRuaWilE8_8qGG98GgHRGFMkmoiXjPbTAtX4bIw7UBmHg/s828/Golden%20Light%202021%20by%20Julia%20Rogers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="828" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_dESyufrBIeKcl4ycuzecGcBy6PoxXChZxjcJR699CZnJmj3dD8ArS9yrfjDhbQyuOAVy8_0w2om7uvRvFpFOxmq-dNrhjtssRks6xF05aEmkmdoUR3qMBZOyML5KUapkmfa9dcDJDGzRuaWilE8_8qGG98GgHRGFMkmoiXjPbTAtX4bIw7UBmHg/s320/Golden%20Light%202021%20by%20Julia%20Rogers.jpg" width="320" /></a></p>("Golden Light" by Julia Rogers, 2021)<p></p><p><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If you are charged with the care of an elderly person, here are three wishes for you. And a warning.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Focus on these attributes: courage, patience, and grace. These three wishes will grant you self-preservation. With courage, patience, and grace, you can be the caregiver you want to be, with whatever resources you may have.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">And the warning. You will never have enough time, experience, and money for this job. Caregiving grinds down resources on all levels. You can’t help anyone if you are tapped out. Find ways to replenish your reservoirs.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>(Update 3.14 -- this post on Caregiving was written before my Mom passed away. See this March 2024 post for Top Tips on Hospice and End-of-Life care: <a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2024/03/top-tips-hospice-and-end-of-life-care.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2024/03/top-tips-hospice-and-end-of-life-care.html</a>)</b></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The 3 paragraphs above are an update to the opening of my first-ever “Top Tips” post back in Sept 2022. Writing that post was a chance to reflect on all I’d learned in my first year as a primary caregiver. My beloved Dad passed suddenly at the end of 2021. I quickly realized my wonderful Mom wasn’t safe living alone. Dad had been doing all the heavy lifting to keep them living independently in their condo. Now it was my turn. On the 1st year of our journey, I went from full-time sole caregiver, to being with her along with in-home caregivers. I lived with Mom for the first seven months while we sorted out many details. After that, she had overnight caregivers on 12-hour shifts. I was with her for the early morning and dinner-to-bedtime routines, with day shift caregivers in between. It was a steep learning curve.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">With a lot of hard work from me, and pre-planning we did as a family, I was able to keep Mom in the condo for over a year. Looking ahead, I could see the situation wasn’t sustainable. Mom is in her late 90s. I'm lucky she is mobile, alert, cheerful and grateful. And I know she works at it. When I started caring for her, we decided as long as she could stay safe and stay healthy she could stay in the condo. By early 2023, I could see we were nearing the end of that phase. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">We transitioned Mom to Assisted Living (AL). Again, we're lucky. Mom has the best of both worlds for now -- a community designed to meet her needs, and still one-on-one hands-on care. She has a private caregiver with her 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Due to her advanced age and increasingly frail body, she is safer when someone is with her during the day. She enjoys the social interaction with residents and staff at AL, as well as the activities. I get to visit her daily as her daughter. It was time for me to pass the personal caregiving jobs -- one of the few roles I can delegate while I manages all of her affairs -- to more experienced hands. The move to AL was a big transition. It was well timed, as she had a brief but dramatic hospitalization about 2 months after she moved in. She recovered -- but I have no idea how I would have managed her recovery from that if she was still at the condo w/ shifts of caregivers, and not a AL which is a much safer situation. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I recently revised this post to add video links for 2 important Frontline documentaries on aging. The most recent post revisions are always in <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>blue text.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">My first big revision to this post was back in Nov 2022. When I went to add some more updates in April 2023 -- I accidentally deleted the post. All that work and all those resources. Gone in a blip. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thank goodness I had a backup of most of the text of the post and the links. April 2023 me owes a debt to Sept 2022 me for taking that precaution.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">This Caregiving Top Tips 2.0 comes in three sections:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">TLDR</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">– here are the links for the recommended equipment. Independent living means having the right tools for the job. Preventing falls and safety risks is the top priority.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Three wishes and self-care reminders</span></u></b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> This section covers caregiving options and the costs. There are emotional as well as financial burdens to caregiving. This section has tips to prepare for them, including links for some articles. I will also address some of the pros and cons of assisted living vs. in-home caregivers.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Recommended equipment</span></u></b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> This section has links, photos and my feedback/reviews from using these products.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Section 1 -- TDLR (Too Long, Didn’t Read). Links for essential equipment:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>UPDATE 8.10.23 -- The lessons in this 2006 Frontline documentary still apply:</b></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QMDsUdhymbQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="QMDsUdhymbQ"></iframe></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mobility is independence. Independent living requires the right equipment.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mobility Aids –<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Walkers<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Combination walker-transport Chair<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3gyXt_yeyQekC2HfcyBgk5dcLkb2NLL7OZ7-FRdkwvs5XV4hnhlYhSZuskNu8MYwtKPv99qZPqTtRfreZdTwAa9CEuMWxDvB1xxXAzOR1JbMs4SCOsEYrqBba7dPAsTal4VulVX-GAr2gFFNzf2b77jA-3aV5YUbih992rksgG5UTh6PovnFw-rt/s686/go%20plus%20w%20arms%20big.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="686" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3gyXt_yeyQekC2HfcyBgk5dcLkb2NLL7OZ7-FRdkwvs5XV4hnhlYhSZuskNu8MYwtKPv99qZPqTtRfreZdTwAa9CEuMWxDvB1xxXAzOR1JbMs4SCOsEYrqBba7dPAsTal4VulVX-GAr2gFFNzf2b77jA-3aV5YUbih992rksgG5UTh6PovnFw-rt/s320/go%20plus%20w%20arms%20big.webp" width="320" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></i></b><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">This is my number one recommended item. It’s essential mobility gear for the elderly person as well as the caregiver. Pros and cons of this model in section 3</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://goplusus.com/products/2-in-1-folding-rollator-walker-4-wheel-medical-rolling-walker">https://goplusus.com/products/2-in-1-folding-rollator-walker-4-wheel-medical-rolling-walker</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LRYSVKR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LRYSVKR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details</a></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Here are links for the other mobility gear/walkers we got. Pros, cons, and photos in section 3</span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Traditional 4-wheeled walker (Nova Zoom)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://novajoy.com/products?categoryId=368">https://novajoy.com/products?categoryId=368</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">3-wheeled walker (Nova Traveler)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://novajoy.com/products?categoryId=187&productId=382">https://novajoy.com/products?categoryId=187&productId=382</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Standing walker (ViveHealth Upright Walker)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/collections/mobility-aids/products/upright-walker">https://www.vivehealth.com/collections/mobility-aids/products/upright-walker</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Footed quad cane</span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/products/carbon-fiber-quad-cane">https://www.vivehealth.com/products/carbon-fiber-quad-cane</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Room safety --<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Landline phone for hearing impaired<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Never disconnect your landline! I was shocked to learn after Dad died that Mom couldn't use a cell phone on her own. Dad had disconnected their landline years before. So for the first few weeks after he passed away, there was NO WAY to reach mom on the phone when I wasn't at the condo. She couldn't even make a 911 call if I wasn't there. I was scrambling to get a landline phone installed. Even with the landline, Mom needed help to make or receive calls. If there’s no landline at the elderly persons residence, get one installed. A 911 call from a landline is the fastest way to get help to the right location. Check with local agencies about qualifying for a free or discounted landline phone for the hearing impaired.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwGyp-sGfoyb7VH9qlS-IUYmyKVGwHIrNdi7iGE3EzujjqRghA0fHQoU7qWHGisjwt_-wxsKMYTj9qs9D0Wvq1HsE9HYaQHM73pfaqfdc5cAO3JIXzG9_6o4riC_sW9FjNLnnzTh7bzZT8YFMx3OMo5Nm1lVYYjvBKEx8YC-AMKUXGrb0ouSS5Mx0/s268/landline%20phone%20for%20seniors.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="268" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwGyp-sGfoyb7VH9qlS-IUYmyKVGwHIrNdi7iGE3EzujjqRghA0fHQoU7qWHGisjwt_-wxsKMYTj9qs9D0Wvq1HsE9HYaQHM73pfaqfdc5cAO3JIXzG9_6o4riC_sW9FjNLnnzTh7bzZT8YFMx3OMo5Nm1lVYYjvBKEx8YC-AMKUXGrb0ouSS5Mx0/s1600/landline%20phone%20for%20seniors.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Call Button</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> (CallToU transmitter and receiver)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">This is different than those "I've fallen and I can't get up" medical alert call buttons that connect seniors to a service that can summon help for them outside the home as well as inside. I don't have any experience with those since my Mom couldn't be left alone. My recommendations here are for in-home call buttons. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaKm4jiQItEOjFZCVNq76kuwBQLt3XskYiqjvKpJyt2IcJs_FnXKMuWN1u7DXOFjmdgiEc7vZ7bwaLMfK8LKT_VJXALHGnaTYH_yufaM6HzKUt61m-L2ugTPr6JG7X96VmjpN8ymomVi6yScXSYUNDRX8mA_GD0CfdaaX4-5NZpx40CdGFXsK1xPX/s225/calltoU%20call%20button.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaKm4jiQItEOjFZCVNq76kuwBQLt3XskYiqjvKpJyt2IcJs_FnXKMuWN1u7DXOFjmdgiEc7vZ7bwaLMfK8LKT_VJXALHGnaTYH_yufaM6HzKUt61m-L2ugTPr6JG7X96VmjpN8ymomVi6yScXSYUNDRX8mA_GD0CfdaaX4-5NZpx40CdGFXsK1xPX/s1600/calltoU%20call%20button.jpg" width="225" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Being able to use a caregiver-pager-type call button to summon help is an essential safety skill for in-home care and assisted living. Get one early. Get your loved one in the habit of using it to let someone else in the home know they are moving from room-to-room. It may seem silly at first, but this helps prevent falls. Using a call button consistently will help the transition to assisted living or in-home help from caregivers. Knowing to use a call button can help you and your loved ones get the most out of those additional caregiving expenses. <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Knowing to use a call button will also assist your loved one if they end up in the hospital. For the hours you can't be with them.. it will be up to them to know how to call for help!</b></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/CallToU-Caregiver-Transmitters-Receivers-Attention/dp/B077SYPD5K">https://www.amazon.com/CallToU-Caregiver-Transmitters-Receivers-Attention/dp/B077SYPD5K</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">A </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>“Grabber”</i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> helps reach items on tall shelves or on the floor.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Grabber (The one I like best I got from Diaso – this link has photos and a review)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.thestuffsreview.com/2022/07/daiso-all-purpose-grabber.html">https://www.thestuffsreview.com/2022/07/daiso-all-purpose-grabber.html</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a name="_Hlk131725591"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Motion detector Night Lights<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk131725591;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Nighttime trips to the bathroom are a high risk for falls. Nightlights in hallways and rooms can prevent this. Battery operated “tap lights” can also be handy.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Foot Care -- </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">donate all the shoes w/ laces, they are a tripping hazard. Keep feet clean and moisturized. Cracks in dry skin on feet are a vulnerable area for infections.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Velcro shoes<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Top pick for fit and sturdy enough for walking<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Yibobay Diabetic Velcro closed-toe shoes<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yibobay-Diabetic-Adjustable-Breathable-Lightweight/dp/B096KVHJLT/ref=">https://www.amazon.com/Yibobay-Diabetic-Adjustable-Breathable-Lightweight/dp/B096KVHJLT/ref=</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Silverts Sandals</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> – open toed with Velcro. These are a sturdy option for times when toe pain may require an open-toed shoe option.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.silverts.com/womens-easy-closure-sandal-for-indoors-outdoors">https://www.silverts.com/womens-easy-closure-sandal-for-indoors-outdoors</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Collections Etc catalog Memory Foam Sandals<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">These are inexpensive, but lack support and are good as house slippers only<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.collectionsetc.com/products/ultra-lightweight-adjustable-memory-foam-sandals/?color=BLCK&size=XSA&utm_source=google&utm ">https://www.collectionsetc.com/products/ultra-lightweight-adjustable-memory-foam-sandals/?color=BLCK&size=XSA&utm_source=google&utm</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Stretchy socks<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Ankle length – available in black or white<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">“<b><i>Hugh Ugoli Diabetic</i></b> ankle socks, seamless, stretchy” socks from Amazon<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084Q61X8K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084Q61X8K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Viasox Diabetic Socks</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> – these are super stretchy socks that are easy to get on and off. Available in knee length, ankle and compression sock options. There are lots of fun prints as well as solids. <a href="https://viasox.com/">https://viasox.com/</a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPaBfQ6VHs8_Hd9OpVtiNbdxHfxsj-iV7yU1fEokUfkEJ71QzOUJHsNrG7EmXLbGNvzqZuJn3jf9gi9WKpyJDhNm-HRa7yh8BB49Y83XzL2mo7MBGHYWZuQqcES3xncPU7E263WkIR1ByG6QPLCt_AwckJdc85PBwqyn1QkZ5DYkwzObhJqUa08Z-/s360/viasox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPaBfQ6VHs8_Hd9OpVtiNbdxHfxsj-iV7yU1fEokUfkEJ71QzOUJHsNrG7EmXLbGNvzqZuJn3jf9gi9WKpyJDhNm-HRa7yh8BB49Y83XzL2mo7MBGHYWZuQqcES3xncPU7E263WkIR1ByG6QPLCt_AwckJdc85PBwqyn1QkZ5DYkwzObhJqUa08Z-/s320/viasox.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Electric Foot Warmer Pad</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> (cold feet are a common problem)</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mom’s favorite is the “Accelery Double-Sided Heated Foot Warmer” with a tag that reads: “OnKey Electric Technology Heating Pad Model # FT-1616,” now listed as “unavailable”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Here’s a similar one, but this lacks the zipper and timer on the control:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Electric-Foot-Warmer-Heating-Pad-with-3-Settings-Auto-Shut-Off-and-Detachable-Extra-Long-Cord-Soft-Plush-with-Fuzzy-Interior-by-Bluestone/711560582">https://www.walmart.com/ip/Electric-Foot-Warmer-Heating-Pad-with-3-Settings-Auto-Shut-Off-and-Detachable-Extra-Long-Cord-Soft-Plush-with-Fuzzy-Interior-by-Bluestone/711560582</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Bathroom Safety --- </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Do these upgrades early. Bathrooms are a high-risk area for falls etc.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Handles for the sides of the toilet<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/MOEN-Home-Care-23-25-in-Toilet-Safety-Bar-in-Glacier-DN7015/203933039?source="><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">https://www.homedepot.com/p/MOEN-Home-Care-23-25-in-Toilet-Safety-Bar-in-Glacier-DN7015/203933039?source=</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Shower Chair <a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/products/shower-chair">https://www.vivehealth.com/products/shower-chair</a></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Toilet Seat Cushion</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> (women need versions like this – more on that in section 3)</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/products/toilet-seat-cushion">https://www.vivehealth.com/products/toilet-seat-cushion</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Waterproof Mattress Protection </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">No one likes to think about overnight accidents… but these can save a lot of grief. </span><a href="https://www.target.com/p/ultimate-mattress-protector-allerease/-/A-17273320">https://www.target.com/p/ultimate-mattress-protector-allerease/-/A-17273320</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Gifts for caregivers --- "Let me know if you need anything" shows you want to support, but try to be specific. Check in on your way to the store to see if the caregiver needs anything. Offer to get take-out food. Meals and grocery store/drug store runs are always helpful, especially the first few weeks. Before you bring by flowers, plants etc .. please ASK first. While flowers are lovely.. they are also possible allergy issues... and one more thing to take care of in a caregiving situation that's already overwhelming. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Section 2 -- Three wishes and self-care reminders<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">(art by Kate Allan, aka The Latest Kate <a href="https://www.thelatestkate.art/">https://www.thelatestkate.art/</a>) </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YBcsoZUQgv27MtF9pXBTTsD9LFRgzMkKYGQ4OrYNW8qhORniw7ZrIqhUbOe0XXVbqL9gukeyjhgtC9IelsAWgZEBD_AAAUmSYa7U1AubEUDkW2_tHpZv--AqlOrZgXUPZj-I48yQGMTzaiimgFFQl9kSKqVzcmWzpDphQDMliIli-S5Dyhwdgyoe/s860/latest%20Kate%20fall%20friends%209.22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YBcsoZUQgv27MtF9pXBTTsD9LFRgzMkKYGQ4OrYNW8qhORniw7ZrIqhUbOe0XXVbqL9gukeyjhgtC9IelsAWgZEBD_AAAUmSYa7U1AubEUDkW2_tHpZv--AqlOrZgXUPZj-I48yQGMTzaiimgFFQl9kSKqVzcmWzpDphQDMliIli-S5Dyhwdgyoe/s320/latest%20Kate%20fall%20friends%209.22.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Remember the three wishes for you. And the warning.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">With courage, patience, and grace, you can be the caregiver you want to be, with whatever resources you may have.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">This job grinds resources to exhaustion on all levels. You can’t help anyone if you are tapped out. Find ways to replenish your reservoirs.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Caregiving in guidebooks covers generalities. Caregiving in action is deeply emotional and utterly unique. You may find great support from resources (websites; support groups) and from friends/family members who have been on a similar path. However, becoming a caregiver is a learning curve for a skill set you will be improvising as you go. The responsibilities are relentless (even if you can delegate some of them). You will want this job to end, and it will, but the exit options are all awful.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Be prepared. Years before you need to, have the difficult conversations about end of life wishes, use of extreme measures (or avoidance of them), finances and obligations, intentions for the dispersal of personal effects, and of the person.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>UPDATE 8.11.23. This 2010 Frontline documentary shows families and loved ones facing tough end of life choices. There are vital cautionary tales here. Watch and discuss with your family. BEFORE you find yourselves facing these decisions unprepared at a hospital. Keep documents like Advanced Healthcare Directives; Healthcare Proxy/POA; DRN instructions updated in a portable file or binder or saved as photos on a phone. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UDvR5FBqI_s" width="320" youtube-src-id="UDvR5FBqI_s"></iframe></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Caregiving plan choices fall into three categories –<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Co-residence with Family<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Aging at home with private caregiver help<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Assisted Living communities</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>UPDATE 8.20.23 -- This 2006 Frontline Documentary is an excellent recap of these caregiving options.. and the challenges they bring</b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QMDsUdhymbQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="QMDsUdhymbQ"></iframe></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t want to have cancer surgery at an advanced age after dementia has set in? Don’t want to have the surgery confirm your cancer is spreading, and accelerate your dementia to the point that you forget to eat, so they have to put a feeding tube in you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Make. Alternative. Plans (ie legal documents/healthcare directives). Now!!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Just one statistic from this documentary: at air date (2006) “over the next 30 years, the number of people over the age of 65 will double. To the point that they are about 20% of our population. That’s 70 million people.”</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The documentary shows how medicine has made great advances in curing infectious diseases like pneumonia and flu that used to claim elderly people. But that often leaves people to perhaps a harsher fate: lingering with chronic conditions that often have devastating complications over time. Sometimes the only escape from the cycle of treating and curing is dying from a "medical catastrophe" -- a non-healing bedsore or rampant UTI -- likely induced by a prolonged hospitalization.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The documentary also explores how we’re keeping people alive longer with fewer doctors to care for them. As many people are too frail to leave their homes, doctors are returning to house calls. Life is prolonged, but with loss of function. Chronic diseases take a toll on the body. Leading to enfeebled frailty. All at staggering costs to family resources at every level.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">It’s always been the assumption in the US that the elderly are cared for by members of their own family. But this situation is becoming untenable as families are smaller, less stable, and more geographically isolated. Plus the amount of time devoted to caregiving has moved from months to years, and even sometimes decades. We are facing a future where people are living longer, with conditions that are deeply needy, while there are fewer family caregiver options than ever.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If family care is your plan — the documentary cites a study that shows only people with 3 or more daughters or daughters in law have a better than 50% chance of not finishing their life in a nursing home or an institution.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Co-residence with Family<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Many families have no choice. Parents or elders move in with family members to save money. There are emotional costs to this option that need to be considered as well. It is a huge ask of your caregiver for them to run your life and a second household, or leave their life and home to move in with you for an unknown period of time. I did this for 7 months. I adore my mom and was always very close to my parents.. but this arrangement was still hard. It gets even more complicated if family relations are strained. I have friends who did it for years – at the eventual cost of their previously close relationships with family members. Proceed with caution. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Find and join support groups. Check with educational and medical institutions nearby. In Southern California, we are lucky to have the USC Family Caregiver Support Center. An excellent resource that will connect you with an individual "navigator." Your Navigator will guide you to help for your specific needs. They also have excellent listening skills and are a compassionate advocate for your care as the caregiver as well: <a href="https://www.fcsc.usc.edu/">https://www.fcsc.usc.edu/</a> The Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center is also part of this organization: <a href="https://www.fcsc.usc.edu/">https://www.fcsc.usc.edu/</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Here are some articles about the crushing costs – on all levels – for senior care:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="background: white;"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/04/06/seniors-assisted-living-medicaid-eviction/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/04/06/seniors-assisted-living-medicaid-eviction/</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/parenting/2023/03/22/caregivers-sandwich-generation/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/parenting/2023/03/22/caregivers-sandwich-generation/</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p> <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/03/18/senior-care-costs-too-high/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/03/18/senior-care-costs-too-high/</a></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p> <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/01/05/end-of-life-planning/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/01/05/end-of-life-planning/</a></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/28/magazine/elder-child-care-millennials.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/28/magazine/elder-child-care-millennials.html</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">photo below "Randi and her father Keith..." by Haruka Sakaguchi from NY Times 3.23</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhUjDUj2k4L5VH-WpU2Gsq2m4JTItu-uk6oq5XLh28_ha-FqIDce0e51D2YEJgtZoF6RDjQuDv5o3S1r1kvCDD-jepxWPY26mSuXj4WJF7LCw_HlgyU7Cma7eHBVPG7MV3IgmK7GMXdOMK9Fs3S5gKibxSqSH26ngLehHNM8zCxGl_zjoOtcH4tf5/s2048/Randi%20and%20her%20father,%20Keith,%20in%20his%20bedroom%20in%20her%20home.%20Haruka%20Sakaguchi%20for%20The%20New%20York%20Times%203.23.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhUjDUj2k4L5VH-WpU2Gsq2m4JTItu-uk6oq5XLh28_ha-FqIDce0e51D2YEJgtZoF6RDjQuDv5o3S1r1kvCDD-jepxWPY26mSuXj4WJF7LCw_HlgyU7Cma7eHBVPG7MV3IgmK7GMXdOMK9Fs3S5gKibxSqSH26ngLehHNM8zCxGl_zjoOtcH4tf5/s320/Randi%20and%20her%20father,%20Keith,%20in%20his%20bedroom%20in%20her%20home.%20Haruka%20Sakaguchi%20for%20The%20New%20York%20Times%203.23.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing">This March 23 post on the blog contains the entire 3.18.23 Post article about the costs of care: <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/03/caregiving-crushing-costs-and-limited.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/03/caregiving-crushing-costs-and-limited.html</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Aging at home with private caregiver help</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Everyone wants to age at home, independently, for as long as possible. This is a wonderful dream, but not always a safe or practical reality. Aging at home when the home is not appropriate (stairs etc) can be dangerous. Accidents like falls in bathrooms or on stairways. Injuries in kitchens or yards. These can be life changers that lead to hospitalization and loss of mobility.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Aging at home with private caregivers is the most financially expensive choice. I highly recommend using a free service like “A Place for Mom” to get referrals for licensed caregiver agencies. They can match you with options that fit your budget. Another plus for using “A Place for Mom” is that you will get enrolled in a free email newsletter with lots of tips from others who are caring for family members.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">A caregiver agency will handle insurance, employment, and liability issues with having workers in your home. Agencies also screen the caregivers for you and provide professional training for them. It takes time to pick an agency, go through the evaluation process to assess your loved ones needs, and get matched with and “try-out” some candidates. Once you have the right caregivers on a schedule (that you are in charge of creating), there are pros and cons to this situation. If a caregiver can’t make their shift, or needs a scheduled day off, the agency will usually be able to send a replacement. But you will need to spend time orienting the replacement with your loved-one’s needs. Many caregivers like a client that offers long shifts on a steady schedule. The overtime hours help with their income, but this also adds to your expenses. Aging at home with private caregivers can become socially isolating for your loved one. Having your loved one with caregivers means you are their social director, appointment coordinator and always the back-up. This can be back-up for problems with your loved one, or their residence. That can get exhausting. It wasn’t until we transitioned Mom to assisted living that I realized the impact of this. For over a year, my radar was up every night for a possible call from Mom’s overnight caregiver. I rarely got a nightshift call. But once Mom was in assisted living, I started sleeping much better. At assisted living, there is always an experienced team around her to help her… or deal with any problems with her room. If I got a call from assisted living, it was just to inform me and let me lend support. It wasn’t a call to rush over and solve a problem.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Assisted Living Communities<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Tour assisted living communities with your loved one. Get acquainted with options and staff prior to need of these services. Assisted living provides medication management, social enrichment, help with ADLs (activities of daily living) and room and board in a home-like setting. "</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Assisted living" implies some independence on the part of the resident. This includes being able to use a call button. (This safety tool is good to get early and use at home so it becomes a healthy habit.) The assisted living admissions process will include an assessment of your loved one's care level needs.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Assisted living will meet your loved ones needs, but maybe on a slightly different schedule than you're used to. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Be flexible.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Learn the routines at the community and help your family member adapt. Good communication between you and the staff helps everyone. Your loved one will be issued a call button to summon care team help when they need assistance. Residents who are more independent and don't need call button help will still be checked-in on periodically. The goal is to strike a safe balance between independence and support. Do not expect assisted living to replicate the one-on-one care of your loved one at home with you… or them at their house with an in-home caregiver. Some assisted living establishments will allow you to bring in a licensed private caregiver to give your loved one more one-on-one support -- but that expense will be on you. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Assisted living gives loved ones a safe, supportive environment. The 24/7 care from a staff of professionals gives family caregivers peace of mind. But it doesn't relieve the responsibilty of checking in frequently. In-person visits can rekindle family connections, which may be strained after being in caregiving roles. Visit as often as you can. Being there in person is the best way to assess how your loved one is adapting, and how the facility and staff are performing.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Common struggles for assisted living communities include chronic understaffing and delays in response time for call button assistance. You can best assess how these issues are handled when you visit frequently. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Once your loved one is a resident, you will still need advocate for them.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> This includes monitoring basics in your loved one's room, such as making sure the plumbing, heating and AC are in good working order.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Find a community with a vibe that resonates with you as well as your loved one. Caregiving is a calling. Cherish the good people who take care of others as a career. Benefits for your loved one at assisted living include more social contact with peers and younger adults, activities options, and hands-on personal care that can advance as needs change. Some assisted living establishments can provide two week or 30 day stays as “respite care” to give family caregivers a break. (However, many assisted living rooms come unfurnished, so factor in that added expense). Memory care units are part of many assisted living communities. This makes that transition easier for residents if that need arises. Most assisted living places do not offer skilled nursing care like a nursing home setting. Tour a range of elder care establishments to learn about these care levels and options.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Care homes, with only a handful of residents and a small team of caregivers in a private residence setting, can be a good option. Especially if the situation involves long-term care along with limited mobility. Many families turn to churches and community senior centers to get in touch with resources, activities, and volunteer or part time caregivers/companions. Unlicensed care may seem cost effective, but be mindful of the associated risks.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Long-term care insurance is a common way many families afford the prohibitive expenses of in-home caregivers and/or assisted living. However, there is always a big risk. You may pay the high premiums for years only to find out when you need the policy coverage it may not be accepted at the facility/agency you want.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Caring for a senior with dementia... or disabilities... or a chronic or terminal condition (including Alzheimer’s) are categories I won’t be covering here.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Finding elder care that fits, and is affordable, is hard. It can mean making tough decisions. The options are all costly. They can bankrupt families.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Caregiving for an elderly parent as an only child has benefits and disadvantages. If you are the only person who knows all the details for caring for your family member, you must make sure there is either a back-up person, or you and your family member must consider their need to enter assisted living earlier. You are not immune to having an accident or illness that could put your loved ones care in jeopardy. Having your elderly friend/family member in a facility can be a safer option for them and you if you are their only advocate. Even in sibling situations, it’s usually one person tasked with being the “burden bearer” – a role that leads to burnout, resentment, and other complications for any caregiver. ("Burden bearer" is a term from a 1966 study of families struggling with elder care. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1545-5300.1966.00076.x">https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1545-5300.1966.00076.x</a>. I first read about it in this 3.23 NY Times article </span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/28/magazine/elder-child-care-millennials.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/28/magazine/elder-child-care-millennials.html</a>)</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Caregiving for anyone when <b>you</b> have a chronic condition yourself adds more unstable variables to the equation. My Dad and I planned for various scenarios of how I would care for my parents in their final years <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– but when the reality happened, I was quickly humbled by the one variable we never factored in – my own limitations. When family caregivers themselves are seniors 60+ and caring for elders in their 80s and 90s, the entire situation can seem like a sitcom premise. Because as Mom likes do say: "You have to laugh or else you'd cry and who wants to cry?" Or as iconic actress Bette Davis put it:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbVy_P4Y6Na36b3qxZmyy0-HNw5ZNbvFo24Nr5P330xxDeDff2mKXS1HU4SItH0XskJOE8EH8pmO6f-bvQBcLJixzy2YIbmU4tfcIZfUMIqK45fKNRYBSKXlaMvhIja0zqe3WCJBXShPbNC-IryDiA8OzwRES9mqm6KONOo-NDyBZJGiAhy3ZUiXR/s600/bette%20davis%20old%20age%20pic%20quote%2012.21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbVy_P4Y6Na36b3qxZmyy0-HNw5ZNbvFo24Nr5P330xxDeDff2mKXS1HU4SItH0XskJOE8EH8pmO6f-bvQBcLJixzy2YIbmU4tfcIZfUMIqK45fKNRYBSKXlaMvhIja0zqe3WCJBXShPbNC-IryDiA8OzwRES9mqm6KONOo-NDyBZJGiAhy3ZUiXR/s320/bette%20davis%20old%20age%20pic%20quote%2012.21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Before you agree to become a full-time caregiver….</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Everyone must have their final documents in place -- a will or trust, an Advanced Healthcare Directive. No exceptions. Never agree to become a caregiver for someone who hasn’t gotten their affairs in order. Even with all the paperwork ducks in a row, all the re-organization of accounts, bills, legal documents, and even mundane things like newspaper/magazine subscriptions, will devour your time. And drain cash reserves.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">My two mottos learned the hard way from experience:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Get the right tool for the job.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Whoever dies first, wins.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Encourage all family members to have most household bills set on auto pay via a regular checking account. Get signed up to have access to those accounts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your family has the resources to have 2-3 mos of cash to cover monthly expenses on hand, that will relieve you of a lot of stress if the “financial manager” parent passes suddenly and you are left to juggle bills, taxes etc for a parent who hasn’t dealt with these for decades. When someone passes, a lot of important information can be lost suddenly too. They don’t have to deal with the fallout of that. But their survivors will. Plan now to avoid pain later.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Know your parent/family member’s medical history, medications they are on, and try to go to a routine doctor appointment with them. Going on a routine appointment will give you a chance to meet their regular doctor, and familiarize you with location of the clinic etc. Elderly people go to the doctor a lot. There are age-related issues that come up even for those without pre-existing conditions. You will also need to be proactive about getting these routine health issues addressed for your senior: Foot care. Skin care. Hydration. Vision issues. Hearing issues/aids. Physical Therapy to keep major muscle groups strong for maintain balance and mobility.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Assess your elderly parent/family members mobility. Plan ahead for special equipment that will be needed – for their safety, and for yours. Evaluate the home for fall hazards. Avoid preventable accidents. Remove safety risks.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Adapt or replace furnishings. Older people need sturdy chairs with arms. Bathrooms need many safety upgrades.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Shop early and often for items that will protect your senior’s independence. They will need these items eventually. Better to try them out with plenty of time to find what works BEFORE the urgent need arises. Practice using them “for if we need this” scenarios. It will make everyone more comfortable, confident, and safe.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Section 3 -- Recommended Products:</span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mobility Aids –</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mobility is independence. Loss of mobility means more hands-on caregiving. Fight hard to maintain and protect mobility. Embrace simple changes, like mobility aids, appropriate shoes, physical therapy exercises to keep muscles strong.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>UPDATE 9.17.23 -- Here are two You Tube videos with excellent tips on how to safely use a walker! How to walk with a walker the right way...</b></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_UKG7LIoXDQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="_UKG7LIoXDQ"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">How to safely use a rollator (4-wheeled) walker</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/adCKjAHKVW8" width="320" youtube-src-id="adCKjAHKVW8"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Walkers<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Combo/convertible walker-transport chair.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I got this GoPlus model.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6RYjSYvC8hWvHmiSEoUiPZbPjUomrwGIeqOYPPYRVFQot_2RMcYm5GlzzuqDU7gzbvcO7B0QJ9Mx1geyrhA5EcNOXuYF1FDIoYy4K05hArdQ6PwLwiwBdtM9TiIWRIKVAkJtj7_z0Imbq86RhuhoQMPwtVz2XbrkKpqYni0rcO52Z5JD_GSFps8H/s686/go%20plus%20w%20arms%20big.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="686" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6RYjSYvC8hWvHmiSEoUiPZbPjUomrwGIeqOYPPYRVFQot_2RMcYm5GlzzuqDU7gzbvcO7B0QJ9Mx1geyrhA5EcNOXuYF1FDIoYy4K05hArdQ6PwLwiwBdtM9TiIWRIKVAkJtj7_z0Imbq86RhuhoQMPwtVz2XbrkKpqYni0rcO52Z5JD_GSFps8H/s320/go%20plus%20w%20arms%20big.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://goplusus.com/products/2-in-1-folding-rollator-walker-4-wheel-medical-rolling-walker">https://goplusus.com/products/2-in-1-folding-rollator-walker-4-wheel-medical-rolling-walker</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LRYSVKR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LRYSVKR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">A transport chair is </span><u style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">not</u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> a wheelchair. A transport chair has smaller wheels. It can’t be self-propelled. But a transport chair is essential safety equipment if you’re caregiving for someone who is elderly/and or has mobility issues. If you need to move them quickly and safely – you must have a transport chair available.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Get a combo/convertible walker-transport chair. This is best for trips to appointments and longer walks. The person can use as a walker, but if they get tired, it converts easily to a transport chair.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Top tip for transport chairs/wheelchairs: Back the person into elevators and over bumps and obstacles in pathways. Pushing the person forward into these hazards can “catch” the chair wheels and tip the elderly person forward and out of the chair! These chairs do NOT have seatbelts.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I looked at several brands and styles of combo walker-transport chairs.. Here’s why I picked the GoPlus one and how it delivers in these areas:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Pros --<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">It has the greatest range of adjustable height options for the handle bars used in both the walker and transport chair modes. Trying to match the right height for these bars has been a struggle on other walkers. This feature has been a game changer. It saves the back of the caregiver pushing when its in transport chair mode. It improves the posture and balance of person using it in walker mode, helping reduce that classic “hunched over the walker” posture.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The foot rests are pedal-shaped foot rests and that the foot rests can be folded away.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">There is a foot lever in the back to help whoever is pushing it in transport chair mode get the wheels over small bumps/floor surface transitions. It takes some practice.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If you’re trying to get someone with limited mobility to appointment, or across parking lots/uneven terrain, or an emergency exit -- a mobility chair is a must.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Having one tool that does 2 jobs saves storage space.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">This unit collapses down for easy storage and is pretty lightweight.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Cons –<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The seat is an odd shape and there is NO padding. There’s no storage under the seat and storage/pouch situation with this unit is limited and awkward.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">There is built-in padding for the arm rests, and that helps, but we did mail order some wrap around/Velcro arm rest pads and they are a big help<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">It’s larger and more awkward to use as a walker inside the home. But the fact that the handle heights are adjustable more than compensates.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The foot rests fold back fine, but flop around. I ended up buying some Velcro strips which we use to secure the foot rests. It’s an extra step.. and an extra item to make sure we have when we use this in transport chair mode. It’s an area I would check out well if I got to see some of these in person vs. buying online.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE7ZkBCuGAma8q4dOxIDPmzonJphCSYikoYLBHEbpGrWtwiF_j2KiQfLXhCHNlqFZ_hMq3wVIFJlB15bESdNfbpsqtVL5KfjRw6CTSbuhgy6ZNoo8yqCa6NlYOeacR77-yI6wy25TsMxVtmscHIK5HAM2A37P2dOxbancjsRmkRdhntlOqDrVzyWi/s1155/velcro%20straps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="679" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE7ZkBCuGAma8q4dOxIDPmzonJphCSYikoYLBHEbpGrWtwiF_j2KiQfLXhCHNlqFZ_hMq3wVIFJlB15bESdNfbpsqtVL5KfjRw6CTSbuhgy6ZNoo8yqCa6NlYOeacR77-yI6wy25TsMxVtmscHIK5HAM2A37P2dOxbancjsRmkRdhntlOqDrVzyWi/s320/velcro%20straps.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Wheelchair seat cushion </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Medical-Supply-Covered-Wheelchair/dp/B007X2EXIS/ref=">https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Medical-Supply-Covered-Wheelchair/dp/B007X2EXIS/ref=</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Wheelchair Armrest pads (this link has assorted colors) </span><a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/products/wheelchair-armrests">https://www.vivehealth.com/products/wheelchair-armrests</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZE4Uqzn_e3BaVMgxvQzAP61DEufX5bWqk91M2BIfwfbuaGbOGv6awiIshPOPo4yC7Z262ch5hyEWx7Pbx8iVXGhKMiuw78og66NxvcHTn1zp00Z9NEaFeqXTUwDWD0delTmpjW8_dpzOOoREQrYzNqjJ5l_fTyQ_C4YpS1GvMVDn9I6CIKX02LJvl/s225/arm%20rest%20covers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZE4Uqzn_e3BaVMgxvQzAP61DEufX5bWqk91M2BIfwfbuaGbOGv6awiIshPOPo4yC7Z262ch5hyEWx7Pbx8iVXGhKMiuw78og66NxvcHTn1zp00Z9NEaFeqXTUwDWD0delTmpjW8_dpzOOoREQrYzNqjJ5l_fTyQ_C4YpS1GvMVDn9I6CIKX02LJvl/s1600/arm%20rest%20covers.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Traditional 4-wheeled walker (Nova Zoom)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://novajoy.com/products?categoryId=368">https://novajoy.com/products?categoryId=368</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU87UKGZfgOe30YorHv-2Xr98NvZd8vcQrxxCx8k1oKH19rBdyQsLr5x1Ub7rQEKTExmq-iMM31jJqh1tnJuqMSqUyCkwKKdUpv5x7xqL2O8OAIZQmRWfsaPQ5nxsh3vmXPsbwdFrFsVMJtRg1yTSLVuZk8iDn8mXikI3m4lwicfi0uSxsUusd9ljx/s500/nova%20joy%20walker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU87UKGZfgOe30YorHv-2Xr98NvZd8vcQrxxCx8k1oKH19rBdyQsLr5x1Ub7rQEKTExmq-iMM31jJqh1tnJuqMSqUyCkwKKdUpv5x7xqL2O8OAIZQmRWfsaPQ5nxsh3vmXPsbwdFrFsVMJtRg1yTSLVuZk8iDn8mXikI3m4lwicfi0uSxsUusd9ljx/s320/nova%20joy%20walker.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Pros -- </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">These are nimble, smaller, and come with a padded seat and generous storage. Wheeled walkers excel at turning and pivoting, and they also have brakes for stability. They are better than the old-school 2 wheeled walkers.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">This walker gives the most support for when Mom has knee pain.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">We went to a local home healthcare aids store to get Mom a 4-wheeled walker. They fit her for this model. (However, it’s turned out to be just a bit too short for her, even at the highest handle height setting.)</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Cons – </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Only 3 settings for handle height. Not having the handles at the appropriate height contributes to that “hunched over the walker” posture you often see. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsM-eJ4zLXVc-w6UoY0CPf4K9Vhp1WCS62I_oP9lLRcFEMfqR8QE8wVRe6hvRDjHZdgi3ZE1Mv8C4drpUeRflwVscHfgTwgziPPqL07uvPF7H8QoCeaKDzGweYxhM62HreSSB3MTUQB_0XpW0ql1ceOImX5VEkhrqvppLBof3XAM64vOLPd9hEVpM/s2800/new-perfect-walker-header-cone-sight.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1738" data-original-width="2800" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsM-eJ4zLXVc-w6UoY0CPf4K9Vhp1WCS62I_oP9lLRcFEMfqR8QE8wVRe6hvRDjHZdgi3ZE1Mv8C4drpUeRflwVscHfgTwgziPPqL07uvPF7H8QoCeaKDzGweYxhM62HreSSB3MTUQB_0XpW0ql1ceOImX5VEkhrqvppLBof3XAM64vOLPd9hEVpM/s320/new-perfect-walker-header-cone-sight.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Shop around and find a walker that has an appropriate handle height. Walkers work best in walker mode. You can use it to push someone in a pinch, but they will be facing backwards and they must be able to suspend their feet to keep out of your way and not be dragging their feet on the ground. Of course, a walker is not designed to be a transport chair. And this limitation is obvious if you ever try to use it as one.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Standing/Upright Walker –<a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/products/upright-walker">https://www.vivehealth.com/products/upright-walker</a></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4soLSP3lW1nR-GZmoojS3Ju6IvXgaDIt90I4uPBD0UBIXhorrsETBbfKyNVfkm2By1-_TkONZyqsFun5H5oP8h8qJxbE1t0H5jRLf59F0rMJfispHNc2N0twgdcBWzpIoc6et1wwEoKOnsz0etTOlPI1hdfHRDGJgw8ULv6ipoD7WsxzTWPDCiQrv/s800/upright_walker_black_800x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4soLSP3lW1nR-GZmoojS3Ju6IvXgaDIt90I4uPBD0UBIXhorrsETBbfKyNVfkm2By1-_TkONZyqsFun5H5oP8h8qJxbE1t0H5jRLf59F0rMJfispHNc2N0twgdcBWzpIoc6et1wwEoKOnsz0etTOlPI1hdfHRDGJgw8ULv6ipoD7WsxzTWPDCiQrv/s320/upright_walker_black_800x.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I got Mom one of these when we realized her 4-wheeled walker was too short for her. The upright walker has a seat (not padded), encourages better posture, and provides better eye contact with other pedestrians. It may be a good option for more active, taller seniors. I wouldn’t recommend one for most elderly people.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">It’s cumbersome to move and store. It can collapse and be put in a car, but would take up a lot of space and be hard to get in and out.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">It’s hard to find padding for the arm rests that fit properly. The arm rests and hard plastic and do need extra padding that’s not provided or built in.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Because Mom was in a condo, and got most of her exercise walking the hallway of the condo building, this worked out okay for us for several months. But we never used it on sidewalks or parking lots… where I’m not sure how safe/stable it would be on those sorts of surfaces.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">3-wheeled walker (Nova Traveler) <a href="https://novajoy.com/products?categoryId=187&productId=382">https://novajoy.com/products?categoryId=187&productId=382</a></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gn5j07jmCe8GWFMQP8ZgDpUkcqIZKfWuKE_hTD0Z7BWyzjFcQbmlNEv90b3344oTTa8agEViHsBIVcY9VTyC8zcO1f1wsC2iJxqg3cGZrHJnQ75OwRx3TfdWz5VLqLVFS6x2z719S7tTrPANawA6nvFG73WapqwUnsIRU0_-kb8lDeiWK9zL6pXR/s1800/nova%203%20wheel%20walker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1018" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gn5j07jmCe8GWFMQP8ZgDpUkcqIZKfWuKE_hTD0Z7BWyzjFcQbmlNEv90b3344oTTa8agEViHsBIVcY9VTyC8zcO1f1wsC2iJxqg3cGZrHJnQ75OwRx3TfdWz5VLqLVFS6x2z719S7tTrPANawA6nvFG73WapqwUnsIRU0_-kb8lDeiWK9zL6pXR/s320/nova%203%20wheel%20walker.jpg" width="181" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Once Mom transitioned into assisted living, this walker became her favorite. I bought this one specifically because the handles can be set higher than her 4 wheel walker. She likes that this one is easy to maneuver around her large bathroom and studio room, as well as the common areas. She is close to any seating options in these situations, so the lack of a seat on the walker isn’t a problem.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Pros --</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Nimble to use and maneuver. Has a generous storage pouch built it. There is also a detachable wire basket and tray. Adjustable handle height.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZjxrmL1fPYPP7ZEvD_CGmJTq_qoQYH9JIDhj6RwRKfPC7f16i4JNAuUn7zNqrzypkWrHTz5mIqWrKtnBIcDtQLHa0G-6b26A5kY6lLa-5_amwQDJDOo93uk26u7ZNV2ekIcFACp5oKEVCi9l80G0_8Pd2fv5KYYguVHcqvpXsvWH9_z1JxRy4f3F/s569/3%20wheel%20handles.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="569" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZjxrmL1fPYPP7ZEvD_CGmJTq_qoQYH9JIDhj6RwRKfPC7f16i4JNAuUn7zNqrzypkWrHTz5mIqWrKtnBIcDtQLHa0G-6b26A5kY6lLa-5_amwQDJDOo93uk26u7ZNV2ekIcFACp5oKEVCi9l80G0_8Pd2fv5KYYguVHcqvpXsvWH9_z1JxRy4f3F/s320/3%20wheel%20handles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Cons – </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Not as much stability as the 4 wheeled walker. No seat built in.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Footed “quad” Cane <a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/products/carbon-fiber-quad-cane">https://www.vivehealth.com/products/carbon-fiber-quad-cane</a></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">A cane with four feet is always ready to be used and not falling to the ground etc. This one is lightweight, but also very strong.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthriC8JCtJsTnSNchhph98Vwc0I5RfeTqicYlBuNiGMdbstYa2p_1lBLaYr6ohpGaW3-ZRLF_LP9Nld5Vp7UvZkkq_udKtkQaLfnKekj7A1o5D3aAfpgBE9114Ine5PRzWRBdZ0cT4z4m2fWAvdXJFvW6F8uG4MzKG3mS3bzF3YNQWJwOe8YM-_vu/s227/quad%20cane%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="222" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthriC8JCtJsTnSNchhph98Vwc0I5RfeTqicYlBuNiGMdbstYa2p_1lBLaYr6ohpGaW3-ZRLF_LP9Nld5Vp7UvZkkq_udKtkQaLfnKekj7A1o5D3aAfpgBE9114Ine5PRzWRBdZ0cT4z4m2fWAvdXJFvW6F8uG4MzKG3mS3bzF3YNQWJwOe8YM-_vu/s1600/quad%20cane%201.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Foot safety and care --<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Velcro shoes & open toed sandals<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Shoes with laces are a tripping hazard. Round those up and donate them. Poorly fitting shoes can contribute to foot pain, infections, etc. That leads to mobility loss. Look for shoes that protect feet and prevent slipping. Old bones are fragile. I learned from Mom's podiatrist that many elderly folks fracture their toes by bumping them while wearing footwear that lacks support and protection. Foot or toe pain should be checked out by a doctor ASAP. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Replace old shoes with Velcro closure footwear. Mom preferred a style with a single flap vs multiple tabs. Look for shoes with a sturdy sole that supports the foot.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Yibobay Diabetic Shoes <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yibobay-Diabetic-Adjustable-Breathable-Lightweight/dp/B096KVHJLT/ref=">https://www.amazon.com/Yibobay-Diabetic-Adjustable-Breathable-Lightweight/dp/B096KVHJLT/ref=</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I had to mail order these in several sizes to find the right fit, but it was worth it. Mom loves them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50RR6GJBiND38pIHJP0z_mYgtKeNOSyNA3Oo37piTboeO42aw5kyM8ZOUFWhtRXtA_wtRlTvQAcR1JvXaiEmpFRedAazS2LPanxIJJWWmcn_Oqv3zrYAgmj__br5iSrkvinvkZ1JrvPUSooMIw1w4Nb8RS72lDiLg2Ku98NG665ovtbOhaT00pgb8/s323/yibobay%20shoe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="323" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50RR6GJBiND38pIHJP0z_mYgtKeNOSyNA3Oo37piTboeO42aw5kyM8ZOUFWhtRXtA_wtRlTvQAcR1JvXaiEmpFRedAazS2LPanxIJJWWmcn_Oqv3zrYAgmj__br5iSrkvinvkZ1JrvPUSooMIw1w4Nb8RS72lDiLg2Ku98NG665ovtbOhaT00pgb8/s320/yibobay%20shoe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Since Mom had a toe injury (ingrown nail) that took months to correct, she needed shoes indoors that gave her stability but also were open toed.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Silverts Sandals</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> – open toed with Velcro. These are a sturdy option for times when toe pain may need an open-toed shoe. <a href="https://www.silverts.com/womens-easy-closure-sandal-for-indoors-outdoors">https://www.silverts.com/womens-easy-closure-sandal-for-indoors-outdoors</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0AauYUyvNCjdzbOgj67AGRgXEvHLL52AURSYHr6McK0pNwHawP_YbklRPUXJVQiWA3VKI8-MG69sZpvNeeg78LuLtuXFCcE-dMLCU8pbBgQa6ybvPQqunE_Qtx0HHPYm4_8yIK7Mse4H1dlIJ7YeGvkrRFg_j-_uUCOo6eMwi-ieJU-Uduf98RB5B/s1127/silverts%20open%20toe%20shoes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1127" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0AauYUyvNCjdzbOgj67AGRgXEvHLL52AURSYHr6McK0pNwHawP_YbklRPUXJVQiWA3VKI8-MG69sZpvNeeg78LuLtuXFCcE-dMLCU8pbBgQa6ybvPQqunE_Qtx0HHPYm4_8yIK7Mse4H1dlIJ7YeGvkrRFg_j-_uUCOo6eMwi-ieJU-Uduf98RB5B/s320/silverts%20open%20toe%20shoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">These </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>Memory Foam Sandals from the “Collections Etc”</i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> catalog are inexpensive, but lack support. They are suitable as slippers, but not for long walks. <a href="https://www.collectionsetc.com/products/ultra-lightweight-adjustable-memory-foam-sandals/?color=BLCK&size=XSA&utm_source=google&utm">https://www.collectionsetc.com/products/ultra-lightweight-adjustable-memory-foam-sandals/?color=BLCK&size=XSA&utm_source=google&utm</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDyTKVHlYdWEwSqmoyc6wC8LswmZqYrH165PQeoeqV_klopijdUpghkX9W1SP4mOT_s15Tv0NIJOCgdJFgK1T2_NLwnByD-53BCJzR5Ck2sdjkUicdfXKmwWNVbft68qTrzp5hi81t6p33iAR8PZVL2_9NMxbsfl0UPJ0yWI9pQVcK6mUZ151117L/s225/memory%20foam%20sandals.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDyTKVHlYdWEwSqmoyc6wC8LswmZqYrH165PQeoeqV_klopijdUpghkX9W1SP4mOT_s15Tv0NIJOCgdJFgK1T2_NLwnByD-53BCJzR5Ck2sdjkUicdfXKmwWNVbft68qTrzp5hi81t6p33iAR8PZVL2_9NMxbsfl0UPJ0yWI9pQVcK6mUZ151117L/s1600/memory%20foam%20sandals.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Keep feet clean and dry. Make sure they are moisturized to prevent cracks in skin and nails that can invite infections. Be sure a doctor looks at the elderly persons feet at least once a year. Medicare covers routine podiatrist visits. It’s worth getting your elderly family members to a podiatrist on a regular schedule to handle things like toe nail trims. This basic personal care can become a breeding ground for infections if neglected or relegated to self-care or non-medical services (ie salons). Both of my parents had foot issues that needed attention but their primary care doctor never had them take off their socks – even at annual physical exams! Unacceptable.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Ears need attention too. Age-related hearing issues are common. Be sure your senior has a hearing evaluation by an audiologist. And make sure their primary care doctor examines inside their ears at least once a year. Your loved one may need routine ear irrigation. Regular dental cleanings are also essential. Many older people don't have all their own teeth. You need to know if your loved one has any dentures or partials. Be sure they fit well and are cleaned properly. Check with their dentist. Your senior may need new eyeglasses too. Get a vision exam scheduled as soon as you take over their care. Finding problems in any of these areas early can make all the difference.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Because of my diabetes, I’m very pro-active about foot care. I will always suspect my dad could have lived longer if his non-healing foot wound got earlier attention. Instead, he slapped a band aid on it -- for nearly 2 years! Dad was so healthy otherwise, and he presented so well clinically, his doctor never looked at his bare feet. By the time he showed his non-healing wound to the doctor, it had progressed to skin cancer. That required surgery. And oncologists. I learned about all this too late. Please take these lessons to heart. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Change socks daily. Be sure they are not binding. Mom loved these <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084Q61X8K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 " name="_Hlk131706345">“Hugh Ugoli Diabetic ankle socks, seamless, stretchy” socks from Amazon </a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1N6V7qLv9umaH6KL9oHS9vOS3SEizuMYnelSWVFqSbVYpn4_uY0HQuCrv2yPN3trE_lm2RLYQGMoAPaav9C-grUt2cchfsJ-wOe5zGbDahC3o1WFnMEunmTq_WBxql85y2HoRPAwmlIAM1u1ppwPCpZTxBgb-iBhaTel83DyQO9yxjP3IHXrY9Tu/s142/socks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="142" data-original-width="142" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1N6V7qLv9umaH6KL9oHS9vOS3SEizuMYnelSWVFqSbVYpn4_uY0HQuCrv2yPN3trE_lm2RLYQGMoAPaav9C-grUt2cchfsJ-wOe5zGbDahC3o1WFnMEunmTq_WBxql85y2HoRPAwmlIAM1u1ppwPCpZTxBgb-iBhaTel83DyQO9yxjP3IHXrY9Tu/s1600/socks.jpg" width="142" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Try out different compression socks. There are better ones available now that aren’t the vice grip socks of years ago. Most older people have legs and ankles that swell. Compression socks… and/or elevating their legs so they are higher than their heart for a period of time during the day or at night.. can help reduce swelling.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Viasox Diabetic Socks</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> –these are super stretchy socks that are easy to get on and off. Available in knee length, ankle and compression sock options. There are lots of fun prints as well as solids. <a href="https://viasox.com/">https://viasox.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXd90BioOhaHwMbZ-mGrzoWp7glfRZcWKIDipnB5j3QsR6KK4EWfMsJkJdyOe7a3URQw-dyrb5yzZuMOB1jB9ldOtwBTO9AW_cjoe7jltKhGxN9nnSmj0TjlaUCNSoWGVQwB4b8MJnu6NgF7d--QIurWrFcYUJIJKoURPb2fGrpOWZxOwEzHc5hE-T/s360/viasox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXd90BioOhaHwMbZ-mGrzoWp7glfRZcWKIDipnB5j3QsR6KK4EWfMsJkJdyOe7a3URQw-dyrb5yzZuMOB1jB9ldOtwBTO9AW_cjoe7jltKhGxN9nnSmj0TjlaUCNSoWGVQwB4b8MJnu6NgF7d--QIurWrFcYUJIJKoURPb2fGrpOWZxOwEzHc5hE-T/s320/viasox.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Electric foot warmer pad –<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Cold extremities are a common problem with the elderly. Mom often has cold feet at the end of the day, even on warm days. The right tool for this job turned out to be a double-sided electric foot warmer. (Any electric heating pad/blanket needs to be used with supervision as elderly people have thin skin that can be damaged.) Mom’s favorite foot warmer pad worked better than traditional heating pad as it has a zipper. You can make it into a pouch to slip both feet into. You can also unzip it and use it to heat a larger area like backs, or shoulders. It took some trial and error to find this item on Amazon “Accelery Double-Sided Heated Foot Warmer” with a tag that reads: “OnKey Electric Technology Heating Pad Model # FT-1616,” now listed as “unavailable” </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Here’s a similar one, but this lacks the zipper and timer on the control:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Electric-Foot-Warmer-Heating-Pad-with-3-Settings-Auto-Shut-Off-and-Detachable-Extra-Long-Cord-Soft-Plush-with-Fuzzy-Interior-by-Bluestone/711560582 ">https://www.walmart.com/ip/Electric-Foot-Warmer-Heating-Pad-with-3-Settings-Auto-Shut-Off-and-Detachable-Extra-Long-Cord-Soft-Plush-with-Fuzzy-Interior-by-Bluestone/711560582</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>Room Safety</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Landline phone for hearing impaired<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">A 911 call from a landline is the fastest way to get help to the right location. Check with local agencies about qualifying for a free or discounted landline phone for the hearing impaired. Hearing/vision loss and other age-related challenges like arthritis can make it a struggle to use even the most basic cell phones. Be confident your loved ones can make and receive phone calls.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwGyp-sGfoyb7VH9qlS-IUYmyKVGwHIrNdi7iGE3EzujjqRghA0fHQoU7qWHGisjwt_-wxsKMYTj9qs9D0Wvq1HsE9HYaQHM73pfaqfdc5cAO3JIXzG9_6o4riC_sW9FjNLnnzTh7bzZT8YFMx3OMo5Nm1lVYYjvBKEx8YC-AMKUXGrb0ouSS5Mx0/s268/landline%20phone%20for%20seniors.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="268" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwGyp-sGfoyb7VH9qlS-IUYmyKVGwHIrNdi7iGE3EzujjqRghA0fHQoU7qWHGisjwt_-wxsKMYTj9qs9D0Wvq1HsE9HYaQHM73pfaqfdc5cAO3JIXzG9_6o4riC_sW9FjNLnnzTh7bzZT8YFMx3OMo5Nm1lVYYjvBKEx8YC-AMKUXGrb0ouSS5Mx0/s1600/landline%20phone%20for%20seniors.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Call Button</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> (CallToU transmitter and receiver) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/CallToU-Caregiver-Transmitters-Receivers-Attention/dp/B077SYPD5K">https://www.amazon.com/CallToU-Caregiver-Transmitters-Receivers-Attention/dp/B077SYPD5K</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGck3FFzbkA9lcAHxTaV3KNmAYnaUAWBWOOL1Cye_m81BOZFbxAhfNr_p0RtJ7aN-z2AvTshTrey45HTvE07AWPbA41AhVF_nOlPETxGjW7vxQjpqIqOV73Ib1g1tvAkl3Adw55ep9O8joyoc8EGqbFjuS609eEDylvR_2LvKSz3-dMj7S1QppxiTQ/s225/calltoU%20sizes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGck3FFzbkA9lcAHxTaV3KNmAYnaUAWBWOOL1Cye_m81BOZFbxAhfNr_p0RtJ7aN-z2AvTshTrey45HTvE07AWPbA41AhVF_nOlPETxGjW7vxQjpqIqOV73Ib1g1tvAkl3Adw55ep9O8joyoc8EGqbFjuS609eEDylvR_2LvKSz3-dMj7S1QppxiTQ/s1600/calltoU%20sizes.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">One of the best “tips from the trenches” we got from one of mom’s caregivers was to get her a call button. Getting a senior accustomed to using a call button keeps everyone safe. It’s an essential skill for assisted living. <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Knowing how to use a call button will also help your loved one get help if they end up in the hospital. For the hours you can't be with them, it will be up to them to use a call button to get help from a nurse.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Grabber</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> (The one I like best I got from Diaso – this link has photos and a review) <a href="https://www.thestuffsreview.com/2022/07/daiso-all-purpose-grabber.html.">https://www.thestuffsreview.com/2022/07/daiso-all-purpose-grabber.html.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6fqAIMP-LmneQwLcYAxynV6KGyrLzvJbn7PecJLOvzfso7TZIoE8oMg6zh6LgzpYhOd8cG6Q0cLKpcd_NUHeHO82s84Q2w_pwgY_Iz53qQtsIbAllgwlS_gmRQglTsr_shuMKwRSkA58aIDt9SimOLs3kvoNJdl0Ti-Gu2_BoC9BXNloY87KrQai/s320/Daiso-All-Purpose-Grabber.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6fqAIMP-LmneQwLcYAxynV6KGyrLzvJbn7PecJLOvzfso7TZIoE8oMg6zh6LgzpYhOd8cG6Q0cLKpcd_NUHeHO82s84Q2w_pwgY_Iz53qQtsIbAllgwlS_gmRQglTsr_shuMKwRSkA58aIDt9SimOLs3kvoNJdl0Ti-Gu2_BoC9BXNloY87KrQai/s1600/Daiso-All-Purpose-Grabber.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Back injuries or hip/knee pain can prohibit bending over. A “grabber” is a safer way to retrieve objects that fall to the floor.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Motion detector Night Lights<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Light in hallways can prevent trip and fall hazards. Especially for nighttime trips to the bathroom. Battery operated “tap lights” can also be handy. Many options of both are online or at hardware and home improvement stores.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Bathroom safety<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXrBrlZ_juahx0wblaeGZB_6M6vKGlFxlUITdnUvv3QMklPZc-gi8Ey3DWJIymovCEWRLb5SX3fwJlUeqHjgYSkXdb2pyDLBqC2SC5nhaz3PaXsdwyRMp2x1aCg6BGY0J2Edjugctu2KhL05bIS47vgR3nRIbeWeHPI0yXVfTH4gbqmYGtdMt7SvI/s968/vive%20health%20shower%20chair.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXrBrlZ_juahx0wblaeGZB_6M6vKGlFxlUITdnUvv3QMklPZc-gi8Ey3DWJIymovCEWRLb5SX3fwJlUeqHjgYSkXdb2pyDLBqC2SC5nhaz3PaXsdwyRMp2x1aCg6BGY0J2Edjugctu2KhL05bIS47vgR3nRIbeWeHPI0yXVfTH4gbqmYGtdMt7SvI/s320/vive%20health%20shower%20chair.jpg" width="248" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></i></b><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Shower chair <a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/products/shower-chair">https://www.vivehealth.com/products/shower-chair</a></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Baths and showers are the #1 place where life-changing falls happen. Take shower/bathing safety seriously.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I mailed order this one for the handles, height adjustment choices, and drainage holes in the seat. It’s good, but we still ended up adding a padded shower floor pad for her to sit on while she uses this as the seat is a tiny bit slippery.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Talk with your elder’s doctor/dermatologist about ways to keep fragile older skin well moisturized. Slathering lotion on damp skin right after showering is a good practice for anyone to prevent dry skin issues. Use gentle body wash (Aveeno unscented etc). Bar soap, even Dove, can be drying.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Grab bars<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">These are essential and need to be installed/attached to studs in the walls. I didn’t have to buy any of these are they were already at Mom’s condo.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Toilet seat support<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Handles on the sides of the toilet are safer than a single grab bar on the wall. Finding the right handles was another trial and error discovery. We found this worked best because it used the toilet seat itself (not the floor) as the base for the handles. This product was more stable than other seat-based options we tried. She didn’t like options that raised her higher on the toilet seat as it made her feet dangle. This option lets her use the toilet seat at the traditional height, but gives her support with sturdy handles.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ioOZc7fxqm3yI5K8ghFU-w2d_ECISwC9nnTV1ONaI9o7uHWm88pavlMNxFTo3y2uxJ5Ku-OBRJdxpt8CtT2AImNb0XxRpLxIAoCxVGM11eMgp7Lb9G4F1AvTPMUj-F4X5c5B5mFHgm4c9yTr2jrX4Ds0a-7HY4WdMuIKIZ5gLOoTCjLzyiITJjUa/s225/toilet%20safety%20bar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ioOZc7fxqm3yI5K8ghFU-w2d_ECISwC9nnTV1ONaI9o7uHWm88pavlMNxFTo3y2uxJ5Ku-OBRJdxpt8CtT2AImNb0XxRpLxIAoCxVGM11eMgp7Lb9G4F1AvTPMUj-F4X5c5B5mFHgm4c9yTr2jrX4Ds0a-7HY4WdMuIKIZ5gLOoTCjLzyiITJjUa/s1600/toilet%20safety%20bar.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/MOEN-Home-Care-23-25-in-Toilet-Safety-Bar-in-Glacier-DN7015/203933039?source=">https://www.homedepot.com/p/MOEN-Home-Care-23-25-in-Toilet-Safety-Bar-in-Glacier-DN7015/203933039?source=</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If there is back or knee pain involved that can make it difficult to lower down to the traditional toilet seat. There are a range of risers and cushions available. But here’s a twist – I think most of them are designed by and for men. Women wipe in front. The lack of a front opening on many risers and cushions makes this basic self-care hygiene challenging for women. Find options with a front opening when shopping for a woman.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Toilet seat Cushion <a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/products/toilet-seat-cushion">https://www.vivehealth.com/products/toilet-seat-cushion</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTSyR1ISJTBW2rxNPDAjbovHOZo_M8o_dwWbwMpB60xbKZn83FukjhvArgdiV63OqA8yU5asvvzCohIz1ToUVv1-u1GGV8y4piAvetGWRIWsM-G_7JZlnBZZiLkROqlJf6Y8NfPHJtBzOjGdVSCmX8H6KtMEoeTVbUyOQ8SmvLUNNU3mddXTQvAyM/s702/toilet%20seat%20cushion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="679" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTSyR1ISJTBW2rxNPDAjbovHOZo_M8o_dwWbwMpB60xbKZn83FukjhvArgdiV63OqA8yU5asvvzCohIz1ToUVv1-u1GGV8y4piAvetGWRIWsM-G_7JZlnBZZiLkROqlJf6Y8NfPHJtBzOjGdVSCmX8H6KtMEoeTVbUyOQ8SmvLUNNU3mddXTQvAyM/s320/toilet%20seat%20cushion.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Toilet Seat Riser with handles <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Glacier-Bay-E-Z-Lock-Raised-Toilet-Seat-With-Adjustable-Armrests-5-in-FGB303GB-THD/312272463?source=">https://www.homedepot.com/p/Glacier-Bay-E-Z-Lock-Raised-Toilet-Seat-With-Adjustable-Armrests-5-in-FGB303GB-THD/312272463?source=</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9WFScUuq8UVRDqVwSYSIdkAHk6Ep8TprLfFgqSKk6QDOQgzSLaHBCM7MLsY0DpJIuZoWQ69qzBOksiRRNhfiMf51RcbXsfoTysM2jTAxGV9CaprJwXb9_VywEua1XVqg7py_hH7HeaVUIyBTUe62DhFIHVMq7D7qQdyDSqxGPNkyjRsNVb5KWC7z/s173/toilet%20riser%20w%20handles.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="166" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9WFScUuq8UVRDqVwSYSIdkAHk6Ep8TprLfFgqSKk6QDOQgzSLaHBCM7MLsY0DpJIuZoWQ69qzBOksiRRNhfiMf51RcbXsfoTysM2jTAxGV9CaprJwXb9_VywEua1XVqg7py_hH7HeaVUIyBTUe62DhFIHVMq7D7qQdyDSqxGPNkyjRsNVb5KWC7z/s1600/toilet%20riser%20w%20handles.png" width="166" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Toileting issues/Home as a healthcare setting</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">No one wants to think about needing help with personal hygiene care.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Caregivers <u>have</u> to think about it. They may be that help.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If you can’t imagine taking on these tasks – plan ahead now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Do you know how to find in-home help for these hands-on jobs?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Can you afford this?? – the cost of caregivers that come to your home is mind-blowingly expensive.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Will you and your loved one feel that needing help with toileting is a deciding factor for transitioning to assisted living care? Helping another adult in the shower or at the toilet can put you at risk for injuries. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Discuss this with your seniors now.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If underwear “accidents” are mild/infrequent, your life will be easier if you have already stocked some essential supplies. See a great coupon for Depends or similar products? Use it. Get your elder to try out some different brands and sizes. They will see these products are comfortable, effective, and discreet. It can be good "practice" to wear them overnight in bed, or out for an errand. Sometimes medical tests or health issues will prompt the need for these items on a short-term basis. Use that opportunity.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Wearing disposable underwear and changing them frequently helps prevent UTIs. Fragile skin in personal areas is a high-risk zone for infections. These can be hard to detect until they become severe.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Be sure you have lots of disposable gloves in a range of sizes (a Medium in one brand may need a Large in others). Baby wipes are essential! They serve multiple purposes. Carry them in a ziplock bag to appointments with your elder. The Costco Kirkland ones are always in my car and purse. Disinfecting wipes and/or a spray bottle with 70% isopropyl alcohol are essential supplies for every room when there is healthcare involved. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Buy waterproof liner covers for mattresses –online or at Target –and start using them now. Do yourself a favor. Spending $20 now may save you from dealing with disposing of a soiled mattress later. I like these “Allerease Ultimate Mattress Protectors” because they block everything: <a href="https://www.target.com/p/ultimate-mattress-protector-allerease/-/A-17273320">https://www.target.com/p/ultimate-mattress-protector-allerease/-/A-17273320</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Allerese “Perfect Protection” line is also good, and more widely available<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.target.com/p/full-perfect-protection-waterproof-mattress-protector-allerease/-/A-78376623?ref=">https://www.target.com/p/full-perfect-protection-waterproof-mattress-protector-allerease/-/A-78376623?ref=</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Your family member may struggle with the reality home is now a healthcare setting. Even if it’s friends and family helping out… it’s more people using restrooms, common areas, and the kitchen. Everyone needs to be practicing good healthcare setting habits -- washing hands, disinfecting surfaces regularly etc. Older people have compromised immune systems. Protect them from common colds/flu and infections. Diligent heathcare setting practices by caregivers help avoid costly and health-compromising hosptial stays for seniors. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Another struggle your loved ones may have is accepting they need help with caring for their physical body, in spite of how indelicate and embarrassing that may be. Be compassionate. Let them know you understand. They are forever 30 in heart and spirit. But now they have a "vintage" body that needs specialized support and </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">maintenance</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">. You are here to help. Just like they helped with your body when it was very young and needed special care. When adult children are caring for elderly parents, we are all past our "best by" dates. But here we are...making the best of it. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>UPDATE 12.6.23 </b>-- For female elderly that have lost mobility and/or suffer from needing to be moved out of bed to urinate overnight -- consider getting a "PureWick" system. </span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Once mobility is lost, getting lifted on and off a chair commode becomes a burden for everyone. </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">This system is the home version of what's used in hospitals. It isn't cheap -- but the wear and tear they save on caregivers -- and on moving fragile patients around, especially when their skin gets so thin with age and is easily torn or bruised -- makes this system worth the investment:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span><a href="https://www.purewickathome.com/caregivers.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">https://www.purewickathome.com/caregivers.html</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7CTJMlGU-2VsRdxz467zIwhOsXMWgRYT0XcOj3xXk-lJbgjBfFwC1SNhNeo6uk1xE8qLE3RX9UGM1eomg-DEgHr05H3TmlzTbLvaCZu8gludcDnWYtSmHz7WsM9ESdO6mam7uWtbhQAxVsyDEpjM8cc7YBEMWHpb287qfabdnJo5IUIicmGaxr5C9OY/s628/Purewick-Women-Product.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="628" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7CTJMlGU-2VsRdxz467zIwhOsXMWgRYT0XcOj3xXk-lJbgjBfFwC1SNhNeo6uk1xE8qLE3RX9UGM1eomg-DEgHr05H3TmlzTbLvaCZu8gludcDnWYtSmHz7WsM9ESdO6mam7uWtbhQAxVsyDEpjM8cc7YBEMWHpb287qfabdnJo5IUIicmGaxr5C9OY/s320/Purewick-Women-Product.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>General safety and comfort</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Transfer belts & harness</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Avoid injury to elderly person and to caregivers. Try out some transfer belt/harness options before you need them. If you have an emergency and need to move someone who is suddenly not able to move all or part of their body – you will be glad you were prepared. <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>UPDATE 12.6.23:</b> Try these out early -- especially for size! Most of these items are designed by and for men. You may need to do some tailoring for a secure fit for smaller framed/female seniors. Here are links for these items I found most helpful--</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Transfer blanket <a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/collections/transfer-belts-aids/products/patient-transfer-sheet-handles">https://www.vivehealth.com/collections/transfer-belts-aids/products/patient-transfer-sheet-handles</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-dsCnSaYv1uIty0VgLPn7Vop3i_vy8qz_bM0IftPsrIAchzNyhBvI8xYRsyp7iIahm2R_k5eZgYnAKdk0BavfJXnFM0l-JR3hyLHl6T81xPkugsLns05r8ERpcL2-RXcGgbA2e2mzWhXNIJbn6AyZWNOewBrE7phciRb6-gyNw33c5tEhQFJ8422Ap0/s864/transfer%20blanket%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-dsCnSaYv1uIty0VgLPn7Vop3i_vy8qz_bM0IftPsrIAchzNyhBvI8xYRsyp7iIahm2R_k5eZgYnAKdk0BavfJXnFM0l-JR3hyLHl6T81xPkugsLns05r8ERpcL2-RXcGgbA2e2mzWhXNIJbn6AyZWNOewBrE7phciRb6-gyNw33c5tEhQFJ8422Ap0/s320/transfer%20blanket%202.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBZQWiff9KYEfCPMzTpPduzpKDQMeM9fGY-JxE4wze2L6gY00DBQhTlNbFlop6xos0QYp8XtfPD6j2uHlfRirQlvNTDM9mvdiuZn6adldQ3s5Ys1ieP3xqgcZL7pJz11jAVmt4STt1AZVCTkqPklCKMqEnm6btPHhl_qoh-4woXFRfoTs3aGeYhpaHBY/s769/transfer%20blanket%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBZQWiff9KYEfCPMzTpPduzpKDQMeM9fGY-JxE4wze2L6gY00DBQhTlNbFlop6xos0QYp8XtfPD6j2uHlfRirQlvNTDM9mvdiuZn6adldQ3s5Ys1ieP3xqgcZL7pJz11jAVmt4STt1AZVCTkqPklCKMqEnm6btPHhl_qoh-4woXFRfoTs3aGeYhpaHBY/s320/transfer%20blanket%201.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Transfer belt with handles <a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/collections/transfer-belts-aids/products/gait-transfer-belt">https://www.vivehealth.com/collections/transfer-belts-aids/products/gait-transfer-belt</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxqAO8WZuMHy-0WXomQkOB8-EDHIg4mrWkr9mkznE_39tN6JR_sIl59h8ALVsYTmgiNTKvBpx9CAcHCW-d6NeJ9j9cm_dZ3s1g_KxC3mCzqHV0PvWAmV5MajhLL8jAjtxKE8P-MEAUByM69HFJkGYprrwpNWCLe8Cwj4FV1m9NabvrhDF2BoWbZwh980/s889/transfer%20belt%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxqAO8WZuMHy-0WXomQkOB8-EDHIg4mrWkr9mkznE_39tN6JR_sIl59h8ALVsYTmgiNTKvBpx9CAcHCW-d6NeJ9j9cm_dZ3s1g_KxC3mCzqHV0PvWAmV5MajhLL8jAjtxKE8P-MEAUByM69HFJkGYprrwpNWCLe8Cwj4FV1m9NabvrhDF2BoWbZwh980/s320/transfer%20belt%201.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2as7TkvACIMGBUNT_TUWpUoduMrNTVq-pgI07ChGLDD5d7IomK1eZ8xUreTqJ_3R40pICM8OhA4N4Jf3VO0zybBvD8sv6aqG5SLA-U4gln-uI5VtCU0dS5h824sxyN7E90UDT-dopFXXP1yEwi8bI9gIoHdIXVUG1u7JpeYUFgChQOO7CGMCsJehnsHw/s1165/transfer%20belt%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="747" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2as7TkvACIMGBUNT_TUWpUoduMrNTVq-pgI07ChGLDD5d7IomK1eZ8xUreTqJ_3R40pICM8OhA4N4Jf3VO0zybBvD8sv6aqG5SLA-U4gln-uI5VtCU0dS5h824sxyN7E90UDT-dopFXXP1yEwi8bI9gIoHdIXVUG1u7JpeYUFgChQOO7CGMCsJehnsHw/s320/transfer%20belt%202.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtl7U-KVJYgAxaIZvW42iSdMoqkYtdM6bgXeyCX2JHeUe7h6mnHn_2Gxr_MKJYO5YYdcIr0BQXAP50RqLPY9yS4WwFCuzleAlhLfgHKR5t8KfGb4NrJMrlGPbub9Ek3G4GQR4ZtObjcKBhgUmUo76TqQn8XMw71lgPAo2kBZftB9obYdL1vOifZFnXn0/s853/transfer%20belt%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtl7U-KVJYgAxaIZvW42iSdMoqkYtdM6bgXeyCX2JHeUe7h6mnHn_2Gxr_MKJYO5YYdcIr0BQXAP50RqLPY9yS4WwFCuzleAlhLfgHKR5t8KfGb4NrJMrlGPbub9Ek3G4GQR4ZtObjcKBhgUmUo76TqQn8XMw71lgPAo2kBZftB9obYdL1vOifZFnXn0/s320/transfer%20belt%203.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Here are more options: <a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/blogs/resources/patient-transfer-device-aids">https://www.vivehealth.com/blogs/resources/patient-transfer-device-aids</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Adaptive Clothing</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">As mobility becomes more limited, simple tasks like dressing can get complicated. Standing on one leg can become impossible due weak knees or hips. Being able to dress yourself safely helps maintain independence without risking balance/falls etc.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">These websites feature clothing designed for ease of dressing and undressing with limited mobility.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.buckandbuck.com/">https://www.buckandbuck.com/</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.silverts.com/">https://www.silverts.com/</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://gerifashions.com/">https://gerifashions.com/</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Dry Erase Boards, Care Guide Binder, Log books</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">These items became lifesavers. When mom was aging at home with in-home caregivers, that made me her one-person-assisted-living-coordinator: in charge of communication between her caregivers as well as scheduling that care with the caregiver agency. Having systems and standards in place helped everyone. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><u>Dry Erase board message centers</u></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">A dry erase board with magnets on the back is easy to attach to the fridge. This becomes a great place to update meal lists, as well as a central place to list items that need re-supply from the drug or grocery store.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I also made a “housekeeping” dry erase board with list of housekeeping chores. Caregivers who did some of those chores on their shift could write it on the housekeeping board. It was also a place to write down disinfecting jobs that needed to be done with each shift.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><u>Care Guide binder</u></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">A large 3-ring binder marked “Care Guide”. This is where I keep detailed instructions on all the care needed for Day Shift, Night Shift, 12-hour shifts for 24 hour care days, PT exercises done at home, Foot care, Meal prep routines; Housekeeping supplement; “bullet points” of FAQ, a photocopy of current Covid vaccination card, and copy of the Advanced Healthcare Directive. You’ll also need a complete list of all medications (with doses and times for delivery); any background medical information (chronic conditions; allergies; past surgeries or hospitalizations); as well as a list of doctors and the pharmacy used.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Care Guide Binder is a complete and portable record of everything that visiting caregivers… or EMT.. would need in case the primary family contact wasn’t available. Dates on each of the entries there helped everyone know how current the info is, and if there is a newer date on any entry since they last reviewed it.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Log books –<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I kept two log books. One had water intake, OTC and Rx doses. This also is where the caregivers listed any activities like walking or social visits.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The other log book had appointments during the day, when home PT was done, when Foot care happened, and notes from the overnight caregivers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">(art by Kate Allan, aka The Latest Kate <a href="https://www.thelatestkate.art/">https://www.thelatestkate.art/</a> )</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrzEQ9Sf4UQEDrbWWwelUWeBMTiYyySLJsZncg21vfBSYfcr5hdpPBeKZEr8JGVzfvUJWELfL6EC1_LnnwrVp2V8Gy_wojo8jyGEaJCqykPOSG-QIp-apNuoeG_0lBl84MTb1YL4EA-zoOVtWnl7qmbujsIAQerzCsqwoXRY1OJa1FGtiWwj5Y0IX/s880/kate%20allan%20doing%20what%20you%20can%203.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrzEQ9Sf4UQEDrbWWwelUWeBMTiYyySLJsZncg21vfBSYfcr5hdpPBeKZEr8JGVzfvUJWELfL6EC1_LnnwrVp2V8Gy_wojo8jyGEaJCqykPOSG-QIp-apNuoeG_0lBl84MTb1YL4EA-zoOVtWnl7qmbujsIAQerzCsqwoXRY1OJa1FGtiWwj5Y0IX/s320/kate%20allan%20doing%20what%20you%20can%203.23.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Caregiving is an endurance test. Take care of yourself. Be prepared. Replenish your reserves of courage, patience and grace.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>UPDATE 4.20.23</b></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Bonus item to thank you for reading this far! Here's a book I discovered years before I needed it. I re-read it recently, and it's even funnier, and more poignant. This book was put in my hands by one of my favorite indie booksellers. Yes, Chast's take on the process is a bit dark, but humor always helps. On re-reading it from the perspective of someone who has now been on a journey like this... Chast's was a lot tougher. But she shares insights that are helpful.. and talks about the costs involved across the board.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can%27t_We_Talk_About_Something_More_Pleasant%3F">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can%27t_We_Talk_About_Something_More_Pleasant%3F</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xcAank1aEyJAv5fU0speBYMVl9vWQ94h5l_QuJRFB5IFHubdQBNKJXv8CZTZ9mHEIZapDkVduNpc625SPzwPVkv1h0yVJkySQxnHlxvL_w9TBaiOG7FQPtWARNA0TnG4lzbAL3CDkP88tZVGHo3LgvYdUmIJoW3SRPkAwV87SJgfIeXzPkna2JXI/s499/cvr%20roz%20chast%20can't%20we%20talk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xcAank1aEyJAv5fU0speBYMVl9vWQ94h5l_QuJRFB5IFHubdQBNKJXv8CZTZ9mHEIZapDkVduNpc625SPzwPVkv1h0yVJkySQxnHlxvL_w9TBaiOG7FQPtWARNA0TnG4lzbAL3CDkP88tZVGHo3LgvYdUmIJoW3SRPkAwV87SJgfIeXzPkna2JXI/s320/cvr%20roz%20chast%20can't%20we%20talk.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;">Artist Roz Chast is well known for her New Yorker cartoons like these panels...</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2o4eg0pOlk2MqeskVCGhWCjtQEeDwruCRcuMFX0n7jGSYYQWpXLRUxf3AmlZUFC54g6qVT-BX3Gx0QHn4d8iAfq0GnGh9-NUQVfJueLBjUN-mz5o3sUyVKBLM6MXcSgVNV-dok2D-gxkjWFymR5Olo76_e_LuDPhGjzfwwdH3b6LbUPgsuvzlRM2V/s680/roz%20chast%20chip%20bag%209.21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2o4eg0pOlk2MqeskVCGhWCjtQEeDwruCRcuMFX0n7jGSYYQWpXLRUxf3AmlZUFC54g6qVT-BX3Gx0QHn4d8iAfq0GnGh9-NUQVfJueLBjUN-mz5o3sUyVKBLM6MXcSgVNV-dok2D-gxkjWFymR5Olo76_e_LuDPhGjzfwwdH3b6LbUPgsuvzlRM2V/s320/roz%20chast%20chip%20bag%209.21.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4ItbrjgIXfQifaVRa3yZkrK6cZhax2TC1Qh-ICW2tbVRcmTCQIhEGAkbZqsC3DtFANpbC31ZOiRILvAGNQVKr1Hf3d2OiAdoNkitZV27vO3GVlpqzpjefL_f198KTNKCmmYpUgQ89WkQZp6YxHaA8IttQiM1pD4Yr9LdOr1L6Sj497FUGfGN2bdU/s900/Roz%20Chast%20mind-body%20problem.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="900" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4ItbrjgIXfQifaVRa3yZkrK6cZhax2TC1Qh-ICW2tbVRcmTCQIhEGAkbZqsC3DtFANpbC31ZOiRILvAGNQVKr1Hf3d2OiAdoNkitZV27vO3GVlpqzpjefL_f198KTNKCmmYpUgQ89WkQZp6YxHaA8IttQiM1pD4Yr9LdOr1L6Sj497FUGfGN2bdU/s320/Roz%20Chast%20mind-body%20problem.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLD_k_FY-7DC3YWihGKyFZ4I94y2VXmCgqA0iK6MaILQ6-9Ply66GmYXng-WYGVL3lrKLMggBTwUfT_TQBz3tt6kwN2vM19snFwqGIwPC8uun3IDear8ECshW0dDNgdpf5CptOqsw-JNuUQv8gAzuuMyxkjIDPPJuE7-7D5zoh3sTUurV0Ft3UXFd3/s792/roz%20chast%20chart%20of%20particles.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLD_k_FY-7DC3YWihGKyFZ4I94y2VXmCgqA0iK6MaILQ6-9Ply66GmYXng-WYGVL3lrKLMggBTwUfT_TQBz3tt6kwN2vM19snFwqGIwPC8uun3IDear8ECshW0dDNgdpf5CptOqsw-JNuUQv8gAzuuMyxkjIDPPJuE7-7D5zoh3sTUurV0Ft3UXFd3/s320/roz%20chast%20chart%20of%20particles.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHYfknP1yjx5Kqqqw0YEzMFw68QA9cuJqXRCTleNkoIe5KJqlC7tc0_ow778gVv3xVIMvuvyGXQvoh3gUDJZ8Z1jjHU_bsc9z3geQhTam176h8MIP8PTBON8lZhm-Y5UDTQMcRXz_Zs4OA5VbSN82UEfYMWfqigeSEZsWslF1ZHyxz-l5MmeImF3l/s1600/roz%20chast%20chart%20of%20stuff.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHYfknP1yjx5Kqqqw0YEzMFw68QA9cuJqXRCTleNkoIe5KJqlC7tc0_ow778gVv3xVIMvuvyGXQvoh3gUDJZ8Z1jjHU_bsc9z3geQhTam176h8MIP8PTBON8lZhm-Y5UDTQMcRXz_Zs4OA5VbSN82UEfYMWfqigeSEZsWslF1ZHyxz-l5MmeImF3l/s320/roz%20chast%20chart%20of%20stuff.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">This link previews some pages from the book...</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://projects.newyorker.com/story/chast-parents/">https://projects.newyorker.com/story/chast-parents/</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I also wrote about the book in this post from 2019.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> <a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/06/7-days-of-books-i-have-loved-day-7.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/06/7-days-of-books-i-have-loved-day-7.html</a></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Here are some of my favorite pages from the book...</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHayP4UtXLeqfCvbv7EqKEYWJo1jr6ew4qZFOqwi2_xeJB-YTp1Vm0ilil2X1Oc0uNQw6gr4edtOzIymkiZ_HELMLGipK_4MUHQLJsxZ3jn_1-4sLdibd1ZsLpaslbh7Gsee_OYanfGcsOVum7SYdij1zUg354UcALqNHJej1aVd7jTjRjqRHNEm2l/s1870/Chast%20phone.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHayP4UtXLeqfCvbv7EqKEYWJo1jr6ew4qZFOqwi2_xeJB-YTp1Vm0ilil2X1Oc0uNQw6gr4edtOzIymkiZ_HELMLGipK_4MUHQLJsxZ3jn_1-4sLdibd1ZsLpaslbh7Gsee_OYanfGcsOVum7SYdij1zUg354UcALqNHJej1aVd7jTjRjqRHNEm2l/s320/Chast%20phone.jpg" width="259" /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxzasN3TzXL2cBh_QxGb_JY0-izBMzzKK-E9nF_s9RL0xyoplNCYGnIfbOfY3Lvgt7RWY_K9h3so6Gz21FPPvR5F6SM2VfVTF9MyegtZaNvXLvJ_o2aI49HZw4DD2VWKdkKFhkQzc9LgZerq0UQtDbv5pZrKssBETaqd3aX3tOOsvGW3g_bmshoAA/s1897/Chast%20poem.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1897" data-original-width="1510" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxzasN3TzXL2cBh_QxGb_JY0-izBMzzKK-E9nF_s9RL0xyoplNCYGnIfbOfY3Lvgt7RWY_K9h3so6Gz21FPPvR5F6SM2VfVTF9MyegtZaNvXLvJ_o2aI49HZw4DD2VWKdkKFhkQzc9LgZerq0UQtDbv5pZrKssBETaqd3aX3tOOsvGW3g_bmshoAA/s320/Chast%20poem.jpg" width="255" /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5NRr2xgp69h2jcPEg3xhu13Xh_rBG7QUaPDbCvQxk5i83gZRB--4w_k2Jx1zf5qEUCFZTTTzPs8Bq9v4viAX9oj9QkCwUTPlUPYfoAS5fNy5v1oCoLEYjllp01vMrbZKZID6Gf8D9m1KKVjAcKsIn5K1LwlOXVdzTE66LzRROic_YjdtVwt21mNe/s2016/chast%20dau.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5NRr2xgp69h2jcPEg3xhu13Xh_rBG7QUaPDbCvQxk5i83gZRB--4w_k2Jx1zf5qEUCFZTTTzPs8Bq9v4viAX9oj9QkCwUTPlUPYfoAS5fNy5v1oCoLEYjllp01vMrbZKZID6Gf8D9m1KKVjAcKsIn5K1LwlOXVdzTE66LzRROic_YjdtVwt21mNe/s320/chast%20dau.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo26i8SI0aOT5xzqTMFKhvfmTkAvZfhdujPbZgqJeYGL3r5syvlc0RJqu0UeJbTi337KKvAABIsZsROLEI8asCAp-OiKGJj9CM1ajbe35Yb4sxbr1wVwen67A41KhVTqXm26P23xpT6ILmKuiBf-BuejblG5qptULTplgtd6k1KHVC_m_Qu8u2OsS1/s1838/Chast%20elder%20law.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1838" data-original-width="1468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo26i8SI0aOT5xzqTMFKhvfmTkAvZfhdujPbZgqJeYGL3r5syvlc0RJqu0UeJbTi337KKvAABIsZsROLEI8asCAp-OiKGJj9CM1ajbe35Yb4sxbr1wVwen67A41KhVTqXm26P23xpT6ILmKuiBf-BuejblG5qptULTplgtd6k1KHVC_m_Qu8u2OsS1/s320/Chast%20elder%20law.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-ptJ6jrUVsybpF-oERDYoY6cOeK-NYWaIyTMadxvTaOqMxiLPxYY6gdPBSujdsR-SrcwzizdliqDHpB5jaudk05pERHZjqnnXu9KNqloSZvNXn16o_ECw1_I6wokhiQz5AXfcOAmQFoJqc_qeLevxcdJqM7GSS8S2fdxxssS1zD2LHm1YaL6gJ7u/s1766/Chast%20papers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1766" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-ptJ6jrUVsybpF-oERDYoY6cOeK-NYWaIyTMadxvTaOqMxiLPxYY6gdPBSujdsR-SrcwzizdliqDHpB5jaudk05pERHZjqnnXu9KNqloSZvNXn16o_ECw1_I6wokhiQz5AXfcOAmQFoJqc_qeLevxcdJqM7GSS8S2fdxxssS1zD2LHm1YaL6gJ7u/s320/Chast%20papers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9O1KJs50kDTxPYty8ooBqzKVARfnnqmpvbysz6zUMsvySyIUxGK_zPDZ8_9437iEIOTVp3P_oA7qMRZtityh_fwPhVLZA1pz3d0P0EiLG2T4Z2kC1RAEKTubN1VX3wr9fG24QbbM7CeE3qKZxGDeohYyEpjQfk2zSX0WPiDlofhhpM0k4IWe64TD/s1855/Chast%20place.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1855" data-original-width="1508" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9O1KJs50kDTxPYty8ooBqzKVARfnnqmpvbysz6zUMsvySyIUxGK_zPDZ8_9437iEIOTVp3P_oA7qMRZtityh_fwPhVLZA1pz3d0P0EiLG2T4Z2kC1RAEKTubN1VX3wr9fG24QbbM7CeE3qKZxGDeohYyEpjQfk2zSX0WPiDlofhhpM0k4IWe64TD/s320/Chast%20place.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><div><br /></div>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-67051866335349452492024-03-11T09:51:00.000-07:002024-03-11T09:51:54.739-07:00Top Tips - Hospice and End-of-Life care (updated 3.11.24)<p> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Updated 3.11.24</span></b></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nEpLnjBPjZbPF9mNaLFGoOJ5W80k6JOKn-2REOtql7LzdoHfP2GfccYlqwVxU7lrtDjm7xCTMyiaoMXwP1iGibRt2w2EpW-vjB8WKLywtVQsvXjrFSfx78tXdEH2h0-hZur3BMMfTVlYGDZFYMl0E2piH73O6bUT3apKMeC5R8k2IjG2lgOZ8kY8KLk/s710/mom%20in%20long%20beach.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="573" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nEpLnjBPjZbPF9mNaLFGoOJ5W80k6JOKn-2REOtql7LzdoHfP2GfccYlqwVxU7lrtDjm7xCTMyiaoMXwP1iGibRt2w2EpW-vjB8WKLywtVQsvXjrFSfx78tXdEH2h0-hZur3BMMfTVlYGDZFYMl0E2piH73O6bUT3apKMeC5R8k2IjG2lgOZ8kY8KLk/s320/mom%20in%20long%20beach.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">My wonderful Mom passed away in late November 2023. She was never much for premonitions. It surprised us both when she had 3 of them about the last year of her life – and they all came true!</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Her last weeks taught me important lessons the hard way. I hope sharing these will save other families some frustrations. Here are the top 5:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">It is vital for EVERYONE to have a practice of self-soothing -- prayer/meditation/deep breathing. Whatever works. This skill set is essential. Adopt one now. Make it part of your “healthspan” – daily exercises/practices that bring quality to your lifespan.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">If your loved one is counting on you to become their family caregiver as they age, use milestone birthdays (65, 75, 80 etc) to review your loved one’s situation and goals. At every approaching change (mobility/hearing aids; a move to assisted living etc), adopt these steps</span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> early</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">, before they are an urgent need. Meet your elder’s </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Doctor/Primary Care Provider (PCP) </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px; text-indent: -0.25in;">at one of their routine appointments. Make sure there is good communication. Discuss health issues. Including any referrals to specialists or a gerontologist. Even active, healthy seniors have older bodies with age-related needs. If you are expected to care for your loved one, make sure their PCP is the right fit for you too. Have conversations at the appointment with the PCP and your loved one to confirm everyone is on the same page with regarding end-of-life care. This will help your loved one’s wishes be understood and honored. If you suddenly must take over care for your elder, having a previously-established rapport with the PCP will help everyone.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[endif]--></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Pay attention to new/strange coughs or respiratory changes. Report these right away to the PCP. Even if your loved one has never had lung issues before. Many obituaries for the elderly cite pneumonia as the cause of death. Even healthy lungs of non-smokers become fragile over time. Lungs weakened by age are an ideal host for infections that elderly immune systems can’t fight off.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Once an elderly person moves to Assisted Living, family should be prepared to stay in their lane. A move to Assisted Living or hospice indicates the loved one’s need for professional services are at a different level than the family can provide. Nothing can replace the comfort, and oversight, from family (and/or longtime private caregivers, especially if family can’t visit in person frequently). It helps everyone if family/private caregivers can adapt to the routines established by the professionals. Finding professionals that the family can establish good communication with is essential to the success of these arrangements.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[endif]--></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">It wasn’t until after Mom passed away that I finally got some clarity on why her case was referred for outpatient palliative care … not hospice.. when she was discharged from the hospital after surviving a bout of pneumonia. She had no wish to return to the hospital after that experience. Still, her case didn’t go directly to hospice. I had never heard of palliative care. Navigating the rules of these options was challenging. I wish I knew then what I’ll share here:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">It was explained to me <u>after Mom passed</u> that she couldn’t qualify for hospice without a terminal diagnosis/life expectancy of 6 months or less. It was also explained to me that her being on palliative care actually qualified her for more outpatient services than hospice. (For example, it was thanks to the palliative care orders that Mom was able to get a portable X-Ray done in her room at Assisted Living and get prescriptions to help with her lung infections. Those services wouldn’t have happened under hospice). Hospice qualifies patient for more Durable Medical Equipment (DMEs) and supplies. But most hospice services will only take a patient with hospice orders – not just palliative care. And some insurance companies won’t cover palliative care unless it’s for a hospice case.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Trying to sort out all the rules for both palliative care and hospice for Mom was an exhausting challenge for me. As it turned out, she passed away about 6 months after she was discharged from the hospital. Within the typical range of time that hospice orders cover. It was a long journey.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">A Life Well Lived –</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Let’s start with celebrating the great life Mom lived for over 98 years:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Her 62-year love story of a marriage with my Dad;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Her health and fitness allowed for decades of travel and adventures from the 1930s – to the early 2000s! Her last big trip to Europe with Dad was a month-long stay in 2013 (she was 88!); Their last multi-state road trip was in 2018. They had a few trips to Las Vegas after that. She walked a quarter mile a day into her late 90s.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">She compiled 40 photo albums/scrapbooks that are now vintage time capsules of Europe, Hawaii and several other states.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">She was an artist (she painted and played the piano); a sister and sister-in-law; an aunt, a grandmother, a cherished friend to many, and the best Mom ever.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">When Dad passed suddenly at the end of 2021, I quickly realized how much he had been doing for Mom. It was his efforts that kept them living independently. Both of my parents were in their 90s. I knew Mom had age-related issues: some vision, hearing, and mild short-term memory loss. Still, I was shocked to see she couldn’t use a cell phone on her own. There was no landline in their condo. I got one installed, but it was obvious Mom could not be left alone. I moved in and lived with her for 7 months. We added private caregivers and mobility aids as her needs changed. Sometimes the circumstances were complicated, but thanks to lots of pre-planning and support from others, we had many beautiful moments together. I was able to keep Mom living in her condo for over a year. Our motto was “as long as you can stay safe and stay healthy you can stay in the condo.” This didn’t address a problem we hadn’t anticipated. Without Dad around, Mom had become socially isolated. As time went on, keeping Mom physically safe and emotionally engaged in the condo became challenging. Private care is also the most expensive option. The situation wasn’t sustainable.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Assisted Living (AL)</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">It was March of 2023 when we moved her into Assisted Living – a facility we had toured, evaluated, and selected back in 2022. An extra bonus that I appreciated later on was its proximity to both Mom’s condo and my house. Mom was quickly a favorite of other residents and staff. She really enjoyed the social interactions and activities there (and not available to her at the condo). Excellent communication with the AL’s Medical Director gave me a lot of comfort. I was confident the facility was a good fit for both of us. Mom needed care I couldn’t provide her on my own, even with private caregiver support. AL was the professional service to help us both with this next phase. Mom and I agreed we should have made the move for her to AL sooner than we did. Her first overnight at AL made me realize how much sleep I had been losing. While Mom was at the condo, even with private care overnight, I was always on “back-up call.” At AL, Mom had a team to keep her safe. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Assisted Living implies that residents still have some independence. They just need assistance with some Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). There’s an evaluation during the admission process, and re-assessments as needed. If you don’t want to re-locate your loved one later on in the aging process, make sure the AL facility can provide increasing levels of care tiers. Expect increases to the monthly fees as well.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mom was in her late 90s – but she had the mobility and enthusiasm to take part in the activities at AL (bingo, crafts, guest lectures/classes, church services, meals in the dining room). However, Mom still needed to have private caregiver services. It was safer for her to have someone with her all the time during the daytime hours. AL can’t provide constant supervision/companionship. Mom had a longtime private caregiver at the condo. We both adored her. There were contracts we had to arrange between her caregiving agency and Mom’s AL. This allowed Mom to continue with private caregivers. That continuity helped Mom’s successful transition.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Everyone’s entry point to AL will come at a different time, with different needs.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I was with Mom daily. For several months, I was with her from 7-9am for her start-of-day and breakfast. I returned from 5-7pm for her dinner-to-end day routines. Mom had private care 9am-5pm. I also took her to Physical Therapy (PT) and other appointments. Later on, as her medical care needs increased, I was there daily to visit as her daughter, but I extended the hours of private caregiving to 7:30am-7:30pm. This gave Mom someone familiar now that she needed assistance with ADLs (dressing, bathing, etc).<i> I tried coaching Mom through some yoga-based deep breathing exercises. When she did these along with me and her private caregivers, these exercises did help with her breathing and her relaxation. I had started doing these with Mom back at the condo.. but she never had a self-soothing practice before. I wish she had been able to adopt one.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Most residents at AL use a call button to summon care team members with they need ADL assistance. Mom resisted using a call button. It was so engrained in her to “not be a bother” that getting her to use the help and resources provided for her was a challenge. The situation was emotional for her too. After decades of an active life with Dad, finding herself needing help was an adjustment. It was humbling for me too. I had to accept I couldn’t be there for her 24/7.. especially after over a year of overseeing all her needs. Managing my Type 1 Diabetes during all of this was demanding, time consuming, and imposed boundaries on me for everyone’s safety.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mom was just getting in the groove of her new opportunities at AL when a health crisis threw us all a curve ball.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">5 Days in the Hospital</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">We were all shocked when a sudden breathing distress episode in May landed Mom in the hospital. It started with a strange cough that wasn’t responding to treatment recommended by Mom’s longtime primary care doctor (a Nurse Practitioner/NP). We took Mom to Urgent Care. She got an X-ray and antibiotics. The doctor there told us if the cough didn’t improve in 48 hours, we should take her directly to the ER. There was mild improvement, but mom’s private caregiver and I packed a bag for Mom and planned to take her to the ER the next morning. When I arrived at AL to take Mom to the ER, she was in the grip of a breathing distress episode so severe we had to call 911. Mom was admitted to the hospital from the ER. It was the start of a long 5 days.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mom’s recovery amazed several doctors. They told us not many 98-year-olds leave the hospital after a bout of what turned out to be pneumonia! This experience made Mom determined to NOT return to the hospital. Despite great care, her time at the hospital also confirmed the wishes my parents and I had discussed frequently. Home (or a home-like setting) was preferable to the clinical interruptions, and unwanted extreme measures, of a hospital for possible end-of-life scenarios.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mom had a rough time in the hospital. The nurses told me she would get very disoriented at night (they also explained why overnight distress was common with elderly patients). I was with Mom at the hospital as much as possible. I was there first thing every morning so I could speak with the doctor making rounds. Mom had a call button, but she was medicated and recovering. She never figured out how to use it. One morning when I came into the room, she was wet and miserable and whimpering. I got help from the nurses right away... but it was awful for both me and Mom. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Some essential items to have at the hospital for your elderly loved ones: 1) </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">several large bath towels. Elderly patients are often chilled by temps in the hospital rooms.. not to mention the stress of their situation, medication etc. </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Hospital</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> gowns are backless. A large bath towel is a great way to keep back, lap or chest area covered. A robe can interfere with IV lines. Bath towels (</span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">preferable</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> something from home for extra comfort) can be rolled to help prop up the patient in bed or a chair, as well as acting as a lap blanket, back covering or bib. 2) Hand/foot warmers. These chemical packets activate by snapping or shaking them. You can find them online or at sporting goods stores. Elderly patients often have cold </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">extremities</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">. Hand/foot warmers bring extra comfort. 3) A small basin/bucket and some small disposable cups -- these bedside items will help you help your elder brush their teeth when they are bedbound. Something small can be stored with the toothbrush (in a holder) and toothpaste inside a container. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Once Mom got back to Assisted Living and recovered, both from her illness and the disruptions of that experience, she urged me to take all the steps possible to make sure she didn't go back to the hospital.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Surviving a bout of pneumonia – at 98 – left Mom’s health compromised. The doctors at the hospital had warned us Mom’s lungs were weakened. She would be at risk for recurrent lung infections.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">When Mom was discharged from the hospital, I assumed the next step would be hospice. Given Mom’s condition and her wishes to <u>not </u>return to the hospital. Instead, she was discharged with orders to follow-up with "outpatient palliative care.” I had met with the inpatient palliative care team treating Mom while she was a hospital patient, but I was told they didn’t provide outpatient palliative care. Mom’s longtime NP wouldn't write orders – for hospice or palliative care. I had to keep advocating for Mom with calls and email to the NP’s office. For months, I struggled in confusion. I was contacting different doctors as well as following up with the hospital’s inpatient palliative care department that had worked with Mom. I was trying to understand what outpatient palliative care was, and how to get it for Mom… and was frustrated at every turn.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">We were in a catch-22. Mom worried about an unwanted return to the hospital. How was I going to make sure Mom’s wishes to avoid hospitalization were followed? Medical and other sources told me a terminal diagnosis (6 mos or less to live) or underlying health condition was required to qualify for hospice. Without hospice... or the elusive “palliative care” option.. in place, another breathing distress episode would force Mom back to the hospital.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Once Mom returned to Assisted Living, I had her private caregivers keep charts. We documented Mom’s Blood Pressure, Pulse Oxygenation readings, and pain chart indications (on a scale of 1-10) twice a day. I was with her daily-- seeing the impact of her post-pneumonia symptoms eroding her quality of life. I was keeping notes on calendars and gathering data. I hoped these efforts would support Mom getting the care she needed.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mom had many good moments in the months from June-August. She managed to stay active, alert, mobile, cheerful, and grateful into her late 90s. She was able to resume her Physical Therapy sessions. I was lucky that my yoga teacher was able to visit and coach us through some breathing exercises and gentle stretches. These routines helped for a time. However, as the hospital doctors had warned us in May, Mom’s lungs were fragile from the pneumonia and due to her age.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">As Mom’s health diminished, her AL experience shifted gears. She became less focused on the AL activities. She leaned into the companionship from private caregiving. Looking back now, I wonder if her private caregivers and I were expecting too much of her recovery. We had been so used to scheduling her active life, but she was in AL now, post-hospitalization, and in a different place in many ways. As the months went on, Mom’s needs were evolving. Her situation needed more clinical/medical support to keep her (and everyone helping her) safe and to keep her comfortable.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Staying in Lanes</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">This evolution from Assisted Living with caregiving support to AL with clinical medical needs support is an important distinction. Everyone needs to switch gears to keep things running smoothly. Discuss this transition with your loved one and their medical support team. Be sure everyone is on the same path with what the priorities are. Communicate the priorities frequently. Back at the condo, I had established a routine for medications, meals, exercise etc. which Mom’s caregivers followed and reported to me about. We tried continuing these routines as we cared for her at Assisted Living. Her private care givers and I were used to being the team in charge of her care. But we should have recognized that her medical routine was out of our hands now.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The admissions process at Assisted Living documents the residents initial care plan. This includes “orders” from the Primary Care Doctor for items to be administered to the resident - everything from OTC vitamins and Tylenol to prescription meds. Items on the “orders” list are then administered to the patient by the AL Med Techs. Getting items discontinued from, or added to this list, requires new “orders.” If the resident is still quite independent, they can manage changes to their routines on their own. For most residents, family will be consulting with the AL staff on the initial plan, and updates as needed, but the Med Techs will oversee this routine. To keep resident care consistent, it’s best if family (and private care) let go of medication-related tasks once the routine at AL is set.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Not all AL facilities allow private caregivers to attend residents. There are registration requirements and rules to follow. Yes, family is paying for the services of private care, but everyone must follow the AL rules. In a home setting, family may give private caregivers some independent authority over a resident’s routines. This authority doesn’t transfer to an AL setting. It’s helpful all around if private caregivers attending a resident at AL consider themselves as “guests” and accommodate the routines of the AL staff.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Family should not expect private care to act as a proxy for them with AL or hospice staff. Asking a private caregiver to assume the role as proxy is an unfair expectation and not part of their caregiving duties. Having a private caregiver in a proxy role may be convenient for family, but can cause friction between private care and AL/hospice staff. A lot will depend on experience and personalities.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mom having private caregivers with her while being a resident at assisted living was rare situation. It’s also rare to have family visit daily like I was able to. Mom could not be left alone, so she needed more care than assisted living could provide.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Some of Mom’s longtime private caregivers had a hard time adjusting. The private caregivers struggle came from a place of good intentions. Being private caregivers for a client who is now at assisted living was a new situation for them as well. They had known Mom at her own home and seen her in better days. Private caregivers in a home may perform some medication supervision, but the job isn’t medical care.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If your loved one is needing more hands-on medical care, that can be a sign it’s time to transition to AL. The struggle for some of mom’s private caregivers to shift gears from social support caregiving to the new clinical priorities of mom’s needs brought complications. Caring was a priority for everyone’s roles, but all the roles were changing.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mom remained focused on staying engaged and upbeat. When she started to complain to me about how awful she felt, I knew she was suffering more than she let on. I recognize now she was moving away from being an elderly parent needing support to retain “independent living” status. The changes in her health were making her a patient in need of skilled nursing care.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Both of my parents presented exceptionally well for 15 mins clinical appointments well into their 90s. Their physical vitality and cheerful optimism were rare for their demographic – but I was concerned when medical professionals didn’t look at them more thoroughly. This is also where my own 50+ years of Type 1 Diabetes impacts my perspective on my parents’ health care. I know how important skin care, foot care, vision and hearing checks are. My folks had minimal care in these areas. (I finally persuaded Mom to get hearing aids in April and it vastly improved her quality of life.) Mom had vision care, but needed new glasses. If my parents’ NP had ever examined their bare feet – perhaps Dad’s non-healing skin wound on his big toe (that was actually cancer) and Mom’s chronic ingrown toe nail could have been treated earlier and more effectively. Preventative care – and adopting changes/support equipment before they are needed vs waiting for chronic needs – makes things better for everyone. A friend of mine who is an RN reminded me that PCPs are not geriatric specialists. I know from my diabetes that many diabetics are treated by PCPs.. but care from an endocrinologist and diabetes nurse educator is more effective and appropriate. Being elderly isn’t a chronic condition, but everyone in that category should probably be seen by a geriatric specialist – at least for an evaluation.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">After the hospital stay, Mom became frailer. I worried that without the support of hospice in place to stay ahead of any complications, especially any pain issues, Mom would have preventable suffering.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Her troubling symptoms lingered. After a lot of calls and emails from me, Mom's NP finally agreed to an evaluation appointment in August. I was confused at the time why Mom didn’t qualify for hospice. Mom had surprised everyone by surviving pneumonia back in May. She did NOT want to return to the hospital. She had lingering respiratory symptoms. In the end, the NP wrote palliative care orders only. Not hospice orders. The NP also connected me with a hospice service that would take Mom's case even though she didn't have hospice orders.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I'm glad we got all that in motion in August. I arranged to meet each of the palliative/hospice care team assigned to Mom's case when they made their first visits with her (An MD, 2 RNs, an LVN, a social worker, a chaplain). Many of them shared how amazed they were at Mom’s vitality. (see my previous observation about how fantastically Mom would present for a 15 mins medical appointment). They would stay on Mom’s case if/when she transitioned to hospice.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Little did we know by the time they all started seeing her, Mom had only 3 months left to live.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Last Month</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mom's decline started in early October with rounds of lung infections. She stopped participating in activities. She had meals in her room and stopped trips to the dining hall. Once she needed to go on oxygen, she didn’t even want to be wheeled outside in her transport chair. Those walks outside in the fresh air and sunshine had been restorative for everyone. Mom’s world was collapsing inward.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">She had a breathing distress episode the last weekend of October. It was like the event in May that sent her to Urgent Care and then the ER. Thankfully, this time she was on palliative care. Medical support and equipment were brought to Mom’s room. She could be treated at AL and avoid a return to the hospital. Mom was put on continuous care nursing for 3 days. This event officially transitioned her case from palliative care to hospice. Hospice also finally started to give her more medication for pain/anxiety. The Med Techs at AL had been reporting to me that Mom was not getting enough relief from those symptoms. This was in addition to what I was seeing myself when I was with Mom.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I hoped after this October breathing distress weekend that hospice would keep her on continuous care nursing, to better monitor her pain and her symptoms. Hospice told me they could not resume continuous care nursing for Mom unless she was “in distress, or actively dying.” (I have since learned that hospice will only be reimbursed for up to 5 continuous days of this type of nursing. Each incident re-sets the 5-day clock. But hospice can’t provide round the clock care for weeks.)</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">It was beyond frustrating at the time. I have more the clarity months later. But it still seems wrong that I couldn’t get the resources Mom needed to provide the comfort she was desperate for.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mom and I had discussed the choices in front of her. Get more medication relief from her symptoms, which were diminishing her quality of life, and perhaps be less alert. Or stay more alert, but also have the symptoms to deal with. Mom made it clear. Her preference was to have relief from her symptoms. She was plagued by lung issues that gave her a hacking, phlegmy cough that she could never clear her throat from. She had anxiety from “I can’t breathe” sensations (even when her pulse ox readings indicated her oxygen saturation levels where around 98%). These symptoms prevented her from getting any real sleep or even much rest. This went on for weeks. (I didn’t know at the time she was suffering from chronic sleep deprivation – who knows how much this contributed to her anxiety?)</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">When the hospice team members would visit Mom, they would check her vitals and ask her “how are you.” Of course, Mom would always say “fine.” I showed the hospice team the pain chart we used with Mom to get more specific information about the symptoms she had. But I never saw one of them use the chart without me or one of Mom’s private caregivers reminding them about it. A 15 mins visit wasn’t adequate to really assess Mom’s level of discomfort. They never looked at the charts we kept with Mom’s BP, Pulse Ox readings, and pain scale records 2x a day.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">(I later learned that many of Mom’s original medication orders were written to be administer “as needed” – which assumes some ability by the patient to communicate their pain level. My Mom’s desire to stay cheerful repressed her ability to communicate her pain level. Hospice finally updated her medication to be administered every 6 hours, so she was getting more constant relief).</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Meanwhile, it fell back to me again to continue documenting her vitals, pain scale results, and the lack of pain management. In order to learn more about the distress she was having overnight, I would need to pay for overnight private care to resume. Arranging this took longer than I anticipated.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mom lost her mobility 2 weeks before she passed away.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I should have started overnight private care as soon as Mom lost mobility. It would have saved her a week of avoidable suffering. Once she wasn’t mobile anymore, every time she needed to be moved around she was in pain. I wish I had known all of this sooner. I only learned this AFTER she had passed away.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">She had a years-long case of pre-existing osteoarthritis in her knee. He knee finally gave out and could not support her body weight. We had to dead-lift her out of bed, onto chairs or her chair commode. I purchased a “PureWick” system. This product is an external catheter for women. It kept her fragile skin dry and safe from tears/infections. This was a device Mom was on at the hospital. Hospice didn’t supply this – they could only offer a Foley catheter (typical for end-of-life care).</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mom ended up having a fall-out-of-bed incident the night before overnight private care could start. I didn’t know then that loss of mobility increases fall risks. Previously mobile patients “forget” that they can’t get out of bed and stand on their own. Decades of being able to execute this familiar activity of daily living ends up betraying fragile elderly bodies.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Even with the fall, hospice wouldn’t resume continuous care nursing. They told me “falls are preventable... have assisted living check in on her more frequently.” I told them, Mom was already on the highest care tier/number of check-ins assisted living could provide. That the only way we could prevent falls was to have someone with her all the time.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">My job was to keep Mom safe and comfortable. I was doing everything I thought would work, but still felt like I was failing her.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Once I had reports from the overnight private caregivers, it became obvious to me that Mom was really suffering. Not just from lack of sleep. She was having night terrors. Calling out and flailing in bed. It was even worse that not getting any sleep. It’s likely she was chronically sleep deprived for at least 3 weeks -- from the time she went off continuous care nursing after the breathing distress episode at the end of October. Sleep deprivation is torture.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Getting Mom on hospice was a struggle I didn’t expect. Learning about palliative care – and finding a service that would take her as a client without hospice orders was a steep learning curve. The hospice service we ended up with sent caring people... but the organization and administration was chaotic. This added stress to the staff, who were already stretched thin. Staff contacted me to make spur of the Moment appointments with Mom. Administration did eventually agree to my request for at least 24 hours’ notice – but it seemed strange to me that this simple request was an anomaly for them. The hospice service covered such a huge territory that the nurses were sometimes hours late for appointments… or even had to cancel when they couldn’t get to Mom until after she had gone to bed for the night. I felt for the staff. The entire experience didn’t match the comforting support Mom and I anticipated once a hospice service was assigned to her.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If your loved one is at Assisted Living and hospice is looking likely – I would highly recommend using a hospice service the Assisted Living has a track record with. There will be a lot of important communication going on between AL and hospice – and your loved one will benefit if there is an established working relationship between these two services. Once your loved one has hospice orders written – use the same care selecting hospice as you do with AL. You want to build a rapport with the staff with good communication and mutual goals established and reinforced.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I adored my mother. My schedule allowed me to spend daily time with her. We deployed extensive resources to help her and me. I tried every way to keep her comfortable. Even so, the end comes on its own terms.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">In her final weeks, Mom always had someone with her who knew and loved her. Me. Longtime private caregivers. Assisted Living Med Tech and care team members. Mom had 24-hour bedside private care and hospice her last week. (all of which I had to advocate strongly for on her behalf – and pay private care for part of).</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">A few days before Mom passed, a hospice RN visited for a routine check-in. At the end of the appointment, Mom had a spontaneous delusion – something I’d never seen from her before. (I have since learned delusions like this are a common signal of the end-of-life process). That symptom happening in front of the hospice RN seemed to be the missing variable. The RN contact the hospice office. Continuous care nursing resumed that night. Hospices nurses were bedside to monitor Mom’s symptoms and medication more closely. Mom finally got some long-overdue relief. Between her periods of much needed rest, I was able to talk with her. We even had a good laugh. Those are the moments I choose to remember.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mom passed away two days later.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Moving on</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">No services were held per Mom’s request. No flowers etc. Just good memories. And so much gratitude. All the family and friends who reached out to tell me how much they loved and missed Mom helped my own bereavement. Even as I had to move on. Loss of a loved one is a process of grief, and triggers rounds of administrative tasks. These needed my attention. It is surreal to be the last surviving member of my nuclear family unit.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">In the weeks afterwards, I spoke with staff at the hospice, AL, and the private caregivers. These conversations, as well as the calendars and notes I kept, helped me deconstruct the last months of Mom’s life. We all learned lessons. I was charged to do as much as possible to keep Mom safe and comfortable. Writing out this recap has helped me put some closure on these events.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mom and Dad each got to spend their last Christmas/holiday season in the condo home they loved and shared for over 20 years. I’ll always be grateful for that. The holiday seasons going forward will be comforting. Full of precious memories. And a strong foundation to build new ones.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Hopefully the lessons shared here will help other families.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">---------------------------------------------</span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>3.11.24</b></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">This You Tube channel "Hospice Nurse Julie" is an excellent resource. Her videos cover FAQs and explain common events in the hospice and end-of-life journey. I only found this channel recently, and I wish I had access to this information sooner. </span></b></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c36_A-giSS4" width="320" youtube-src-id="c36_A-giSS4"></iframe></span></div><p></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span>12.1.23 segment from Amanpour and Co. on the grinding costs of elder care. It </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span>references</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span> important NY Times “Dying Broke” series (<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/series/dying-broke">https://www.nytimes.com/series/dying-broke</a>). There are no easy answers on how to afford elder care — short or long term. It's a universal problem. This segment discusses the average costs of $10k/mo for assisted living -- which means 6 figures a year! Aging at home with Private care is even more. Spending down all assets is often inevitable if many years of constant care are required. If elders are expecting kids/family members to take them in and provide full-time caregiving -- be aware of the emotional and financial impact. Have the hard conversations early and often.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HFryAUzufrA" width="320" youtube-src-id="HFryAUzufrA"></iframe></span></div><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This next video is 2 years old, but the challenges are still the same. "The Retirement Gamble" from Frontline</span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lkOQNPIsO-Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="lkOQNPIsO-Q"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Japan is often cited as an example of how to handle elder care better. But their system is under a strain as well..</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/08/15/japan-elderly-care-dignity-respect/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/08/15/japan-elderly-care-dignity-respect/</a></span></div></span>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-70776434304257197362024-03-11T09:46:00.000-07:002024-03-11T09:46:34.403-07:00Basics on Copyright, Trademark, AI generated images (3.11.24)<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span>Links here are excellent reference for these indie art life essentials. At the end of this post there is a gallery of memes and images promoting awareness of the value of artWORK.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAIPrNS25H8DvtVofrLG6AWQ5vfUhNl41ykD0dSUdiAefSq0oCgVmrD7AyQNxvTR1wpYWLD7CJ6sAD0AtjsRIhG6MbAw0fX0-cczPEySorZ4ZctH7DrmUAyr04gF0ahdzgTN1p6M29pL9uxIXBXoYs8WxgA08E0v1v8bu3xDo9k3KlykyHXVn7ZDs/s1541/copyr%20GAG%20tools%20resources%20pg%204.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAIPrNS25H8DvtVofrLG6AWQ5vfUhNl41ykD0dSUdiAefSq0oCgVmrD7AyQNxvTR1wpYWLD7CJ6sAD0AtjsRIhG6MbAw0fX0-cczPEySorZ4ZctH7DrmUAyr04gF0ahdzgTN1p6M29pL9uxIXBXoYs8WxgA08E0v1v8bu3xDo9k3KlykyHXVn7ZDs/s320/copyr%20GAG%20tools%20resources%20pg%204.23.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Copyright and Trademark</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This page from the Graphic Artists Guild website covers the FAQ on Copyright and Trademark, as well as some business basics like contracts and pricing guides: <a href="https://graphicartistsguild.org/resources/">https://graphicartistsguild.org/resources/</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Copyright infographics by artist Lili Chin. Free downloads on her website</span><span>: </span><a href="https://blog.doggiedrawings.net/post/145814382301">https://blog.doggiedrawings.net/post/145814382301</a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTax88IGFuRnp_HsIKKFVIFgY6AW4aiL1RmUYhgc6bLJelhzm_hMJWV9hTI0kFMvO5Yu1PYeyMZY9rwbqd9TGHvukoVk75LNopvkMFQ5DGy5y9eCGLJqWjvKqIZjCsQnvRQW5ufRy3fnv3PDWswDwwgw5EciZYQp8_Aj7aLsNBvdeG4B90EiYMm2b/s960/copyright%20infographic%20by%20Lili%20Chin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="742" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTax88IGFuRnp_HsIKKFVIFgY6AW4aiL1RmUYhgc6bLJelhzm_hMJWV9hTI0kFMvO5Yu1PYeyMZY9rwbqd9TGHvukoVk75LNopvkMFQ5DGy5y9eCGLJqWjvKqIZjCsQnvRQW5ufRy3fnv3PDWswDwwgw5EciZYQp8_Aj7aLsNBvdeG4B90EiYMm2b/s320/copyright%20infographic%20by%20Lili%20Chin.jpg" width="247" /></a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2swsYetZwqwf5WNNd0uzXXaHPFfTfqqLv7m-et7QlV-_mLNBMsgrFBP5jdujpjxUGuMe_Z-Djy2X9ZpWeglGLpqfnHSeDcphwOzhR37dkEcoGAtGgku73ewQ8yP533LVPuyOb51dzsavX-rvoUPGj-zDuCzCT3xBzhWTc_9mzW5Mvpa5rjtze0cM/s870/copyright%20infographic%202%20by%20Lili%20chin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="675" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2swsYetZwqwf5WNNd0uzXXaHPFfTfqqLv7m-et7QlV-_mLNBMsgrFBP5jdujpjxUGuMe_Z-Djy2X9ZpWeglGLpqfnHSeDcphwOzhR37dkEcoGAtGgku73ewQ8yP533LVPuyOb51dzsavX-rvoUPGj-zDuCzCT3xBzhWTc_9mzW5Mvpa5rjtze0cM/s320/copyright%20infographic%202%20by%20Lili%20chin.jpg" width="248" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>AI image generators and the impact on Artists</b></span></p><p>August 2023 was AI image generator info month on the blog. There are several often-viewed posts there. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxFZFdyK_yyU0iJRTukkZK4VHvEjrlJwd77phuYTrsKQyVmiNlsp3EFYxwcf8yOSObQHgrfVjEagPAGEynOFjrbh7lbq5QM9k4JQnmPBehHSOqWexn23kXliZcH91E4Wu8ynzHuVU6ubf1XH06wN-pG6_-resDY9l4f9d_aKayt26pGvSg5A6qpea3XY/s1258/Klimt%20cat%20AI%208.23.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="744" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxFZFdyK_yyU0iJRTukkZK4VHvEjrlJwd77phuYTrsKQyVmiNlsp3EFYxwcf8yOSObQHgrfVjEagPAGEynOFjrbh7lbq5QM9k4JQnmPBehHSOqWexn23kXliZcH91E4Wu8ynzHuVU6ubf1XH06wN-pG6_-resDY9l4f9d_aKayt26pGvSg5A6qpea3XY/s320/Klimt%20cat%20AI%208.23.jpeg" width="189" /></a></div><br /><p>Here are 2 highlights:</p><p><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/deciphering-ai-images-clues-to-look-for.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/deciphering-ai-images-clues-to-look-for.html</a><br /></p><p><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/beware-ai-image-generated-non.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/beware-ai-image-generated-non.html</a><br /></p><p>plus this artist testimonial from September</p><p><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/09/jean-baptiste-monge-on-impact-of.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/09/jean-baptiste-monge-on-impact-of.html</a><br /></p><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Is AI scraping of images "Fair Use" under current copyright laws??</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div>Artists say: "No!" Artists own the images that are being used to build the AI data sets. Artists are testifying before lawmakers and striving to raise awareness at the impact of AI generated images on their livelihoods. They consider what's being done with AI to fall outside the Copyright office's definition of fair use as "... a legal doctrine that promotes freedom of expression by permitting the unlicensed use of copyright-protected works <u>in certain circumstances.</u>" In general, Fair Use allows using excerpts of copyright protected work for educational use or critical review. </div><div><br /></div><div>While the courts work out the legal language of all this --what's happening to artists isn't fair. And it's up to art fans to be informed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Website text from the Copyright Office acknowledges "Fair Use: is a thorny issue: "Fair use is a judge-created doctrine dating back to the nineteenth century and codified in the 1976 Copyright Act. Both the fact patterns and the legal application have evolved over time, and you should seek legal assistance as necessary and appropriate." This Copyright Office link has an excellent primer on Fair Use. <a href="https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/index.html">https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/index.html</a></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span>Are AI generated images "transformative works" under copyright law -- is another thorny issue under Fair Use that artists are challenging. Copyright law has long protected derivative works as creative rights that belong to artists and author. Summaries of this recent Supreme Court ruling in the </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><i>Andy Warhol Foundation v. Goldsmith case</i> the courts "</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">recognition and affirmation of the importance of the author’s right to prepare derivative works"</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><i> </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">: </span><a href="http://copyright.nova.edu/derivative-works/#:~:text=" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">http://copyright.nova.edu/derivative-works/#:~:text=</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> and <a href="https://www.artforum.com/columns/the-transformative-impact-of-_warhol-v-goldsmith_-252757/">https://www.artforum.com/columns/the-transformative-impact-of-_warhol-v-goldsmith_-252757/</a> (photo below from the Artforum link)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlQh9joTyRpn-lYuDyShppZDx5g5C9ht_dY9oLjVXstP_JEJDZ4Y9HwEIWSpQ-msYJuMVhMVwVN5HjirkrG8OCVMKiysseXbMaJUW5y9rl6wAIWwxHmJuHoEhHPgIIPdhx0M43dijvieemTEfQOtZCATochL12xiAZ490yGUhV30jTxdjueDtbFpJWas/s750/AI%20supreme%20court%20prince%2010.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="750" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlQh9joTyRpn-lYuDyShppZDx5g5C9ht_dY9oLjVXstP_JEJDZ4Y9HwEIWSpQ-msYJuMVhMVwVN5HjirkrG8OCVMKiysseXbMaJUW5y9rl6wAIWwxHmJuHoEhHPgIIPdhx0M43dijvieemTEfQOtZCATochL12xiAZ490yGUhV30jTxdjueDtbFpJWas/s320/AI%20supreme%20court%20prince%2010.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We need laws that allow artists to "opt out" of image scraping for those who want to retain their creative rights. Why is this so hard to achieve?</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This Arthrive.com link is a primer regarding mis-attributed AI generated images we all need to be aware of </span></span></p><a href="https://arthive.com/publications/4056~Art_fakes_that_you_probably_came_across_on_the_Internet?fbclid=">https://arthive.com/publications/4056~Art_fakes_that_you_probably_came_across_on_the_Internet?fbclid=</a><p>Infographic below by Michelle Leivan <a href="https://www.cafepress.com/leivan/8172417">https://www.cafepress.com/leivan/8172417</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRm9alDpDRcZlt_rUIgOgvabUU9RK__EyyGC5L2INrb0qQ-qLut0RyAOmdqJWUp0dWjqS23SUwVh7Z668CwuHNmY4_3-1mMCAhXUtFGEuzu1-5iCMUHblShrjiKgIK_G-0Eh-iVGfQeDqP-TzV02DA9BxWQISVH87ftgRQVIf7jiRnx1Qm5V1wO_mT/s460/my_art_is_not_free_by%20Michelle%20Leivan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="460" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRm9alDpDRcZlt_rUIgOgvabUU9RK__EyyGC5L2INrb0qQ-qLut0RyAOmdqJWUp0dWjqS23SUwVh7Z668CwuHNmY4_3-1mMCAhXUtFGEuzu1-5iCMUHblShrjiKgIK_G-0Eh-iVGfQeDqP-TzV02DA9BxWQISVH87ftgRQVIf7jiRnx1Qm5V1wO_mT/s320/my_art_is_not_free_by%20Michelle%20Leivan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Concept Art Association. This industry organization helps promote the role of concept artists. This page on their website explains basics on AI and the advocay role of Concept Art Assocation raising awareness in the industry, the public at large, and lawmakers in Washington and at the Copyright Office:</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.conceptartassociation.com/advocacy" style="font-size: large;">https://www.conceptartassociation.com/advocacy</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5TMfc50d6bJgcmwzsDETBF_vuQUYDNUBVT1yZxKBp1wfA_4fF3vKLhJ2XJktT1nFJexV1iG-M02qeVaOeJc1ZedY18e3tRdNL98p3vZr7wzxEmTQ65j-Ch0eFEM7H12t82ht2W82-S-Uah72szGZDrpJpos_4A8y4UShzalh5qU-_CIJNknL3-DA/s1536/AI%20art%20Tomm%20Moore.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5TMfc50d6bJgcmwzsDETBF_vuQUYDNUBVT1yZxKBp1wfA_4fF3vKLhJ2XJktT1nFJexV1iG-M02qeVaOeJc1ZedY18e3tRdNL98p3vZr7wzxEmTQ65j-Ch0eFEM7H12t82ht2W82-S-Uah72szGZDrpJpos_4A8y4UShzalh5qU-_CIJNknL3-DA/s320/AI%20art%20Tomm%20Moore.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPplAR-HdAIHAJe8FqvKQrQbASmUFvNwdBrpmlzRivIiV0r6MKUx4NA1e7rgiyCoT0Dl_ZPBrvMIV6pfE3qaeNh79VQ0fbqn1XZF9MAUqxl2cHlQR88ZSEBGz1KOoDvr3EPz5rf1f03qCyD_7yKpgsLG115ihV6oAcyXfjZZu65K18bEgN_bD-um6/s1440/create%20dont%20scrape%20AI%20via%20Lea%20Lovberg%203.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPplAR-HdAIHAJe8FqvKQrQbASmUFvNwdBrpmlzRivIiV0r6MKUx4NA1e7rgiyCoT0Dl_ZPBrvMIV6pfE3qaeNh79VQ0fbqn1XZF9MAUqxl2cHlQR88ZSEBGz1KOoDvr3EPz5rf1f03qCyD_7yKpgsLG115ihV6oAcyXfjZZu65K18bEgN_bD-um6/s320/create%20dont%20scrape%20AI%20via%20Lea%20Lovberg%203.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Blog post with background on how concept art and fine artist Karla Ortiz became the face of the fight for artist's rights: <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2022/10/karla-ortiz-raising-awareness-on-ai-art.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2022/10/karla-ortiz-raising-awareness-on-ai-art.html</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In July 2023, Karla was part of a group of artist to testify about the impact of AI generated images on their industry and careers. This blog post has the text of her testimony and more. <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/07/testimony-of-karla-ortiz-and-others-at.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/07/testimony-of-karla-ortiz-and-others-at.html</a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZNzmjfnI560rbXNLm93Ued-5X0D1txwR4PtrgiHFShix9vX8IJJAnhVhepvF0Dpnbzl_FRst2maBTUtHcDcpjd1rRNwWxIKkOZeGCaToYUbVuSjuZeXtyBLCy6nfcpPoeLiYf8a-gCTdohLU__MN8ttIyCBKg5OVPMdh3Jzm8cWJAFTPJVX6K3_Kw-I/s1328/Karla%20at%20congress%207.12.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1328" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZNzmjfnI560rbXNLm93Ued-5X0D1txwR4PtrgiHFShix9vX8IJJAnhVhepvF0Dpnbzl_FRst2maBTUtHcDcpjd1rRNwWxIKkOZeGCaToYUbVuSjuZeXtyBLCy6nfcpPoeLiYf8a-gCTdohLU__MN8ttIyCBKg5OVPMdh3Jzm8cWJAFTPJVX6K3_Kw-I/s320/Karla%20at%20congress%207.12.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Photo below of artist Karla Ortiz in her Studio</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq94sKHR11uH0Qx0RUqb6CnW00KDi-GRcMKwKlV2cpX05RHIZ7f2kQiBteMZyN78gS1q_okoTd9tFklQ_fsVDTIFdXZ0Ak6U2t34WmaJfms0T3fb2inJWVxzGp42Gn7WYlnmdoEuRQ9yM6W8pLUUZSlG9jUBI2TENtxFzQhzb3NtYPtutV5WUWSaMd/s500/karla%20at%20her%20studio%203.27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="500" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq94sKHR11uH0Qx0RUqb6CnW00KDi-GRcMKwKlV2cpX05RHIZ7f2kQiBteMZyN78gS1q_okoTd9tFklQ_fsVDTIFdXZ0Ak6U2t34WmaJfms0T3fb2inJWVxzGp42Gn7WYlnmdoEuRQ9yM6W8pLUUZSlG9jUBI2TENtxFzQhzb3NtYPtutV5WUWSaMd/s320/karla%20at%20her%20studio%203.27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>"Musa Victoriosa" by Karla Ortiz, 2023. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/13/technology/ai-art-generator-lensa-stable-diffusion.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/13/technology/ai-art-generator-lensa-stable-diffusion.html</a></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYtE5g1BF-4x51A3r6f_BO_Md94FAW_tSHGfNCB1S7s9IVfyZHCUK2YekqZWK_u1Kxv91iq_7aWGexyUaeHtkxZAoFwV1BZP84HnSPsjgIFjhh8fPDVB9JPdJ6VlVQp_jL01C4IE2E_hAy4r5btI6Vr76uJFTROynHXlU4OXUai51I7geQ4o3_7C5/s2048/karla%20ortiz%20Musa%20Victoriosa%203.23%20a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1218" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYtE5g1BF-4x51A3r6f_BO_Md94FAW_tSHGfNCB1S7s9IVfyZHCUK2YekqZWK_u1Kxv91iq_7aWGexyUaeHtkxZAoFwV1BZP84HnSPsjgIFjhh8fPDVB9JPdJ6VlVQp_jL01C4IE2E_hAy4r5btI6Vr76uJFTROynHXlU4OXUai51I7geQ4o3_7C5/s320/karla%20ortiz%20Musa%20Victoriosa%203.23%20a.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Karla Ortiz Blog -- </b>In Nov 2022 Karla launched her KOrtiz Blog which she describes as"....</span><span style="background-color: #f1f1ef; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;">is a personal space for Karla to share art, processes, ideas, and all things art. This is also a space that will chronicle all of Karla’s personal thoughts and research on emerging AI technologies, the companies behind it, and all the concerns this new tech brings, from the artist’s perspective." <a href="https://www.kortizblog.com/">https://www.kortizblog.com/</a> (Photo below is from the KOrtiz blog)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwOxOavxvqsWSpsvQC24ek8JwMHnG9thlBkOGDRIlRrGUrZu5T3AuEdNuox53JUkNXi685TLo_my0Z3uzl3__cC2nT3L2TC9XeNISLg-wx_xzxyY0NztldWIHxDIo7dZqiMy_lzx64-MIJYtAI57BRANdFPC0SIQ1e5JIo-kQrluldLjkO7Elvgfu/s750/Karla%20AI%20blog%20studio%20photo%2011.22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwOxOavxvqsWSpsvQC24ek8JwMHnG9thlBkOGDRIlRrGUrZu5T3AuEdNuox53JUkNXi685TLo_my0Z3uzl3__cC2nT3L2TC9XeNISLg-wx_xzxyY0NztldWIHxDIo7dZqiMy_lzx64-MIJYtAI57BRANdFPC0SIQ1e5JIo-kQrluldLjkO7Elvgfu/s320/Karla%20AI%20blog%20studio%20photo%2011.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>GLAZE </b>-- background on, and link for the latest version of this free software, developed at University of Chicago, for artists to use to protect their online art images from being "scraped" for AI data sets. <a href="https://glaze.cs.uchicago.edu/index.html#whatis">https://glaze.cs.uchicago.edu/index.html#whatis</a></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Video from GLAZE creator Ben Zhao at SAND Lab, University of Chicago.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zryvJjb9EEY" width="320" youtube-src-id="zryvJjb9EEY"></iframe></div><br /><p>An earlier blog post about GLAZE</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/03/glaze-protective-tech-against-unethical.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/03/glaze-protective-tech-against-unethical.html</a></span></p><p>Here is a 5.22.23 segment on the Today Show previewing AI enhanced Adobe Photoshop..</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OFWuX3XOT5A" width="320" youtube-src-id="OFWuX3XOT5A"></iframe></div><p>And a links to the Content Authority Initiative refrenced in the clip: <a href="https://contentauthenticity.org/faq">https://contentauthenticity.org/faq</a></p><p><a href="https://contentauthenticity.org/how-it-works">https://contentauthenticity.org/how-it-works</a><br /></p><p>AI may be a tool that some will use, but we need transparancy about that use, and selected opt-ins with credit and compensation for artists who choose to allow use of their images. The standard should be opt-out with artist rights retained and protected. Just because an artist posts and image online that doesn't make the artWORK free to use by others.</p><div><b>Articles and interviews on AI and impact on artists:</b></div><div><b><a href="https://hyperallergic.com/835769/artists-skeptical-of-us-agreements-with-ai-companies/?fbclid=">https://hyperallergic.com/835769/artists-skeptical-of-us-agreements-with-ai-companies/?fbclid=</a><br /></b></div><div><div>Excerpt: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“ But the efficacy of these “voluntary” deals with leading AI companies is unclear, as Google, Meta, and OpenAI are each already embroiled in lawsuits over alleged copyright infringement and misuse of user information — and experts in the fields of art and technology are skeptical that they will achieve much. “The ‘voluntary’ nature of these commitments renders them meaningless,” University of Chicago professor Ben Zhao told Hyperallergic, noting that “while the Biden administration has good intentions, they seem to be oblivious to the real risks at stake.” As a computer science educator, Zhao served as the faculty lead for the research project “Glaze,” a system designed to shield artists from AI-style imitation. The technology, which is currently available for free to download, uses stylized masks that apply barely noticeable alterations to artworks in order to misdirect generative models that try to steal an artist’s personal aesthetic.</span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">These are incredibly strong yet poorly defined goals that have been set forth, and many of these commitments involve technical problems that lack solutions or may be completely insolvable,” Zhao said, pointing to the example of “watermarking” content. “There are no robust solutions for watermarking generative content, either text or images, known today,” he explained. “How hard will these AI companies work at ‘voluntarily’ building these difficult systems? What we need is real regulation with well-defined, transparent goals that are backed up with plans for testing, enforcement, and if necessary, penalties. The assumption that big tech will do the ‘right’ thing despite the obvious financial disincentives is naive.” Concept Art Association, an organization that supports concept artists and their work, also explained to Hyperallergic that because creators “are the true creative core at the heart of generative AI,” they must be allowed to have a say in the legislation around it.<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div><div><b><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/7/23823046/openai-data-scrape-block-ai?mibextid=Zxz2cZ&fbclid=">https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/7/23823046/openai-data-scrape-block-ai?mibextid=Zxz2cZ&fbclid=</a><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/hollywood-ceos-greed-will-burn-the-movie-biz-down?fbclid=">https://www.thedailybeast.com/hollywood-ceos-greed-will-burn-the-movie-biz-down?fbclid=</a></b></div><p>This June 2023 LA Times article looks at debunked AI augmented images making the rounds...<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/06/28/technology/ai-detection-midjourney-stable-diffusion-dalle.html">https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/06/28/technology/ai-detection-midjourney-stable-diffusion-dalle.html</a></p><p>Here are some resources to analyze online images and detect AI augmentation</p><p><a href="https://www.scam-detector.com/?fbclid=">https://www.scam-detector.com/?fbclid=</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.aiornot.com/">https://www.aiornot.com/</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ocrolus.com/product/detect/?utm_source=">https://www.ocrolus.com/product/detect/?utm_source=</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://petapixel.com/2023/06/16/ai-or-not-is-a-free-web-app-that-claims-to-detect-ai-generated-photos/">https://petapixel.com/2023/06/16/ai-or-not-is-a-free-web-app-that-claims-to-detect-ai-generated-photos/</a><br /></p><p><b>Now more than ever, it's important to SIFT before sharing images. The SIFT System -- </b></p><p><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">S</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">top.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">I</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">nvestigate.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">F</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">act check/find corroborating stories from credible sources.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">T</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">race claims, quotes and media to its original context.</span></p><p><b>Explained in this post from the blog: <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/sift-stop-investigate-fact-check-trace.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/sift-stop-investigate-fact-check-trace.html</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEVpRLWTWvZwLfwptFDuGHIFbK0hszWhR2GP3rF1G2aVIbPtINFLSELnSTqsyomZy_Vmni9sGFa6JeVIvXEonJy2bSeuTEuuqmujSK-Pkp23Wdl8zwPKGWAacySVZEI1A4D__TO2ihoPB8Xn7BfLMlOKCuat1atZzIz8VCgGM9U9Rhk1zeEV21I_N/s959/virus%20fact%20check.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEVpRLWTWvZwLfwptFDuGHIFbK0hszWhR2GP3rF1G2aVIbPtINFLSELnSTqsyomZy_Vmni9sGFa6JeVIvXEonJy2bSeuTEuuqmujSK-Pkp23Wdl8zwPKGWAacySVZEI1A4D__TO2ihoPB8Xn7BfLMlOKCuat1atZzIz8VCgGM9U9Rhk1zeEV21I_N/s320/virus%20fact%20check.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p><b>GALLERY OF MEMES AND IMAGES</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMbAKn6FiqU4_OFZvMeu99qDX0Sv7W4eD8MiTq1MmzZbOMCqzZ9Cv-371MeAPNkSim3BY9HUQkpoIbfaDIaR4Vq-JjZUNBrHwuGmwDKI59AlMja-GbVG0cYHzXcM7VnJwpCQ1zw-AwRj-b_ka5lSc8QkRc6dB-Lj5q1myHFzvcb_lxU0Sxn3eY7G5/s1291/NO%20AI%20info%20graphic%20via%20Thomas%20P%205.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1291" data-original-width="1290" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMbAKn6FiqU4_OFZvMeu99qDX0Sv7W4eD8MiTq1MmzZbOMCqzZ9Cv-371MeAPNkSim3BY9HUQkpoIbfaDIaR4Vq-JjZUNBrHwuGmwDKI59AlMja-GbVG0cYHzXcM7VnJwpCQ1zw-AwRj-b_ka5lSc8QkRc6dB-Lj5q1myHFzvcb_lxU0Sxn3eY7G5/s320/NO%20AI%20info%20graphic%20via%20Thomas%20P%205.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><b><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPErWo4vNFfZh2PBzk7moA3cRpumDKX2PmdNdm4VvN2jXtZT379PKD6jdB0Yrzq10uuQKC_QpMs0ssx_u9dsiX2W0MCg4eCTv5juYYtZnraPObtqoNwG-DKnVnt1Dn3ycHg96AfN0e2R2IFjaqlTAc9dz5a4JIC4I0g3z8Ieju1WLYq4yVNswwDE-/s476/art%20theft%20stolen%20art%20tineye%20com%20image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="476" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPErWo4vNFfZh2PBzk7moA3cRpumDKX2PmdNdm4VvN2jXtZT379PKD6jdB0Yrzq10uuQKC_QpMs0ssx_u9dsiX2W0MCg4eCTv5juYYtZnraPObtqoNwG-DKnVnt1Dn3ycHg96AfN0e2R2IFjaqlTAc9dz5a4JIC4I0g3z8Ieju1WLYq4yVNswwDE-/s320/art%20theft%20stolen%20art%20tineye%20com%20image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"4 Stages of Supporting" by Maginon02<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTi28xEEvEO7XZZxnXqZld8TQp9-Ax0TTtBS1mXHHwbatYncKXppH3CCsvLd5fI-_-KUfrzvJAx_ydtIczZ1zPnc1eqyiHJELagIOUpIoWaJH5qJKqIxw207E29QYF_4tnnKMsKroVbWIqAwTz8pK92RJP94e4vxnr_at8EAKblj6jPfzvpTQIulae/s960/art%20support%204%20stages%20by%20Magion02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="960" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTi28xEEvEO7XZZxnXqZld8TQp9-Ax0TTtBS1mXHHwbatYncKXppH3CCsvLd5fI-_-KUfrzvJAx_ydtIczZ1zPnc1eqyiHJELagIOUpIoWaJH5qJKqIxw207E29QYF_4tnnKMsKroVbWIqAwTz8pK92RJP94e4vxnr_at8EAKblj6jPfzvpTQIulae/s320/art%20support%204%20stages%20by%20Magion02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Graphic below from PPA (Professional Photographers of America)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxI_ep-ZqOwYbp0iBX3mXAGQ12g88rugXTCHFETdYxp6MrRE8p6wXWR9o3lqkffhPb83-hZGycPTRdqnMc5_jtF5GMMq2CqstvgMt5QfkQXY_Z7O99PQ1zfynJ51-IDTARkECzgqcwOMfrQ9UMgST5MXh4cGAgVfDvDkFdwQFNwrXxsJXTPAHOCbu/s960/copyright%20fight%20for%20artists%20PPA%20button.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxI_ep-ZqOwYbp0iBX3mXAGQ12g88rugXTCHFETdYxp6MrRE8p6wXWR9o3lqkffhPb83-hZGycPTRdqnMc5_jtF5GMMq2CqstvgMt5QfkQXY_Z7O99PQ1zfynJ51-IDTARkECzgqcwOMfrQ9UMgST5MXh4cGAgVfDvDkFdwQFNwrXxsJXTPAHOCbu/s320/copyright%20fight%20for%20artists%20PPA%20button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>"Copyright Guidelines for Crafters and Hobbyists" by Ginger Davis Allman, The Blue Bottle Tree<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHI4g6jwfPKvrygM5SnyyzSHyRjEcviSxP9Tmw3jpq1dWo4j66BptdzMYcMj5ZgCNcgzLHZkrqMxjGVbFZVAzrqR7cXRlX0_2afcEqlGZDS7yVQ4ag7cbWAQOO_6KafDVB1QB3_axX9-3ibSryoNgyV6MVbiIhtumh-d4viMKGyA7fHwIg01DTBEx/s1489/copyright%20chart%20c%202014%20Ginger%20Davis%20Allman%20The%20Blue%20Bottle%20Tree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1489" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHI4g6jwfPKvrygM5SnyyzSHyRjEcviSxP9Tmw3jpq1dWo4j66BptdzMYcMj5ZgCNcgzLHZkrqMxjGVbFZVAzrqR7cXRlX0_2afcEqlGZDS7yVQ4ag7cbWAQOO_6KafDVB1QB3_axX9-3ibSryoNgyV6MVbiIhtumh-d4viMKGyA7fHwIg01DTBEx/s320/copyright%20chart%20c%202014%20Ginger%20Davis%20Allman%20The%20Blue%20Bottle%20Tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8BfQ4n3QeEmMqgRfwNG2jrI2jy6qZDR664PLjjH7gjoBah7_h4-0Ql-v68rH1zfy2APsAB85hmpIUIAd7s0FtSDlQ0PdmwilUowllj0iJVuQGQdOZY6CEaTx13FnxGeb6AU0XxTtHaWBbIScz1vfpIYIvIQdTbOv7nVknDaLJjs7boF6z9EbS-I7/s668/copyright%20padlock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="668" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8BfQ4n3QeEmMqgRfwNG2jrI2jy6qZDR664PLjjH7gjoBah7_h4-0Ql-v68rH1zfy2APsAB85hmpIUIAd7s0FtSDlQ0PdmwilUowllj0iJVuQGQdOZY6CEaTx13FnxGeb6AU0XxTtHaWBbIScz1vfpIYIvIQdTbOv7nVknDaLJjs7boF6z9EbS-I7/s320/copyright%20padlock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEnd7hDIMra_gOwiTcTgU_ewa5QUd3IpcoRCdzl96IFXnExhN-45-Xi8Cg5Aj3zFe8wx58Vf_1RteAFlOtSq90VrdZbhVEAJtG4upMsAK2py6V93sTDBKHD7-tJ1tDYm7plvMvOr89SsZ1FSTHhEdVgavLlCYZgj_cyFMMUTfVOAq5C3Mwqr7COcJ/s638/copyright%20what%20is.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="638" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEnd7hDIMra_gOwiTcTgU_ewa5QUd3IpcoRCdzl96IFXnExhN-45-Xi8Cg5Aj3zFe8wx58Vf_1RteAFlOtSq90VrdZbhVEAJtG4upMsAK2py6V93sTDBKHD7-tJ1tDYm7plvMvOr89SsZ1FSTHhEdVgavLlCYZgj_cyFMMUTfVOAq5C3Mwqr7COcJ/s320/copyright%20what%20is.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"Can I Use That Picture" graphic by TheVisualCommunicationGuy.com<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGMHPT30AC40f_QaCOex1LYCO5SqpgogtKoy6Zh-go4ZX4zWeG16XJTMyojTtCp3OlvXVh4ijOWcNfSXbZEhp8uUdNCS8k1A_sjC1ygDOh-oPk3iQv9toPmRq2Zj5aZGMeNNd_I6OpvaDx3KGZKKpOB3aWBY4u0BlPBdDJHNnelxLC6IXOy4ngPfv/s2550/copyright%20Infographic_CanIUseThatPicture.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="2550" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGMHPT30AC40f_QaCOex1LYCO5SqpgogtKoy6Zh-go4ZX4zWeG16XJTMyojTtCp3OlvXVh4ijOWcNfSXbZEhp8uUdNCS8k1A_sjC1ygDOh-oPk3iQv9toPmRq2Zj5aZGMeNNd_I6OpvaDx3KGZKKpOB3aWBY4u0BlPBdDJHNnelxLC6IXOy4ngPfv/s320/copyright%20Infographic_CanIUseThatPicture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"Don't Work for Free Flowchart" by Peppermintmonster and Kelley McMorris<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1AnGxqIoW1gxFYsEq3eIIysoMtEpp8-_STq5ktS07kRyzUxFAHbuco9ukPuZ2gWNZO9gvSR34Iv3XCmAdgdZDA0_8INfeGIY18JQbI5idIm9bjXbHjPuWd9WPRsto4MUortZisajIcx47Rh8niLEjqUSobO3bVfY2ehvat65-irb7EoNuWivwwP3/s794/1-flowchart-when-creatives-should-work-for-free%20by%20design%20taxi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1AnGxqIoW1gxFYsEq3eIIysoMtEpp8-_STq5ktS07kRyzUxFAHbuco9ukPuZ2gWNZO9gvSR34Iv3XCmAdgdZDA0_8INfeGIY18JQbI5idIm9bjXbHjPuWd9WPRsto4MUortZisajIcx47Rh8niLEjqUSobO3bVfY2ehvat65-irb7EoNuWivwwP3/s320/1-flowchart-when-creatives-should-work-for-free%20by%20design%20taxi.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>"Levels of Hell" graphic by Adam Ellis<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsv8Y__bYHLcMVdHxQpgoVOCAbJzsamAFkxOfjMvwlSnKv6sHrxHn7_48It5-2ztR8814YytFwZ5bnJKIuWYpQudDF1x7GiZNG8fY6DkeA8YUNJsPPmt4SYKBsiy043NWJ-mILPxPeI9L2rmsz_rN30MHi6U5NhjTpfR0KGvFTDvzWgtEeEpYQ3zS/s960/art%20theft%20levels%20of%20hell%20by%20Adam%20Ellis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="762" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsv8Y__bYHLcMVdHxQpgoVOCAbJzsamAFkxOfjMvwlSnKv6sHrxHn7_48It5-2ztR8814YytFwZ5bnJKIuWYpQudDF1x7GiZNG8fY6DkeA8YUNJsPPmt4SYKBsiy043NWJ-mILPxPeI9L2rmsz_rN30MHi6U5NhjTpfR0KGvFTDvzWgtEeEpYQ3zS/s320/art%20theft%20levels%20of%20hell%20by%20Adam%20Ellis.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TV3rjLANNbuyrVa7k29FRCn4KXKEMWx24Qn5KiDZT-i0u9OiJtCp1Yfx7Jkw0W0zA7yfhQZMUWhGTOk-JZrrHsUG5QC1tjiDYHpI7ly5cMv3dg7rumc2a7CkE6xcy3zX8-ZY94iAVE1stcjBs04pvIt0l1Hg0HaU2nMdrdueWHaXUSSdrHcx7E3m/s1000/copyright-patent-trademark-intellectual-property-infringement-files-1000x577.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="1000" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TV3rjLANNbuyrVa7k29FRCn4KXKEMWx24Qn5KiDZT-i0u9OiJtCp1Yfx7Jkw0W0zA7yfhQZMUWhGTOk-JZrrHsUG5QC1tjiDYHpI7ly5cMv3dg7rumc2a7CkE6xcy3zX8-ZY94iAVE1stcjBs04pvIt0l1Hg0HaU2nMdrdueWHaXUSSdrHcx7E3m/s320/copyright-patent-trademark-intellectual-property-infringement-files-1000x577.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-3434380620460905192024-03-11T09:45:00.000-07:002024-03-11T09:45:29.581-07:00SIFT before sharing. Stop. Investigate. Fact-check. Trace to origin (3.11.24)<p> <span style="font-size: large;">Always </span><b style="font-size: large;">SIFT </b><span style="font-size: large;">through online info...</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojqubWwkyutLAxq-daiuSD6zqb1o-R5qumV2IczzQkOxF5UVLxaqpoi2xpSY2H_rQVOJqIEQ3cenycbDODyJ5qqBQRdiEy-nHWQQYzUyhcvUML-MFhxP4DPYbsbs_xsZGShEb5n5ZPlDQp6DSjb4j9y5dVHUe6jiuQNCllYiVmEfkGvSEiEOIZWVs638/s962/sift-infographic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="962" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojqubWwkyutLAxq-daiuSD6zqb1o-R5qumV2IczzQkOxF5UVLxaqpoi2xpSY2H_rQVOJqIEQ3cenycbDODyJ5qqBQRdiEy-nHWQQYzUyhcvUML-MFhxP4DPYbsbs_xsZGShEb5n5ZPlDQp6DSjb4j9y5dVHUe6jiuQNCllYiVmEfkGvSEiEOIZWVs638/s320/sift-infographic.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>S</b>top.<br /><b>I</b>nvestigate.<br /><b>F</b>act check/find corroborating stories from credible sources.<br /><b>T</b>race claims, quotes and media to its original context.<br /><br />The flurry of memes and mis-information online is not helpful.<br /><br />Check before you post.<br />Is what you're sharing from a credible, original source?<br />Does it pass the fact-check test?<br />If not, investigate. Be curious. Be a critical consumer of online content.<br />(photo below from Google Images)</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMhegEpkTgopv1GtLNQONPq_Y2aDaBsVjznaGkc-y0IvudNi3ltatDyMoGT2EDgtAzSAQ22LbhxHtRPcS13PM7Nr1EnrHGfyyA_rW4hcye2BZzChDnuk9A1iH27H9aUFciR1JxIkjpCI/s1600/virus+fact+check.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMhegEpkTgopv1GtLNQONPq_Y2aDaBsVjznaGkc-y0IvudNi3ltatDyMoGT2EDgtAzSAQ22LbhxHtRPcS13PM7Nr1EnrHGfyyA_rW4hcye2BZzChDnuk9A1iH27H9aUFciR1JxIkjpCI/s320/virus+fact+check.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>S</b>top.<br /><b>I</b>nvestigate.<br /><b>F</b>act check/find corroborating stories from credible sources.<br /><b>T</b>race claims, quotes and media to its original context.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">More info here: <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/08/sift-system-and-sites-to-fight-mis.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/08/sift-system-and-sites-to-fight-mis.html</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nInvwXtUZyJEkiU0miEY-QaVd5Wwf2ZHkHh_kkzc19j8pTALqWTpBWtDdkcJSro3bN3L7dHtjgMULUZtwaSrj17-a03sdK7QLlUJsiXc2EHBwXxqv3HbWKEhnn1MyrNDh3aJrjxBYKCg2t4xVCrvRy5TEl06W5QrI2Jsxa1hkktQ1HjrT7wJ9yoZQEI/s320/virus%20chart%20how-to-spot-fake-news_IFLA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nInvwXtUZyJEkiU0miEY-QaVd5Wwf2ZHkHh_kkzc19j8pTALqWTpBWtDdkcJSro3bN3L7dHtjgMULUZtwaSrj17-a03sdK7QLlUJsiXc2EHBwXxqv3HbWKEhnn1MyrNDh3aJrjxBYKCg2t4xVCrvRy5TEl06W5QrI2Jsxa1hkktQ1HjrT7wJ9yoZQEI/s1600/virus%20chart%20how-to-spot-fake-news_IFLA.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><b>SIFT</b> before you share.<br /><br />This link details the SIFT system method coined by <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.084px;">Washington State University digital literacy expert Mike Caulfield</span><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.084px;"> </span></span><br /><a href="https://clark.libguides.com/evaluating-information/SIFT">https://clark.libguides.com/evaluating-information/SIFT</a><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><b>WE ALL MUST BE VIGILANT. SHARE FACTS, NOT FEAR</b> --</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yBU2sDlUbp8" width="320" youtube-src-id="yBU2sDlUbp8"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-12323125751197723232024-03-11T09:44:00.000-07:002024-03-11T09:44:35.597-07:00Indie Art Life, Artist Rights, Self-Care Tips (3.11.24)<p> <b style="text-align: center;"><u>POSTS ON INDIE ART LIFE --</u></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>PROTECTING ARTIST RIGHTS and SELF-CARE TIPS</u> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Artists in Action against AI Art</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Starting back in Oct 2022 a vanguard of artists took a stand against unauthorized use of their copyright protected artWORK being "scraped" off the internet by AI art platforms. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyQunASjoMks0WzfYil-dogUCrtArhTWmhDiCGo2ttcovX6xAqylb0nSIBlnx-Z8MM7TJ2RUi5Wd_UW_7uTRRlFqbdwsCksrMatGREJCpFSeDzmMPsnib5ICtf-2lrA3AecgdbwpQzO0JpXAAdIel7crBoDkuqZPMqTZQjGMPZJk2iJEnM0sEm_gL/s2048/karla%20ortiz%20untitled%20Concept%20art%20webinar%20ad%202.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyQunASjoMks0WzfYil-dogUCrtArhTWmhDiCGo2ttcovX6xAqylb0nSIBlnx-Z8MM7TJ2RUi5Wd_UW_7uTRRlFqbdwsCksrMatGREJCpFSeDzmMPsnib5ICtf-2lrA3AecgdbwpQzO0JpXAAdIel7crBoDkuqZPMqTZQjGMPZJk2iJEnM0sEm_gL/s320/karla%20ortiz%20untitled%20Concept%20art%20webinar%20ad%202.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Concept art above by artist Karla Ortiz below...<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEF1Y9WadZJ4W80d_POpsJaRkfe-lZRODvq9NsA9gbeSXInWUtdho9eyvKUmr1JaKnQ_NvEgDGKra-G0mrpnWsCLYotyHHfXQ0-OagQ56Y7z22QKbeN95n1ZD99tzYf-I3cVO1Ptf6WvrkFVWo-S7sMfz5x2c8Uqc-8PG138fUX42-MZ5vxgHyVANy/s960/Karla%20Dr%20Strange.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEF1Y9WadZJ4W80d_POpsJaRkfe-lZRODvq9NsA9gbeSXInWUtdho9eyvKUmr1JaKnQ_NvEgDGKra-G0mrpnWsCLYotyHHfXQ0-OagQ56Y7z22QKbeN95n1ZD99tzYf-I3cVO1Ptf6WvrkFVWo-S7sMfz5x2c8Uqc-8PG138fUX42-MZ5vxgHyVANy/s320/Karla%20Dr%20Strange.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a link to my first post on the artists vs. AI art. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2022/10/karla-ortiz-raising-awareness-on-ai-art.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2022/10/karla-ortiz-raising-awareness-on-ai-art.html</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>In July 2023, Karla was part of a group of artists who testified at congressional hearings about the impact of AI generated images on their industry and career. </div><div><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/07/testimony-of-karla-ortiz-and-others-at.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/07/testimony-of-karla-ortiz-and-others-at.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9euVjH63I3h774oxZWFQq0XLo0ypykl5XhdmoDVMNbLjMRSViSw1s-Idkf5SJIAq-h5pS1_pOmJWZoSl6nN3dxFHbfk5ebeCxHJ06XGjo793qJWn7lGjbdTe4d1D1pthaWEwpcLbDU_Pv9XAMoS8z5U4rls1Job-YNU0DCzvnoF8Q73lbvc2pvqDNHEU/s1328/Karla%20at%20congress%207.12.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1328" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9euVjH63I3h774oxZWFQq0XLo0ypykl5XhdmoDVMNbLjMRSViSw1s-Idkf5SJIAq-h5pS1_pOmJWZoSl6nN3dxFHbfk5ebeCxHJ06XGjo793qJWn7lGjbdTe4d1D1pthaWEwpcLbDU_Pv9XAMoS8z5U4rls1Job-YNU0DCzvnoF8Q73lbvc2pvqDNHEU/s320/Karla%20at%20congress%207.12.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Articles and interviews on AI and impact on artists:</b></div><div><b><a href="https://hyperallergic.com/835769/artists-skeptical-of-us-agreements-with-ai-companies/?fbclid=">https://hyperallergic.com/835769/artists-skeptical-of-us-agreements-with-ai-companies/?fbclid=</a><br /></b></div><div><div>Excerpt: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“ But the efficacy of these “voluntary” deals with leading AI companies is unclear, as Google, Meta, and OpenAI are each already embroiled in lawsuits over alleged copyright infringement and misuse of user information — and experts in the fields of art and technology are skeptical that they will achieve much. “The ‘voluntary’ nature of these commitments renders them meaningless,” University of Chicago professor Ben Zhao told Hyperallergic, noting that “while the Biden administration has good intentions, they seem to be oblivious to the real risks at stake.” As a computer science educator, Zhao served as the faculty lead for the research project “Glaze,” a system designed to shield artists from AI-style imitation. The technology, which is currently available for free to download, uses stylized masks that apply barely noticeable alterations to artworks in order to misdirect generative models that try to steal an artist’s personal aesthetic.</span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">These are incredibly strong yet poorly defined goals that have been set forth, and many of these commitments involve technical problems that lack solutions or may be completely insolvable,” Zhao said, pointing to the example of “watermarking” content. “There are no robust solutions for watermarking generative content, either text or images, known today,” he explained. “How hard will these AI companies work at ‘voluntarily’ building these difficult systems? What we need is real regulation with well-defined, transparent goals that are backed up with plans for testing, enforcement, and if necessary, penalties. The assumption that big tech will do the ‘right’ thing despite the obvious financial disincentives is naive.” Concept Art Association, an organization that supports concept artists and their work, also explained to Hyperallergic that because creators “are the true creative core at the heart of generative AI,” they must be allowed to have a say in the legislation around it.<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div><div><b><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/7/23823046/openai-data-scrape-block-ai?mibextid=Zxz2cZ&fbclid=">https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/7/23823046/openai-data-scrape-block-ai?mibextid=Zxz2cZ&fbclid=</a><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/hollywood-ceos-greed-will-burn-the-movie-biz-down?fbclid=">https://www.thedailybeast.com/hollywood-ceos-greed-will-burn-the-movie-biz-down?fbclid=</a><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>NFTs --- Future for art, or current version of 1630s Tulip craze cautionary tale?</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-S5V7fosHZU8qYrnckvsHzrJNB6MTFPJhpXNoW8tA7f1uQyRWj7kPSIMVYjrztx_u-JRUNmg87VEmEfrvdUpxeNqUVGRct8qjrMI83N7Qmq2mJYxqPSJc9B534dMdPGgVupaAJwxNOwY/s2048/NFT+WTFinance.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-S5V7fosHZU8qYrnckvsHzrJNB6MTFPJhpXNoW8tA7f1uQyRWj7kPSIMVYjrztx_u-JRUNmg87VEmEfrvdUpxeNqUVGRct8qjrMI83N7Qmq2mJYxqPSJc9B534dMdPGgVupaAJwxNOwY/s320/NFT+WTFinance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>This April 2021 post documents early case studies on NFTs as well as resources that explain them. <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2021/04/nfts-in-news-case-studies.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2021/04/nfts-in-news-case-studies.html</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><b><u>CONTROVERSIAL CALIFORNIA LAW REGARDING FREELANCE WORK</u></b><br /><b><u>(became effective January 2020)</u></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Og-VlRNU4U99WIhp6rLiSlUYSwce44-oORg93ykxCkL_QjPcHNs_gGta-uWW8khsHURrbBpNMYtoD-w7vW1Sbj_83-jcLSwvzQRo8hDz37RLeCtIrHWlKVP8O1oB6KrjX1Nw_sm0nXU/s1600/ab+5abc-test-logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="720" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Og-VlRNU4U99WIhp6rLiSlUYSwce44-oORg93ykxCkL_QjPcHNs_gGta-uWW8khsHURrbBpNMYtoD-w7vW1Sbj_83-jcLSwvzQRo8hDz37RLeCtIrHWlKVP8O1oB6KrjX1Nw_sm0nXU/s320/ab+5abc-test-logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVynQx-qxPGdAzKublbW7DYHKMIRMrWhSEedn8Qc4LMffXKFeB_r22iCkHlR_VSWyWPkDrEZQNA2Nhy_f_-QNBfGsGg4t4F5Xpkx7gqGGMFbNLinL3xp4TdEJPMivjcK2frUawnt8rH0/s1600/ab+5+abc-test-gig-worker-ab5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVynQx-qxPGdAzKublbW7DYHKMIRMrWhSEedn8Qc4LMffXKFeB_r22iCkHlR_VSWyWPkDrEZQNA2Nhy_f_-QNBfGsGg4t4F5Xpkx7gqGGMFbNLinL3xp4TdEJPMivjcK2frUawnt8rH0/s320/ab+5+abc-test-gig-worker-ab5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><u><br /></u></b><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">This January 2020 post is where I update links and info on AB5 (updated 5.17.21)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/01/freelancer-law-california-ab5-in-effect.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/01/freelancer-law-california-ab5-in-effect.html</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/10/freelance-workers-in-ca-impacted-by-ab.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/10/freelance-workers-in-ca-impacted-by-ab.html</a></div><br /><b><u>CASE ACT (<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;"> )</span></u></b><br /><b><u>OPTION TO FIGHT ART THEFT</u><br /></b><div style="text-align: left;"><b>UPDATE January 2021 -- This is the Bill has become a federal law. Read all about it here: </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2021/02/case-act-is-now-law-now-what.html"><span style="color: black;">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2021/02/case-act-is-now-law-now-what.html</span></a><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">(images below from the Graphic Artists Guild)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1PF5huWUq03ZtNnHtStuerEu-ebbHngx8Vd1YXybQh76fSCG9ASw1FlvK7baS6KljrZDVM7FBtqx-diFNZ7nCUl98kzMKcHNkFyuoL2kLp72ZNm-RqqbOla-6C7LM5ZdsuFP3lEgSwA/s1600/copyright+CASEinfographic-fullhouses+from+GAG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1PF5huWUq03ZtNnHtStuerEu-ebbHngx8Vd1YXybQh76fSCG9ASw1FlvK7baS6KljrZDVM7FBtqx-diFNZ7nCUl98kzMKcHNkFyuoL2kLp72ZNm-RqqbOla-6C7LM5ZdsuFP3lEgSwA/s320/copyright+CASEinfographic-fullhouses+from+GAG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg17fNsnivOvK2TWF3EjGsb-k2Lc1TTlu85EtzEoLwtTH-Ad8B00Fv0aSFGUYjM5D7itvTpArF015jG4W3BLltSXhP4Xvj0II5RsCuvScTnrvzifiSCjJY-J7aV0VHF8fbvnvqOANEIdA/s1600/CASE+act+support+photo+from+GAG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg17fNsnivOvK2TWF3EjGsb-k2Lc1TTlu85EtzEoLwtTH-Ad8B00Fv0aSFGUYjM5D7itvTpArF015jG4W3BLltSXhP4Xvj0II5RsCuvScTnrvzifiSCjJY-J7aV0VHF8fbvnvqOANEIdA/s320/CASE+act+support+photo+from+GAG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Several posts here on the blog explaining the CASE Act Bill, as well as links to other sources.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/10/case-act-yes-vote-in-house-now-on-to.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/10/case-act-yes-vote-in-house-now-on-to.html</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>This January 2021 link from Copyright Alliance has FAQ on how CASE Act Small Claims court will work, and when it will star</b>t: <a href="https://copyrightalliance.org/case-act-signed-into-law/">https://copyrightalliance.org/case-act-signed-into-law/</a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>COPYRIGHT INFO FOR ARTISTS</u></b><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIjK2YS-wU0Txx1UaWT9QPFUz-li1OBTGAVtxk3f4d0UdIhFlBq7LAok03s11XkF4UFVKTETtfgFe6sQyY5NB_B6D34U4tA39jA1o1rhctP0c99fuzN1LDCuAyH4e_S_5zMxym2guwmQ/s1600/copyright+stock+figure+from+dreamtime+(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIjK2YS-wU0Txx1UaWT9QPFUz-li1OBTGAVtxk3f4d0UdIhFlBq7LAok03s11XkF4UFVKTETtfgFe6sQyY5NB_B6D34U4tA39jA1o1rhctP0c99fuzN1LDCuAyH4e_S_5zMxym2guwmQ/s1600/copyright+stock+figure+from+dreamtime+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><b><u><br /></u></b></div><p>It was around July 2014 that I started posting frequently about Copyright Protection for images posted online. My artist friend Lili Chin of Doggie Drawings <a href="https://www.doggiedrawings.net/">https://www.doggiedrawings.net/</a><br />had become a target for outrageous levels of art theft. This included an impostor in the UK who downloaded Lili's dog images, flipped them, painted them on canvases adding painted dog collars with actual rhinestones on them, then sold them at art fairs and even a gallery! The gal ended up on a British TV show bragging about her successful business. Lili's fans alerted her -- a great example of how an educated, loyal, invested fan base is the front line for fighting art theft. Even more vital: Lili registers her copyrights. It was a long, expensive, frustrating fight to watch my friend go through. The gallery was appalled at the impostor and kicked her out. The impostor went into hiding. It became a dead end for Lili (and the expensive UK lawyers she had to hire). Lili has won successful settlements since then, but is still fighting art theft. I see how exhausting it is. This waste of artist time and resources, not to mention livelihood, inspired my activism. So I started learning more and posting more. Since 2015, I've subscribed to an intellectual property legal service that allows me to schedule phone consultation appointments. It's an investment I make on behalf of the blog. I want to post info that's as accurate as possible given that many of these issues are fluid with new laws in the works. I use this source to fact check my own IP questions directly with an IP attorney. More on the service here: <a href="https://counselforcreators.com/creators-legal-program/">https://counselforcreators.com/creators-legal-program/</a><br /><br />My blog post links below share resources and case studies on unauthorized commercial use of artist-owned images for profit by others:<br /><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/07/copyright-info-for-artists_15.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/07/copyright-info-for-artists_15.html</a><br />Also see blog post from June 11, 2016 with FREE infographics by Lili Chin on copyright 101<br /><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/06/copyright-101-infographic-by-lili-chin.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/06/copyright-101-infographic-by-lili-chin.html</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWomW4ZrvAKZK11oDRGWsztx91ipKVM300g_VGRrXIt5FEKNVNoyTtZZsvar1Yt_AqrJhyphenhyphenzTqlFy1AshcGaasMWHO0R8n1eEOQui1dxwYW_Ht2pU0zYjLqSXEzvTe3_IGaxQJVG5yJuI/s1600/copyright+infographic+by+Lili+Chin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWomW4ZrvAKZK11oDRGWsztx91ipKVM300g_VGRrXIt5FEKNVNoyTtZZsvar1Yt_AqrJhyphenhyphenzTqlFy1AshcGaasMWHO0R8n1eEOQui1dxwYW_Ht2pU0zYjLqSXEzvTe3_IGaxQJVG5yJuI/s320/copyright+infographic+by+Lili+Chin.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><p>Lili's infographics are available as free downloads on her link:<br /> <a href="http://www.doggiedrawings.net/copyright-101">http://www.doggiedrawings.net/copyright-101</a><br /><br />Lili Chin won a settlement against Kohls when the retail giant stole her artwork.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzbd63bRgQQeQVdrDUuL0wPI-Ckkp5ktusdwkF2xdPNEU_bKictcFw2z5S6wTB4PgwLedPWYUXEI-st3ekO4cvlhfY6VHdyYW07YupfsmuSh5YvgcNB-X0mRx9uhoIBtfi3vSGzAGbPs/s1600/art+theft++kohls+lili+original.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzbd63bRgQQeQVdrDUuL0wPI-Ckkp5ktusdwkF2xdPNEU_bKictcFw2z5S6wTB4PgwLedPWYUXEI-st3ekO4cvlhfY6VHdyYW07YupfsmuSh5YvgcNB-X0mRx9uhoIBtfi3vSGzAGbPs/s320/art+theft++kohls+lili+original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>This Oct 2016 post has background info on this groundbreaking legal case in the fight against art theft: <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/10/indie-artist-lili-chin-files-lawsuit.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/10/indie-artist-lili-chin-files-lawsuit.html</a><br />This post also has links for the infamous case Lili suffered in 2013 with the UK art thief.<br />Lili's suit against Kohl's settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.<br /><br />Important info on blog post "Fan Art -- Playground or Minefield." Includes link to video clip of panel on IP. This post on the grey areas of Fan Art is also updated.<br /><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/04/fan-art-playground-or-minefield.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/04/fan-art-playground-or-minefield.html</a><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>COMBAT ART THEFT --</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>case studies and taking action</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYo9fPn4tcsJG9mzr4H3QfChM0odPiWrrLkfOCQvS0Ki61OxlyNPAb36k5Jis3aYEU0-YBVxAzg2lBhQbV2aHHjvdHMKVDrLLVU1Rj0bZJbJeSGtE9Kvt1r5mFfcsJ8s6ZI4QElgQOIY/s1600/art+theft+jade+boylan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYo9fPn4tcsJG9mzr4H3QfChM0odPiWrrLkfOCQvS0Ki61OxlyNPAb36k5Jis3aYEU0-YBVxAzg2lBhQbV2aHHjvdHMKVDrLLVU1Rj0bZJbJeSGtE9Kvt1r5mFfcsJ8s6ZI4QElgQOIY/s320/art+theft+jade+boylan.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>This "Combat Art Theft" post compiles case studies and how artists are fighting back. There is a dangerous culture of tolerated piracy when it comes to online art. This. Must. Stop. Links on this post explain the risks.. and offer solutions.<a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/09/combat-art-theft-case-studies-and.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/09/combat-art-theft-case-studies-and.html</a><br /><br />Loyal fans alerting artists are the front line of defense against art theft. Artists educating fans about creative rights helps curb counterfeiting... (chart below by Ginger Davis Allman -- more info in these links --<br /><a href="https://thebluebottletree.com/copyright-guidelines-polymer-clay-artists/">https://thebluebottletree.com/copyright-guidelines-polymer-clay-artists/</a><br /><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/12/copyright-guidelines-chart-by-ginger.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/12/copyright-guidelines-chart-by-ginger.html</a>)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3T1N744-ECrHbAFWIb1IXj0495soSjt9yIz6uSZ4AgMLFwLaO4ZF-WRb5hpHDlhyphenhyphenURRAko_s6C3xavieEipaV2fH9e7WEYqoSL3o6xwF_TWl2k9pzoRaZYN7aqw9FhnqW4G7OuRIdv1w/s1600/copyright+chart+c+2014+Ginger+Davis+Allman+The+Blue+Bottle+Tree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1489" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3T1N744-ECrHbAFWIb1IXj0495soSjt9yIz6uSZ4AgMLFwLaO4ZF-WRb5hpHDlhyphenhyphenURRAko_s6C3xavieEipaV2fH9e7WEYqoSL3o6xwF_TWl2k9pzoRaZYN7aqw9FhnqW4G7OuRIdv1w/s320/copyright+chart+c+2014+Ginger+Davis+Allman+The+Blue+Bottle+Tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>PRICE YOUR ART RIGHT -- </u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>DON'T WORK FOR FREE</u></b></div><div>August 2019 posts with insights from industry pros about the damage done to artists at all levels when art is undervalued..</div><div><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/08/how-to-price-your-art-guide-for-all.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/08/how-to-price-your-art-guide-for-all.html</a></div><div><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/08/stop-working-for-free-industry-vet.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/08/stop-working-for-free-industry-vet.html</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>SELF-CARE</u></b></div><br /><span>The long trauma of 2020 impacted everyone. It resonates years later and continues to bring many self-care challenges. Please be mindful of your mental, emotional and physical health. </span></div><div><span>Artists and other indie creators must be well to work -- they are the only ones who can do their jobs. You can't do your best from a place of unwellness.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><span>Use the internet and social media wisely. Share facts, not fear. Always <b>SIFT</b> before sharing.</span></div><div><span><b>S</b>top.</span></div><div><span><b>I</b>nvestigate.</span></div><div><span><b>F</b>act-check/Find corroborating stories on credible sites.</span></div><div><span><b>T</b>race posts back to original context/media. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DLJK-euhW8tfDvKDqdzN5g1SQEDjwH9qJMDevDssadX9whrv8DK2jaIGHkZsWlEEWBU9g2ezlGV7xv2bDQxJGgXDZHaN83J8FkOh4d7LQLWqkc8mGdhya7yualj_NXnzK9C0JuPDBj2b7tCAhN2JfrNRNQmCGI2Na4QZZ1djnEyywaN9_JIAkMDxOSg/s962/sift-infographic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="962" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DLJK-euhW8tfDvKDqdzN5g1SQEDjwH9qJMDevDssadX9whrv8DK2jaIGHkZsWlEEWBU9g2ezlGV7xv2bDQxJGgXDZHaN83J8FkOh4d7LQLWqkc8mGdhya7yualj_NXnzK9C0JuPDBj2b7tCAhN2JfrNRNQmCGI2Na4QZZ1djnEyywaN9_JIAkMDxOSg/s320/sift-infographic.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span>The SIFT system was coined by Mike Caufield, a digital literacy expert at Washington State University. </span></div><div><span>Please check out more SIFTing tips here:</span></div><div><span><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/sift-stop-investigate-fact-check-trace.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/sift-stop-investigate-fact-check-trace.html</a><br /></span></div><div><span><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/08/sift-system-and-sites-to-fight-mis.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/08/sift-system-and-sites-to-fight-mis.html</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vkIy5d8W_0F9a3Q-j2f6VXOhszFW-JbnVhbKPIg43hMyDKlzr5xQBNS4qypybjKAaOQav3dk0nQY-Rei9qIi1wH8AWeeM0gtoNQH7gOu8WsMO9jA6QyHEP-RdgSem426a7dZMXw38h4/s960/virus+meme+misinformation+post+wisely.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vkIy5d8W_0F9a3Q-j2f6VXOhszFW-JbnVhbKPIg43hMyDKlzr5xQBNS4qypybjKAaOQav3dk0nQY-Rei9qIi1wH8AWeeM0gtoNQH7gOu8WsMO9jA6QyHEP-RdgSem426a7dZMXw38h4/s320/virus+meme+misinformation+post+wisely.jpg" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>ART AND ANXIETY </u></b></div>I also post links for resources regarding Art and Anxiety. This includes tips on how to communicate the value of your work!.<a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/07/get-inspired-art-and-anxiety-dance-steps.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/07/get-inspired-art-and-anxiety-dance-steps.html</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwR0RpWU0PRrdY-i4SxbcVtftGa3_wgb4pbJ8lH0VWZBZCdTN7TsHNu3JDy5ACMRCZEKglc3Zg1CeiRwZ50cOBba8BsAVs3C5fBYFsSEE6m4h_ElBfBEWAgHq3A20Gr68oTo30N2ueXY/s1600/when+you+buy+from+artist.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwR0RpWU0PRrdY-i4SxbcVtftGa3_wgb4pbJ8lH0VWZBZCdTN7TsHNu3JDy5ACMRCZEKglc3Zg1CeiRwZ50cOBba8BsAVs3C5fBYFsSEE6m4h_ElBfBEWAgHq3A20Gr68oTo30N2ueXY/s320/when+you+buy+from+artist.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />Link below is for Tumbler post by (gal artist .. just saying :) C.Spike Trotman. The gem below is just one of the panels from the Tumbler post explaining steps to success for indie artist life ....<a href="http://spikedrewthis.tumblr.com/post/64136324548/this-is-everything-i-know-a-24-hour-comic-about">http://spikedrewthis.tumblr.com/post/64136324548/this-is-everything-i-know-a-24-hour-comic-about</a><br />The link hasn't been active for awhile... but I'm leaving it here as a record and in case it revives somewhere else. Meanwhile, here's the link for the book form of this terrific comic about indie art survival: <a href="https://ironcircus.com/product/this-is-everything-i-know/">https://ironcircus.com/product/this-is-everything-i-know/</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXma-WbY7lX3vKkGm9b6Bkk_ezKSs4uAQ-Hs1yewqbxMj1uO-dV0vqLLGSlYI0v7fdE7znnsp8Lriwnlaqg99LJTEzTLWaUJrY4mpEabkhRJRDsSM_ldKYRampgi1wwrE-aq83TejtTs/s1600/c+spike+trotman+true+fan.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXma-WbY7lX3vKkGm9b6Bkk_ezKSs4uAQ-Hs1yewqbxMj1uO-dV0vqLLGSlYI0v7fdE7znnsp8Lriwnlaqg99LJTEzTLWaUJrY4mpEabkhRJRDsSM_ldKYRampgi1wwrE-aq83TejtTs/s320/c+spike+trotman+true+fan.png" width="206" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>More "art has value" on this post on how to turn a charity request into a paying job ... <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/07/your-business-lesson-turn-charity.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/07/your-business-lesson-turn-charity.html</a><br /><br />Lots here on the blog for artist health -- physical, emotional, financial....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii28zRy2PrafFAnAZxzdjTYggkDqBzchUFy0G7SkVqVMn8iVdVOqrGj2oDgzX_qXjmDt8GH0fp09hddxsHLZJM4fXQ1uoNfg5sOB-k-I57tR5_mez5S2wXc2zIW9cyexJNG-7aLWg9z68/s1600/sitting+graphic+by+patterson+clark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii28zRy2PrafFAnAZxzdjTYggkDqBzchUFy0G7SkVqVMn8iVdVOqrGj2oDgzX_qXjmDt8GH0fp09hddxsHLZJM4fXQ1uoNfg5sOB-k-I57tR5_mez5S2wXc2zIW9cyexJNG-7aLWg9z68/s320/sitting+graphic+by+patterson+clark.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>Graphic above by Patternson Clark...<br /><br />"PSA on Killer Chairs" post on dangers of too much chair time for anyone with a desk job .. and tips to help fight the effects of damage to posture and hand and wrists<br />...<a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/posts-in-progress-and-psa.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/posts-in-progress-and-psa.html</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>YOGA FOR ARTISTS</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsS6pgaWJ5PN3CPXqQZCM2UZ-PfJd-rg9ClXngDLThRppQ1z2y5Y9hT42rECb-N5HFPrFTe1j2eLGRnJo20i-m8dUY_EuXACS7UQEP-4wz9qiAMhkuLVqyhzYnGP0dRuXK6iMNzr0UDct/s1600/IMG_7614.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsS6pgaWJ5PN3CPXqQZCM2UZ-PfJd-rg9ClXngDLThRppQ1z2y5Y9hT42rECb-N5HFPrFTe1j2eLGRnJo20i-m8dUY_EuXACS7UQEP-4wz9qiAMhkuLVqyhzYnGP0dRuXK6iMNzr0UDct/s1600/IMG_7614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">In 2015 I launched a series of posts to share stretches and restorative options for Artists and others whose work demands long hours of sitting. These simple exercises will help undo the strain on back, shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. Posts feature stills and video with certified yoga instructor Simone, who gives helpful workshops at the SNB showroom for crew and colleagues. Simone's Facebook page also offers links to online tutorials she finds and recommends:</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/simonemarket">https://www.facebook.com/simonemarket</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Always consult your own doctor before beginning any fitness routine.</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Here are links for "Yoga for Artists" lessons on the blog:</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Introduction -- Art requires Flexibility</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/04/yoga-for-artists-introduction-art.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/04/yoga-for-artists-introduction-art.html</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Lesson #1 Releases for Shoulders and Upper Back <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/04/yoga-for-artists-lesson-1-releases-for.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/04/yoga-for-artists-lesson-1-releases-for.html</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Lesson #2 - Upper Body Stretches using Chair, Wall and Blocks</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/06/yoga-lesson-2-upper-body-stretches.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/06/yoga-lesson-2-upper-body-stretches.html</a><br /><br /><b>FREE SHIPPING IS A MYTH</b><br />Indie artists struggle to either absorb shipping and handling costs or factor them into their prices. Customers have been indoctrinated into the myth of Free Shipping. What is that really costing all of us? <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/01/free-shipping-is-myth-it-costs-indie.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/01/free-shipping-is-myth-it-costs-indie.html</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TpAROWLyeF0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TpAROWLyeF0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>PROCESS POSTS --</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I will always advocate for using tutorials to monetize your online art. Educate followers so they can grow with you as supporters.</div></div><div>Art below by Catherine Scartaccini</div><div><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/08/catherine-scartaccini-illustrator.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/08/catherine-scartaccini-illustrator.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDRu7M501xCg-F7pND7u0szDrfmsZ6suP4BTm4YpHcV645JkbxBS9N8Mjxj307KsCBeazZvg9ljOdNCgmtWKM65vH6fkOCm_kutN0aJwwiqSIOlVz-AEp0G7RFuurcMBI767Xp817W2Q/s1600/catherine+giraffe+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDRu7M501xCg-F7pND7u0szDrfmsZ6suP4BTm4YpHcV645JkbxBS9N8Mjxj307KsCBeazZvg9ljOdNCgmtWKM65vH6fkOCm_kutN0aJwwiqSIOlVz-AEp0G7RFuurcMBI767Xp817W2Q/s320/catherine+giraffe+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://csillustrator.com/">https://csillustrator.com/</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGrGf4pYDUbUsc9S_sIwrtR8ekogQ9HwK0wYi1qroM-NqJTflK2jyVCMpQvlfDBmDOTomtQqPGJ_-iWfq9NGntrTIhfVMpsZ2YPIMvBg5B5Bf0BQm83mwn_2lPxBBacAe3B0_SdLthTg/s1600/catherine+giraffe+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGrGf4pYDUbUsc9S_sIwrtR8ekogQ9HwK0wYi1qroM-NqJTflK2jyVCMpQvlfDBmDOTomtQqPGJ_-iWfq9NGntrTIhfVMpsZ2YPIMvBg5B5Bf0BQm83mwn_2lPxBBacAe3B0_SdLthTg/s320/catherine+giraffe+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGiIm9K8R62xyFE2PuXnMmbKwZdr5oM9vpDY8f88hnol8TVZcrE9dcLd2DEhH_OL1nHa08tMipiU2rrgFKs1iDx46pR0HO4Liaup7n69DZL-HpjmJl3zVudoooAPX3ETTQThA7-UXehQ/s1600/catherine+giraffe+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGiIm9K8R62xyFE2PuXnMmbKwZdr5oM9vpDY8f88hnol8TVZcrE9dcLd2DEhH_OL1nHa08tMipiU2rrgFKs1iDx46pR0HO4Liaup7n69DZL-HpjmJl3zVudoooAPX3ETTQThA7-UXehQ/s320/catherine+giraffe+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Documenting your creative process engages followers. It's also a great way to make your artWORK work for you. You're going through the steps already. You're taking the time.. and spending your resources... to document them. They are perfect to make multi-purpose. Monetize them. Never undervalue your time, talent and effort. Art life requires art work that is compensated.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So many artists posts these valuable tutorials for free. Why not share a few, but then use these sorts of posts to move followers to platforms where they can find more by supporting your art life on Patreon or with Ko-fi. </div></div></div>Art below by Hannah Stiles, Ainigmati Studios<br /><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/11/process-post-ainigmati-studio.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/11/process-post-ainigmati-studio.html</a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_E_UiOik-mQB-zhReEMUdbZq2UiTBZb4gDdHVsq7giQGKfjDCT60pDv6ZV6CCifALCg5fLHtlREROeMhFKfj2MkgTjuWxxIE-We7Mrg2c19zkMKsnyUViZ4SBGrXcEPlIhg0HnCRKS_o/s1600/Ainigmati+cat+11.14.19+wire+frame.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="960" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_E_UiOik-mQB-zhReEMUdbZq2UiTBZb4gDdHVsq7giQGKfjDCT60pDv6ZV6CCifALCg5fLHtlREROeMhFKfj2MkgTjuWxxIE-We7Mrg2c19zkMKsnyUViZ4SBGrXcEPlIhg0HnCRKS_o/s320/Ainigmati+cat+11.14.19+wire+frame.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil650mRWptpPFbdfObjentGzWrXTHwQ1z4IM4qHFBgnOGbz16ePKN8H1XU44nSD_Afz62Vk6ruYRZmyimyiLbN0qlSfPJdroJyYCAV7zRGcHp6YerB5z1gUscj3me4jVt0lsjWMVE6-mU/s1600/Ainigmati+cat+11.14.19++6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil650mRWptpPFbdfObjentGzWrXTHwQ1z4IM4qHFBgnOGbz16ePKN8H1XU44nSD_Afz62Vk6ruYRZmyimyiLbN0qlSfPJdroJyYCAV7zRGcHp6YerB5z1gUscj3me4jVt0lsjWMVE6-mU/s320/Ainigmati+cat+11.14.19++6.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Ainigmati">https://www.etsy.com/shop/Ainigmati</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJIDEZdMGscZKlA-3nhI4QFlv_X-CJeP5LU-4FScEso3oAh9JUkpF0dQyOKTAD2Stz23o9Is-tsra4FSRcR_YZfV0DbhVfxWEm23IQF5J4s12TjeLqXz8xXNQEXLld6KC3U5p2dq8Dq8/s1600/Ainigmati+cat+11.14.19++5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJIDEZdMGscZKlA-3nhI4QFlv_X-CJeP5LU-4FScEso3oAh9JUkpF0dQyOKTAD2Stz23o9Is-tsra4FSRcR_YZfV0DbhVfxWEm23IQF5J4s12TjeLqXz8xXNQEXLld6KC3U5p2dq8Dq8/s320/Ainigmati+cat+11.14.19++5.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlPVmmVFINZAZ-nJ2-pALbtMFN7lc_Qhjk_y5GMWV2weCZtiFn8AmHuKseSF37x0EfziFljdj4KTIBYLhLKiWV6R5r3B2YDys2LhHwpCg0J7BYKX3SdUlKZfoErEyKfnVlzieG28hfh8/s1600/Ainigmati+cat+11.14.19+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlPVmmVFINZAZ-nJ2-pALbtMFN7lc_Qhjk_y5GMWV2weCZtiFn8AmHuKseSF37x0EfziFljdj4KTIBYLhLKiWV6R5r3B2YDys2LhHwpCg0J7BYKX3SdUlKZfoErEyKfnVlzieG28hfh8/s320/Ainigmati+cat+11.14.19+1.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>GET INSPIRED BY LOOKING BACK, LOOKING OFF-GRID and</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>NOT BEING LIKE EVERYONE ELSE LOOKING ONLINE </u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The internet has been a game changer, but recently I've heard professional artists, executives, instructors and collectors concerned about the growing trend of mediocrity. The easy access to so many versions of familiar images and subject matter means that everyone's art starts to look the same. Imitation is the death of growth. Don't copy other artists work, tweak it a bit, and call it your own. That's fine for practice in your sketchbook, but it's no way to build a brand and audience of your own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/05/imitation-is-fraud-not-flattery.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/05/imitation-is-fraud-not-flattery.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> If you want to reach the next level, get away from the screen. Go in person to look at original art. Attend events that lend themselves to sketching. Visit the zoo, aquarium, museums. Look back in books and at libraries to see what artists were doing generations ago. These are habits the exceptional artists share. Disney legend artist Andreas Deja is a prime example of this. His highly educational blog shares treasures from his personal collection of art by past artists who have inspired him. My blog post on his wire sculptures shows his work, an artist that inspires him, and links to his blog:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/05/line-horses-and-wire-frogs.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/05/line-horses-and-wire-frogs.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Art history in all genres can expand your own visual vocabulary. Here are some posts that showcase art inspiration from icons of the past, or activities that inspire sketching... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Icons to study...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/10/mary-blair-panel-family-colleague.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/10/mary-blair-panel-family-colleague.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/06/little-golden-books-history-and-links.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/06/little-golden-books-history-and-links.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/08/sorolla-and-america-exhibit-at-san.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/08/sorolla-and-america-exhibit-at-san.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/get-inspired-norman-thelwell.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/get-inspired-norman-thelwell.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/11/one-night-exhibition-of-hirschfeld.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/11/one-night-exhibition-of-hirschfeld.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">activities to sketch and study anatomy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/empty-saddle-club-western-horse-show.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/empty-saddle-club-western-horse-show.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/horse-show-2011-artist-sketchbook.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/horse-show-2011-artist-sketchbook.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/get-inspiredfamily-fun-natl-history.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/get-inspiredfamily-fun-natl-history.html</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">COVID may seem like old news... but the virus continues to mutate and will complicate conventions for exhibitors and attendees. Everyone who has been attending conventions for years is familiar with "con crud"-- that range of respiratory symptoms that flare up a week or so after a convention. Several days working nearly non-stop in a convention hall environment is bound to irritate your throat etc. But now there's the concern that conventions are ideal "super spreader" events. Everyone has different risk levels. Be respectful of others needs and concerns. Even healthy looking people can have risk factors. The basics will continue to apply -- wash hands frequently; limit close contact; mask and vaccinate as recommended. Golden rule -- treat others as you wish to be treated. Be kind.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>ORIGINAL BLOG POSTS ON COVD-19</span></div><div><span>There are 15 Posts for April 2020 on the blog regarding COVID-19. Here's link for #1 of 15 of the April posts:</span><br /><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04/covid-1-of-15-april-2020-snb-open-for.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04/covid-1-of-15-april-2020-snb-open-for.html</a><br /><span>The 15 posts in April include links for indie artist funding resources (post #s 3-5) , DIY disinfecting tips, post #7) links for credible, science-based sites to find the latest on Covid (post #s 12-14). Post #s 9-11 have oodles of online links with family friendly sites like links to zoo and aquarium live cams, as well as tips for home office and self-care survival tools. </span><br /><br />I'm leaving the March 2020 posts in tact with the announcement that they are untouched from 3.31.2020, but are valuable as a record of information we had available as the crisis hit.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP3EwPP-jQQ7wvJVotsQ9kjQJ_m2V-yj89a2WPAe0qYmUKHUyclPlsAcPWhzbiCOon-qyfstd-OnJvDzXt5mr-sxrLSSNWiDHtAV8O-Z_VMoRm2Rcv5QbzXpKm1w2x_MefsjCfhQXKJ8/s1600/virus+hand+wash+infographic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP3EwPP-jQQ7wvJVotsQ9kjQJ_m2V-yj89a2WPAe0qYmUKHUyclPlsAcPWhzbiCOon-qyfstd-OnJvDzXt5mr-sxrLSSNWiDHtAV8O-Z_VMoRm2Rcv5QbzXpKm1w2x_MefsjCfhQXKJ8/s320/virus+hand+wash+infographic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Info graphic below from Compound Interest</div><div><a href="https://www.compoundchem.com/2020/03/31/destroy-coronavirus/?">https://www.compoundchem.com/2020/03/31/destroy-coronavirus/?</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSj_9Tzepp7w0qGn2Jcs6o50X5cZLHeFZKe6wpLn6UtSTl1IVBEbK0t05Tskhe0vF8J1FuUs2X8pm7574AMB8lewBeXnO0p_8qw-3dbRhr1E-_CwTjqgdPezmeq6U8rwlLJpet_s3iAw/s1600/virus+graphic+Four-ways-to-destroy-coronavirus-v3+compound+interst.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSj_9Tzepp7w0qGn2Jcs6o50X5cZLHeFZKe6wpLn6UtSTl1IVBEbK0t05Tskhe0vF8J1FuUs2X8pm7574AMB8lewBeXnO0p_8qw-3dbRhr1E-_CwTjqgdPezmeq6U8rwlLJpet_s3iAw/s320/virus+graphic+Four-ways-to-destroy-coronavirus-v3+compound+interst.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-25134584514929220262024-03-11T09:43:00.000-07:002024-03-11T09:43:25.042-07:00Your Guide to Behind the Scenes at Stuart Ng Books (3.11.24)<p> <b>Start here to learn how to use this blog.</b>.... You are about to explore SNB adventures from my (Amy's) perspective ... Stuart's website links to this blog, but Stuart does NOT write these posts. This "Your Guide" posts updates monthly.</p>For the latest news on Stuart Ng Books, you can follow SNB on Facebook or Twitter. To receive Stuart's email newsletter (with lots of exclusive offers) use this link from the SNB website: <a href="http://stuartngbooks.com/join-our-mailing-list.html">http://stuartngbooks.com/join-our-mailing-list.html</a><br />For info on ordering books, and a website chock full of our extensive inventory, start at the homepage for SNB: <a href="http://stuartngbooks.com/">http://stuartngbooks.com/</a><br /><br />Welcome to the realm of Bride of Bookseller. The posts are all written by me. This blog exists to educate and entertain by sharing resources that can benefit artists.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It takes talent and commitment to thrive as an indie artist. But it also takes balance and fitness. No one talks to artists about this truth: You have to be well enough.. physically.. mentally..emotionally...financially... to get your work done. At the same time, so many artists struggle with chronic conditions that impact their productivity. No wonder artists are stressed. Many posts on the blog here offer possible solutions.... and celebrate the traits all the best artists share: (button below from Alaska Robotics <a href="http://alaskarobotics.com/">http://alaskarobotics.com/</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8C4DiNuj6aJ6t8h7N1m8pCqECf1OXZRukldr0zJ8kyXfNsf6v9ZuAk3QTTilQrNzI7iuCCLQ4tCnWGPA_lfIXPpVY54Cp_J4yXLsGhjpQHrP_b8d0VjfT53YJ8bfw8OlQcPk_aGR8LI/s1600/IMG_6440.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8C4DiNuj6aJ6t8h7N1m8pCqECf1OXZRukldr0zJ8kyXfNsf6v9ZuAk3QTTilQrNzI7iuCCLQ4tCnWGPA_lfIXPpVY54Cp_J4yXLsGhjpQHrP_b8d0VjfT53YJ8bfw8OlQcPk_aGR8LI/s320/IMG_6440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Scroll down this "Your Guide" post and you'll discover background on the blog (SNB and BTS backstory)....<br /><br />These links will take you to posts with expanded topics....<br /><b><br /></b><div><b><u>1) POSTS ON INDIE ART LIFE -- </u></b><b><u>PROTECTING ARTIST RIGHTS and SELF-CARE TIPS</u></b><b><u><br /></u></b>INCLUDES LINKS TO 2020 COVID-19 POSTS</div><div><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/05/your-guide-to-bts-indie-art-life-artist.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/05/your-guide-to-bts-indie-art-life-artist.html</a><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XZpnCL5NS0X41Yj3q5SSG_sK77c8w7sVldFYiT1219ZwChAY8KSkymUOWiuyeWtFb51n3ESL9gqsknWwx3Jokh2AeQRHdgtbHARUUwCcXHIq481Qsy4462MWrs9whLMP4lwg91HOGek/s1600/virus+if+you+think+art+is+useless++meme.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="750" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XZpnCL5NS0X41Yj3q5SSG_sK77c8w7sVldFYiT1219ZwChAY8KSkymUOWiuyeWtFb51n3ESL9gqsknWwx3Jokh2AeQRHdgtbHARUUwCcXHIq481Qsy4462MWrs9whLMP4lwg91HOGek/s320/virus+if+you+think+art+is+useless++meme.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b style="text-align: center;"><u>2) SNB -- CONVENTIONS AND WENDLING CONNECTION</u></b><b> </b></div><div><b><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-2-conventions-and.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-2-conventions-and.html</a><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg963klvaoi1c3BUTsWdjzpN_5VSDwCCLuLc0Yp_f_qZWnc8Q1aEViKNQFcvrE0Z1k1pNtdMhNnSYth_cmmLYtXRwiej9mu9xWFu2DIZeh2tDlz1zNTDgxwrCUMj4TO0ctlidgpJCJzABk/s350/cvr+wendling+desk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="350" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg963klvaoi1c3BUTsWdjzpN_5VSDwCCLuLc0Yp_f_qZWnc8Q1aEViKNQFcvrE0Z1k1pNtdMhNnSYth_cmmLYtXRwiej9mu9xWFu2DIZeh2tDlz1zNTDgxwrCUMj4TO0ctlidgpJCJzABk/s320/cvr+wendling+desk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br /></b></div><br /><b style="text-align: center;"><u>3) ART LIFE -- RESOURCES AND EXHIBITIONS</u></b><p><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/03/your-guide-to-bts-3-art-life-resources.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/03/your-guide-to-bts-3-art-life-resources.html</a> </p><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1Ri7CEZrNohfDQoBPyAHzDvp4b75OIz2uv1B3CGATjhGMO610c2tjLLBVMdaJnybU9YR9et8f545N9yUZ1oIJOsbBLCnXPCul1dmEy4VfTr9Y7IEQrZq87IYf6QLQ7E1RA5QD5wmeHs/s1400/logo+bancroft+bros+podcast.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1Ri7CEZrNohfDQoBPyAHzDvp4b75OIz2uv1B3CGATjhGMO610c2tjLLBVMdaJnybU9YR9et8f545N9yUZ1oIJOsbBLCnXPCul1dmEy4VfTr9Y7IEQrZq87IYf6QLQ7E1RA5QD5wmeHs/s320/logo+bancroft+bros+podcast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></b></div><b style="text-align: center;"><u>4) SCIENCE THEMED POSTS</u></b></div><div><b style="text-align: center;"><u><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-4-science-themed.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-4-science-themed.html</a><br /></u></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zKxueKJBRGFXdXModN_O2TRcdhKNz_7fdNW7CBupXJmIj2HLwgLHlaW2UPlQYj2L2XlVu461IVYDhpqbgB7clpWYM9z-k3rClC4lx0usu76ny5yGq1L3TcgEpPlPwh65ZPbJSDlEB3k/s540/curie+quote+in+full.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="540" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zKxueKJBRGFXdXModN_O2TRcdhKNz_7fdNW7CBupXJmIj2HLwgLHlaW2UPlQYj2L2XlVu461IVYDhpqbgB7clpWYM9z-k3rClC4lx0usu76ny5yGq1L3TcgEpPlPwh65ZPbJSDlEB3k/s320/curie+quote+in+full.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><u><br /></u></b></div><b style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></b><b style="text-align: center;"><u>5) ATTRACTIONS NEAR SNB TORRANCE STORE</u></b></div><div>Like Wilson Park! With its wheelchair and stroller accessible tree house. The Farmers Market on Tuesday and Saturday Mornings. Tons of family friendly amenities.</div><div><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-5-attractions-near.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-5-attractions-near.html</a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gEaRZYQSLgJaf8pjAPAuWdWzb3MYQW_o3T1yjfokiL7fRWpdQk5K9V9sTNx707xQPQyuCTOb7ZlO8xopvBpvU6VgBaj0fAMbk0FRInuKT0_3dc1wDco05aiA9OTX58oy2XQjjpJTfRM/s1600/wp+sign+and+street.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gEaRZYQSLgJaf8pjAPAuWdWzb3MYQW_o3T1yjfokiL7fRWpdQk5K9V9sTNx707xQPQyuCTOb7ZlO8xopvBpvU6VgBaj0fAMbk0FRInuKT0_3dc1wDco05aiA9OTX58oy2XQjjpJTfRM/s320/wp+sign+and+street.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_2hgo-x89QDf98juP4s_AKzGYBg5_Q7RFCjgZ4AbOn9WL92_ZPXsL_pzPutCzKmMIeiQwSQ1m3DqRLs3lSsgsokVsjSzPjOUp4uTbAFLLde1uKfYGNGa08L0FEQLNKGjTi6b6AHXf3k/s640/IMG_7951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_2hgo-x89QDf98juP4s_AKzGYBg5_Q7RFCjgZ4AbOn9WL92_ZPXsL_pzPutCzKmMIeiQwSQ1m3DqRLs3lSsgsokVsjSzPjOUp4uTbAFLLde1uKfYGNGa08L0FEQLNKGjTi6b6AHXf3k/s320/IMG_7951.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></b></div><b style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></b><b style="text-align: center;"><u>6) HORSE OF COURSE</u></b></div><div><b style="text-align: center;"><u><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-6-horse-of-course-4723.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-6-horse-of-course-4723.html</a><br /></u></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7XTDCz0SX2CTjsg2sCxexIPrf26RwDK1dU2DYUS2p2AvacKm55b4huKqXpml1n2X2Sp426jJ-of5hgMevDNlImFndRox_XDYaMRvc4MU34Bera_igkiWiaNo_kr-2qMo1F8X4xNBL8g/s960/horse+rider+hugs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="960" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7XTDCz0SX2CTjsg2sCxexIPrf26RwDK1dU2DYUS2p2AvacKm55b4huKqXpml1n2X2Sp426jJ-of5hgMevDNlImFndRox_XDYaMRvc4MU34Bera_igkiWiaNo_kr-2qMo1F8X4xNBL8g/s320/horse+rider+hugs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><u><br /></u></b></div><b style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></b><b style="text-align: center;"><u>7) POSTS FROM 2011 --MOST ACTIVE YEAR ON THE BLOG</u></b></div><div><b style="text-align: center;"><u><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-7-posts-from-2011.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-7-posts-from-2011.html</a><br /></u></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0FxDOWzSszRl1avZS4iJI8GlDUQzzcH2Vum3IIPcYR8URlU8g3BQdlhQVRDIr4WMdM9cBOmRgL4w_TjB5E2EfLmDCK3XK6J7X6FmhUsDBsUhlwWUh5V4w0oJMs8Lwy1jmuEeVQ1wXMI/s1600/regis+ctnx+11+cu.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0FxDOWzSszRl1avZS4iJI8GlDUQzzcH2Vum3IIPcYR8URlU8g3BQdlhQVRDIr4WMdM9cBOmRgL4w_TjB5E2EfLmDCK3XK6J7X6FmhUsDBsUhlwWUh5V4w0oJMs8Lwy1jmuEeVQ1wXMI/s320/regis+ctnx+11+cu.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><u><br /></u></b></div><b style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></b><b style="text-align: center;"><u>8) OTHER POPULAR TOPICS/POSTS</u></b></div><div><div><u style="font-weight: bold;">(</u>includes posts on DreamCon; LA Printer's Fair; Tim Burton exhibiton at LACMA in 2011)</div><div><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-8-other-popular.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-8-other-popular.html</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRFPSNSPGs91NQ00ZCiJGVyB-NFWczVsHQ5nVvFpjpBjWZSrjO6FpkHFaGnOUU7Gbc80qUKihKQUzNqdKe5KpdOFgWLH4_WkSDXplATTlHlxK6zxpvjbSQ-1dY2yCcymeEosaICzn7Mg/s1600/menagcvr.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRFPSNSPGs91NQ00ZCiJGVyB-NFWczVsHQ5nVvFpjpBjWZSrjO6FpkHFaGnOUU7Gbc80qUKihKQUzNqdKe5KpdOFgWLH4_WkSDXplATTlHlxK6zxpvjbSQ-1dY2yCcymeEosaICzn7Mg/s320/menagcvr.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>______________________________________<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>SNB and BTS BACKSTORY</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6-wj47AKrCtFa2aXJQ7Mj0E8YLefhjGOkL5Xt1q3GTq8ZoKLY2uaLokE4Susm45gxGF2NVT89aYX3YoZojr0ZiJqTmDsJ9ADirv-jd7Wvwxpo4QYe5xlrb50CVc01q7UUG1FxTDjV_k/s1600/IMG_8844.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6-wj47AKrCtFa2aXJQ7Mj0E8YLefhjGOkL5Xt1q3GTq8ZoKLY2uaLokE4Susm45gxGF2NVT89aYX3YoZojr0ZiJqTmDsJ9ADirv-jd7Wvwxpo4QYe5xlrb50CVc01q7UUG1FxTDjV_k/s320/IMG_8844.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>For the origin of the SNB logo, see this post: <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/07/snb-logo-origin-story.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/07/snb-logo-origin-story.html</a><br /><br />Stuart Ng Books is <u>very </u>small business in Torrance, CA. Our niche is books on illustration, animation and comic art. Our wonderful, loyal patrons are artists, students and collectors in these fields.<br />We started in the genteel era of hands-on bookselling, before the internet. We were mentored by colleagues, some of whose stores folded under the pressures from Amazon. We weathered the transition to websites. Stuart worked hard to build a brand in this tough business environment. Our bookstore started as a printed mail-order catalog. I say "our" bookstore because it was just the two of us for years. We had a book room in the house for inventory. The dining room table was the packing station for mail orders. I was the voice on the phone, processed orders, and schlepped boxes to the post office. But it's called Stuart Ng Books for a reason. Once the books started earning their way and moved into a store location, I was ready to segue into BTS (behind-the-scenes) mode.<br /><br />Sales are still mostly mail order. Stuart ships books all over the world. In addition to our website and Torrance store location, we sell books at conventions and the occasional special event expo or festival. Scroll down for links for convention appearances. Here are two examples of expos/festivals:<br /><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/05/snb-at-ncsfest-may-17th-19th.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/05/snb-at-ncsfest-may-17th-19th.html</a><br /><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/vis-vis-french-bande-dessinee-meets-la_26.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/vis-vis-french-bande-dessinee-meets-la_26.html</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJvqNbUXS_ToRDmSQBoKeU8cPiqGJuHXkFaEQIk7B4y8CEZHp4T7o-8zyfXSEfQaPTCbbqluep_j1zf6FKv2OUsTPz8EfSiCG4oWLLeKkKo7r29uzOXenG-Qfu7YOGoVX6ZUr8-ra0E4/s1600/fox+with+book.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJvqNbUXS_ToRDmSQBoKeU8cPiqGJuHXkFaEQIk7B4y8CEZHp4T7o-8zyfXSEfQaPTCbbqluep_j1zf6FKv2OUsTPz8EfSiCG4oWLLeKkKo7r29uzOXenG-Qfu7YOGoVX6ZUr8-ra0E4/s320/fox+with+book.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>Stuart is a man on a mission. He is always on the job: in constant search for great books and artists. He is known for discovering treasures during his annual trip to France to attend the festival in Angouleme, Europe's largest comic art convention. It was a chance to meet Claire Wendling and see her exhibition at the Angouleme festival in 2005 that launched Stuart on this adventure. He has attended the festival every year since then (except the Covid years -- 2021-2023). The times I went with him are in posts on the blog for Jan/Feb of those years. Stuart doesn't speak or read French; he selects his inventory strictly for the art. He's the visual one. I'm more verbal. I took some French lessons... so now I can try to talk with people there (and order more than a ham and cheese sandwich at the cafes).<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB9SDNkUKvxUc5WH2ggqDt-_EQz_TIh2kHoabEvC2f021sCr8lhJJR8l0ut03XV66_exXhojCwS0c-nnZvujRiuavg6LVrgaFuJXuvg0Xm5Jshf_4Xhgau209zmHgmopC2UXOG7OpbQQ/s1600/IMG_0197.JPG" style="text-align: start;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643280206432283314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB9SDNkUKvxUc5WH2ggqDt-_EQz_TIh2kHoabEvC2f021sCr8lhJJR8l0ut03XV66_exXhojCwS0c-nnZvujRiuavg6LVrgaFuJXuvg0Xm5Jshf_4Xhgau209zmHgmopC2UXOG7OpbQQ/s320/IMG_0197.JPG" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>When Stuart launched the business full-time in 1997, we had no idea we would become a world-wide resource for books in our field. When I married Stuart... a LONG time ago.. I had no idea I would also be marrying a small business (we didn't meet in business school.... but that's another story). Where we find ourselves now, all these years later, is a creative place that keeps us both engaged with artists. Stuart Ng Books has exhibited at San Diego Comic Con for over 20 years. For 2020, Stuart planned to open a small retail location in Burbank. Covid quashed that. In the last year or so, he's looked at different locations, but either the location or the lease fell apart. If you have any location suggestions, please contact him directly.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4spY3kSD7mVuKYzUxEqT7TcSX39PF5PgNzoEoq9Wy91C_OhPITgjRW32LkU-BDzJkPXeXdXUD-zjMkgd74UQlIkXvNvkpz_RbsohLHkCZEEungIdonRr3ccttVeizJfO-Ga52CS8g-xU/s1600/books+in+the+home.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4spY3kSD7mVuKYzUxEqT7TcSX39PF5PgNzoEoq9Wy91C_OhPITgjRW32LkU-BDzJkPXeXdXUD-zjMkgd74UQlIkXvNvkpz_RbsohLHkCZEEungIdonRr3ccttVeizJfO-Ga52CS8g-xU/s320/books+in+the+home.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>Our patrons seek out Stuart at conventions and online. They buy books from him because his "eye" and expertise are a bonus they value. Part of the fun of Stuart Ng Books is how we get to facilitate connections and inspiration. We get to see the artistic process in action. We steward the passing of cherished books from the reference libraries of artists who are masters in their field into the hands and creative spirit of a next generation. I try to remind us of all this on the days when our "What is the Matrix" question haunts us: <i>Can a little book business survive in the internet age?</i> Stay tuned ....</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq3rHyFz3mW5M2OFVoNAbET5rYDKbxnS3lUabhqfNOmP6eklS3-yb2Usneyu7SbyPfjkDFyBdnvq5ncanbrbDBLqQ_3yFF6-mbqmIJWLmktyWGZYaE5yysgHddEkhWQQmzcSOT7yzN3Y/s1600/jon+stewart+book+tutorial.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq3rHyFz3mW5M2OFVoNAbET5rYDKbxnS3lUabhqfNOmP6eklS3-yb2Usneyu7SbyPfjkDFyBdnvq5ncanbrbDBLqQ_3yFF6-mbqmIJWLmktyWGZYaE5yysgHddEkhWQQmzcSOT7yzN3Y/s320/jon+stewart+book+tutorial.png" width="320" /></a></div>I started my blog in 2008 as a way to share topics I discussed with friends and patrons who visited us at conventions. I also use the blog to share trips to exhibits and shows we attend that artists might find inspiring.<br />See "FAQ," "Stewardship" and "Legacy Books" for posts about bringing YOU the benefits of a devoted rare bookseller in world where mom and pop bookstores are themselves becoming endangered!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>HELLO WORLD -- 120+ and counting</b></i></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">For a complete list of the <span style="color: blue;">122 countries</span> that have visited the blog, check out this Aug 11, 2011 post: "Hello World.." <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/08/hello-world-please-leave-comment.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/08/hello-world-please-leave-comment.html</a> And one final stat -- as of August 2023, the blog has tallied over 600,000 all-time page views.</div></div></div></div></div>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-43442609447048298432024-02-27T23:56:00.000-08:002024-03-04T13:22:03.321-08:00AI generates ire of families duped over Wonka themed event (updated 3.4.24)<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">AI
generated images were used to sell pricey tickets for a family-friendly "immersive Wonka experience” in Scotland. The
actual event was a sparsely decorated warehouse with “a ball pit and a single oompah loompah.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">According to news reports, parents were so incensed they called the police.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeADYt-75iD4X0JXXriN0BwRLQgWEl0xqqcytuOySsj6QSFb-qk2zD6LckJrItNacZTeBf9i5sbVxc3nP1XfP0WTu49MouZvvE3ZqL5xrVLRxQM9JFT6Xc7YMMtFYULG_QO-dQgBvQLDZJr_-6_lghDcM1Ouh56im9bgfFSX5mnTm1c7YH20v1K42cJlw/s590/wonka%20on%20X%202.24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="590" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeADYt-75iD4X0JXXriN0BwRLQgWEl0xqqcytuOySsj6QSFb-qk2zD6LckJrItNacZTeBf9i5sbVxc3nP1XfP0WTu49MouZvvE3ZqL5xrVLRxQM9JFT6Xc7YMMtFYULG_QO-dQgBvQLDZJr_-6_lghDcM1Ouh56im9bgfFSX5mnTm1c7YH20v1K42cJlw/s320/wonka%20on%20X%202.24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">update 2/29/24 -- This article covers some of the AI obfuscations. It includes interviews with some of the actors who describe "AI" written scripts.</span></b> <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/willy-wonka-inspired-chocolate-experience-outrage-rcna140726">https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/willy-wonka-inspired-chocolate-experience-outrage-rcna140726</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">One of the actors has become a meme sensation: <a href="https://hyperallergic.com/875144/wonkiest-memes-of-the-willy-chocolate-experience-fiasco/">https://hyperallergic.com/875144/wonkiest-memes-of-the-willy-chocolate-experience-fiasco/</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">The next 3 pics are screenshots from the website that sold the tickets...</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUQEihsnYK8nhoApprT9FmveLsRNAu1R53DC9BCXSKaT081-DptLTNGcy3pCYbAk3sXpHdQAO5rB0g4btrLVO8BmtsA9xb9fgRohOktrgQp3cEjfftjMh1bG5mQsaaP_Ck1JE5jdPFx06_KGpR08bKxVDAFJNFodnlmBwc0ml2p5_tkZfYIc6ka602Kw/s960/Wonka%20website%202.24%20a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="470" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUQEihsnYK8nhoApprT9FmveLsRNAu1R53DC9BCXSKaT081-DptLTNGcy3pCYbAk3sXpHdQAO5rB0g4btrLVO8BmtsA9xb9fgRohOktrgQp3cEjfftjMh1bG5mQsaaP_Ck1JE5jdPFx06_KGpR08bKxVDAFJNFodnlmBwc0ml2p5_tkZfYIc6ka602Kw/s320/Wonka%20website%202.24%20a.jpg" width="157" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1L14lpa8hCNQyIJA1hZf-nFTWKdflgOzvG0iHtJiK-xTFYvKSlrjHYT1YNxPdVL0tMd2qJlEIEGMgWXhnyXUk7h_ZWwc6eVKdTHyfawbDw6yv9d4IiguhJa_Pv7HQ1mKnC6UlAa4J4sm8yx2pZ4DgaTOAw5vt4wRavGEOeu7wGV_YqpFePcZHzcder2E/s960/Wonka%20website%202.24%20b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="636" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1L14lpa8hCNQyIJA1hZf-nFTWKdflgOzvG0iHtJiK-xTFYvKSlrjHYT1YNxPdVL0tMd2qJlEIEGMgWXhnyXUk7h_ZWwc6eVKdTHyfawbDw6yv9d4IiguhJa_Pv7HQ1mKnC6UlAa4J4sm8yx2pZ4DgaTOAw5vt4wRavGEOeu7wGV_YqpFePcZHzcder2E/s320/Wonka%20website%202.24%20b.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5NMMVT1zj37ZvUFVSv59clZOQbfwo2m38lHa25Z18bkyWdomsSF1SUodCDDKTg6jgTmObFghIuNAqLtjkEdZiVCL0Cj3uQoJa-suNOzwQvgDuIT-6oXV4l2nsKCZJ9Et3U2wKqxtC3HZFagsarCbfdGSLjoWhoItEQMOvpCQa0R_3gwXGoCg4Hyhc54/s960/Wonka%20website%202.24%20c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5NMMVT1zj37ZvUFVSv59clZOQbfwo2m38lHa25Z18bkyWdomsSF1SUodCDDKTg6jgTmObFghIuNAqLtjkEdZiVCL0Cj3uQoJa-suNOzwQvgDuIT-6oXV4l2nsKCZJ9Et3U2wKqxtC3HZFagsarCbfdGSLjoWhoItEQMOvpCQa0R_3gwXGoCg4Hyhc54/s320/Wonka%20website%202.24%20c.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Update 3.4.24 -- This You Tuber summaries the event and includes online clips from the performers as well as attendees giving more insights into the chaos.</span></b> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XPkrbFMIciU" width="320" youtube-src-id="XPkrbFMIciU"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">When
you see AI being used to sell products -- use your critical thinking skills before your credit card.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Beware of social media pages showcasing fantastical decor items. The furnishings advertised do not exist in
real life. But the comments threads for these posts confirm people do not realize
these are fakes. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51vYiPayhWzZvkn3VTf_j8fZzk8v2zFfln32Ftol737r__CCJm4k8Yxrdwc_mGjvtrGys0nhPYgvzc-SmUNpxULbk5TkUrZCfRNLqKk93DklbIxBAQc3ADLjTsge3e_CwfM5kuILB8s3rwcsVCaEVKoEGYgAdhrXaniZoDl9e7K1b96PumlSz9mC45gQ/s960/AI%20Home%20Decor%20ideas%202.24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51vYiPayhWzZvkn3VTf_j8fZzk8v2zFfln32Ftol737r__CCJm4k8Yxrdwc_mGjvtrGys0nhPYgvzc-SmUNpxULbk5TkUrZCfRNLqKk93DklbIxBAQc3ADLjTsge3e_CwfM5kuILB8s3rwcsVCaEVKoEGYgAdhrXaniZoDl9e7K1b96PumlSz9mC45gQ/s320/AI%20Home%20Decor%20ideas%202.24.jpg" width="171" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sites that post only AI deception generate tons of
“likes and shares." They also set up the public for scams like the Wonka experience.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Learn how to spot AI clues... tips in these links:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/deciphering-ai-images-clues-to-look-for.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/deciphering-ai-images-clues-to-look-for.html</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/beware-ai-image-generated-non.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/beware-ai-image-generated-non.html</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2024/02/normalizing-ai-generated-images-is.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2024/02/normalizing-ai-generated-images-is.html</a><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Facebook page "AI Spotting" posts informative tutorials.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFgtpjzisCPdWDQyDeLv4safrQm0ZJEm2qhC10iPg6ZL2tH8jcEo_slQ0MhZ0TIDIOVBp6n1XGLwS51q2x65Oru0s_qIYIUae3fCAMS3WurXkJKFuEdsU7VSshV1ss4CaLN9mbSjOQBVDP7FB7b4eae8f1MsZLvz4FRZYo1Fa3J7fVbHZIAraUqUNl5g/s1280/AI%20Spotting%20glass%202.24.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFgtpjzisCPdWDQyDeLv4safrQm0ZJEm2qhC10iPg6ZL2tH8jcEo_slQ0MhZ0TIDIOVBp6n1XGLwS51q2x65Oru0s_qIYIUae3fCAMS3WurXkJKFuEdsU7VSshV1ss4CaLN9mbSjOQBVDP7FB7b4eae8f1MsZLvz4FRZYo1Fa3J7fVbHZIAraUqUNl5g/s320/AI%20Spotting%20glass%202.24.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t
buy .. or “like and share”… what is being sold by AI generated images. They are fakery built on theft.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Here
are links for news reports about the Wonka experience:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13127687/immersive-willy-wonka-event-glasgow-police.html?fbclid=">https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13127687/immersive-willy-wonka-event-glasgow-police.html?fbclid=</a><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/willy-wonka-event-uk-chocolate-experience-meth-lab-1235837133/amp/?fbclid=">https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/willy-wonka-event-uk-chocolate-experience-meth-lab-1235837133/amp/?fbclid=</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">And
more images of the event.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCFZDi1jDl58Sbuf7G-igy6oZ5lDjSOBKt__dDlQCyF79RwgEwaJVmvD0HFSAdrLeropFoWjrBm5-FuPQ2JLxKAu_PwwzydAjc5E8qjzyLWhxP2Eihq8HXVxXw2WfuZt5y-Cm9P6Hj6WEpjRFpIqKEHXKOMIXAHnmBHqB22RNAfX66Ix_qyJ24KEExRE/s680/Wonka%20worker%202.24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCFZDi1jDl58Sbuf7G-igy6oZ5lDjSOBKt__dDlQCyF79RwgEwaJVmvD0HFSAdrLeropFoWjrBm5-FuPQ2JLxKAu_PwwzydAjc5E8qjzyLWhxP2Eihq8HXVxXw2WfuZt5y-Cm9P6Hj6WEpjRFpIqKEHXKOMIXAHnmBHqB22RNAfX66Ix_qyJ24KEExRE/s320/Wonka%20worker%202.24.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCsei8CtafDvvt9nQcPpq9-7MhdemBtQ4mU-v76CYWyxtGm0sF2ZMlq9TMaNg0oC0oauMGFfIdqntwcZdjKm9JzwWWQPZM62z8m3TM-4EqZgh_B6pifL4U4YYuS07AM4I-FE-WWtDHnXC-5-KgKoAyoJzY85zfcFZqp5AlSDPCQHxshD83xoaaOpjuDc/s976/Wonka%20images%202.24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCsei8CtafDvvt9nQcPpq9-7MhdemBtQ4mU-v76CYWyxtGm0sF2ZMlq9TMaNg0oC0oauMGFfIdqntwcZdjKm9JzwWWQPZM62z8m3TM-4EqZgh_B6pifL4U4YYuS07AM4I-FE-WWtDHnXC-5-KgKoAyoJzY85zfcFZqp5AlSDPCQHxshD83xoaaOpjuDc/s320/Wonka%20images%202.24.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PJO7EJGtPBU" width="320" youtube-src-id="PJO7EJGtPBU"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-76525374641264066012024-02-23T19:55:00.000-08:002024-02-24T09:40:01.698-08:00Protecting Artists from AI Technologies -- Year 2 -- Concept Art Association<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Concept Art Association (CAA) <a href="https://www.conceptartassociation.com/about">https://www.conceptartassociation.com/about</a> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">continues to be on the front lines of this vital fight. Raising awareness. Pushing for accountability. Protecting creative rights for all of us. The artists are the canaries in the coal mine. We need to heed the warnings. Last year, this fundraising effort helped get artists to the US Senate to testify. Raising awareness at national and local levels is vital... and expensive.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3t04ZiYP2ZNbSxZBHt8raZorDmyZS2M0bCxMJQAKrC5JofLztIBu4ihM-DpRQdOl2n4GrBowOQFmomsaSu_fCQzxkdbYSfEo6-0Q75rHcqZEqJcdwBM092c76zWTsJ2LStRHxZ64RO2vEZ597-eXqQJ2FQyJpIGvxGEIMk8W1kzSlAThG1SU6PkvSKNs/s1157/CAA%20go%20fund%20me%20year%202%202.24.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="746" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3t04ZiYP2ZNbSxZBHt8raZorDmyZS2M0bCxMJQAKrC5JofLztIBu4ihM-DpRQdOl2n4GrBowOQFmomsaSu_fCQzxkdbYSfEo6-0Q75rHcqZEqJcdwBM092c76zWTsJ2LStRHxZ64RO2vEZ597-eXqQJ2FQyJpIGvxGEIMk8W1kzSlAThG1SU6PkvSKNs/s320/CAA%20go%20fund%20me%20year%202%202.24.jpg" width="206" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are some excerpts from the CAA year 2 Go Fund Me campaign.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">We
cannot believe how quickly this year has gone and we are getting close to our
one-year anniversary of launching this GoFundMe. The support you have all shown
to get us here and have continued to show us is incredible. With that said
let's get going on year two!</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">We
have learned a lot in the last 9 months and have a good idea of where your
money is best spent, and where we perhaps need a little more or a little less.
When we did our budget for year one we wanted to be very transparent and very
thoughtful with our spending and we intend to continue this transparency and
thoughtfulness for year two. But before we share with you our year two budget
we thought this would be a good opportunity to share with you the highlights of
what we have been able to achieve together as a result of this gofundme
campaign:</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">1.
In March we hosted a one-day virtual event bringing together creators of all
types from around the world to discuss generative AI and what it means for
their industries and how we could find ways of uniting and working together.</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">2.
Concept Art Association (CAA) jumped into the Washington, DC landscape
immediately by joining forces with fellow intellectual property organizations.
CAA became a member of the Copyright Alliance (<a href="https://copyrightalliance.org/">https://copyrightalliance.org/</a>)
as well as the Digital Creators Coalition
(<a href="https://www.digitalcreatorscoalition.org/">https://www.digitalcreatorscoalition.org/</a>). In addition, due to relationships,
CAA was included early in the formation of the Human Artistry Campaign
(<a href="https://www.humanartistrycampaign.com/">https://www.humanartistrycampaign.com/</a>). As such, CAA’s lobbyist was able to
suggest the inclusion of “creators” into the seven principles of the Human
Artistry Campaign and thus, then become an early member. CAA is now the first
organization to be co-hosting an event with HAC of their 140-plus members on
the Hill next month.</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">3.
CAA’s lobbyist was asked to join other creator groups such as the Authors
Guild, the</span></i></span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Songwriters
Guild, Graphic Artist Guild, Society of Composers and Lyricists, and ASCRL to
participate on behalf of Concept Art Association in AI meetings with the
following Congressional Offices: Ted Lieu, Judy Chu, Jim Jordan, Darrell Issa,
Michael McCaul, Tony Cardenas and Senators Joni Ernst, Thom Tillis, Chris
Coons, Lindsey Graham, Dick Durbin and Martin Heinrich.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">4.
As part of its AI initiative, the United States Copyright Office hosted a
series of four AI </span></i></span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Listening
Sessions on artificial intelligence. Due to introduction and outreach on behalf </span></i><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of
CAA, CAA Board Member, Karla Ortiz as well as CAA member, Matthew Cunningham
were invited to participate in the session and made excellent and persuasive
presentations.
(<a href="https://www.copyright.gov/ai/agenda/2023-Visual-Arts-Agenda.pdf">https://www.copyright.gov/ai/agenda/2023-Visual-Arts-Agenda.pdf</a>).</span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">5.
Prior to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s release of the SAFE Innovation </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Initiative
Framework on Artificial Intelligence, CAA’s lobbyist was invited to join a
small </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">subset
of IP industry advocates in DC to speak with Senator Schumers’s key senior
staff leading the initiative. As a result of that meeting, CAA’s lobbyist was
able to set up a private call for CAA’s team to meet virtually with Senator
Schumer’s team to discuss the specific impact of generative AI on concept
artists. At those meetings, creators urged the Majority Leader to protect
creators as he and his colleagues look at all the vast aspects and impacts of
AI on this country. Majority Leader Schumer and his co-chairman Senator Mike
Rounds listened to our and other creators’ pleas and included specific
protection for creators in the “Accountability” section of his five central
policy objectives. It reads, “support our creators by addressing copyright
concerns, protect intellectual property, and address liability.” This was a
huge success for creators. We have stayed in close touch with the Schumer team
and hope to be included in one of their future meetings. For more on this
initiative: https://www.democrats.senate.gov/news/press-releases/majority-leader-schumer-delivers-remarks-to-launch-safe-innovation-framework-for-artificial-intelligence-at-csis</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">6.
As part of CAA’s first Washington, DC “Fly-In”, the Concept Art Association
team, led by lobbyist Cindi Merifield, met with the following Congressional
offices: Rep. Michael McCaul, House AI Caucus Co-Chairman; Rep. Don Beyer,
leading AI expert; Rep. Ted Lieu, House Judiciary Member/House Science
Committee Member; Chief IP Counsel, House Judiciary Committee; Rep. Darrell
Issa; Senator Martin Heinrich, Senate AI Caucus Co-Chairman; Senate Judiciary
Committee Chairman Dick Durbin and IP Subcommittee Chairman Chris Coons
(rescheduled for virtual meeting the following week.)</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">7.
CAA’s lobbyist also set up a meeting for the CAA team with Shira Perlmutter,
Register, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">US
Copyright Office (USCO) and her senior staff (including General Counsel, Chief
of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Staff,
Public Liaison and other key senior executives) to make a presentation on the </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">impact
of generative AI on concept artists and to discuss potential remedies and ways </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">that
the Copyright Office can protect creators.</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">8.
The CAA Washington DC team attended (in person) the first House Judiciary
Committee AI hearing entitled: Part I-Interoperability of AI and Copyright Law,
and were able to meet and speak with Members of Congress, staff, witnesses, and
other copyright industry stakeholders.</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">9.
CAA’s DC Lobbyist hosted an IP Stakeholders meeting at a local restaurant on
Capitol Hill for the CAA team to meet and form relationships with other creator
and IP groups working toward Congressional action Generative AI on the creative
community.</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">10.
On the last evening of the “Fly-In”, CAA hosted an event, “Artists in Action,”
in one of the House Congressional office buildings on Capitol Hill.
Approximately 80 Members of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Congress,
Congressional staff, and other Washington IP stakeholders observed artists </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Karla
Ortiz, Matthew Cunningham, and Steven Zapata showcase their work while </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">educating
the Members and staff about the challenges concept artists face in the world </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">of
generative AI. Rachel, Nicole, and CAA’s Lobbyist were able to speak to
numerous </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Members
and staff and followed up after the event to answer questions and to grow the
relationships.</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">11.
Politico, the leading newspaper on Capitol Hill and throughout DC, covered
CAA’s fly-in with this blurb: — The Concept Art Association, which represents
artists working in entertainment, will wrap up a two-day fly-in with a
demonstration from artists from the Avengers and Star Trek franchises. The
fly-in, which coincides with a House hearing today on AI and copyright law,
focused on discussions about preserving artists’ intellectual property online.
IP lobbyist Cindi Merifield of R2P Strategies is coordinating the push.</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">12.
CAA’s lobbyist set up an additional meeting with Rep. Ted Lieu’s office in
advance of his introduction of legislation establishing an AI Commission.
During that call and in follow-up, the CAA team gave the following suggestions
to the Lieu office: 1) that AI companies not dominate the Commission in terms
of seats; 2) that creators get a seat at the table, and 3) that IP rights must
be respected. Rep. Lieu’s office listened to our suggestions and included
language that limited the amount of seats of any industry could have on the
Commission and required that the creative community be represented on the
Commission.</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">13.
As a result of meetings and conversations with IP Subcommittee Chairman Chris
Coons, CAA Board Member, Karla Ortiz, was invited to be one of five panelists
to testify before the Senate Intellectual Property Subcommittee at a hearing
entitled, “Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property-Part II:
Copyright.” Karla’s testimony and participation on the panel well-received by
Members and staff and others in the intellectual property community.
https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/artificial-intelligence-and-intellectual-property_part-ii-copyright</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">14.
At the request of CAA Board Member, Karla Ortiz, CAA’s lobbyist set up a
virtual meeting with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) which has jurisdiction
over unfair and deceptive trade practices and other competition and fairness
issues in the marketplace, to discuss the dangers that generative AI poses to
the creative community. CAA met with the Acting Director of Privacy and ID
Protections and his team and had a robust and productive conversation.</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">15.
The FTC later hosted a Roundtable including the three sitting FTC
Commissioners, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">entitled
the “Creative Economy and Generative AI.” The FTC invited Karla Ortiz, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">representing
herself as a concept artist as well as Steven Zappatta, representing CAA, to
participate on a panel with other outstanding creator groups and unions to
discuss generative AI. Both Steven and Karla were extremely well-received and
the event was deemed by many in Washington as one of the most productive AI
discussions to date. More on the event: <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/events/2023/10/creative-economy-generative-ai">https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/events/2023/10/creative-economy-generative-ai</a></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">16.
We are working with CVL Economics to put together a report on the Early Impacts
of Artificial Intelligence on the Creative Industries. The Animation Guild,
National Cartoonist Foundation, and Human Artistry Campaign are all working
with CAA to commission this research report for policymakers.</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">17.
We hosted several virtual educational sessions for the community, including how
to register your copyright, what is in your work-for-hire contract, negotiating
your work-for-hire contract and a town hall with professional artists on how to
mitigate anxiety as you embark upon your art career in these uncertain times.</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">18.
We launched an Instagram account to provide more information and resources to
the community, @aimlmediaadvocacy</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">And
these are just the highlights! We should all be so proud of what we have been
able to accomplish in D.C. This brings us right up to date with news on our
second fly-in to D.C. in November. We are excited to build on all the
relationships for our first visit in May as well as virtual meetings we have
had since. We will be meeting with more Members of Congress and their staff,
the US Copyright Office, the USPTO, the FTC, and others while in Washington.</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">We
are very excited to share that CAA will be co-hosting an event with the Human
Artistry Campaign during our visit to Washington D.C. and will showcase musical
artists, concept artists, and visual development artists. The reception will
draw hundreds of Members of Congress, Congressional staff, Administration
officials, The US Copyright Office, The Patent Trademark Office, and the IP
Community in DC. This will be a huge opportunity for CAA to reach another level
of influence in Washington, one that usually takes many years, even decades to
accomplish, if groups ever do reach the level.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">And
with that being said we really hope to continue this journey into 2024 and hope
we have your support for year two...."</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: medium;"><i>"January
31st, 2024<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: medium;"><i>by
Concept Art Association, Organizer<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: medium;"><i>It’s
been a few months since we last updated you all. We know a lot of you are
struggling right now financially and mentally and you might be feeling a little
fed up but we really appreciate you continuing to support our efforts, either
through additional donations or by sharing the campaign with the community. We
love you all.</i></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Unfortunately,
we have some bad news. As of tomorrow, February 1st we will no longer have our
D.C. lobbyist as we have been unable to continue to fundraise at the level that
we did last year. However, we have learned a lot over the past 18 months and
feel confident with that while we might not be able to return to D.C. anytime
soon, we have also decided to use what funds we have to send a small group to
Sacramento, California to speak to legislators up there and see what we can
achieve at the state level. There is some movement federally centering around
transparency, likeness and voice protections and FTC inquiries, but we’re
confident that the state level has the potential to move much faster."</span></i></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Learn more about the Year 2 campaign here <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/37grdj9ofc?utm_campaign=p_lico%20share-sheet&utm_medium=">https://www.gofundme.com/f/37grdj9ofc?utm_campaign=p_lico%20share-sheet&utm_medium=</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">More on Year 1 here and the artists at the Senate (July 2023) here:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGOQJA_ODcWpaQ2ZxAwly6mv9TkyhYsHqLn-sma71DSE1a_slyQCy0oNLGe__poBXBDSDEgk9UV_jsOndZ2rEHdF69VwbyDiZUseHeWhnbCUECr3ZtW0lJMHVhU52oy644wNA2U_njp1mMKKC8DEBCSmDlbVDKm7eo_E8r9jaXlbZJ3opUpyKMmtMHow/s1328/Karla%20at%20congress%207.12.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1328" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGOQJA_ODcWpaQ2ZxAwly6mv9TkyhYsHqLn-sma71DSE1a_slyQCy0oNLGe__poBXBDSDEgk9UV_jsOndZ2rEHdF69VwbyDiZUseHeWhnbCUECr3ZtW0lJMHVhU52oy644wNA2U_njp1mMKKC8DEBCSmDlbVDKm7eo_E8r9jaXlbZJ3opUpyKMmtMHow/s320/Karla%20at%20congress%207.12.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/07/testimony-of-karla-ortiz-and-others-at.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/07/testimony-of-karla-ortiz-and-others-at.html</a><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://www.conceptartassociation.com/advocacy">https://www.conceptartassociation.com/advocacy</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpth0eUJTO-RqqsGwAyq77JiSVI-OXdfGIcQoYHV4HD9vigutewuhQfzCL3PQEUvXv5zhSGhP-7hJKB3xJLqlzO4jAST9ehUfC-jUKElCFFvxZEOqPAi8mzqmUV9fa0XgY5Gjrp-Mlz3ixcDMM2oopSJ4sp8l6ochovyjsuSVVa91hNddT7Zzr5w8Q44/s2001/Karla%20at%20Senate%20notice%207.12.23%20a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpth0eUJTO-RqqsGwAyq77JiSVI-OXdfGIcQoYHV4HD9vigutewuhQfzCL3PQEUvXv5zhSGhP-7hJKB3xJLqlzO4jAST9ehUfC-jUKElCFFvxZEOqPAi8mzqmUV9fa0XgY5Gjrp-Mlz3ixcDMM2oopSJ4sp8l6ochovyjsuSVVa91hNddT7Zzr5w8Q44/s320/Karla%20at%20Senate%20notice%207.12.23%20a.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1xGTkzjXHMzlYOSuY5GS-ivz6dq7CdehSx_DCTROfQI7AwPcAf5i7Kyb5AcPkV5hnN92gp4NapcTa8mlgpoBSSULa3DOB6FdD0hHwIaTQXBJJyG9OiP0wV0NzIjdulCLxgrQXTOrB0cN9zvE2hvdwI_RTt3m35kHVk6-_NaOWPHr0qoJ6SA39iTpM-w/s2048/Karla%20at%20Senate%20speaker%207.12.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1022" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1xGTkzjXHMzlYOSuY5GS-ivz6dq7CdehSx_DCTROfQI7AwPcAf5i7Kyb5AcPkV5hnN92gp4NapcTa8mlgpoBSSULa3DOB6FdD0hHwIaTQXBJJyG9OiP0wV0NzIjdulCLxgrQXTOrB0cN9zvE2hvdwI_RTt3m35kHVk6-_NaOWPHr0qoJ6SA39iTpM-w/s320/Karla%20at%20Senate%20speaker%207.12.23.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><p><br /></p>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-16606713011124457872024-02-19T12:14:00.000-08:002024-03-01T14:57:53.881-08:00Normalizing AI generated images/video is dangerous for all of us (updated 3.1.24)<p> <span style="font-size: medium;">Can you spot the clues?? What do you really see here? </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrs4lJ42GlcmTg4j__vy_42crYd8T3oCQe1iqGxz4482QwXdNHLNGIIn1uXJYsqLnrIo-YJ4udCiXzU9H2RVJrrXyOsqoQrW89pSmJ1xfE1te69A96AJnYcFiJ09GgpMrX3cUtO_OPjLkO_T0jKs5gSv_WAdeWWfmGAxuYk092Nw4Pm_4Sp3fkts4D-FI/s982/AI%20horses%202.24.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrs4lJ42GlcmTg4j__vy_42crYd8T3oCQe1iqGxz4482QwXdNHLNGIIn1uXJYsqLnrIo-YJ4udCiXzU9H2RVJrrXyOsqoQrW89pSmJ1xfE1te69A96AJnYcFiJ09GgpMrX3cUtO_OPjLkO_T0jKs5gSv_WAdeWWfmGAxuYk092Nw4Pm_4Sp3fkts4D-FI/s320/AI%20horses%202.24.JPG" width="244" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Art is a learning process. Learning to draw means really looking at what you are seeing. Finding the visual signals that will translate and make the picture seem like a "real" tree, horse, car etc. Being able to draw well is about seeing as much as drafting skills. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This image is just one example of a recent trend. Facebook has many pages with generic names that cater to shared interests. They easily attract a following. Their posts used to be a re-shares of photos and news stories. Now, these pages are producing AI generated images that proliferate via their followers feeds. Sometimes these AI generated images are photo montages that have the tag line "perfect shot" or something similar. There is never a photographer credit or source listed. Sometimes these AI generated images carry a "credit" that is the name/logo of the Facebook page. (see lower left in detail below)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrAjg0M0CCMH9OH-3sg9bS2n4g-yD8eXYGqWWEbD2PSoJm0JFcqsOq9poH1NO7Y6wZuVxnFCcJRuvM0cdO35t0jGHT6wSn5b3aAupLbz4o4fFrbBv7qUTT88DKVyOLFbFHXJW1itpPzOPxszDEbw8WutD3UxUIeufqk06Sjbld900yKp6MQhSDX9ynmg/s504/AI%20horses%202.24%20credit.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="504" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrAjg0M0CCMH9OH-3sg9bS2n4g-yD8eXYGqWWEbD2PSoJm0JFcqsOq9poH1NO7Y6wZuVxnFCcJRuvM0cdO35t0jGHT6wSn5b3aAupLbz4o4fFrbBv7qUTT88DKVyOLFbFHXJW1itpPzOPxszDEbw8WutD3UxUIeufqk06Sjbld900yKp6MQhSDX9ynmg/s320/AI%20horses%202.24%20credit.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Why are credits important? Credits help fans trace images back to the source. Credits help artists expand their fan base. Artists post their art to expand their audience. Too often, their images get shared with the credits lopped off. Even watermarks get diluted. Always look for credits. Use them to search online to verify the source. Credits can help establish that artWORK is genuine. Here's an image that was posted on a shared interests Facebook page:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSkbUNbHaQd3XJSYA2tW_IDYGtp5macCO0iWQWdM_1TRNOU0OtFgTfzLPSitWkKQg9mIP4wktJiRTgelK-7TLaLMW00MQfqk3SVcAv9P1qfPzAXpf87pTfpemv30ZQWj42s5HrvfEHcaPcB2G1X6bRGreGNQwZpzbgbOyzWVIw1lcdVQfUFgzErzNs4g/s1202/Omar%20Rayyan%20Yorkie%20Horde%202.24.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSkbUNbHaQd3XJSYA2tW_IDYGtp5macCO0iWQWdM_1TRNOU0OtFgTfzLPSitWkKQg9mIP4wktJiRTgelK-7TLaLMW00MQfqk3SVcAv9P1qfPzAXpf87pTfpemv30ZQWj42s5HrvfEHcaPcB2G1X6bRGreGNQwZpzbgbOyzWVIw1lcdVQfUFgzErzNs4g/s320/Omar%20Rayyan%20Yorkie%20Horde%202.24.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The image had the artist, title, and medium. There is the artist's credit on the lower right, as well as a website address. The comments thread for this post had some concerns that this might be an AI generated image. This was likely due to the extreme anatomy of the dogs and the pseudo-historical portrait vibe of the work. However, an online search quickly verified the work. And the artist himself even chimed in to authenticate his art. You can find this painting on this gallery website. <a href="https://havengallery.com/portfolio/omar-rayyan-various-and-sundry/">https://havengallery.com/portfolio/omar-rayyan-various-and-sundry/</a> And see more of Rayyan's work here <a href="https://www.studiorayyan.com/">https://www.studiorayyan.com/</a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Credits matter. Look for them. Really look at what you see online.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When it comes to AI generated images -- where is the transparency? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">AI generated images are NOT art. They are not created by artists. They are only possible due to datasets built on stolen images, taken without consent, credit or compensation. When fans share these AI generated images... because it is a "fun" picture of animals or whatever the common interest its... they actually amplify the harm done to artists. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We are all at risk when plagiarism like this is normalized. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Some clues that confirm AI generated images -- lack of anatomical proportion within the figure.. or between figures.. or between the subject and the landscape. Missing anatomy (sometimes limbs vanish into the background or the costume/furnishings). A generic, doll-like quality to faces. Or "cherub" looking infants/children. An overall soft-focus look to the image that blurs details (often covering areas that the algorithm can't quite reconcile). </span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><b>Update 2.25.24 -- The Facebook page "AI Spotting" shares excellent tutorials on deciphering AI Images. Here are a few samples from that page.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8Z3e6NBW0dhRTyECS00nWrN7hELPva-PuNsa4-vozTKik-r7VCwUUws30Nm2ABp5L01nVtR3OyoUO2C0dvZhtSFYieTLtJ10wBDKsAY-v7Vgu0rF0D0HIcHPkD05pa22IJCLCGHwZ5ovtx95Ul9eUPNgFmltJgqq-NN0t2cJbLP2kV8UvVpCKZZqNQ4/s1280/AI%20Spotting%20why%20important%202.24.JPG" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8Z3e6NBW0dhRTyECS00nWrN7hELPva-PuNsa4-vozTKik-r7VCwUUws30Nm2ABp5L01nVtR3OyoUO2C0dvZhtSFYieTLtJ10wBDKsAY-v7Vgu0rF0D0HIcHPkD05pa22IJCLCGHwZ5ovtx95Ul9eUPNgFmltJgqq-NN0t2cJbLP2kV8UvVpCKZZqNQ4/s320/AI%20Spotting%20why%20important%202.24.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0PDNAhKSjg2IgGICpyRP2wwyF5gLlVJpc6NXICx-zgDnQm4UPJkI4PFsEZgKDG4Ou-PtIW0i5uzk8zASaeG1rZ5GD_eADlQHBZXFBJ4tvnN2PpnHmJApMQwW-Px2ACeJP0ZC2D6_RCcdS8Md8USYRDjcr0o6_YIuuCaKMpI4NCydTLX_lxNMfTpcsSA/s1280/AI%20Spotting%20glass%202.24.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0PDNAhKSjg2IgGICpyRP2wwyF5gLlVJpc6NXICx-zgDnQm4UPJkI4PFsEZgKDG4Ou-PtIW0i5uzk8zASaeG1rZ5GD_eADlQHBZXFBJ4tvnN2PpnHmJApMQwW-Px2ACeJP0ZC2D6_RCcdS8Md8USYRDjcr0o6_YIuuCaKMpI4NCydTLX_lxNMfTpcsSA/s320/AI%20Spotting%20glass%202.24.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BxNzHrLlwdREkhpmR1688WhYgsRxTF5zBjyDH8PSRgxdoSNTcTgL98z_sbgh_idNGGldjz84u8OBcg4A5YukL9rP9qmIcVL1u87v5FkGUSeGq1kZkJme8OdaVzCqJfFfiLeTDxofW8pV1PwfsIJJI5XRJ8AEiWicxrPvNjqyZl5iGATV_eKdqpioU78/s1280/AI%20Spotting%20Persp%202.24%20a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1280" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BxNzHrLlwdREkhpmR1688WhYgsRxTF5zBjyDH8PSRgxdoSNTcTgL98z_sbgh_idNGGldjz84u8OBcg4A5YukL9rP9qmIcVL1u87v5FkGUSeGq1kZkJme8OdaVzCqJfFfiLeTDxofW8pV1PwfsIJJI5XRJ8AEiWicxrPvNjqyZl5iGATV_eKdqpioU78/s320/AI%20Spotting%20Persp%202.24%20a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMkDNK6jPX5YPI_C4oiMf9ZtySYL19C3jzvUo4UbLpDex6WCuqdp3ttZHVlA5YWnbTfNuDEslQdyLr5Fhi81foN4nzkISv9JgZkpOZv2n5bkrDG5owJaGAqfRcpOvQp4t1epZxilxD5PyeT2QDu3ipjSSJ15LXdMQkDaOEENCq6PhsdaCZ2Cp4fIRBoo/s1047/AI%20Spotting%20Persp%202.24%20b.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMkDNK6jPX5YPI_C4oiMf9ZtySYL19C3jzvUo4UbLpDex6WCuqdp3ttZHVlA5YWnbTfNuDEslQdyLr5Fhi81foN4nzkISv9JgZkpOZv2n5bkrDG5owJaGAqfRcpOvQp4t1epZxilxD5PyeT2QDu3ipjSSJ15LXdMQkDaOEENCq6PhsdaCZ2Cp4fIRBoo/s320/AI%20Spotting%20Persp%202.24%20b.JPG" width="306" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><b>Update 3.1.24 </b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">This
is 40 minute video "AI vs Artists" is from the You Tube channel "Yes, I am a Designer." It's an outstanding tutorial on the mechanics and ethics of AI
images. It’s not just the artists who are at risk from the normalization and
proliferation of generated images. These only exist due to artWORK taken
without consent, credit or compensation. Here are some of the artists and
colleagues interviewed in this video --</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ben
Y Zhao - Jon Lam - Patrick Brown -Steven Zapata - Samdoesarts - Bobby Chiu -
Grzegorz Domaradzki - Levente Szabo - Scott Eaton - JazzaDraws - Kirsten
Zirngibl</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZJ59g4PV1AE" width="320" youtube-src-id="ZJ59g4PV1AE"></iframe></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This 8.23.23 Facebook post by Pennsylvania based artist </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Andy Gertler (Owner at All Natural Arts </span><a href="https://allnaturalarts.com/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://allnaturalarts.com/</a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> and Pumpkin SculptUSA. Sculptor at Sand Sculpt USA) gives insights we all need to heed, along with this photo case study:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>"So, there's an issue unfolding in the world that many
people don't quite grasp and that's the impact of Ai.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMnSYHaVbccoY7TaWM491LOZAA4C3BTgS6Gpkdla02zSz7xXONYxnp-WAuWPMZQZQxv4GsACx5Hb0K2dsIrX1n9BURUK48YNMmcOGYZ126pyvRM5K7zn7tRncAgklNWp7a6YbqgpY8vYut-psQxVZJubUb49Fi64PuktH2be_0Ie_DdvDz907qukfy6M/s526/watermelon%20from%20Andy%20Gertler%20post%208.23%202.24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMnSYHaVbccoY7TaWM491LOZAA4C3BTgS6Gpkdla02zSz7xXONYxnp-WAuWPMZQZQxv4GsACx5Hb0K2dsIrX1n9BURUK48YNMmcOGYZ126pyvRM5K7zn7tRncAgklNWp7a6YbqgpY8vYut-psQxVZJubUb49Fi64PuktH2be_0Ie_DdvDz907qukfy6M/s320/watermelon%20from%20Andy%20Gertler%20post%208.23%202.24.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>A friend innocently sent me the photo above, which I
could immediately tell was generated by Ai. However, not everyone can
distinguish this, and therein lies the danger. (For clarity, I've marked
"AI" on the photo.)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>People are seeing these miraculous sculptures or
drawings and not give it a second thought as to if it's real or not. What's
going to happen is everyone will be conditioned by seeing unrealistic work
(because you can't carve a watermelon to look like that, it's just not
possible) and when someone actually sees one of the best watermelon carvings by
the best human watermelon carver on the planet, they won't be impressed because
they've been fooled and conditioned by Ai. This diminishes real (flesh and blood)
artists.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>I urge you all to be more critical when observing art.
Many artists can quickly determine whether a piece is Ai-generated or created
by a human. Currently, there's a specific look to these drawings, paintings,
sculptures and they almost have an uncanny valley effect. As AI technology advances, it's likely to
become even more deceptive.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">So, please, for the sake of human artists, look with a discerning eye and don't share Ai."</span></i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here is a link to a Feb 5, 2024 essay by David Farrier on the dangers of accepting so much artificiality as reality. <a href="https://www.webworm.co/p/losingreality">https://www.webworm.co/p/losingreality</a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVqcqjztyVYtQ8VdY9ze48RV8qH1wAQbxstBKZyb7cUurWkBatw-622x_BhYr8NbF6HrtX1UmAthBVWAC9h9iYuzGcpQxI4KCPe8gnyzOoGN8khefhVniY5NrT2zHUG1h7nUEEPjM8h_ffaVXn57Ivr8Yx7e05T46oqUQCH352WVAL-415guZVTu-TOw/s748/AI%20Lost%20Ability%20pic%202.24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="748" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVqcqjztyVYtQ8VdY9ze48RV8qH1wAQbxstBKZyb7cUurWkBatw-622x_BhYr8NbF6HrtX1UmAthBVWAC9h9iYuzGcpQxI4KCPe8gnyzOoGN8khefhVniY5NrT2zHUG1h7nUEEPjM8h_ffaVXn57Ivr8Yx7e05T46oqUQCH352WVAL-415guZVTu-TOw/s320/AI%20Lost%20Ability%20pic%202.24.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Do we really want to risk just accepting what we see. Examples like this next one may seem funny now.... but can be a cautionary tale for where normalizing what the AI suggests can take us...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3G498lR_xhEv_oAmUDx_n6mLbJ_lHtXdLuxdMrR4ZrCzQxtGtA2a2y3ujYUR8Px9-O0zYv4Gqo8ZIn5VIZ9uFrC2EOYlkjbMOC24FLK09qLdYXHa2Tlv1-cAxH_mKiOj_2PF-KSwgmGQwyCfkw2AdIyGHa0vV_gimjvHjh1oblpFqj8zlEK24_OEgjY/s876/AI%20via%20Drusilla%202.24%20a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3G498lR_xhEv_oAmUDx_n6mLbJ_lHtXdLuxdMrR4ZrCzQxtGtA2a2y3ujYUR8Px9-O0zYv4Gqo8ZIn5VIZ9uFrC2EOYlkjbMOC24FLK09qLdYXHa2Tlv1-cAxH_mKiOj_2PF-KSwgmGQwyCfkw2AdIyGHa0vV_gimjvHjh1oblpFqj8zlEK24_OEgjY/s320/AI%20via%20Drusilla%202.24%20a.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinp7LgrRumRX7B270GM_PlA052T7x7FY_g7Erj6cTnLs3oBOZhwrAJlLP5qNUn90oW5E7_ZI8i73zJoHyU48_WiUoh6aoZQe4zZw32YqDYPvlRO-Ajzykr0cWFl4rnir65fnzbVnbpPyS_7vYrgRQ6-lZJrVGGd0qOTQ3o5O7xtUDHhfek3bV1VLVgVF0/s834/AI%20via%20Drusilla%202.24%20b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinp7LgrRumRX7B270GM_PlA052T7x7FY_g7Erj6cTnLs3oBOZhwrAJlLP5qNUn90oW5E7_ZI8i73zJoHyU48_WiUoh6aoZQe4zZw32YqDYPvlRO-Ajzykr0cWFl4rnir65fnzbVnbpPyS_7vYrgRQ6-lZJrVGGd0qOTQ3o5O7xtUDHhfek3bV1VLVgVF0/s320/AI%20via%20Drusilla%202.24%20b.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Another warning is in this excerpt from a March 2023 NY Times Op-Ed <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/08/opinion/noam-chomsky-chatgpt-ai.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/08/opinion/noam-chomsky-chatgpt-ai.html</a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73urULGwYTA3Eeiht3vaMkQHuO2yLSLQxfb7lKgkHAStrrfVbveaht_NHg1jNgGeHzPd4ehw2uaYVfVztByGeVqHv5QZnUTWZ7-7hkgKCrYYSqP2a7OGVV5NZU9u8WxQt-vzxbjtlnh7-xlULAVbIFiChaOKaEVDbxK-aUGNpIWE6rOTfEgzNXApJpAg/s1000/AI%20Chomsky%20quote%20NY%20Times%203.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73urULGwYTA3Eeiht3vaMkQHuO2yLSLQxfb7lKgkHAStrrfVbveaht_NHg1jNgGeHzPd4ehw2uaYVfVztByGeVqHv5QZnUTWZ7-7hkgKCrYYSqP2a7OGVV5NZU9u8WxQt-vzxbjtlnh7-xlULAVbIFiChaOKaEVDbxK-aUGNpIWE6rOTfEgzNXApJpAg/s320/AI%20Chomsky%20quote%20NY%20Times%203.23.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Look at these next two images ... what do you see? Which one is real? How could you verify?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgER5peplpkWi_LF531RnesJHLL5fCxSBP4lkhPEdbzqDu9CjYiOXy_gFCKEj1Z2jqeuAhpMsqZSq2h09H8e90x9cENpTEwSP-weDGah09DLgKX19SOBlALNMak6ZbaDqyki8EUF94ZGp1GYHMndAi91j1t84hiTlDWb3xh0O87SRYMozOY4OWCCq6mvWo/s960/AI%20fake%20v%20real%202.24a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="516" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgER5peplpkWi_LF531RnesJHLL5fCxSBP4lkhPEdbzqDu9CjYiOXy_gFCKEj1Z2jqeuAhpMsqZSq2h09H8e90x9cENpTEwSP-weDGah09DLgKX19SOBlALNMak6ZbaDqyki8EUF94ZGp1GYHMndAi91j1t84hiTlDWb3xh0O87SRYMozOY4OWCCq6mvWo/s320/AI%20fake%20v%20real%202.24a.jpg" width="172" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYb9m9_pADmezf2F8OWimmJnwayaFGD-ggIi4FpZ97wpPiHTz0FhHe-Mts7uwDIbr0gfj06uLuWf8pbi26Pd1K0ALqUFuQrg_8lHoSGmUIiR4bOgyCR4j_W_V16ySnltnkxddKP-7p4u085aTMCCdS6VlmU4YSLJb9zu_lpKnofoSFs-uJ0DpFnM9ruo/s1200/AI%20fake%20v%20real%202.24b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="624" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYb9m9_pADmezf2F8OWimmJnwayaFGD-ggIi4FpZ97wpPiHTz0FhHe-Mts7uwDIbr0gfj06uLuWf8pbi26Pd1K0ALqUFuQrg_8lHoSGmUIiR4bOgyCR4j_W_V16ySnltnkxddKP-7p4u085aTMCCdS6VlmU4YSLJb9zu_lpKnofoSFs-uJ0DpFnM9ruo/s320/AI%20fake%20v%20real%202.24b.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">(update 2.23.24) AI generated video images are even more dangerous.. This 2.21.24 PBS Newshour segment explains why:</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hhQZ3vn1MsY" width="320" youtube-src-id="hhQZ3vn1MsY"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><b>(update 2.25.24) Wall Street Journal clip on how to spot AI-generated videos</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XllmgXBQUwA" width="320" youtube-src-id="XllmgXBQUwA"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: left;">More on deciphering AI in these posts on the blog:</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/deciphering-ai-images-clues-to-look-for.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/deciphering-ai-images-clues-to-look-for.html</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/beware-ai-image-generated-non.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/beware-ai-image-generated-non.html</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2024/02/basics-on-copyright-trademark-ai.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2024/02/basics-on-copyright-trademark-ai.html</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjTXa25RN94ffnFjydcEwkeyo27tSZLjZJqjMdfGrZ6sUxbHySozW8rqP_KMiDCPb8GKGCSgiz8ZJ5uO9NtVnqLC6h62Sq-FrPcS2Goiev_yR50zGHPcSRAKnvKHM0J5IPz_f821sRAZlIJ4jRO26nS2a2OQG-95mZMcCX7a1HCdBy__5-dBCTRSHumg/s853/AI%20Molly%20C%20quote%202.24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjTXa25RN94ffnFjydcEwkeyo27tSZLjZJqjMdfGrZ6sUxbHySozW8rqP_KMiDCPb8GKGCSgiz8ZJ5uO9NtVnqLC6h62Sq-FrPcS2Goiev_yR50zGHPcSRAKnvKHM0J5IPz_f821sRAZlIJ4jRO26nS2a2OQG-95mZMcCX7a1HCdBy__5-dBCTRSHumg/s320/AI%20Molly%20C%20quote%202.24.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-45475253511206404042024-02-19T11:35:00.000-08:002024-02-19T21:12:09.849-08:00Lightbox Expo "Create Don't Scape" panel on Glaze now on You Tube, plus link on Nightshade<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Nightshade has arrived! This link is from University of Chicago... the best resource for info on Glaze and Nightshade. These tools have been developed by the team at University of Chicago.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://nightshade.cs.uchicago.edu/whatis.html">https://nightshade.cs.uchicago.edu/whatis.html</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Oct 2023 Lightbox Expo panel on Glaze was recorded before the release of Nightshade, but does mention it. (art below credited as </span><span face="NeueHaas, "input mono", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #616568; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 1px; text-align: end; text-transform: uppercase;">STEPHANIE ARNETT/MITTR | REIJKSMUSEUM, ENVATO </span><span style="font-size: medium;">in this article</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/10/23/1082189/data-poisoning-artists-fight-generative-ai/" style="font-size: large;">https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/10/23/1082189/data-poisoning-artists-fight-generative-ai/</a>)</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcKwbXd9_e6US8zDJlx9pNbR1q5MgIGAbJ6i4o72l2YAB0kFeh9wr_1hwgK4_wBNVECDkVb5U6MATYPGQP2CnoK8EToz8w-XcSIjm1eGARzgnwyN2kwneUbtAukAydzjtz8B3MdVmsTRJFD-QmMhjdDUjRQwh4SJm9Zl8hisbPblwbD8c56t0VWZIsCw/s500/nightshade%20art%20STEPHANIE%20ARNETT%20MITTR%20REIJKSMUSEUM%20ENVATO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="500" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcKwbXd9_e6US8zDJlx9pNbR1q5MgIGAbJ6i4o72l2YAB0kFeh9wr_1hwgK4_wBNVECDkVb5U6MATYPGQP2CnoK8EToz8w-XcSIjm1eGARzgnwyN2kwneUbtAukAydzjtz8B3MdVmsTRJFD-QmMhjdDUjRQwh4SJm9Zl8hisbPblwbD8c56t0VWZIsCw/s320/nightshade%20art%20STEPHANIE%20ARNETT%20MITTR%20REIJKSMUSEUM%20ENVATO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Lightbox Expo panel also discusses the public resources and university grants that fund the development of Glaze and Nightshade at University of Chicago.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaego8t_Qnsy1bMJ0mgElbRjHkit-n5f7UmOGnsf28wCbDCI2DyaaGXURIau_xm8mkxBRosnK6RY3trwSrOn2xHztc4x-gJ_xQUbhG4g25mPsFa3NKyxEhLt-dbaw_Mx1laX_y9qu2oscS5Na9-y-boU__5igH2ohZQiE9YkV2q2MNrDMUh1F5JRYuKM/s589/Nightshade%202.15.24.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="588" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaego8t_Qnsy1bMJ0mgElbRjHkit-n5f7UmOGnsf28wCbDCI2DyaaGXURIau_xm8mkxBRosnK6RY3trwSrOn2xHztc4x-gJ_xQUbhG4g25mPsFa3NKyxEhLt-dbaw_Mx1laX_y9qu2oscS5Na9-y-boU__5igH2ohZQiE9YkV2q2MNrDMUh1F5JRYuKM/s320/Nightshade%202.15.24.PNG" width="319" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A few weeks ago, Lightbox Expo posted this Oct 2023 panel recording on their You Tube channel. This panel includes an early discussion of Nightshade.. which is the next level in protection for artists who post art online.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Re1Nen3v2Yc" width="320" youtube-src-id="Re1Nen3v2Yc"></iframe></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Oct 2023 panel above references this Concept Art Association Town Hall about AI from Aug 2023</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LYO9sii1eKA" width="320" youtube-src-id="LYO9sii1eKA"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">More info on AI here on the blog:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/deciphering-ai-images-clues-to-look-for.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/deciphering-ai-images-clues-to-look-for.html</a><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/beware-ai-image-generated-non.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/beware-ai-image-generated-non.html</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2024/02/basics-on-copyright-trademark-ai.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2024/02/basics-on-copyright-trademark-ai.html</a><br /></p><p><br /></p>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-38214539099170012452024-01-29T21:43:00.000-08:002024-01-29T21:43:28.093-08:00Angouleme 2024<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Stuart's last in-person visit to Angouleme was in 2020! It remains the largest comics festival in Europe. A mecca for bande dessinee artists, fans, publishers and authors. While I was not able to attend the festival this year, I will be adding more info and images to this post. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOhqA87o6CEWKaeGdGUCDN_gdMIybZgLzIQ2h6t5DZ2Qa3KO99KMN7c_QKvikn0gaTpiCgrgjIH4-yVu2au1jadRbgFBpGPeNZ6VnwyZu7qySvqTxxcygwBnK4dQwzrTi90SbjDDUPzZS26NYQhhjliUrpWn1FplyAivJ0K2nvGXqE2qwy5cxtCjt3Fs/s2048/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="2048" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOhqA87o6CEWKaeGdGUCDN_gdMIybZgLzIQ2h6t5DZ2Qa3KO99KMN7c_QKvikn0gaTpiCgrgjIH4-yVu2au1jadRbgFBpGPeNZ6VnwyZu7qySvqTxxcygwBnK4dQwzrTi90SbjDDUPzZS26NYQhhjliUrpWn1FplyAivJ0K2nvGXqE2qwy5cxtCjt3Fs/s320/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRn2gkvyaP2JAHb3q93mbfkUY_hpaaCcLCZiguNd3LTvDZFJvZvjC9Nnm1snSrX7tulTUXYM_ONqpRGF9r2LI8JrkZAHRYkb49_gqSb0z0q5dv0xGu39l8FrbHVITbla4LzIdA8INebrRrccPNKyBkYbRTT_vT77naKCELp16_aIcSfMrngbAFSJjFSIk/s2048/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20map%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="2048" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRn2gkvyaP2JAHb3q93mbfkUY_hpaaCcLCZiguNd3LTvDZFJvZvjC9Nnm1snSrX7tulTUXYM_ONqpRGF9r2LI8JrkZAHRYkb49_gqSb0z0q5dv0xGu39l8FrbHVITbla4LzIdA8INebrRrccPNKyBkYbRTT_vT77naKCELp16_aIcSfMrngbAFSJjFSIk/s320/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20map%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are some photos of Angouleme 2024 shared on the official Angouleme Tourism Facebook page.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6GZK_lW4w4y3N8N7aIfoe1bcRABISWVDFfE38-cKPodtpv-oBKpfycbdEWC-HSPw-WpmEjuvp2Mx8Jl0Mq4e-_KDlWapJpa0gYd7BzsUc-nHeG7mT7tDiU4a3AvXJbSrphJZwJEOgDAM934AbhbLqoWxoY3ezluZFxArPgpw7-wFfxe_H1DFzT8f_eo/s2048/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6GZK_lW4w4y3N8N7aIfoe1bcRABISWVDFfE38-cKPodtpv-oBKpfycbdEWC-HSPw-WpmEjuvp2Mx8Jl0Mq4e-_KDlWapJpa0gYd7BzsUc-nHeG7mT7tDiU4a3AvXJbSrphJZwJEOgDAM934AbhbLqoWxoY3ezluZFxArPgpw7-wFfxe_H1DFzT8f_eo/s320/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8yDQqOk8rKWiPckCvBvmbvkKXtw8HdRr1Um_9HqIGke2FDw5HOgLP7S-6lxXJ45OlmFeVL9FREBAxo4UyDnecAGn0AXXckPfik3BIs9QPd3fDoWSydz4YAKV3tT6H05Urm7u6aK4sfxBNBlWUHg9Dvoq7R0n1psswhkfyzh1f_h9vWHA8ymYSqUVMbY/s2048/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8yDQqOk8rKWiPckCvBvmbvkKXtw8HdRr1Um_9HqIGke2FDw5HOgLP7S-6lxXJ45OlmFeVL9FREBAxo4UyDnecAGn0AXXckPfik3BIs9QPd3fDoWSydz4YAKV3tT6H05Urm7u6aK4sfxBNBlWUHg9Dvoq7R0n1psswhkfyzh1f_h9vWHA8ymYSqUVMbY/s320/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20B.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2rdpPmilzg8jcCIqj-mH8f7FnGc-U0_jel64s0cwEM29yslj692OCzpvjOBGoVruJpigJe5oltFR_yaGmQumyQcblgV7dv2qINcr0e4onnLLPP-jj32tm24FvAowxBu7AOmnhUe-asfdS0oX_6WPE8LMnRvOyKU-nuYfWjB-Pae3a02SGD0eA8CnDoA/s2048/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2rdpPmilzg8jcCIqj-mH8f7FnGc-U0_jel64s0cwEM29yslj692OCzpvjOBGoVruJpigJe5oltFR_yaGmQumyQcblgV7dv2qINcr0e4onnLLPP-jj32tm24FvAowxBu7AOmnhUe-asfdS0oX_6WPE8LMnRvOyKU-nuYfWjB-Pae3a02SGD0eA8CnDoA/s320/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20C.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8m9hOyDqc2C2GObtNngec21b23Ol_S0EbzUFbWU8A6KbTsiInmfhx36fEywGegNqWK_o9hIlsHpTAnGLYqmwLgI9IBZC21l857wcHnJOQbI9xSziJBu3q-znNM3rKWLtVI1zJSnLJz1nf_tWJWDfE6EF86BPNZ6XsOjGa3Yj7oJrPABr4KEUwm3Tm9o/s2048/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8m9hOyDqc2C2GObtNngec21b23Ol_S0EbzUFbWU8A6KbTsiInmfhx36fEywGegNqWK_o9hIlsHpTAnGLYqmwLgI9IBZC21l857wcHnJOQbI9xSziJBu3q-znNM3rKWLtVI1zJSnLJz1nf_tWJWDfE6EF86BPNZ6XsOjGa3Yj7oJrPABr4KEUwm3Tm9o/s320/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBq0gZCLzx3AaUqGzuHt1p-GzcHTfh3NTQIlmaLEt3XZ97KxO3SzgKiWtwUBhWO52X9SfmRw-lx48FVWg25OWdhCHb4Oajk_F-Tj93qTrpmyGiD3H14WNIHbVcTR8m3TPBaqBquQca5djF1dpVffWWMS_XB6mvrkaIlWzeVWjBgbABLAy-Bbuwb1PzqTw/s2048/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBq0gZCLzx3AaUqGzuHt1p-GzcHTfh3NTQIlmaLEt3XZ97KxO3SzgKiWtwUBhWO52X9SfmRw-lx48FVWg25OWdhCHb4Oajk_F-Tj93qTrpmyGiD3H14WNIHbVcTR8m3TPBaqBquQca5djF1dpVffWWMS_XB6mvrkaIlWzeVWjBgbABLAy-Bbuwb1PzqTw/s320/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20E.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQX2py_vQoHszsqBOv9X5cJNBk6hqSxnyNLfdcG5crAeFNmLh6-SijhjDzX5dMkpp6G9CEMVhmPWd_MFC7VgNfuSCgYthgMdMFG4DHPsctI1quQaCWMzHywLieHBjxt13WTzXnanKvDc8qhALtWrs5FUGOqVXpKzFADBk5FeJQZ2guW3pMIqcW20uzwE/s2048/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQX2py_vQoHszsqBOv9X5cJNBk6hqSxnyNLfdcG5crAeFNmLh6-SijhjDzX5dMkpp6G9CEMVhmPWd_MFC7VgNfuSCgYthgMdMFG4DHPsctI1quQaCWMzHywLieHBjxt13WTzXnanKvDc8qhALtWrs5FUGOqVXpKzFADBk5FeJQZ2guW3pMIqcW20uzwE/s320/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20F.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6hP38-C7dXBT8tZ_52ZA1tRFg8VQEbgc8H3fyFFdDMwdFH4mVZKTDRG1dBlbnKha52-mjlWWerxghNJvGgGWuukrIfsyY-v2RMNYYtfRbtQkxRmJeJBK0JL8XJVTHD3Ki265RD77kS96gzAbts8TTvFrS9eunNEHiLs9L6WwAJkkNCxUM7TFOwOBdF8/s2048/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6hP38-C7dXBT8tZ_52ZA1tRFg8VQEbgc8H3fyFFdDMwdFH4mVZKTDRG1dBlbnKha52-mjlWWerxghNJvGgGWuukrIfsyY-v2RMNYYtfRbtQkxRmJeJBK0JL8XJVTHD3Ki265RD77kS96gzAbts8TTvFrS9eunNEHiLs9L6WwAJkkNCxUM7TFOwOBdF8/s320/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROxcAqECYU_0BsX1-rsx-iwzCaryDA_sRC2k4h8XLVYXBIYOppDKroydO8e8J0kThDUeOUAdwUMJ2_mz2NlTv1WLmV31qzX1oAgkJIjlhEtcVID-xb6uwekOz7n_01W3MGWwjOIEkH-AiXL3KBC89yk2Q1ua28X7lUfu0fpxxt2nLAFbCpxVTaWBP6bA/s1536/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROxcAqECYU_0BsX1-rsx-iwzCaryDA_sRC2k4h8XLVYXBIYOppDKroydO8e8J0kThDUeOUAdwUMJ2_mz2NlTv1WLmV31qzX1oAgkJIjlhEtcVID-xb6uwekOz7n_01W3MGWwjOIEkH-AiXL3KBC89yk2Q1ua28X7lUfu0fpxxt2nLAFbCpxVTaWBP6bA/s320/Angouleme%202024%20tourism%20N.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">You can find photos from previous year's festivals by searching Jan/Feb posts here on the blog. Here's the post from the 2020 visit: <a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/02/angouleme-2020-1-of-5-inside-tents-and.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/02/angouleme-2020-1-of-5-inside-tents-and.html</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The rest of the photos on this post are from the SNB Facebook page.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcKhv1JBz9znjL1u6e-Z32pAYnKSbl-ychyphenhyphenQ1NscXOBvHsXsrr7JSFRhvMDe8tKjACJYyEw7Oky46U7nhP2mbaTYg-COeH-0ZR-NWFGYC2qAK_iMfdOHQ-rwnlCUKZQfyZqe8Oyl35cCMrgpcbGL3a5UnaXRskPzwnLaidHUQSVs16bTKeG9XanSEZys/s960/Angouleme%202024%20SNB%20posters%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcKhv1JBz9znjL1u6e-Z32pAYnKSbl-ychyphenhyphenQ1NscXOBvHsXsrr7JSFRhvMDe8tKjACJYyEw7Oky46U7nhP2mbaTYg-COeH-0ZR-NWFGYC2qAK_iMfdOHQ-rwnlCUKZQfyZqe8Oyl35cCMrgpcbGL3a5UnaXRskPzwnLaidHUQSVs16bTKeG9XanSEZys/s320/Angouleme%202024%20SNB%20posters%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WwLnZFmBk-3gd9Nt5pY18UDqEH5HYoC7pIzChD-Voc94HEez1PQdGsglS4-fv7WOgg23XmFYnZ_3-MIVFvfKGy0CfOZfdDtoWm9s3ttm0cKW1az098QzeN6WzjCsiebsRusluNNxrsLOoixvoXmQhG1dCP301alJuCLh-ii4Kax9QE5geGAnNncudBQ/s320/Angouleme%202024%20SNB%20posters%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAPZsSwGJ2RE6bSYMc2QwIc4ArygSn9PrROAUcHe7KBzNypRkt7k6_-bG20oYe_yoZ3926vlN_NFJH5x4JNR0jtY_1P-NXtwljoaESK0APVW9ZBLg-UhpzvvJggG3p7q-upiWfkrFqRu6r6IZelDJ8Tmh2C87bnh0vpsN9v0KZv71Kls60fGB4o2VvKM/s960/Angouleme%202024%20SNB%20posters%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAPZsSwGJ2RE6bSYMc2QwIc4ArygSn9PrROAUcHe7KBzNypRkt7k6_-bG20oYe_yoZ3926vlN_NFJH5x4JNR0jtY_1P-NXtwljoaESK0APVW9ZBLg-UhpzvvJggG3p7q-upiWfkrFqRu6r6IZelDJ8Tmh2C87bnh0vpsN9v0KZv71Kls60fGB4o2VvKM/s320/Angouleme%202024%20SNB%20posters%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5CUxmSPKer7bNuoSwFN2s5lu1EFzjpl5HwabQMeVHdLhcttjirC0wdeRZ4Ow3R7KvcPuTobphDff-Y8_XPQM6hxwD9apstq6fiqk6jEokoWCNx8Eg8MjeefY9-zpF7_XV1voMpBRdZNyOy6nLR8p5D0BbC2OoFeb7XJvIttOQLMgxPAsJIfgAXl1Odo/s960/Angouleme%202024%20SNB%20posters%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5CUxmSPKer7bNuoSwFN2s5lu1EFzjpl5HwabQMeVHdLhcttjirC0wdeRZ4Ow3R7KvcPuTobphDff-Y8_XPQM6hxwD9apstq6fiqk6jEokoWCNx8Eg8MjeefY9-zpF7_XV1voMpBRdZNyOy6nLR8p5D0BbC2OoFeb7XJvIttOQLMgxPAsJIfgAXl1Odo/s320/Angouleme%202024%20SNB%20posters%205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLe8ztSD6H6dS_BzqO9SmXD1DdqDxsDeNWyeRTSv4BJtONRK_rYD48N1bKYkdufm6YruyFKABTvGlVxbmASoDJYSIRE9pO0t2jCcUMU1BjGFfXDa1WaY5hD1-ERvsCYQKr6vV6_CLtGz2OkZs0yoE6si6e6v1fSmmcjSH9v5zr9VHCvY0VPiFvacpwM38/s960/Angouleme%202024%20SNB%20posters%206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLe8ztSD6H6dS_BzqO9SmXD1DdqDxsDeNWyeRTSv4BJtONRK_rYD48N1bKYkdufm6YruyFKABTvGlVxbmASoDJYSIRE9pO0t2jCcUMU1BjGFfXDa1WaY5hD1-ERvsCYQKr6vV6_CLtGz2OkZs0yoE6si6e6v1fSmmcjSH9v5zr9VHCvY0VPiFvacpwM38/s320/Angouleme%202024%20SNB%20posters%206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">These photos above show a number of official Festival posters from various years available on the SNB website: <a href="https://stuartngbooks.com/?subcats=Y&pshort=Y&pfull=Y&pname=Y&pkeywords=Y&match=all&search_performed=Y&status=A&q=angouleme%20festival%20poster&dispatch=products.search&fbclid=IwAR1zQoTrRtzvaFNHO5nbKk6IKtx95bMShJ_u00HD8tN8dAy1dSx_BKRXqwQ">https://stuartngbooks.com/?subcats=Y&pshort=Y&pfull=Y&pname=Y&pkeywords=Y&match=all&search_performed=Y&status=A&q=angouleme%20festival%20poster&dispatch=products.search&fbclid=IwAR1zQoTrRtzvaFNHO5nbKk6IKtx95bMShJ_u00HD8tN8dAy1dSx_BKRXqwQ</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-75895444914111555672024-01-17T22:07:00.000-08:002024-03-11T10:54:20.774-07:00SNB website upgrade launches soon (updated 3/11/24)<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><b>UPDATE 3.11.24 -- The new website is live now! more info here: <a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2024/03/snb-website-upgrade-live-now.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2024/03/snb-website-upgrade-live-now.html</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x0b5FKEhxYS_km6VkWZNf8HD8wKg4hP-RkCbo3Pgnl15NsS6e1epCQ8jqjnAKjRukeUGKVT9EzZA7wmaGWDVh5NG5HA-eYGoBw7vJVSZw2rZuzFdbc6g4mbYeV7cLtCxL7iqawwBv5Emywtv4DddY9WzbcEMzQZrYHtbcW86Hp5frhhNPpz75JMmDs0/s1264/SNB%20website%20live%203.24%20a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x0b5FKEhxYS_km6VkWZNf8HD8wKg4hP-RkCbo3Pgnl15NsS6e1epCQ8jqjnAKjRukeUGKVT9EzZA7wmaGWDVh5NG5HA-eYGoBw7vJVSZw2rZuzFdbc6g4mbYeV7cLtCxL7iqawwBv5Emywtv4DddY9WzbcEMzQZrYHtbcW86Hp5frhhNPpz75JMmDs0/s320/SNB%20website%20live%203.24%20a.jpg" width="190" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><b>UPDATE 2.19.24 -- Launch was scheduled for January, but there is a delay. This post was the "heads-up" announcement that the improved website is coming. I will update this post when the new website is live and online.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">--------------------------------------------------------------------</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Stuart himself writes the weekly SNB email newsletter. It features new arrivals, and news about the store. You can sign up for the newsletter here: <a href="https://stuartngbooks.com/join-our-mailing-list.html">https://stuartngbooks.com/join-our-mailing-list.html</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Important info about the new version of the SNB website was the lead story for this week's news letter....</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's the announcement banner on the homepage of the website:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklOY1UQYpUGe2keHkwvPMVLvYZbqiIJLEZey-DaR9YlKdm-WzKui0DMuxnFG5Xn6W9C1k7TXXcf11aQ8Taom2ZZ6gqYHxfWZCg4v7io0u8OgXfZXFG7_TDP1oVVDYfQbhCGz_WBIWyP6XVScbYsXi30HFQSuz4XEPe31sVD7DBERhewjQRgywOFbXNrU/s748/SNB%201.24%20wish%20banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="748" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklOY1UQYpUGe2keHkwvPMVLvYZbqiIJLEZey-DaR9YlKdm-WzKui0DMuxnFG5Xn6W9C1k7TXXcf11aQ8Taom2ZZ6gqYHxfWZCg4v7io0u8OgXfZXFG7_TDP1oVVDYfQbhCGz_WBIWyP6XVScbYsXi30HFQSuz4XEPe31sVD7DBERhewjQRgywOFbXNrU/s320/SNB%201.24%20wish%20banner.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And the banner on the newsletter...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CGDcvikF9c_bv3TvH5I4RFG6XI-zHRnZyIE4t-2CuuhCVG4A45rg2PYMzva62s6eHgv4VdVQgI0NY0W3VNYNQeaIxm_qzae7kTU4wXE5obfpNXbHkiIM_pmFf6L-yKLbZ3z-Bt1-lsbXp18fRyFA4yBDnZSPcT2j4xtAjgkkd3lBLjvLZDdaZctD7Qw/s685/SNB%201.24%20banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="685" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CGDcvikF9c_bv3TvH5I4RFG6XI-zHRnZyIE4t-2CuuhCVG4A45rg2PYMzva62s6eHgv4VdVQgI0NY0W3VNYNQeaIxm_qzae7kTU4wXE5obfpNXbHkiIM_pmFf6L-yKLbZ3z-Bt1-lsbXp18fRyFA4yBDnZSPcT2j4xtAjgkkd3lBLjvLZDdaZctD7Qw/s320/SNB%201.24%20banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">...with the text of Stuart's announcement...</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>"...We
are launching a new version of our website in a few days. It will have a new
look, but rest assured, it is still us.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>If
you are registered with an account on the current site, your information and
order history will transfer to the new site.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>Gift
Certificates will also be transferred to the new site.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>Your
password will not transfer, however, after the new site is live, you will
receive an email asking you to log in and enter a new password. After that, you
will have full access to your account.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>Also,
active shopping carts and wishlists will not transfer to the new site. If that
information is important to you, then save it now.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>I
am told that, given the size of our website, which includes over 9,000 unique
product listings, and well over 100,000 images, the data migration will take a
few days, perhaps even a week.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>After
the transfer--after the launch--we will be doing a lot of cleanup on the site.
It is a maiden voyage, after all.</i></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>In
the end, we hope that the many updates and improvements to the site will
increase your overall shopping experience."</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There may be some glitches as the new version rolls out. You can always contact the store via email (info(at)stuartngbooks.com) or phone (310) 909-1929 with any questions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-7782866929882399942023-12-31T17:32:00.000-08:002023-12-31T17:32:55.264-08:00SNB Invited to sell books at Disney Studio December events (12.31.23)<p> <span style="font-size: large;">The SNB Facebook page shared these posts and photos from 2 events in December. Seeing SNB on studio lots is a testament to Stuart's decades long relationships with artists and studio staff. He brings books to support sales at signings. He curates books to supplement educational programs. Long time friends of the store stop by... and there's new people too. Social media posts with the books Stuart brings to these pop-ups gives other fans of the store a glimpse of this unique side of SNB.</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>SNB at Disney “Light Up the Season”12.9 and 12.10.23</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaHolNzqmflV85AreaNL_vJepffnfnniPL3D6oVs8f_0R9ojG89K4_6orkeIUVF3zta3FSGGWxBFNMnde8Qvf5fyRn53MadDDKQIzODfC6_Y6yVxQXszlVyiIa-xr7hv306lTm6skOnWv8258NgrRc_KTgQXz_PBeGbGLE5Dq-CYC2RoiMnhQGItho4Q/s455/snb%20at%20disney%20light%20up%2012.9.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaHolNzqmflV85AreaNL_vJepffnfnniPL3D6oVs8f_0R9ojG89K4_6orkeIUVF3zta3FSGGWxBFNMnde8Qvf5fyRn53MadDDKQIzODfC6_Y6yVxQXszlVyiIa-xr7hv306lTm6skOnWv8258NgrRc_KTgQXz_PBeGbGLE5Dq-CYC2RoiMnhQGItho4Q/s320/snb%20at%20disney%20light%20up%2012.9.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"We are at the Light Up the Season event on the Walt Disney Studios lot with a great selection of artbooks and animation books this Saturday and Sunday, 12/9-12/10, from 4pm-8pm! Saturday is exclusively for Disney employees and Sunday is for D23 members. If you're attending this fabulous event, drop by Minnie's Market Place this featuring yours truly and other great local vendors and friends of Disney."</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>SNB at Disney Animation 12.13.23 </b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"The team had such a great time Monday with our pop-up shop at the Walt Disney Feature Animation building in Burbank, CA. Here are some pics of the great selection of books brought to the event that is also available to purchase at our store in Torrance or online at <a href="https://stuartngbooks.com/">https://stuartngbooks.com/</a> "</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SXCN64qedJybpHc_kAMW6iXlBCwLABYlxcqnWjE_n0inELjcRMPakaEU5rhth69pnlf4741w4q9ZYUgu7BZe7MlF0hkHzOZYKd-CLBDY41cNiP9-H_r5yiZb2-XAmBLLboGHNeK7kR3A9igDTZvk7Os1fFB0wU1mlSGV8b_NteEDztmwRQ-r9CBjYnA/s960/snb%20at%20Disney%2012.13.23%20a.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SXCN64qedJybpHc_kAMW6iXlBCwLABYlxcqnWjE_n0inELjcRMPakaEU5rhth69pnlf4741w4q9ZYUgu7BZe7MlF0hkHzOZYKd-CLBDY41cNiP9-H_r5yiZb2-XAmBLLboGHNeK7kR3A9igDTZvk7Os1fFB0wU1mlSGV8b_NteEDztmwRQ-r9CBjYnA/s320/snb%20at%20Disney%2012.13.23%20a.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2mAoeKgrjJ6MVN6CHB8MDbkoeLQsjoD7-ZqslMsaIDG-7bX8_k0PHpzgZYuAjvBktkW0JhsLRX0O4xIKcLJZhXXLOKAMbqNYXLbFVC_NJU0x2AQWDtQwT8P53Tle2wkIqK64QZHbNYk3bnJpum4Q9cy_Vi3CuOvTbckLCxB3irDhBoerjMmIDm7cpq0/s960/snb%20at%20Disney%2012.13.23%20b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2mAoeKgrjJ6MVN6CHB8MDbkoeLQsjoD7-ZqslMsaIDG-7bX8_k0PHpzgZYuAjvBktkW0JhsLRX0O4xIKcLJZhXXLOKAMbqNYXLbFVC_NJU0x2AQWDtQwT8P53Tle2wkIqK64QZHbNYk3bnJpum4Q9cy_Vi3CuOvTbckLCxB3irDhBoerjMmIDm7cpq0/s320/snb%20at%20Disney%2012.13.23%20b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUhNWY5XVlOl1byRAWtJNPxNeXobOhb2Pykbq-qBczRWbw_Yhqy5wj1FYna8DQIYdDuP0gAHEHJ_nujJIrO7kvKdb7hbqmvuBskiR6gwfWM6IXzMBSkfHgmtHniBMALNAVkP5c-YpU5tagSZtjJ0zOBlFqQm8e53RTOeSTF10QCr8qxVFYPogfJubzgk/s960/snb%20at%20Disney%2012.13.23%20d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUhNWY5XVlOl1byRAWtJNPxNeXobOhb2Pykbq-qBczRWbw_Yhqy5wj1FYna8DQIYdDuP0gAHEHJ_nujJIrO7kvKdb7hbqmvuBskiR6gwfWM6IXzMBSkfHgmtHniBMALNAVkP5c-YpU5tagSZtjJ0zOBlFqQm8e53RTOeSTF10QCr8qxVFYPogfJubzgk/s320/snb%20at%20Disney%2012.13.23%20d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4ZVHH-QRbNqVbJRVdsbryGzafTsJ0RjUvIm-Shtf8sPI6e8dcNGFmxfZTgGtIuV6ZzCOySQsvFKw7hQivF8prSJShC3t_UY437ZzLTZ2fn2h5XMRJl8Vvee4cnBEiemaWq4Oo091WNdoEt5qjgGUbhs_Mr4rLIoXfLUcQqZG_uLY12bTqEPdfmu5rtg/s960/snb%20at%20Disney%2012.13.23%20e.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4ZVHH-QRbNqVbJRVdsbryGzafTsJ0RjUvIm-Shtf8sPI6e8dcNGFmxfZTgGtIuV6ZzCOySQsvFKw7hQivF8prSJShC3t_UY437ZzLTZ2fn2h5XMRJl8Vvee4cnBEiemaWq4Oo091WNdoEt5qjgGUbhs_Mr4rLIoXfLUcQqZG_uLY12bTqEPdfmu5rtg/s320/snb%20at%20Disney%2012.13.23%20e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdW5NMDD1mKt8ilfY-yrvjC-WOsbTfzr74J8Y5kUSFfqBngq8Rm3tK5IyxSDQCwMMfrAZyOanNZ62LxOEZBqACZH-WbZfxTsxmzGyhmFi5vZqhxHFCAwuxPywhwYArW4k1pvajImYY0DBAEVY4BNl5HAaJTZrWLAjQ3v7MsP02Ewuh_7G6_UZUI7gzmY/s960/snb%20at%20Disney%2012.13.23%20g.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdW5NMDD1mKt8ilfY-yrvjC-WOsbTfzr74J8Y5kUSFfqBngq8Rm3tK5IyxSDQCwMMfrAZyOanNZ62LxOEZBqACZH-WbZfxTsxmzGyhmFi5vZqhxHFCAwuxPywhwYArW4k1pvajImYY0DBAEVY4BNl5HAaJTZrWLAjQ3v7MsP02Ewuh_7G6_UZUI7gzmY/s320/snb%20at%20Disney%2012.13.23%20g.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhfmIOhR8SmuSLR1AQT9z-_md6gtum9XLeR1ZCyszaIGUYS85Zd6ftjFF9xsgbv5Y8S4ltioXcgVfPWg7XKQSSG-YB-Vh0vAUPIkLajm3PKRSH8JmBoj579J35_VoM71K3RsK5P6NzGaIQxWAwU83bFxYqMRCWWdpnu_rdkPdPNm7zYutUPhOC7ZF8eU/s960/snb%20at%20Disney%2012.13.23%20f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhfmIOhR8SmuSLR1AQT9z-_md6gtum9XLeR1ZCyszaIGUYS85Zd6ftjFF9xsgbv5Y8S4ltioXcgVfPWg7XKQSSG-YB-Vh0vAUPIkLajm3PKRSH8JmBoj579J35_VoM71K3RsK5P6NzGaIQxWAwU83bFxYqMRCWWdpnu_rdkPdPNm7zYutUPhOC7ZF8eU/s320/snb%20at%20Disney%2012.13.23%20f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">-----------------------------------------------------</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Here are two important books featured on the SNB Facebook page in December:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Eric Goldberg</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.com/goldberg-character-animation-crash-course-book-and-cd.html">https://stuartngbooks.com/goldberg-character-animation-crash-course-book-and-cd.html</a><br /></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3DR_v2NQQHFy7a-60E5zaWOggVHpM2Q-H_HkCAyA8R4VtoFfqoE-FENq6Dz4Omhf0Rv1Rsg40ihejW1mFdRwTOsDaoBXq6aPeZvrSfocwEA2WbgKo7C0IV6HpUy0yiEeLb-TOzZDosEwzG7npnhg5Dek0umRVOBhXbqUyttEKG5V-azLp_SHaemFWdo/s960/snb%2012.23%20eric%20g.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3DR_v2NQQHFy7a-60E5zaWOggVHpM2Q-H_HkCAyA8R4VtoFfqoE-FENq6Dz4Omhf0Rv1Rsg40ihejW1mFdRwTOsDaoBXq6aPeZvrSfocwEA2WbgKo7C0IV6HpUy0yiEeLb-TOzZDosEwzG7npnhg5Dek0umRVOBhXbqUyttEKG5V-azLp_SHaemFWdo/s320/snb%2012.23%20eric%20g.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></blockquote><p> <span style="font-size: medium;">Alex Toth</span></p><p><a href="https://stuartngbooks.com/genius-animated-the-cartoon-art-of-alex-toth-en-5.html">https://stuartngbooks.com/genius-animated-the-cartoon-art-of-alex-toth-en-5.html</a> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHZj6Qj_icHoXGEBiQsExSdJmvd-EhyZIm1gvI6T0_NYq7nHLDTQQK0aaZwhejPWEC1UY57XJQAlWLIs7-ZWBnKdPZkr01iNSu2SxS899coiXLZb22KnPSvV5yd_km_HAkFiREofkUq9UN3p_nYbRyLtD_9mT72ee_IsWUEQ9NBWqTyNYANaJbeZBJCs/s960/snb%2012.23%20alex%20t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHZj6Qj_icHoXGEBiQsExSdJmvd-EhyZIm1gvI6T0_NYq7nHLDTQQK0aaZwhejPWEC1UY57XJQAlWLIs7-ZWBnKdPZkr01iNSu2SxS899coiXLZb22KnPSvV5yd_km_HAkFiREofkUq9UN3p_nYbRyLtD_9mT72ee_IsWUEQ9NBWqTyNYANaJbeZBJCs/s320/snb%2012.23%20alex%20t.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></blockquote>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-82927943560697946692023-12-31T17:31:00.000-08:002024-01-17T21:42:13.200-08:00Caregiving Top Tips (12.31.23)<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_dESyufrBIeKcl4ycuzecGcBy6PoxXChZxjcJR699CZnJmj3dD8ArS9yrfjDhbQyuOAVy8_0w2om7uvRvFpFOxmq-dNrhjtssRks6xF05aEmkmdoUR3qMBZOyML5KUapkmfa9dcDJDGzRuaWilE8_8qGG98GgHRGFMkmoiXjPbTAtX4bIw7UBmHg/s828/Golden%20Light%202021%20by%20Julia%20Rogers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="828" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_dESyufrBIeKcl4ycuzecGcBy6PoxXChZxjcJR699CZnJmj3dD8ArS9yrfjDhbQyuOAVy8_0w2om7uvRvFpFOxmq-dNrhjtssRks6xF05aEmkmdoUR3qMBZOyML5KUapkmfa9dcDJDGzRuaWilE8_8qGG98GgHRGFMkmoiXjPbTAtX4bIw7UBmHg/s320/Golden%20Light%202021%20by%20Julia%20Rogers.jpg" width="320" /></a></p>("Golden Light" by Julia Rogers, 2021)<p></p><p><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If you are charged with the care of an elderly person, here are three wishes for you. And a warning.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Focus on these attributes: courage, patience, and grace. These three wishes will grant you self-preservation. With courage, patience, and grace, you can be the caregiver you want to be, with whatever resources you may have.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">And the warning. You will never have enough time, experience, and money for this job. Caregiving grinds down resources on all levels. You can’t help anyone if you are tapped out. Find ways to replenish your reservoirs.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>(Update 12.23 -- this post was written before my Mom passed away. I haven't updated it yet regarding her passing)</b></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The 3 paragraphs above are an update to the opening of my first-ever “Top Tips” post back in Sept 2022. Writing that post was a chance to reflect on all I’d learned in my first year as a primary caregiver. My beloved Dad passed suddenly at the end of 2021. I quickly realized my wonderful Mom wasn’t safe living alone. Dad had been doing all the heavy lifting to keep them living independently in their condo. Now it was my turn. On the 1st year of our journey, I went from full-time sole caregiver, to being with her along with in-home caregivers. I lived with Mom for the first seven months while we sorted out many details. After that, she had overnight caregivers on 12-hour shifts. I was with her for the early morning and dinner-to-bedtime routines, with day shift caregivers in between. It was a steep learning curve.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">With a lot of hard work from me, and pre-planning we did as a family, I was able to keep Mom in the condo for over a year. Looking ahead, I could see the situation wasn’t sustainable. Mom is in her late 90s. I'm lucky she is mobile, alert, cheerful and grateful. And I know she works at it. When I started caring for her, we decided as long as she could stay safe and stay healthy she could stay in the condo. By early 2023, I could see we were nearing the end of that phase. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">We transitioned Mom to Assisted Living (AL). Again, we're lucky. Mom has the best of both worlds for now -- a community designed to meet her needs, and still one-on-one hands-on care. She has a private caregiver with her 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Due to her advanced age and increasingly frail body, she is safer when someone is with her during the day. She enjoys the social interaction with residents and staff at AL, as well as the activities. I get to visit her daily as her daughter. It was time for me to pass the personal caregiving jobs -- one of the few roles I can delegate while I manages all of her affairs -- to more experienced hands. The move to AL was a big transition. It was well timed, as she had a brief but dramatic hospitalization about 2 months after she moved in. She recovered -- but I have no idea how I would have managed her recovery from that if she was still at the condo w/ shifts of caregivers, and not a AL which is a much safer situation. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I recently revised this post to add video links for 2 important Frontline documentaries on aging. The most recent post revisions are always in <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>blue text.</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">My first big revision to this post was back in Nov 2022. When I went to add some more updates in April 2023 -- I accidentally deleted the post. All that work and all those resources. Gone in a blip. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thank goodness I had a backup of most of the text of the post and the links. April 2023 me owes a debt to Sept 2022 me for taking that precaution.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">This Caregiving Top Tips 2.0 comes in three sections:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">TLDR</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">– here are the links for the recommended equipment. Independent living means having the right tools for the job. Preventing falls and safety risks is the top priority.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Three wishes and self-care reminders</span></u></b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> This section covers caregiving options and the costs. There are emotional as well as financial burdens to caregiving. This section has tips to prepare for them, including links for some articles. I will also address some of the pros and cons of assisted living vs. in-home caregivers.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Recommended equipment</span></u></b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> This section has links, photos and my feedback/reviews from using these products.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Section 1 -- TDLR (Too Long, Didn’t Read). Links for essential equipment:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>UPDATE 8.10.23 -- The lessons in this 2006 Frontline documentary still apply:</b></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QMDsUdhymbQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="QMDsUdhymbQ"></iframe></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mobility is independence. Independent living requires the right equipment.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mobility Aids –<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Walkers<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Combination walker-transport Chair<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3gyXt_yeyQekC2HfcyBgk5dcLkb2NLL7OZ7-FRdkwvs5XV4hnhlYhSZuskNu8MYwtKPv99qZPqTtRfreZdTwAa9CEuMWxDvB1xxXAzOR1JbMs4SCOsEYrqBba7dPAsTal4VulVX-GAr2gFFNzf2b77jA-3aV5YUbih992rksgG5UTh6PovnFw-rt/s686/go%20plus%20w%20arms%20big.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="686" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3gyXt_yeyQekC2HfcyBgk5dcLkb2NLL7OZ7-FRdkwvs5XV4hnhlYhSZuskNu8MYwtKPv99qZPqTtRfreZdTwAa9CEuMWxDvB1xxXAzOR1JbMs4SCOsEYrqBba7dPAsTal4VulVX-GAr2gFFNzf2b77jA-3aV5YUbih992rksgG5UTh6PovnFw-rt/s320/go%20plus%20w%20arms%20big.webp" width="320" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></i></b><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">This is my number one recommended item. It’s essential mobility gear for the elderly person as well as the caregiver. Pros and cons of this model in section 3</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://goplusus.com/products/2-in-1-folding-rollator-walker-4-wheel-medical-rolling-walker">https://goplusus.com/products/2-in-1-folding-rollator-walker-4-wheel-medical-rolling-walker</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LRYSVKR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LRYSVKR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details</a></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Here are links for the other mobility gear/walkers we got. Pros, cons, and photos in section 3</span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Traditional 4-wheeled walker (Nova Zoom)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://novajoy.com/products?categoryId=368">https://novajoy.com/products?categoryId=368</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">3-wheeled walker (Nova Traveler)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://novajoy.com/products?categoryId=187&productId=382">https://novajoy.com/products?categoryId=187&productId=382</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Standing walker (ViveHealth Upright Walker)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/collections/mobility-aids/products/upright-walker">https://www.vivehealth.com/collections/mobility-aids/products/upright-walker</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Footed quad cane</span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/products/carbon-fiber-quad-cane">https://www.vivehealth.com/products/carbon-fiber-quad-cane</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Room safety --<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Landline phone for hearing impaired<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Never disconnect your landline! I was shocked to learn after Dad died that Mom couldn't use a cell phone on her own. Dad had disconnected their landline years before. So for the first few weeks after he passed away, there was NO WAY to reach mom on the phone when I wasn't at the condo. She couldn't even make a 911 call if I wasn't there. I was scrambling to get a landline phone installed. Even with the landline, Mom needed help to make or receive calls. If there’s no landline at the elderly persons residence, get one installed. A 911 call from a landline is the fastest way to get help to the right location. Check with local agencies about qualifying for a free or discounted landline phone for the hearing impaired.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwGyp-sGfoyb7VH9qlS-IUYmyKVGwHIrNdi7iGE3EzujjqRghA0fHQoU7qWHGisjwt_-wxsKMYTj9qs9D0Wvq1HsE9HYaQHM73pfaqfdc5cAO3JIXzG9_6o4riC_sW9FjNLnnzTh7bzZT8YFMx3OMo5Nm1lVYYjvBKEx8YC-AMKUXGrb0ouSS5Mx0/s268/landline%20phone%20for%20seniors.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="268" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwGyp-sGfoyb7VH9qlS-IUYmyKVGwHIrNdi7iGE3EzujjqRghA0fHQoU7qWHGisjwt_-wxsKMYTj9qs9D0Wvq1HsE9HYaQHM73pfaqfdc5cAO3JIXzG9_6o4riC_sW9FjNLnnzTh7bzZT8YFMx3OMo5Nm1lVYYjvBKEx8YC-AMKUXGrb0ouSS5Mx0/s1600/landline%20phone%20for%20seniors.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Call Button</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> (CallToU transmitter and receiver)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">This is different than those "I've fallen and I can't get up" medical alert call buttons that connect seniors to a service that can summon help for them outside the home as well as inside. I don't have any experience with those since my Mom couldn't be left alone. My recommendations here are for in-home call buttons. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaKm4jiQItEOjFZCVNq76kuwBQLt3XskYiqjvKpJyt2IcJs_FnXKMuWN1u7DXOFjmdgiEc7vZ7bwaLMfK8LKT_VJXALHGnaTYH_yufaM6HzKUt61m-L2ugTPr6JG7X96VmjpN8ymomVi6yScXSYUNDRX8mA_GD0CfdaaX4-5NZpx40CdGFXsK1xPX/s225/calltoU%20call%20button.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaKm4jiQItEOjFZCVNq76kuwBQLt3XskYiqjvKpJyt2IcJs_FnXKMuWN1u7DXOFjmdgiEc7vZ7bwaLMfK8LKT_VJXALHGnaTYH_yufaM6HzKUt61m-L2ugTPr6JG7X96VmjpN8ymomVi6yScXSYUNDRX8mA_GD0CfdaaX4-5NZpx40CdGFXsK1xPX/s1600/calltoU%20call%20button.jpg" width="225" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Being able to use a caregiver-pager-type call button to summon help is an essential safety skill for in-home care and assisted living. Get one early. Get your loved one in the habit of using it to let someone else in the home know they are moving from room-to-room. It may seem silly at first, but this helps prevent falls. Using a call button consistently will help the transition to assisted living or in-home help from caregivers. Knowing to use a call button can help you and your loved ones get the most out of those additional caregiving expenses. <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Knowing to use a call button will also assist your loved one if they end up in the hospital. For the hours you can't be with them.. it will be up to them to know how to call for help!</b></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/CallToU-Caregiver-Transmitters-Receivers-Attention/dp/B077SYPD5K">https://www.amazon.com/CallToU-Caregiver-Transmitters-Receivers-Attention/dp/B077SYPD5K</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">A </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>“Grabber”</i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> helps reach items on tall shelves or on the floor.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Grabber (The one I like best I got from Diaso – this link has photos and a review)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.thestuffsreview.com/2022/07/daiso-all-purpose-grabber.html">https://www.thestuffsreview.com/2022/07/daiso-all-purpose-grabber.html</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a name="_Hlk131725591"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Motion detector Night Lights<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk131725591;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Nighttime trips to the bathroom are a high risk for falls. Nightlights in hallways and rooms can prevent this. Battery operated “tap lights” can also be handy.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Foot Care -- </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">donate all the shoes w/ laces, they are a tripping hazard. Keep feet clean and moisturized. Cracks in dry skin on feet are a vulnerable area for infections.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Velcro shoes<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Top pick for fit and sturdy enough for walking<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Yibobay Diabetic Velcro closed-toe shoes<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yibobay-Diabetic-Adjustable-Breathable-Lightweight/dp/B096KVHJLT/ref=">https://www.amazon.com/Yibobay-Diabetic-Adjustable-Breathable-Lightweight/dp/B096KVHJLT/ref=</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Silverts Sandals</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> – open toed with Velcro. These are a sturdy option for times when toe pain may require an open-toed shoe option.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.silverts.com/womens-easy-closure-sandal-for-indoors-outdoors">https://www.silverts.com/womens-easy-closure-sandal-for-indoors-outdoors</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Collections Etc catalog Memory Foam Sandals<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">These are inexpensive, but lack support and are good as house slippers only<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.collectionsetc.com/products/ultra-lightweight-adjustable-memory-foam-sandals/?color=BLCK&size=XSA&utm_source=google&utm ">https://www.collectionsetc.com/products/ultra-lightweight-adjustable-memory-foam-sandals/?color=BLCK&size=XSA&utm_source=google&utm</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Stretchy socks<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Ankle length – available in black or white<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">“<b><i>Hugh Ugoli Diabetic</i></b> ankle socks, seamless, stretchy” socks from Amazon<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084Q61X8K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084Q61X8K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Viasox Diabetic Socks</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> – these are super stretchy socks that are easy to get on and off. Available in knee length, ankle and compression sock options. There are lots of fun prints as well as solids. <a href="https://viasox.com/">https://viasox.com/</a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPaBfQ6VHs8_Hd9OpVtiNbdxHfxsj-iV7yU1fEokUfkEJ71QzOUJHsNrG7EmXLbGNvzqZuJn3jf9gi9WKpyJDhNm-HRa7yh8BB49Y83XzL2mo7MBGHYWZuQqcES3xncPU7E263WkIR1ByG6QPLCt_AwckJdc85PBwqyn1QkZ5DYkwzObhJqUa08Z-/s360/viasox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPaBfQ6VHs8_Hd9OpVtiNbdxHfxsj-iV7yU1fEokUfkEJ71QzOUJHsNrG7EmXLbGNvzqZuJn3jf9gi9WKpyJDhNm-HRa7yh8BB49Y83XzL2mo7MBGHYWZuQqcES3xncPU7E263WkIR1ByG6QPLCt_AwckJdc85PBwqyn1QkZ5DYkwzObhJqUa08Z-/s320/viasox.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Electric Foot Warmer Pad</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> (cold feet are a common problem)</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mom’s favorite is the “Accelery Double-Sided Heated Foot Warmer” with a tag that reads: “OnKey Electric Technology Heating Pad Model # FT-1616,” now listed as “unavailable”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Here’s a similar one, but this lacks the zipper and timer on the control:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Electric-Foot-Warmer-Heating-Pad-with-3-Settings-Auto-Shut-Off-and-Detachable-Extra-Long-Cord-Soft-Plush-with-Fuzzy-Interior-by-Bluestone/711560582">https://www.walmart.com/ip/Electric-Foot-Warmer-Heating-Pad-with-3-Settings-Auto-Shut-Off-and-Detachable-Extra-Long-Cord-Soft-Plush-with-Fuzzy-Interior-by-Bluestone/711560582</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Bathroom Safety --- </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Do these upgrades early. Bathrooms are a high-risk area for falls etc.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Handles for the sides of the toilet<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/MOEN-Home-Care-23-25-in-Toilet-Safety-Bar-in-Glacier-DN7015/203933039?source="><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">https://www.homedepot.com/p/MOEN-Home-Care-23-25-in-Toilet-Safety-Bar-in-Glacier-DN7015/203933039?source=</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Shower Chair <a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/products/shower-chair">https://www.vivehealth.com/products/shower-chair</a></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Toilet Seat Cushion</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> (women need versions like this – more on that in section 3)</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/products/toilet-seat-cushion">https://www.vivehealth.com/products/toilet-seat-cushion</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Waterproof Mattress Protection </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">No one likes to think about overnight accidents… but these can save a lot of grief. </span><a href="https://www.target.com/p/ultimate-mattress-protector-allerease/-/A-17273320">https://www.target.com/p/ultimate-mattress-protector-allerease/-/A-17273320</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Gifts for caregivers --- "Let me know if you need anything" shows you want to support, but try to be specific. Check in on your way to the store to see if the caregiver needs anything. Offer to get take-out food. Meals and grocery store/drug store runs are always helpful, especially the first few weeks. Before you bring by flowers, plants etc .. please ASK first. While flowers are lovely.. they are also possible allergy issues... and one more thing to take care of in a caregiving situation that's already overwhelming. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Section 2 -- Three wishes and self-care reminders<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">(art by Kate Allan, aka The Latest Kate <a href="https://www.thelatestkate.art/">https://www.thelatestkate.art/</a>) </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YBcsoZUQgv27MtF9pXBTTsD9LFRgzMkKYGQ4OrYNW8qhORniw7ZrIqhUbOe0XXVbqL9gukeyjhgtC9IelsAWgZEBD_AAAUmSYa7U1AubEUDkW2_tHpZv--AqlOrZgXUPZj-I48yQGMTzaiimgFFQl9kSKqVzcmWzpDphQDMliIli-S5Dyhwdgyoe/s860/latest%20Kate%20fall%20friends%209.22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YBcsoZUQgv27MtF9pXBTTsD9LFRgzMkKYGQ4OrYNW8qhORniw7ZrIqhUbOe0XXVbqL9gukeyjhgtC9IelsAWgZEBD_AAAUmSYa7U1AubEUDkW2_tHpZv--AqlOrZgXUPZj-I48yQGMTzaiimgFFQl9kSKqVzcmWzpDphQDMliIli-S5Dyhwdgyoe/s320/latest%20Kate%20fall%20friends%209.22.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Remember the three wishes for you. And the warning.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">With courage, patience, and grace, you can be the caregiver you want to be, with whatever resources you may have.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">This job grinds resources to exhaustion on all levels. You can’t help anyone if you are tapped out. Find ways to replenish your reservoirs.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Caregiving in guidebooks covers generalities. Caregiving in action is deeply emotional and utterly unique. You may find great support from resources (websites; support groups) and from friends/family members who have been on a similar path. However, becoming a caregiver is a learning curve for a skill set you will be improvising as you go. The responsibilities are relentless (even if you can delegate some of them). You will want this job to end, and it will, but the exit options are all awful.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Be prepared. Years before you need to, have the difficult conversations about end of life wishes, use of extreme measures (or avoidance of them), finances and obligations, intentions for the dispersal of personal effects, and of the person.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>UPDATE 8.11.23. This 2010 Frontline documentary shows families and loved ones facing tough end of life choices. There are vital cautionary tales here. Watch and discuss with your family. BEFORE you find yourselves facing these decisions unprepared at a hospital. Keep documents like Advanced Healthcare Directives; Healthcare Proxy/POA; DRN instructions updated in a portable file or binder or saved as photos on a phone. </b></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UDvR5FBqI_s" width="320" youtube-src-id="UDvR5FBqI_s"></iframe></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Caregiving plan choices fall into three categories –<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Co-residence with Family<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Aging at home with private caregiver help<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Assisted Living communities</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>UPDATE 8.20.23 -- This 2006 Frontline Documentary is an excellent recap of these caregiving options.. and the challenges they bring</b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QMDsUdhymbQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="QMDsUdhymbQ"></iframe></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t want to have cancer surgery at an advanced age after dementia has set in? Don’t want to have the surgery confirm your cancer is spreading, and accelerate your dementia to the point that you forget to eat, so they have to put a feeding tube in you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Make. Alternative. Plans (ie legal documents/healthcare directives). Now!!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Just one statistic from this documentary: at air date (2006) “over the next 30 years, the number of people over the age of 65 will double. To the point that they are about 20% of our population. That’s 70 million people.”</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The documentary shows how medicine has made great advances in curing infectious diseases like pneumonia and flu that used to claim elderly people. But that often leaves people to perhaps a harsher fate: lingering with chronic conditions that often have devastating complications over time. Sometimes the only escape from the cycle of treating and curing is dying from a "medical catastrophe" -- a non-healing bedsore or rampant UTI -- likely induced by a prolonged hospitalization.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The documentary also explores how we’re keeping people alive longer with fewer doctors to care for them. As many people are too frail to leave their homes, doctors are returning to house calls. Life is prolonged, but with loss of function. Chronic diseases take a toll on the body. Leading to enfeebled frailty. All at staggering costs to family resources at every level.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">It’s always been the assumption in the US that the elderly are cared for by members of their own family. But this situation is becoming untenable as families are smaller, less stable, and more geographically isolated. Plus the amount of time devoted to caregiving has moved from months to years, and even sometimes decades. We are facing a future where people are living longer, with conditions that are deeply needy, while there are fewer family caregiver options than ever.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If family care is your plan — the documentary cites a study that shows only people with 3 or more daughters or daughters in law have a better than 50% chance of not finishing their life in a nursing home or an institution.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Co-residence with Family<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Many families have no choice. Parents or elders move in with family members to save money. There are emotional costs to this option that need to be considered as well. It is a huge ask of your caregiver for them to run your life and a second household, or leave their life and home to move in with you for an unknown period of time. I did this for 7 months. I adore my mom and was always very close to my parents.. but this arrangement was still hard. It gets even more complicated if family relations are strained. I have friends who did it for years – at the eventual cost of their previously close relationships with family members. Proceed with caution. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Find and join support groups. Check with educational and medical institutions nearby. In Southern California, we are lucky to have the USC Family Caregiver Support Center. An excellent resource that will connect you with an individual "navigator." Your Navigator will guide you to help for your specific needs. They also have excellent listening skills and are a compassionate advocate for your care as the caregiver as well: <a href="https://www.fcsc.usc.edu/">https://www.fcsc.usc.edu/</a> The Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center is also part of this organization: <a href="https://www.fcsc.usc.edu/">https://www.fcsc.usc.edu/</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Here are some articles about the crushing costs – on all levels – for senior care:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="background: white;"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/04/06/seniors-assisted-living-medicaid-eviction/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/04/06/seniors-assisted-living-medicaid-eviction/</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/parenting/2023/03/22/caregivers-sandwich-generation/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/parenting/2023/03/22/caregivers-sandwich-generation/</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p> <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/03/18/senior-care-costs-too-high/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/03/18/senior-care-costs-too-high/</a></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p> <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/01/05/end-of-life-planning/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/01/05/end-of-life-planning/</a></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/28/magazine/elder-child-care-millennials.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/28/magazine/elder-child-care-millennials.html</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">photo below "Randi and her father Keith..." by Haruka Sakaguchi from NY Times 3.23</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhUjDUj2k4L5VH-WpU2Gsq2m4JTItu-uk6oq5XLh28_ha-FqIDce0e51D2YEJgtZoF6RDjQuDv5o3S1r1kvCDD-jepxWPY26mSuXj4WJF7LCw_HlgyU7Cma7eHBVPG7MV3IgmK7GMXdOMK9Fs3S5gKibxSqSH26ngLehHNM8zCxGl_zjoOtcH4tf5/s2048/Randi%20and%20her%20father,%20Keith,%20in%20his%20bedroom%20in%20her%20home.%20Haruka%20Sakaguchi%20for%20The%20New%20York%20Times%203.23.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhUjDUj2k4L5VH-WpU2Gsq2m4JTItu-uk6oq5XLh28_ha-FqIDce0e51D2YEJgtZoF6RDjQuDv5o3S1r1kvCDD-jepxWPY26mSuXj4WJF7LCw_HlgyU7Cma7eHBVPG7MV3IgmK7GMXdOMK9Fs3S5gKibxSqSH26ngLehHNM8zCxGl_zjoOtcH4tf5/s320/Randi%20and%20her%20father,%20Keith,%20in%20his%20bedroom%20in%20her%20home.%20Haruka%20Sakaguchi%20for%20The%20New%20York%20Times%203.23.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing">This March 23 post on the blog contains the entire 3.18.23 Post article about the costs of care: <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/03/caregiving-crushing-costs-and-limited.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/03/caregiving-crushing-costs-and-limited.html</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Aging at home with private caregiver help</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Everyone wants to age at home, independently, for as long as possible. This is a wonderful dream, but not always a safe or practical reality. Aging at home when the home is not appropriate (stairs etc) can be dangerous. Accidents like falls in bathrooms or on stairways. Injuries in kitchens or yards. These can be life changers that lead to hospitalization and loss of mobility.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Aging at home with private caregivers is the most financially expensive choice. I highly recommend using a free service like “A Place for Mom” to get referrals for licensed caregiver agencies. They can match you with options that fit your budget. Another plus for using “A Place for Mom” is that you will get enrolled in a free email newsletter with lots of tips from others who are caring for family members.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">A caregiver agency will handle insurance, employment, and liability issues with having workers in your home. Agencies also screen the caregivers for you and provide professional training for them. It takes time to pick an agency, go through the evaluation process to assess your loved ones needs, and get matched with and “try-out” some candidates. Once you have the right caregivers on a schedule (that you are in charge of creating), there are pros and cons to this situation. If a caregiver can’t make their shift, or needs a scheduled day off, the agency will usually be able to send a replacement. But you will need to spend time orienting the replacement with your loved-one’s needs. Many caregivers like a client that offers long shifts on a steady schedule. The overtime hours help with their income, but this also adds to your expenses. Aging at home with private caregivers can become socially isolating for your loved one. Having your loved one with caregivers means you are their social director, appointment coordinator and always the back-up. This can be back-up for problems with your loved one, or their residence. That can get exhausting. It wasn’t until we transitioned Mom to assisted living that I realized the impact of this. For over a year, my radar was up every night for a possible call from Mom’s overnight caregiver. I rarely got a nightshift call. But once Mom was in assisted living, I started sleeping much better. At assisted living, there is always an experienced team around her to help her… or deal with any problems with her room. If I got a call from assisted living, it was just to inform me and let me lend support. It wasn’t a call to rush over and solve a problem.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Assisted Living Communities<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Tour assisted living communities with your loved one. Get acquainted with options and staff prior to need of these services. Assisted living provides medication management, social enrichment, help with ADLs (activities of daily living) and room and board in a home-like setting. "</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Assisted living" implies some independence on the part of the resident. This includes being able to use a call button. (This safety tool is good to get early and use at home so it becomes a healthy habit.) The assisted living admissions process will include an assessment of your loved one's care level needs.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Assisted living will meet your loved ones needs, but maybe on a slightly different schedule than you're used to. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Be flexible.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Learn the routines at the community and help your family member adapt. Good communication between you and the staff helps everyone. Your loved one will be issued a call button to summon care team help when they need assistance. Residents who are more independent and don't need call button help will still be checked-in on periodically. The goal is to strike a safe balance between independence and support. Do not expect assisted living to replicate the one-on-one care of your loved one at home with you… or them at their house with an in-home caregiver. Some assisted living establishments will allow you to bring in a licensed private caregiver to give your loved one more one-on-one support -- but that expense will be on you. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Assisted living gives loved ones a safe, supportive environment. The 24/7 care from a staff of professionals gives family caregivers peace of mind. But it doesn't relieve the responsibilty of checking in frequently. In-person visits can rekindle family connections, which may be strained after being in caregiving roles. Visit as often as you can. Being there in person is the best way to assess how your loved one is adapting, and how the facility and staff are performing.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Common struggles for assisted living communities include chronic understaffing and delays in response time for call button assistance. You can best assess how these issues are handled when you visit frequently. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Once your loved one is a resident, you will still need advocate for them.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> This includes monitoring basics in your loved one's room, such as making sure the plumbing, heating and AC are in good working order.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Find a community with a vibe that resonates with you as well as your loved one. Caregiving is a calling. Cherish the good people who take care of others as a career. Benefits for your loved one at assisted living include more social contact with peers and younger adults, activities options, and hands-on personal care that can advance as needs change. Some assisted living establishments can provide two week or 30 day stays as “respite care” to give family caregivers a break. (However, many assisted living rooms come unfurnished, so factor in that added expense). Memory care units are part of many assisted living communities. This makes that transition easier for residents if that need arises. Most assisted living places do not offer skilled nursing care like a nursing home setting. Tour a range of elder care establishments to learn about these care levels and options.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Care homes, with only a handful of residents and a small team of caregivers in a private residence setting, can be a good option. Especially if the situation involves long-term care along with limited mobility. Many families turn to churches and community senior centers to get in touch with resources, activities, and volunteer or part time caregivers/companions. Unlicensed care may seem cost effective, but be mindful of the associated risks.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Long-term care insurance is a common way many families afford the prohibitive expenses of in-home caregivers and/or assisted living. However, there is always a big risk. You may pay the high premiums for years only to find out when you need the policy coverage it may not be accepted at the facility/agency you want.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Caring for a senior with dementia... or disabilities... or a chronic or terminal condition (including Alzheimer’s) are categories I won’t be covering here.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Finding elder care that fits, and is affordable, is hard. It can mean making tough decisions. The options are all costly. They can bankrupt families.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Caregiving for an elderly parent as an only child has benefits and disadvantages. If you are the only person who knows all the details for caring for your family member, you must make sure there is either a back-up person, or you and your family member must consider their need to enter assisted living earlier. You are not immune to having an accident or illness that could put your loved ones care in jeopardy. Having your elderly friend/family member in a facility can be a safer option for them and you if you are their only advocate. Even in sibling situations, it’s usually one person tasked with being the “burden bearer” – a role that leads to burnout, resentment, and other complications for any caregiver. ("Burden bearer" is a term from a 1966 study of families struggling with elder care. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1545-5300.1966.00076.x">https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1545-5300.1966.00076.x</a>. I first read about it in this 3.23 NY Times article </span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/28/magazine/elder-child-care-millennials.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/28/magazine/elder-child-care-millennials.html</a>)</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Caregiving for anyone when <b>you</b> have a chronic condition yourself adds more unstable variables to the equation. My Dad and I planned for various scenarios of how I would care for my parents in their final years <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– but when the reality happened, I was quickly humbled by the one variable we never factored in – my own limitations. When family caregivers themselves are seniors 60+ and caring for elders in their 80s and 90s, the entire situation can seem like a sitcom premise. Because as Mom likes do say: "You have to laugh or else you'd cry and who wants to cry?" Or as iconic actress Bette Davis put it:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbVy_P4Y6Na36b3qxZmyy0-HNw5ZNbvFo24Nr5P330xxDeDff2mKXS1HU4SItH0XskJOE8EH8pmO6f-bvQBcLJixzy2YIbmU4tfcIZfUMIqK45fKNRYBSKXlaMvhIja0zqe3WCJBXShPbNC-IryDiA8OzwRES9mqm6KONOo-NDyBZJGiAhy3ZUiXR/s600/bette%20davis%20old%20age%20pic%20quote%2012.21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbVy_P4Y6Na36b3qxZmyy0-HNw5ZNbvFo24Nr5P330xxDeDff2mKXS1HU4SItH0XskJOE8EH8pmO6f-bvQBcLJixzy2YIbmU4tfcIZfUMIqK45fKNRYBSKXlaMvhIja0zqe3WCJBXShPbNC-IryDiA8OzwRES9mqm6KONOo-NDyBZJGiAhy3ZUiXR/s320/bette%20davis%20old%20age%20pic%20quote%2012.21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Before you agree to become a full-time caregiver….</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Everyone must have their final documents in place -- a will or trust, an Advanced Healthcare Directive. No exceptions. Never agree to become a caregiver for someone who hasn’t gotten their affairs in order. Even with all the paperwork ducks in a row, all the re-organization of accounts, bills, legal documents, and even mundane things like newspaper/magazine subscriptions, will devour your time. And drain cash reserves.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">My two mottos learned the hard way from experience:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Get the right tool for the job.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Whoever dies first, wins.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Encourage all family members to have most household bills set on auto pay via a regular checking account. Get signed up to have access to those accounts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your family has the resources to have 2-3 mos of cash to cover monthly expenses on hand, that will relieve you of a lot of stress if the “financial manager” parent passes suddenly and you are left to juggle bills, taxes etc for a parent who hasn’t dealt with these for decades. When someone passes, a lot of important information can be lost suddenly too. They don’t have to deal with the fallout of that. But their survivors will. Plan now to avoid pain later.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Know your parent/family member’s medical history, medications they are on, and try to go to a routine doctor appointment with them. Going on a routine appointment will give you a chance to meet their regular doctor, and familiarize you with location of the clinic etc. Elderly people go to the doctor a lot. There are age-related issues that come up even for those without pre-existing conditions. You will also need to be proactive about getting these routine health issues addressed for your senior: Foot care. Skin care. Hydration. Vision issues. Hearing issues/aids. Physical Therapy to keep major muscle groups strong for maintain balance and mobility.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Assess your elderly parent/family members mobility. Plan ahead for special equipment that will be needed – for their safety, and for yours. Evaluate the home for fall hazards. Avoid preventable accidents. Remove safety risks.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Adapt or replace furnishings. Older people need sturdy chairs with arms. Bathrooms need many safety upgrades.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Shop early and often for items that will protect your senior’s independence. They will need these items eventually. Better to try them out with plenty of time to find what works BEFORE the urgent need arises. Practice using them “for if we need this” scenarios. It will make everyone more comfortable, confident, and safe.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Section 3 -- Recommended Products:</span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mobility Aids –</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Mobility is independence. Loss of mobility means more hands-on caregiving. Fight hard to maintain and protect mobility. Embrace simple changes, like mobility aids, appropriate shoes, physical therapy exercises to keep muscles strong.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>UPDATE 9.17.23 -- Here are two You Tube videos with excellent tips on how to safely use a walker! How to walk with a walker the right way...</b></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_UKG7LIoXDQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="_UKG7LIoXDQ"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">How to safely use a rollator (4-wheeled) walker</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/adCKjAHKVW8" width="320" youtube-src-id="adCKjAHKVW8"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Walkers<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Combo/convertible walker-transport chair.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I got this GoPlus model.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6RYjSYvC8hWvHmiSEoUiPZbPjUomrwGIeqOYPPYRVFQot_2RMcYm5GlzzuqDU7gzbvcO7B0QJ9Mx1geyrhA5EcNOXuYF1FDIoYy4K05hArdQ6PwLwiwBdtM9TiIWRIKVAkJtj7_z0Imbq86RhuhoQMPwtVz2XbrkKpqYni0rcO52Z5JD_GSFps8H/s686/go%20plus%20w%20arms%20big.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="686" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6RYjSYvC8hWvHmiSEoUiPZbPjUomrwGIeqOYPPYRVFQot_2RMcYm5GlzzuqDU7gzbvcO7B0QJ9Mx1geyrhA5EcNOXuYF1FDIoYy4K05hArdQ6PwLwiwBdtM9TiIWRIKVAkJtj7_z0Imbq86RhuhoQMPwtVz2XbrkKpqYni0rcO52Z5JD_GSFps8H/s320/go%20plus%20w%20arms%20big.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://goplusus.com/products/2-in-1-folding-rollator-walker-4-wheel-medical-rolling-walker">https://goplusus.com/products/2-in-1-folding-rollator-walker-4-wheel-medical-rolling-walker</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LRYSVKR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LRYSVKR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">A transport chair is </span><u style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">not</u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> a wheelchair. A transport chair has smaller wheels. It can’t be self-propelled. But a transport chair is essential safety equipment if you’re caregiving for someone who is elderly/and or has mobility issues. If you need to move them quickly and safely – you must have a transport chair available.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Get a combo/convertible walker-transport chair. This is best for trips to appointments and longer walks. The person can use as a walker, but if they get tired, it converts easily to a transport chair.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Top tip for transport chairs/wheelchairs: Back the person into elevators and over bumps and obstacles in pathways. Pushing the person forward into these hazards can “catch” the chair wheels and tip the elderly person forward and out of the chair! These chairs do NOT have seatbelts.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I looked at several brands and styles of combo walker-transport chairs.. Here’s why I picked the GoPlus one and how it delivers in these areas:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Pros --<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">It has the greatest range of adjustable height options for the handle bars used in both the walker and transport chair modes. Trying to match the right height for these bars has been a struggle on other walkers. This feature has been a game changer. It saves the back of the caregiver pushing when its in transport chair mode. It improves the posture and balance of person using it in walker mode, helping reduce that classic “hunched over the walker” posture.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The foot rests are pedal-shaped foot rests and that the foot rests can be folded away.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">There is a foot lever in the back to help whoever is pushing it in transport chair mode get the wheels over small bumps/floor surface transitions. It takes some practice.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If you’re trying to get someone with limited mobility to appointment, or across parking lots/uneven terrain, or an emergency exit -- a mobility chair is a must.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Having one tool that does 2 jobs saves storage space.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">This unit collapses down for easy storage and is pretty lightweight.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Cons –<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The seat is an odd shape and there is NO padding. There’s no storage under the seat and storage/pouch situation with this unit is limited and awkward.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">There is built-in padding for the arm rests, and that helps, but we did mail order some wrap around/Velcro arm rest pads and they are a big help<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">It’s larger and more awkward to use as a walker inside the home. But the fact that the handle heights are adjustable more than compensates.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The foot rests fold back fine, but flop around. I ended up buying some Velcro strips which we use to secure the foot rests. It’s an extra step.. and an extra item to make sure we have when we use this in transport chair mode. It’s an area I would check out well if I got to see some of these in person vs. buying online.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE7ZkBCuGAma8q4dOxIDPmzonJphCSYikoYLBHEbpGrWtwiF_j2KiQfLXhCHNlqFZ_hMq3wVIFJlB15bESdNfbpsqtVL5KfjRw6CTSbuhgy6ZNoo8yqCa6NlYOeacR77-yI6wy25TsMxVtmscHIK5HAM2A37P2dOxbancjsRmkRdhntlOqDrVzyWi/s1155/velcro%20straps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="679" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE7ZkBCuGAma8q4dOxIDPmzonJphCSYikoYLBHEbpGrWtwiF_j2KiQfLXhCHNlqFZ_hMq3wVIFJlB15bESdNfbpsqtVL5KfjRw6CTSbuhgy6ZNoo8yqCa6NlYOeacR77-yI6wy25TsMxVtmscHIK5HAM2A37P2dOxbancjsRmkRdhntlOqDrVzyWi/s320/velcro%20straps.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Wheelchair seat cushion </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Medical-Supply-Covered-Wheelchair/dp/B007X2EXIS/ref=">https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Medical-Supply-Covered-Wheelchair/dp/B007X2EXIS/ref=</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Wheelchair Armrest pads (this link has assorted colors) </span><a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/products/wheelchair-armrests">https://www.vivehealth.com/products/wheelchair-armrests</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZE4Uqzn_e3BaVMgxvQzAP61DEufX5bWqk91M2BIfwfbuaGbOGv6awiIshPOPo4yC7Z262ch5hyEWx7Pbx8iVXGhKMiuw78og66NxvcHTn1zp00Z9NEaFeqXTUwDWD0delTmpjW8_dpzOOoREQrYzNqjJ5l_fTyQ_C4YpS1GvMVDn9I6CIKX02LJvl/s225/arm%20rest%20covers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZE4Uqzn_e3BaVMgxvQzAP61DEufX5bWqk91M2BIfwfbuaGbOGv6awiIshPOPo4yC7Z262ch5hyEWx7Pbx8iVXGhKMiuw78og66NxvcHTn1zp00Z9NEaFeqXTUwDWD0delTmpjW8_dpzOOoREQrYzNqjJ5l_fTyQ_C4YpS1GvMVDn9I6CIKX02LJvl/s1600/arm%20rest%20covers.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Traditional 4-wheeled walker (Nova Zoom)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://novajoy.com/products?categoryId=368">https://novajoy.com/products?categoryId=368</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU87UKGZfgOe30YorHv-2Xr98NvZd8vcQrxxCx8k1oKH19rBdyQsLr5x1Ub7rQEKTExmq-iMM31jJqh1tnJuqMSqUyCkwKKdUpv5x7xqL2O8OAIZQmRWfsaPQ5nxsh3vmXPsbwdFrFsVMJtRg1yTSLVuZk8iDn8mXikI3m4lwicfi0uSxsUusd9ljx/s500/nova%20joy%20walker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU87UKGZfgOe30YorHv-2Xr98NvZd8vcQrxxCx8k1oKH19rBdyQsLr5x1Ub7rQEKTExmq-iMM31jJqh1tnJuqMSqUyCkwKKdUpv5x7xqL2O8OAIZQmRWfsaPQ5nxsh3vmXPsbwdFrFsVMJtRg1yTSLVuZk8iDn8mXikI3m4lwicfi0uSxsUusd9ljx/s320/nova%20joy%20walker.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Pros -- </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">These are nimble, smaller, and come with a padded seat and generous storage. Wheeled walkers excel at turning and pivoting, and they also have brakes for stability. They are better than the old-school 2 wheeled walkers.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">This walker gives the most support for when Mom has knee pain.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">We went to a local home healthcare aids store to get Mom a 4-wheeled walker. They fit her for this model. (However, it’s turned out to be just a bit too short for her, even at the highest handle height setting.)</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Cons – </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Only 3 settings for handle height. Not having the handles at the appropriate height contributes to that “hunched over the walker” posture you often see. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsM-eJ4zLXVc-w6UoY0CPf4K9Vhp1WCS62I_oP9lLRcFEMfqR8QE8wVRe6hvRDjHZdgi3ZE1Mv8C4drpUeRflwVscHfgTwgziPPqL07uvPF7H8QoCeaKDzGweYxhM62HreSSB3MTUQB_0XpW0ql1ceOImX5VEkhrqvppLBof3XAM64vOLPd9hEVpM/s2800/new-perfect-walker-header-cone-sight.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1738" data-original-width="2800" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsM-eJ4zLXVc-w6UoY0CPf4K9Vhp1WCS62I_oP9lLRcFEMfqR8QE8wVRe6hvRDjHZdgi3ZE1Mv8C4drpUeRflwVscHfgTwgziPPqL07uvPF7H8QoCeaKDzGweYxhM62HreSSB3MTUQB_0XpW0ql1ceOImX5VEkhrqvppLBof3XAM64vOLPd9hEVpM/s320/new-perfect-walker-header-cone-sight.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Shop around and find a walker that has an appropriate handle height. Walkers work best in walker mode. You can use it to push someone in a pinch, but they will be facing backwards and they must be able to suspend their feet to keep out of your way and not be dragging their feet on the ground. Of course, a walker is not designed to be a transport chair. And this limitation is obvious if you ever try to use it as one.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Standing/Upright Walker –<a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/products/upright-walker">https://www.vivehealth.com/products/upright-walker</a></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4soLSP3lW1nR-GZmoojS3Ju6IvXgaDIt90I4uPBD0UBIXhorrsETBbfKyNVfkm2By1-_TkONZyqsFun5H5oP8h8qJxbE1t0H5jRLf59F0rMJfispHNc2N0twgdcBWzpIoc6et1wwEoKOnsz0etTOlPI1hdfHRDGJgw8ULv6ipoD7WsxzTWPDCiQrv/s800/upright_walker_black_800x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4soLSP3lW1nR-GZmoojS3Ju6IvXgaDIt90I4uPBD0UBIXhorrsETBbfKyNVfkm2By1-_TkONZyqsFun5H5oP8h8qJxbE1t0H5jRLf59F0rMJfispHNc2N0twgdcBWzpIoc6et1wwEoKOnsz0etTOlPI1hdfHRDGJgw8ULv6ipoD7WsxzTWPDCiQrv/s320/upright_walker_black_800x.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I got Mom one of these when we realized her 4-wheeled walker was too short for her. The upright walker has a seat (not padded), encourages better posture, and provides better eye contact with other pedestrians. It may be a good option for more active, taller seniors. I wouldn’t recommend one for most elderly people.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">It’s cumbersome to move and store. It can collapse and be put in a car, but would take up a lot of space and be hard to get in and out.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">It’s hard to find padding for the arm rests that fit properly. The arm rests and hard plastic and do need extra padding that’s not provided or built in.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Because Mom was in a condo, and got most of her exercise walking the hallway of the condo building, this worked out okay for us for several months. But we never used it on sidewalks or parking lots… where I’m not sure how safe/stable it would be on those sorts of surfaces.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">3-wheeled walker (Nova Traveler) <a href="https://novajoy.com/products?categoryId=187&productId=382">https://novajoy.com/products?categoryId=187&productId=382</a></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gn5j07jmCe8GWFMQP8ZgDpUkcqIZKfWuKE_hTD0Z7BWyzjFcQbmlNEv90b3344oTTa8agEViHsBIVcY9VTyC8zcO1f1wsC2iJxqg3cGZrHJnQ75OwRx3TfdWz5VLqLVFS6x2z719S7tTrPANawA6nvFG73WapqwUnsIRU0_-kb8lDeiWK9zL6pXR/s1800/nova%203%20wheel%20walker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1018" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gn5j07jmCe8GWFMQP8ZgDpUkcqIZKfWuKE_hTD0Z7BWyzjFcQbmlNEv90b3344oTTa8agEViHsBIVcY9VTyC8zcO1f1wsC2iJxqg3cGZrHJnQ75OwRx3TfdWz5VLqLVFS6x2z719S7tTrPANawA6nvFG73WapqwUnsIRU0_-kb8lDeiWK9zL6pXR/s320/nova%203%20wheel%20walker.jpg" width="181" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Once Mom transitioned into assisted living, this walker became her favorite. I bought this one specifically because the handles can be set higher than her 4 wheel walker. She likes that this one is easy to maneuver around her large bathroom and studio room, as well as the common areas. She is close to any seating options in these situations, so the lack of a seat on the walker isn’t a problem.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Pros --</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Nimble to use and maneuver. Has a generous storage pouch built it. There is also a detachable wire basket and tray. Adjustable handle height.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZjxrmL1fPYPP7ZEvD_CGmJTq_qoQYH9JIDhj6RwRKfPC7f16i4JNAuUn7zNqrzypkWrHTz5mIqWrKtnBIcDtQLHa0G-6b26A5kY6lLa-5_amwQDJDOo93uk26u7ZNV2ekIcFACp5oKEVCi9l80G0_8Pd2fv5KYYguVHcqvpXsvWH9_z1JxRy4f3F/s569/3%20wheel%20handles.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="569" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZjxrmL1fPYPP7ZEvD_CGmJTq_qoQYH9JIDhj6RwRKfPC7f16i4JNAuUn7zNqrzypkWrHTz5mIqWrKtnBIcDtQLHa0G-6b26A5kY6lLa-5_amwQDJDOo93uk26u7ZNV2ekIcFACp5oKEVCi9l80G0_8Pd2fv5KYYguVHcqvpXsvWH9_z1JxRy4f3F/s320/3%20wheel%20handles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Cons – </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Not as much stability as the 4 wheeled walker. No seat built in.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Footed “quad” Cane <a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/products/carbon-fiber-quad-cane">https://www.vivehealth.com/products/carbon-fiber-quad-cane</a></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">A cane with four feet is always ready to be used and not falling to the ground etc. This one is lightweight, but also very strong.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthriC8JCtJsTnSNchhph98Vwc0I5RfeTqicYlBuNiGMdbstYa2p_1lBLaYr6ohpGaW3-ZRLF_LP9Nld5Vp7UvZkkq_udKtkQaLfnKekj7A1o5D3aAfpgBE9114Ine5PRzWRBdZ0cT4z4m2fWAvdXJFvW6F8uG4MzKG3mS3bzF3YNQWJwOe8YM-_vu/s227/quad%20cane%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="222" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthriC8JCtJsTnSNchhph98Vwc0I5RfeTqicYlBuNiGMdbstYa2p_1lBLaYr6ohpGaW3-ZRLF_LP9Nld5Vp7UvZkkq_udKtkQaLfnKekj7A1o5D3aAfpgBE9114Ine5PRzWRBdZ0cT4z4m2fWAvdXJFvW6F8uG4MzKG3mS3bzF3YNQWJwOe8YM-_vu/s1600/quad%20cane%201.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Foot safety and care --<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Velcro shoes & open toed sandals<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Shoes with laces are a tripping hazard. Round those up and donate them. Poorly fitting shoes can contribute to foot pain, infections, etc. That leads to mobility loss. Look for shoes that protect feet and prevent slipping. Old bones are fragile. I learned from Mom's podiatrist that many elderly folks fracture their toes by bumping them while wearing footwear that lacks support and protection. Foot or toe pain should be checked out by a doctor ASAP. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Replace old shoes with Velcro closure footwear. Mom preferred a style with a single flap vs multiple tabs. Look for shoes with a sturdy sole that supports the foot.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Yibobay Diabetic Shoes <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yibobay-Diabetic-Adjustable-Breathable-Lightweight/dp/B096KVHJLT/ref=">https://www.amazon.com/Yibobay-Diabetic-Adjustable-Breathable-Lightweight/dp/B096KVHJLT/ref=</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I had to mail order these in several sizes to find the right fit, but it was worth it. Mom loves them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50RR6GJBiND38pIHJP0z_mYgtKeNOSyNA3Oo37piTboeO42aw5kyM8ZOUFWhtRXtA_wtRlTvQAcR1JvXaiEmpFRedAazS2LPanxIJJWWmcn_Oqv3zrYAgmj__br5iSrkvinvkZ1JrvPUSooMIw1w4Nb8RS72lDiLg2Ku98NG665ovtbOhaT00pgb8/s323/yibobay%20shoe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="323" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50RR6GJBiND38pIHJP0z_mYgtKeNOSyNA3Oo37piTboeO42aw5kyM8ZOUFWhtRXtA_wtRlTvQAcR1JvXaiEmpFRedAazS2LPanxIJJWWmcn_Oqv3zrYAgmj__br5iSrkvinvkZ1JrvPUSooMIw1w4Nb8RS72lDiLg2Ku98NG665ovtbOhaT00pgb8/s320/yibobay%20shoe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Since Mom had a toe injury (ingrown nail) that took months to correct, she needed shoes indoors that gave her stability but also were open toed.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Silverts Sandals</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> – open toed with Velcro. These are a sturdy option for times when toe pain may need an open-toed shoe. <a href="https://www.silverts.com/womens-easy-closure-sandal-for-indoors-outdoors">https://www.silverts.com/womens-easy-closure-sandal-for-indoors-outdoors</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0AauYUyvNCjdzbOgj67AGRgXEvHLL52AURSYHr6McK0pNwHawP_YbklRPUXJVQiWA3VKI8-MG69sZpvNeeg78LuLtuXFCcE-dMLCU8pbBgQa6ybvPQqunE_Qtx0HHPYm4_8yIK7Mse4H1dlIJ7YeGvkrRFg_j-_uUCOo6eMwi-ieJU-Uduf98RB5B/s1127/silverts%20open%20toe%20shoes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1127" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0AauYUyvNCjdzbOgj67AGRgXEvHLL52AURSYHr6McK0pNwHawP_YbklRPUXJVQiWA3VKI8-MG69sZpvNeeg78LuLtuXFCcE-dMLCU8pbBgQa6ybvPQqunE_Qtx0HHPYm4_8yIK7Mse4H1dlIJ7YeGvkrRFg_j-_uUCOo6eMwi-ieJU-Uduf98RB5B/s320/silverts%20open%20toe%20shoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">These </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>Memory Foam Sandals from the “Collections Etc”</i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> catalog are inexpensive, but lack support. They are suitable as slippers, but not for long walks. <a href="https://www.collectionsetc.com/products/ultra-lightweight-adjustable-memory-foam-sandals/?color=BLCK&size=XSA&utm_source=google&utm">https://www.collectionsetc.com/products/ultra-lightweight-adjustable-memory-foam-sandals/?color=BLCK&size=XSA&utm_source=google&utm</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDyTKVHlYdWEwSqmoyc6wC8LswmZqYrH165PQeoeqV_klopijdUpghkX9W1SP4mOT_s15Tv0NIJOCgdJFgK1T2_NLwnByD-53BCJzR5Ck2sdjkUicdfXKmwWNVbft68qTrzp5hi81t6p33iAR8PZVL2_9NMxbsfl0UPJ0yWI9pQVcK6mUZ151117L/s225/memory%20foam%20sandals.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDyTKVHlYdWEwSqmoyc6wC8LswmZqYrH165PQeoeqV_klopijdUpghkX9W1SP4mOT_s15Tv0NIJOCgdJFgK1T2_NLwnByD-53BCJzR5Ck2sdjkUicdfXKmwWNVbft68qTrzp5hi81t6p33iAR8PZVL2_9NMxbsfl0UPJ0yWI9pQVcK6mUZ151117L/s1600/memory%20foam%20sandals.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Keep feet clean and dry. Make sure they are moisturized to prevent cracks in skin and nails that can invite infections. Be sure a doctor looks at the elderly persons feet at least once a year. Medicare covers routine podiatrist visits. It’s worth getting your elderly family members to a podiatrist on a regular schedule to handle things like toe nail trims. This basic personal care can become a breeding ground for infections if neglected or relegated to self-care or non-medical services (ie salons). Both of my parents had foot issues that needed attention but their primary care doctor never had them take off their socks – even at annual physical exams! Unacceptable.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Ears need attention too. Age-related hearing issues are common. Be sure your senior has a hearing evaluation by an audiologist. And make sure their primary care doctor examines inside their ears at least once a year. Your loved one may need routine ear irrigation. Regular dental cleanings are also essential. Many older people don't have all their own teeth. You need to know if your loved one has any dentures or partials. Be sure they fit well and are cleaned properly. Check with their dentist. Your senior may need new eyeglasses too. Get a vision exam scheduled as soon as you take over their care. Finding problems in any of these areas early can make all the difference.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Because of my diabetes, I’m very pro-active about foot care. I will always suspect my dad could have lived longer if his non-healing foot wound got earlier attention. Instead, he slapped a band aid on it -- for nearly 2 years! Dad was so healthy otherwise, and he presented so well clinically, his doctor never looked at his bare feet. By the time he showed his non-healing wound to the doctor, it had progressed to skin cancer. That required surgery. And oncologists. I learned about all this too late. Please take these lessons to heart. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Change socks daily. Be sure they are not binding. Mom loved these <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084Q61X8K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 " name="_Hlk131706345">“Hugh Ugoli Diabetic ankle socks, seamless, stretchy” socks from Amazon </a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1N6V7qLv9umaH6KL9oHS9vOS3SEizuMYnelSWVFqSbVYpn4_uY0HQuCrv2yPN3trE_lm2RLYQGMoAPaav9C-grUt2cchfsJ-wOe5zGbDahC3o1WFnMEunmTq_WBxql85y2HoRPAwmlIAM1u1ppwPCpZTxBgb-iBhaTel83DyQO9yxjP3IHXrY9Tu/s142/socks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="142" data-original-width="142" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1N6V7qLv9umaH6KL9oHS9vOS3SEizuMYnelSWVFqSbVYpn4_uY0HQuCrv2yPN3trE_lm2RLYQGMoAPaav9C-grUt2cchfsJ-wOe5zGbDahC3o1WFnMEunmTq_WBxql85y2HoRPAwmlIAM1u1ppwPCpZTxBgb-iBhaTel83DyQO9yxjP3IHXrY9Tu/s1600/socks.jpg" width="142" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Try out different compression socks. There are better ones available now that aren’t the vice grip socks of years ago. Most older people have legs and ankles that swell. Compression socks… and/or elevating their legs so they are higher than their heart for a period of time during the day or at night.. can help reduce swelling.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Viasox Diabetic Socks</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> –these are super stretchy socks that are easy to get on and off. Available in knee length, ankle and compression sock options. There are lots of fun prints as well as solids. <a href="https://viasox.com/">https://viasox.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXd90BioOhaHwMbZ-mGrzoWp7glfRZcWKIDipnB5j3QsR6KK4EWfMsJkJdyOe7a3URQw-dyrb5yzZuMOB1jB9ldOtwBTO9AW_cjoe7jltKhGxN9nnSmj0TjlaUCNSoWGVQwB4b8MJnu6NgF7d--QIurWrFcYUJIJKoURPb2fGrpOWZxOwEzHc5hE-T/s360/viasox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXd90BioOhaHwMbZ-mGrzoWp7glfRZcWKIDipnB5j3QsR6KK4EWfMsJkJdyOe7a3URQw-dyrb5yzZuMOB1jB9ldOtwBTO9AW_cjoe7jltKhGxN9nnSmj0TjlaUCNSoWGVQwB4b8MJnu6NgF7d--QIurWrFcYUJIJKoURPb2fGrpOWZxOwEzHc5hE-T/s320/viasox.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Electric foot warmer pad –<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Cold extremities are a common problem with the elderly. Mom often has cold feet at the end of the day, even on warm days. The right tool for this job turned out to be a double-sided electric foot warmer. (Any electric heating pad/blanket needs to be used with supervision as elderly people have thin skin that can be damaged.) Mom’s favorite foot warmer pad worked better than traditional heating pad as it has a zipper. You can make it into a pouch to slip both feet into. You can also unzip it and use it to heat a larger area like backs, or shoulders. It took some trial and error to find this item on Amazon “Accelery Double-Sided Heated Foot Warmer” with a tag that reads: “OnKey Electric Technology Heating Pad Model # FT-1616,” now listed as “unavailable” </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Here’s a similar one, but this lacks the zipper and timer on the control:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Electric-Foot-Warmer-Heating-Pad-with-3-Settings-Auto-Shut-Off-and-Detachable-Extra-Long-Cord-Soft-Plush-with-Fuzzy-Interior-by-Bluestone/711560582 ">https://www.walmart.com/ip/Electric-Foot-Warmer-Heating-Pad-with-3-Settings-Auto-Shut-Off-and-Detachable-Extra-Long-Cord-Soft-Plush-with-Fuzzy-Interior-by-Bluestone/711560582</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>Room Safety</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Landline phone for hearing impaired<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">A 911 call from a landline is the fastest way to get help to the right location. Check with local agencies about qualifying for a free or discounted landline phone for the hearing impaired. Hearing/vision loss and other age-related challenges like arthritis can make it a struggle to use even the most basic cell phones. Be confident your loved ones can make and receive phone calls.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwGyp-sGfoyb7VH9qlS-IUYmyKVGwHIrNdi7iGE3EzujjqRghA0fHQoU7qWHGisjwt_-wxsKMYTj9qs9D0Wvq1HsE9HYaQHM73pfaqfdc5cAO3JIXzG9_6o4riC_sW9FjNLnnzTh7bzZT8YFMx3OMo5Nm1lVYYjvBKEx8YC-AMKUXGrb0ouSS5Mx0/s268/landline%20phone%20for%20seniors.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="268" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwGyp-sGfoyb7VH9qlS-IUYmyKVGwHIrNdi7iGE3EzujjqRghA0fHQoU7qWHGisjwt_-wxsKMYTj9qs9D0Wvq1HsE9HYaQHM73pfaqfdc5cAO3JIXzG9_6o4riC_sW9FjNLnnzTh7bzZT8YFMx3OMo5Nm1lVYYjvBKEx8YC-AMKUXGrb0ouSS5Mx0/s1600/landline%20phone%20for%20seniors.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Call Button</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> (CallToU transmitter and receiver) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/CallToU-Caregiver-Transmitters-Receivers-Attention/dp/B077SYPD5K">https://www.amazon.com/CallToU-Caregiver-Transmitters-Receivers-Attention/dp/B077SYPD5K</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGck3FFzbkA9lcAHxTaV3KNmAYnaUAWBWOOL1Cye_m81BOZFbxAhfNr_p0RtJ7aN-z2AvTshTrey45HTvE07AWPbA41AhVF_nOlPETxGjW7vxQjpqIqOV73Ib1g1tvAkl3Adw55ep9O8joyoc8EGqbFjuS609eEDylvR_2LvKSz3-dMj7S1QppxiTQ/s225/calltoU%20sizes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGck3FFzbkA9lcAHxTaV3KNmAYnaUAWBWOOL1Cye_m81BOZFbxAhfNr_p0RtJ7aN-z2AvTshTrey45HTvE07AWPbA41AhVF_nOlPETxGjW7vxQjpqIqOV73Ib1g1tvAkl3Adw55ep9O8joyoc8EGqbFjuS609eEDylvR_2LvKSz3-dMj7S1QppxiTQ/s1600/calltoU%20sizes.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">One of the best “tips from the trenches” we got from one of mom’s caregivers was to get her a call button. Getting a senior accustomed to using a call button keeps everyone safe. It’s an essential skill for assisted living. <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Knowing how to use a call button will also help your loved one get help if they end up in the hospital. For the hours you can't be with them, it will be up to them to use a call button to get help from a nurse.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Grabber</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> (The one I like best I got from Diaso – this link has photos and a review) <a href="https://www.thestuffsreview.com/2022/07/daiso-all-purpose-grabber.html.">https://www.thestuffsreview.com/2022/07/daiso-all-purpose-grabber.html.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6fqAIMP-LmneQwLcYAxynV6KGyrLzvJbn7PecJLOvzfso7TZIoE8oMg6zh6LgzpYhOd8cG6Q0cLKpcd_NUHeHO82s84Q2w_pwgY_Iz53qQtsIbAllgwlS_gmRQglTsr_shuMKwRSkA58aIDt9SimOLs3kvoNJdl0Ti-Gu2_BoC9BXNloY87KrQai/s320/Daiso-All-Purpose-Grabber.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6fqAIMP-LmneQwLcYAxynV6KGyrLzvJbn7PecJLOvzfso7TZIoE8oMg6zh6LgzpYhOd8cG6Q0cLKpcd_NUHeHO82s84Q2w_pwgY_Iz53qQtsIbAllgwlS_gmRQglTsr_shuMKwRSkA58aIDt9SimOLs3kvoNJdl0Ti-Gu2_BoC9BXNloY87KrQai/s1600/Daiso-All-Purpose-Grabber.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Back injuries or hip/knee pain can prohibit bending over. A “grabber” is a safer way to retrieve objects that fall to the floor.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Motion detector Night Lights<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Light in hallways can prevent trip and fall hazards. Especially for nighttime trips to the bathroom. Battery operated “tap lights” can also be handy. Many options of both are online or at hardware and home improvement stores.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Bathroom safety<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXrBrlZ_juahx0wblaeGZB_6M6vKGlFxlUITdnUvv3QMklPZc-gi8Ey3DWJIymovCEWRLb5SX3fwJlUeqHjgYSkXdb2pyDLBqC2SC5nhaz3PaXsdwyRMp2x1aCg6BGY0J2Edjugctu2KhL05bIS47vgR3nRIbeWeHPI0yXVfTH4gbqmYGtdMt7SvI/s968/vive%20health%20shower%20chair.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXrBrlZ_juahx0wblaeGZB_6M6vKGlFxlUITdnUvv3QMklPZc-gi8Ey3DWJIymovCEWRLb5SX3fwJlUeqHjgYSkXdb2pyDLBqC2SC5nhaz3PaXsdwyRMp2x1aCg6BGY0J2Edjugctu2KhL05bIS47vgR3nRIbeWeHPI0yXVfTH4gbqmYGtdMt7SvI/s320/vive%20health%20shower%20chair.jpg" width="248" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></i></b><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Shower chair <a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/products/shower-chair">https://www.vivehealth.com/products/shower-chair</a></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Baths and showers are the #1 place where life-changing falls happen. Take shower/bathing safety seriously.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I mailed order this one for the handles, height adjustment choices, and drainage holes in the seat. It’s good, but we still ended up adding a padded shower floor pad for her to sit on while she uses this as the seat is a tiny bit slippery.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Talk with your elder’s doctor/dermatologist about ways to keep fragile older skin well moisturized. Slathering lotion on damp skin right after showering is a good practice for anyone to prevent dry skin issues. Use gentle body wash (Aveeno unscented etc). Bar soap, even Dove, can be drying.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Grab bars<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">These are essential and need to be installed/attached to studs in the walls. I didn’t have to buy any of these are they were already at Mom’s condo.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Toilet seat support<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Handles on the sides of the toilet are safer than a single grab bar on the wall. Finding the right handles was another trial and error discovery. We found this worked best because it used the toilet seat itself (not the floor) as the base for the handles. This product was more stable than other seat-based options we tried. She didn’t like options that raised her higher on the toilet seat as it made her feet dangle. This option lets her use the toilet seat at the traditional height, but gives her support with sturdy handles.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ioOZc7fxqm3yI5K8ghFU-w2d_ECISwC9nnTV1ONaI9o7uHWm88pavlMNxFTo3y2uxJ5Ku-OBRJdxpt8CtT2AImNb0XxRpLxIAoCxVGM11eMgp7Lb9G4F1AvTPMUj-F4X5c5B5mFHgm4c9yTr2jrX4Ds0a-7HY4WdMuIKIZ5gLOoTCjLzyiITJjUa/s225/toilet%20safety%20bar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ioOZc7fxqm3yI5K8ghFU-w2d_ECISwC9nnTV1ONaI9o7uHWm88pavlMNxFTo3y2uxJ5Ku-OBRJdxpt8CtT2AImNb0XxRpLxIAoCxVGM11eMgp7Lb9G4F1AvTPMUj-F4X5c5B5mFHgm4c9yTr2jrX4Ds0a-7HY4WdMuIKIZ5gLOoTCjLzyiITJjUa/s1600/toilet%20safety%20bar.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/MOEN-Home-Care-23-25-in-Toilet-Safety-Bar-in-Glacier-DN7015/203933039?source=">https://www.homedepot.com/p/MOEN-Home-Care-23-25-in-Toilet-Safety-Bar-in-Glacier-DN7015/203933039?source=</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If there is back or knee pain involved that can make it difficult to lower down to the traditional toilet seat. There are a range of risers and cushions available. But here’s a twist – I think most of them are designed by and for men. Women wipe in front. The lack of a front opening on many risers and cushions makes this basic self-care hygiene challenging for women. Find options with a front opening when shopping for a woman.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Toilet seat Cushion <a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/products/toilet-seat-cushion">https://www.vivehealth.com/products/toilet-seat-cushion</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTSyR1ISJTBW2rxNPDAjbovHOZo_M8o_dwWbwMpB60xbKZn83FukjhvArgdiV63OqA8yU5asvvzCohIz1ToUVv1-u1GGV8y4piAvetGWRIWsM-G_7JZlnBZZiLkROqlJf6Y8NfPHJtBzOjGdVSCmX8H6KtMEoeTVbUyOQ8SmvLUNNU3mddXTQvAyM/s702/toilet%20seat%20cushion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="679" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTSyR1ISJTBW2rxNPDAjbovHOZo_M8o_dwWbwMpB60xbKZn83FukjhvArgdiV63OqA8yU5asvvzCohIz1ToUVv1-u1GGV8y4piAvetGWRIWsM-G_7JZlnBZZiLkROqlJf6Y8NfPHJtBzOjGdVSCmX8H6KtMEoeTVbUyOQ8SmvLUNNU3mddXTQvAyM/s320/toilet%20seat%20cushion.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Toilet Seat Riser with handles <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Glacier-Bay-E-Z-Lock-Raised-Toilet-Seat-With-Adjustable-Armrests-5-in-FGB303GB-THD/312272463?source=">https://www.homedepot.com/p/Glacier-Bay-E-Z-Lock-Raised-Toilet-Seat-With-Adjustable-Armrests-5-in-FGB303GB-THD/312272463?source=</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9WFScUuq8UVRDqVwSYSIdkAHk6Ep8TprLfFgqSKk6QDOQgzSLaHBCM7MLsY0DpJIuZoWQ69qzBOksiRRNhfiMf51RcbXsfoTysM2jTAxGV9CaprJwXb9_VywEua1XVqg7py_hH7HeaVUIyBTUe62DhFIHVMq7D7qQdyDSqxGPNkyjRsNVb5KWC7z/s173/toilet%20riser%20w%20handles.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="166" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9WFScUuq8UVRDqVwSYSIdkAHk6Ep8TprLfFgqSKk6QDOQgzSLaHBCM7MLsY0DpJIuZoWQ69qzBOksiRRNhfiMf51RcbXsfoTysM2jTAxGV9CaprJwXb9_VywEua1XVqg7py_hH7HeaVUIyBTUe62DhFIHVMq7D7qQdyDSqxGPNkyjRsNVb5KWC7z/s1600/toilet%20riser%20w%20handles.png" width="166" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Toileting issues/Home as a healthcare setting</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">No one wants to think about needing help with personal hygiene care.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Caregivers <u>have</u> to think about it. They may be that help.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If you can’t imagine taking on these tasks – plan ahead now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Do you know how to find in-home help for these hands-on jobs?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Can you afford this?? – the cost of caregivers that come to your home is mind-blowingly expensive.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Will you and your loved one feel that needing help with toileting is a deciding factor for transitioning to assisted living care? Helping another adult in the shower or at the toilet can put you at risk for injuries. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Discuss this with your seniors now.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If underwear “accidents” are mild/infrequent, your life will be easier if you have already stocked some essential supplies. See a great coupon for Depends or similar products? Use it. Get your elder to try out some different brands and sizes. They will see these products are comfortable, effective, and discreet. It can be good "practice" to wear them overnight in bed, or out for an errand. Sometimes medical tests or health issues will prompt the need for these items on a short-term basis. Use that opportunity.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Wearing disposable underwear and changing them frequently helps prevent UTIs. Fragile skin in personal areas is a high-risk zone for infections. These can be hard to detect until they become severe.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Be sure you have lots of disposable gloves in a range of sizes (a Medium in one brand may need a Large in others). Baby wipes are essential! They serve multiple purposes. Carry them in a ziplock bag to appointments with your elder. The Costco Kirkland ones are always in my car and purse. Disinfecting wipes and/or a spray bottle with 70% isopropyl alcohol are essential supplies for every room when there is healthcare involved. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Buy waterproof liner covers for mattresses –online or at Target –and start using them now. Do yourself a favor. Spending $20 now may save you from dealing with disposing of a soiled mattress later. I like these “Allerease Ultimate Mattress Protectors” because they block everything: <a href="https://www.target.com/p/ultimate-mattress-protector-allerease/-/A-17273320">https://www.target.com/p/ultimate-mattress-protector-allerease/-/A-17273320</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Allerese “Perfect Protection” line is also good, and more widely available<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.target.com/p/full-perfect-protection-waterproof-mattress-protector-allerease/-/A-78376623?ref=">https://www.target.com/p/full-perfect-protection-waterproof-mattress-protector-allerease/-/A-78376623?ref=</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Your family member may struggle with the reality home is now a healthcare setting. Even if it’s friends and family helping out… it’s more people using restrooms, common areas, and the kitchen. Everyone needs to be practicing good healthcare setting habits -- washing hands, disinfecting surfaces regularly etc. Older people have compromised immune systems. Protect them from common colds/flu and infections. Diligent heathcare setting practices by caregivers help avoid costly and health-compromising hosptial stays for seniors. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Another struggle your loved ones may have is accepting they need help with caring for their physical body, in spite of how indelicate and embarrassing that may be. Be compassionate. Let them know you understand. They are forever 30 in heart and spirit. But now they have a "vintage" body that needs specialized support and </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">maintenance</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">. You are here to help. Just like they helped with your body when it was very young and needed special care. When adult children are caring for elderly parents, we are all past our "best by" dates. But here we are...making the best of it. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>UPDATE 12.6.23 </b>-- For female elderly that have lost mobility and/or suffer from needing to be moved out of bed to urinate overnight -- consider getting a "PureWick" system. </span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Once mobility is lost, getting lifted on and off a chair commode becomes a burden for everyone. </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">This system is the home version of what's used in hospitals. It isn't cheap -- but the wear and tear they save on caregivers -- and on moving fragile patients around, especially when their skin gets so thin with age and is easily torn or bruised -- makes this system worth the investment:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span><a href="https://www.purewickathome.com/caregivers.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">https://www.purewickathome.com/caregivers.html</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7CTJMlGU-2VsRdxz467zIwhOsXMWgRYT0XcOj3xXk-lJbgjBfFwC1SNhNeo6uk1xE8qLE3RX9UGM1eomg-DEgHr05H3TmlzTbLvaCZu8gludcDnWYtSmHz7WsM9ESdO6mam7uWtbhQAxVsyDEpjM8cc7YBEMWHpb287qfabdnJo5IUIicmGaxr5C9OY/s628/Purewick-Women-Product.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="628" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7CTJMlGU-2VsRdxz467zIwhOsXMWgRYT0XcOj3xXk-lJbgjBfFwC1SNhNeo6uk1xE8qLE3RX9UGM1eomg-DEgHr05H3TmlzTbLvaCZu8gludcDnWYtSmHz7WsM9ESdO6mam7uWtbhQAxVsyDEpjM8cc7YBEMWHpb287qfabdnJo5IUIicmGaxr5C9OY/s320/Purewick-Women-Product.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>General safety and comfort</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Transfer belts & harness</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Avoid injury to elderly person and to caregivers. Try out some transfer belt/harness options before you need them. If you have an emergency and need to move someone who is suddenly not able to move all or part of their body – you will be glad you were prepared. <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>UPDATE 12.6.23:</b> Try these out early -- especially for size! Most of these items are designed by and for men. You may need to do some tailoring for a secure fit for smaller framed/female seniors. Here are links for these items I found most helpful--</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Transfer blanket <a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/collections/transfer-belts-aids/products/patient-transfer-sheet-handles">https://www.vivehealth.com/collections/transfer-belts-aids/products/patient-transfer-sheet-handles</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-dsCnSaYv1uIty0VgLPn7Vop3i_vy8qz_bM0IftPsrIAchzNyhBvI8xYRsyp7iIahm2R_k5eZgYnAKdk0BavfJXnFM0l-JR3hyLHl6T81xPkugsLns05r8ERpcL2-RXcGgbA2e2mzWhXNIJbn6AyZWNOewBrE7phciRb6-gyNw33c5tEhQFJ8422Ap0/s864/transfer%20blanket%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-dsCnSaYv1uIty0VgLPn7Vop3i_vy8qz_bM0IftPsrIAchzNyhBvI8xYRsyp7iIahm2R_k5eZgYnAKdk0BavfJXnFM0l-JR3hyLHl6T81xPkugsLns05r8ERpcL2-RXcGgbA2e2mzWhXNIJbn6AyZWNOewBrE7phciRb6-gyNw33c5tEhQFJ8422Ap0/s320/transfer%20blanket%202.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBZQWiff9KYEfCPMzTpPduzpKDQMeM9fGY-JxE4wze2L6gY00DBQhTlNbFlop6xos0QYp8XtfPD6j2uHlfRirQlvNTDM9mvdiuZn6adldQ3s5Ys1ieP3xqgcZL7pJz11jAVmt4STt1AZVCTkqPklCKMqEnm6btPHhl_qoh-4woXFRfoTs3aGeYhpaHBY/s769/transfer%20blanket%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBZQWiff9KYEfCPMzTpPduzpKDQMeM9fGY-JxE4wze2L6gY00DBQhTlNbFlop6xos0QYp8XtfPD6j2uHlfRirQlvNTDM9mvdiuZn6adldQ3s5Ys1ieP3xqgcZL7pJz11jAVmt4STt1AZVCTkqPklCKMqEnm6btPHhl_qoh-4woXFRfoTs3aGeYhpaHBY/s320/transfer%20blanket%201.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Transfer belt with handles <a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/collections/transfer-belts-aids/products/gait-transfer-belt">https://www.vivehealth.com/collections/transfer-belts-aids/products/gait-transfer-belt</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxqAO8WZuMHy-0WXomQkOB8-EDHIg4mrWkr9mkznE_39tN6JR_sIl59h8ALVsYTmgiNTKvBpx9CAcHCW-d6NeJ9j9cm_dZ3s1g_KxC3mCzqHV0PvWAmV5MajhLL8jAjtxKE8P-MEAUByM69HFJkGYprrwpNWCLe8Cwj4FV1m9NabvrhDF2BoWbZwh980/s889/transfer%20belt%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxqAO8WZuMHy-0WXomQkOB8-EDHIg4mrWkr9mkznE_39tN6JR_sIl59h8ALVsYTmgiNTKvBpx9CAcHCW-d6NeJ9j9cm_dZ3s1g_KxC3mCzqHV0PvWAmV5MajhLL8jAjtxKE8P-MEAUByM69HFJkGYprrwpNWCLe8Cwj4FV1m9NabvrhDF2BoWbZwh980/s320/transfer%20belt%201.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2as7TkvACIMGBUNT_TUWpUoduMrNTVq-pgI07ChGLDD5d7IomK1eZ8xUreTqJ_3R40pICM8OhA4N4Jf3VO0zybBvD8sv6aqG5SLA-U4gln-uI5VtCU0dS5h824sxyN7E90UDT-dopFXXP1yEwi8bI9gIoHdIXVUG1u7JpeYUFgChQOO7CGMCsJehnsHw/s1165/transfer%20belt%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="747" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2as7TkvACIMGBUNT_TUWpUoduMrNTVq-pgI07ChGLDD5d7IomK1eZ8xUreTqJ_3R40pICM8OhA4N4Jf3VO0zybBvD8sv6aqG5SLA-U4gln-uI5VtCU0dS5h824sxyN7E90UDT-dopFXXP1yEwi8bI9gIoHdIXVUG1u7JpeYUFgChQOO7CGMCsJehnsHw/s320/transfer%20belt%202.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtl7U-KVJYgAxaIZvW42iSdMoqkYtdM6bgXeyCX2JHeUe7h6mnHn_2Gxr_MKJYO5YYdcIr0BQXAP50RqLPY9yS4WwFCuzleAlhLfgHKR5t8KfGb4NrJMrlGPbub9Ek3G4GQR4ZtObjcKBhgUmUo76TqQn8XMw71lgPAo2kBZftB9obYdL1vOifZFnXn0/s853/transfer%20belt%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtl7U-KVJYgAxaIZvW42iSdMoqkYtdM6bgXeyCX2JHeUe7h6mnHn_2Gxr_MKJYO5YYdcIr0BQXAP50RqLPY9yS4WwFCuzleAlhLfgHKR5t8KfGb4NrJMrlGPbub9Ek3G4GQR4ZtObjcKBhgUmUo76TqQn8XMw71lgPAo2kBZftB9obYdL1vOifZFnXn0/s320/transfer%20belt%203.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Here are more options: <a href="https://www.vivehealth.com/blogs/resources/patient-transfer-device-aids">https://www.vivehealth.com/blogs/resources/patient-transfer-device-aids</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Adaptive Clothing</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">As mobility becomes more limited, simple tasks like dressing can get complicated. Standing on one leg can become impossible due weak knees or hips. Being able to dress yourself safely helps maintain independence without risking balance/falls etc.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">These websites feature clothing designed for ease of dressing and undressing with limited mobility.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.buckandbuck.com/">https://www.buckandbuck.com/</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://www.silverts.com/">https://www.silverts.com/</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://gerifashions.com/">https://gerifashions.com/</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Dry Erase Boards, Care Guide Binder, Log books</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">These items became lifesavers. When mom was aging at home with in-home caregivers, that made me her one-person-assisted-living-coordinator: in charge of communication between her caregivers as well as scheduling that care with the caregiver agency. Having systems and standards in place helped everyone. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><u>Dry Erase board message centers</u></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">A dry erase board with magnets on the back is easy to attach to the fridge. This becomes a great place to update meal lists, as well as a central place to list items that need re-supply from the drug or grocery store.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I also made a “housekeeping” dry erase board with list of housekeeping chores. Caregivers who did some of those chores on their shift could write it on the housekeeping board. It was also a place to write down disinfecting jobs that needed to be done with each shift.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><u>Care Guide binder</u></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">A large 3-ring binder marked “Care Guide”. This is where I keep detailed instructions on all the care needed for Day Shift, Night Shift, 12-hour shifts for 24 hour care days, PT exercises done at home, Foot care, Meal prep routines; Housekeeping supplement; “bullet points” of FAQ, a photocopy of current Covid vaccination card, and copy of the Advanced Healthcare Directive. You’ll also need a complete list of all medications (with doses and times for delivery); any background medical information (chronic conditions; allergies; past surgeries or hospitalizations); as well as a list of doctors and the pharmacy used.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Care Guide Binder is a complete and portable record of everything that visiting caregivers… or EMT.. would need in case the primary family contact wasn’t available. Dates on each of the entries there helped everyone know how current the info is, and if there is a newer date on any entry since they last reviewed it.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Log books –<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I kept two log books. One had water intake, OTC and Rx doses. This also is where the caregivers listed any activities like walking or social visits.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The other log book had appointments during the day, when home PT was done, when Foot care happened, and notes from the overnight caregivers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">(art by Kate Allan, aka The Latest Kate <a href="https://www.thelatestkate.art/">https://www.thelatestkate.art/</a> )</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrzEQ9Sf4UQEDrbWWwelUWeBMTiYyySLJsZncg21vfBSYfcr5hdpPBeKZEr8JGVzfvUJWELfL6EC1_LnnwrVp2V8Gy_wojo8jyGEaJCqykPOSG-QIp-apNuoeG_0lBl84MTb1YL4EA-zoOVtWnl7qmbujsIAQerzCsqwoXRY1OJa1FGtiWwj5Y0IX/s880/kate%20allan%20doing%20what%20you%20can%203.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrzEQ9Sf4UQEDrbWWwelUWeBMTiYyySLJsZncg21vfBSYfcr5hdpPBeKZEr8JGVzfvUJWELfL6EC1_LnnwrVp2V8Gy_wojo8jyGEaJCqykPOSG-QIp-apNuoeG_0lBl84MTb1YL4EA-zoOVtWnl7qmbujsIAQerzCsqwoXRY1OJa1FGtiWwj5Y0IX/s320/kate%20allan%20doing%20what%20you%20can%203.23.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Caregiving is an endurance test. Take care of yourself. Be prepared. Replenish your reserves of courage, patience and grace.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>UPDATE 4.20.23</b></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Bonus item to thank you for reading this far! Here's a book I discovered years before I needed it. I re-read it recently, and it's even funnier, and more poignant. This book was put in my hands by one of my favorite indie booksellers. Yes, Chast's take on the process is a bit dark, but humor always helps. On re-reading it from the perspective of someone who has now been on a journey like this... Chast's was a lot tougher. But she shares insights that are helpful.. and talks about the costs involved across the board.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can%27t_We_Talk_About_Something_More_Pleasant%3F">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can%27t_We_Talk_About_Something_More_Pleasant%3F</a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xcAank1aEyJAv5fU0speBYMVl9vWQ94h5l_QuJRFB5IFHubdQBNKJXv8CZTZ9mHEIZapDkVduNpc625SPzwPVkv1h0yVJkySQxnHlxvL_w9TBaiOG7FQPtWARNA0TnG4lzbAL3CDkP88tZVGHo3LgvYdUmIJoW3SRPkAwV87SJgfIeXzPkna2JXI/s499/cvr%20roz%20chast%20can't%20we%20talk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xcAank1aEyJAv5fU0speBYMVl9vWQ94h5l_QuJRFB5IFHubdQBNKJXv8CZTZ9mHEIZapDkVduNpc625SPzwPVkv1h0yVJkySQxnHlxvL_w9TBaiOG7FQPtWARNA0TnG4lzbAL3CDkP88tZVGHo3LgvYdUmIJoW3SRPkAwV87SJgfIeXzPkna2JXI/s320/cvr%20roz%20chast%20can't%20we%20talk.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;">Artist Roz Chast is well known for her New Yorker cartoons like these panels...</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2o4eg0pOlk2MqeskVCGhWCjtQEeDwruCRcuMFX0n7jGSYYQWpXLRUxf3AmlZUFC54g6qVT-BX3Gx0QHn4d8iAfq0GnGh9-NUQVfJueLBjUN-mz5o3sUyVKBLM6MXcSgVNV-dok2D-gxkjWFymR5Olo76_e_LuDPhGjzfwwdH3b6LbUPgsuvzlRM2V/s680/roz%20chast%20chip%20bag%209.21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2o4eg0pOlk2MqeskVCGhWCjtQEeDwruCRcuMFX0n7jGSYYQWpXLRUxf3AmlZUFC54g6qVT-BX3Gx0QHn4d8iAfq0GnGh9-NUQVfJueLBjUN-mz5o3sUyVKBLM6MXcSgVNV-dok2D-gxkjWFymR5Olo76_e_LuDPhGjzfwwdH3b6LbUPgsuvzlRM2V/s320/roz%20chast%20chip%20bag%209.21.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4ItbrjgIXfQifaVRa3yZkrK6cZhax2TC1Qh-ICW2tbVRcmTCQIhEGAkbZqsC3DtFANpbC31ZOiRILvAGNQVKr1Hf3d2OiAdoNkitZV27vO3GVlpqzpjefL_f198KTNKCmmYpUgQ89WkQZp6YxHaA8IttQiM1pD4Yr9LdOr1L6Sj497FUGfGN2bdU/s900/Roz%20Chast%20mind-body%20problem.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="900" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4ItbrjgIXfQifaVRa3yZkrK6cZhax2TC1Qh-ICW2tbVRcmTCQIhEGAkbZqsC3DtFANpbC31ZOiRILvAGNQVKr1Hf3d2OiAdoNkitZV27vO3GVlpqzpjefL_f198KTNKCmmYpUgQ89WkQZp6YxHaA8IttQiM1pD4Yr9LdOr1L6Sj497FUGfGN2bdU/s320/Roz%20Chast%20mind-body%20problem.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLD_k_FY-7DC3YWihGKyFZ4I94y2VXmCgqA0iK6MaILQ6-9Ply66GmYXng-WYGVL3lrKLMggBTwUfT_TQBz3tt6kwN2vM19snFwqGIwPC8uun3IDear8ECshW0dDNgdpf5CptOqsw-JNuUQv8gAzuuMyxkjIDPPJuE7-7D5zoh3sTUurV0Ft3UXFd3/s792/roz%20chast%20chart%20of%20particles.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLD_k_FY-7DC3YWihGKyFZ4I94y2VXmCgqA0iK6MaILQ6-9Ply66GmYXng-WYGVL3lrKLMggBTwUfT_TQBz3tt6kwN2vM19snFwqGIwPC8uun3IDear8ECshW0dDNgdpf5CptOqsw-JNuUQv8gAzuuMyxkjIDPPJuE7-7D5zoh3sTUurV0Ft3UXFd3/s320/roz%20chast%20chart%20of%20particles.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHYfknP1yjx5Kqqqw0YEzMFw68QA9cuJqXRCTleNkoIe5KJqlC7tc0_ow778gVv3xVIMvuvyGXQvoh3gUDJZ8Z1jjHU_bsc9z3geQhTam176h8MIP8PTBON8lZhm-Y5UDTQMcRXz_Zs4OA5VbSN82UEfYMWfqigeSEZsWslF1ZHyxz-l5MmeImF3l/s1600/roz%20chast%20chart%20of%20stuff.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHYfknP1yjx5Kqqqw0YEzMFw68QA9cuJqXRCTleNkoIe5KJqlC7tc0_ow778gVv3xVIMvuvyGXQvoh3gUDJZ8Z1jjHU_bsc9z3geQhTam176h8MIP8PTBON8lZhm-Y5UDTQMcRXz_Zs4OA5VbSN82UEfYMWfqigeSEZsWslF1ZHyxz-l5MmeImF3l/s320/roz%20chast%20chart%20of%20stuff.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">This link previews some pages from the book...</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://projects.newyorker.com/story/chast-parents/">https://projects.newyorker.com/story/chast-parents/</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I also wrote about the book in this post from 2019.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> <a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/06/7-days-of-books-i-have-loved-day-7.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/06/7-days-of-books-i-have-loved-day-7.html</a></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Here are some of my favorite pages from the book...</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHayP4UtXLeqfCvbv7EqKEYWJo1jr6ew4qZFOqwi2_xeJB-YTp1Vm0ilil2X1Oc0uNQw6gr4edtOzIymkiZ_HELMLGipK_4MUHQLJsxZ3jn_1-4sLdibd1ZsLpaslbh7Gsee_OYanfGcsOVum7SYdij1zUg354UcALqNHJej1aVd7jTjRjqRHNEm2l/s1870/Chast%20phone.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHayP4UtXLeqfCvbv7EqKEYWJo1jr6ew4qZFOqwi2_xeJB-YTp1Vm0ilil2X1Oc0uNQw6gr4edtOzIymkiZ_HELMLGipK_4MUHQLJsxZ3jn_1-4sLdibd1ZsLpaslbh7Gsee_OYanfGcsOVum7SYdij1zUg354UcALqNHJej1aVd7jTjRjqRHNEm2l/s320/Chast%20phone.jpg" width="259" /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxzasN3TzXL2cBh_QxGb_JY0-izBMzzKK-E9nF_s9RL0xyoplNCYGnIfbOfY3Lvgt7RWY_K9h3so6Gz21FPPvR5F6SM2VfVTF9MyegtZaNvXLvJ_o2aI49HZw4DD2VWKdkKFhkQzc9LgZerq0UQtDbv5pZrKssBETaqd3aX3tOOsvGW3g_bmshoAA/s1897/Chast%20poem.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1897" data-original-width="1510" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxzasN3TzXL2cBh_QxGb_JY0-izBMzzKK-E9nF_s9RL0xyoplNCYGnIfbOfY3Lvgt7RWY_K9h3so6Gz21FPPvR5F6SM2VfVTF9MyegtZaNvXLvJ_o2aI49HZw4DD2VWKdkKFhkQzc9LgZerq0UQtDbv5pZrKssBETaqd3aX3tOOsvGW3g_bmshoAA/s320/Chast%20poem.jpg" width="255" /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5NRr2xgp69h2jcPEg3xhu13Xh_rBG7QUaPDbCvQxk5i83gZRB--4w_k2Jx1zf5qEUCFZTTTzPs8Bq9v4viAX9oj9QkCwUTPlUPYfoAS5fNy5v1oCoLEYjllp01vMrbZKZID6Gf8D9m1KKVjAcKsIn5K1LwlOXVdzTE66LzRROic_YjdtVwt21mNe/s2016/chast%20dau.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5NRr2xgp69h2jcPEg3xhu13Xh_rBG7QUaPDbCvQxk5i83gZRB--4w_k2Jx1zf5qEUCFZTTTzPs8Bq9v4viAX9oj9QkCwUTPlUPYfoAS5fNy5v1oCoLEYjllp01vMrbZKZID6Gf8D9m1KKVjAcKsIn5K1LwlOXVdzTE66LzRROic_YjdtVwt21mNe/s320/chast%20dau.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo26i8SI0aOT5xzqTMFKhvfmTkAvZfhdujPbZgqJeYGL3r5syvlc0RJqu0UeJbTi337KKvAABIsZsROLEI8asCAp-OiKGJj9CM1ajbe35Yb4sxbr1wVwen67A41KhVTqXm26P23xpT6ILmKuiBf-BuejblG5qptULTplgtd6k1KHVC_m_Qu8u2OsS1/s1838/Chast%20elder%20law.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1838" data-original-width="1468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo26i8SI0aOT5xzqTMFKhvfmTkAvZfhdujPbZgqJeYGL3r5syvlc0RJqu0UeJbTi337KKvAABIsZsROLEI8asCAp-OiKGJj9CM1ajbe35Yb4sxbr1wVwen67A41KhVTqXm26P23xpT6ILmKuiBf-BuejblG5qptULTplgtd6k1KHVC_m_Qu8u2OsS1/s320/Chast%20elder%20law.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-ptJ6jrUVsybpF-oERDYoY6cOeK-NYWaIyTMadxvTaOqMxiLPxYY6gdPBSujdsR-SrcwzizdliqDHpB5jaudk05pERHZjqnnXu9KNqloSZvNXn16o_ECw1_I6wokhiQz5AXfcOAmQFoJqc_qeLevxcdJqM7GSS8S2fdxxssS1zD2LHm1YaL6gJ7u/s1766/Chast%20papers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1766" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-ptJ6jrUVsybpF-oERDYoY6cOeK-NYWaIyTMadxvTaOqMxiLPxYY6gdPBSujdsR-SrcwzizdliqDHpB5jaudk05pERHZjqnnXu9KNqloSZvNXn16o_ECw1_I6wokhiQz5AXfcOAmQFoJqc_qeLevxcdJqM7GSS8S2fdxxssS1zD2LHm1YaL6gJ7u/s320/Chast%20papers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9O1KJs50kDTxPYty8ooBqzKVARfnnqmpvbysz6zUMsvySyIUxGK_zPDZ8_9437iEIOTVp3P_oA7qMRZtityh_fwPhVLZA1pz3d0P0EiLG2T4Z2kC1RAEKTubN1VX3wr9fG24QbbM7CeE3qKZxGDeohYyEpjQfk2zSX0WPiDlofhhpM0k4IWe64TD/s1855/Chast%20place.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1855" data-original-width="1508" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9O1KJs50kDTxPYty8ooBqzKVARfnnqmpvbysz6zUMsvySyIUxGK_zPDZ8_9437iEIOTVp3P_oA7qMRZtityh_fwPhVLZA1pz3d0P0EiLG2T4Z2kC1RAEKTubN1VX3wr9fG24QbbM7CeE3qKZxGDeohYyEpjQfk2zSX0WPiDlofhhpM0k4IWe64TD/s320/Chast%20place.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-58216102744299435132023-12-31T17:30:00.000-08:002024-01-17T21:40:24.383-08:00Top Tips - Hospice and End-of-Life care (post in progress)<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: large;">This is a post in progress...</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222;">My wonderful Mom has passed away. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The last weeks of her life taught me how vital it is for EVERYONE to have a practice of self-soothing -- prayer/meditation/deep breathing. Whatever works, this life skill is essential. Learn it early. Practice it often. </span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">More on all that later...</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nEpLnjBPjZbPF9mNaLFGoOJ5W80k6JOKn-2REOtql7LzdoHfP2GfccYlqwVxU7lrtDjm7xCTMyiaoMXwP1iGibRt2w2EpW-vjB8WKLywtVQsvXjrFSfx78tXdEH2h0-hZur3BMMfTVlYGDZFYMl0E2piH73O6bUT3apKMeC5R8k2IjG2lgOZ8kY8KLk/s710/mom%20in%20long%20beach.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="573" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nEpLnjBPjZbPF9mNaLFGoOJ5W80k6JOKn-2REOtql7LzdoHfP2GfccYlqwVxU7lrtDjm7xCTMyiaoMXwP1iGibRt2w2EpW-vjB8WKLywtVQsvXjrFSfx78tXdEH2h0-hZur3BMMfTVlYGDZFYMl0E2piH73O6bUT3apKMeC5R8k2IjG2lgOZ8kY8KLk/s320/mom%20in%20long%20beach.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">The loss of Mom is a lot to process. And there's still all the administrative tasks to deal with. I am taking things slowly. "Apply oxygen mask (self-care tools) to yourself before assisting others," remains in effect.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">For now, I'm remembering the great life she lived: </span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">a 62-year loving marriage with Dad; </span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">travel and adventures from the late 1930s to her last Europe visit (a month long trip in 2013 -- when she and Dad were in their 80s!). </span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">She compiled 40 photograph albums from the 1950s-2020s. These are vintage time capsules of Europe, Hawaii and several states in the US.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222;">She was an artist, and the best mom ever.</span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222;">Dad passed away suddenly two years ago. His departure put mom and me on a journey. It was a desert we crossed together. Sometimes the conditions were harsh, but thanks to planning and resources — we got to see some beauty in crossing too. Now we are each at our own version of the oasis at the end. Relief. Reflection. Remembrances. Rest.</span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span>Even though Mom was in her late 90s -- and had survived bouts of </span><span>pneumonia</span><span> starting back in May -- it was a struggle to get her on hospice in the last months of her life. I'm still deconstructing what went wrong. She suffered in the last few weeks -- and I think that was </span><span>preventable</span><span>. I'll be sharing more of the </span><span>experience in this post. Hopefully</span><span> other families can learn from the lessons we learned the hard way. </span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span>Everyone deserves the peace, safety and comfort we all expect from </span><span>hospice. No one should have to fight for it.</span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">---------------------------------------------</span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span>12.1.23 segment from Amanpour and Co. on the grinding costs of elder care. It </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span>references</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span> important NY Times “Dying Broke” series (<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/series/dying-broke">https://www.nytimes.com/series/dying-broke</a>). There are no easy answers on how to afford elder care — short or long term. It's a universal problem. This segment discusses the average costs of $10k/mo for assisted living -- which means 6 figures a year! Aging at home with Private care is even more. Spending down all assets is often inevitable if many years of constant care are required. If elders are expecting kids/family members to take them in and provide full-time caregiving -- be aware of the emotional and financial impact. Have the hard conversations early and often.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HFryAUzufrA" width="320" youtube-src-id="HFryAUzufrA"></iframe></span></div><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This next video is 2 years old, but the challenges are still the same. "The Retirement Gamble" from Frontline</span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lkOQNPIsO-Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="lkOQNPIsO-Q"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Japan is often cited as an example of how to handle elder care better. But their system is under a strain as well..</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/08/15/japan-elderly-care-dignity-respect/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/08/15/japan-elderly-care-dignity-respect/</a><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span><p></p>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-76092028970335340572023-12-31T17:29:00.000-08:002024-01-17T21:46:34.842-08:00Basics on Copyright, Trademark, AI Generated Images (12.31.23)<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span>Links here are excellent reference for these indie art life essentials. At the end of this post there is a gallery of memes and images promoting awareness of the value of artWORK.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAIPrNS25H8DvtVofrLG6AWQ5vfUhNl41ykD0dSUdiAefSq0oCgVmrD7AyQNxvTR1wpYWLD7CJ6sAD0AtjsRIhG6MbAw0fX0-cczPEySorZ4ZctH7DrmUAyr04gF0ahdzgTN1p6M29pL9uxIXBXoYs8WxgA08E0v1v8bu3xDo9k3KlykyHXVn7ZDs/s1541/copyr%20GAG%20tools%20resources%20pg%204.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAIPrNS25H8DvtVofrLG6AWQ5vfUhNl41ykD0dSUdiAefSq0oCgVmrD7AyQNxvTR1wpYWLD7CJ6sAD0AtjsRIhG6MbAw0fX0-cczPEySorZ4ZctH7DrmUAyr04gF0ahdzgTN1p6M29pL9uxIXBXoYs8WxgA08E0v1v8bu3xDo9k3KlykyHXVn7ZDs/s320/copyr%20GAG%20tools%20resources%20pg%204.23.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Copyright and Trademark</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This page from the Graphic Artists Guild website covers the FAQ on Copyright and Trademark, as well as some business basics like contracts and pricing guides: <a href="https://graphicartistsguild.org/resources/">https://graphicartistsguild.org/resources/</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Copyright infographics by artist Lili Chin. Free downloads on her website</span><span>: </span><a href="https://blog.doggiedrawings.net/post/145814382301">https://blog.doggiedrawings.net/post/145814382301</a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTax88IGFuRnp_HsIKKFVIFgY6AW4aiL1RmUYhgc6bLJelhzm_hMJWV9hTI0kFMvO5Yu1PYeyMZY9rwbqd9TGHvukoVk75LNopvkMFQ5DGy5y9eCGLJqWjvKqIZjCsQnvRQW5ufRy3fnv3PDWswDwwgw5EciZYQp8_Aj7aLsNBvdeG4B90EiYMm2b/s960/copyright%20infographic%20by%20Lili%20Chin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="742" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTax88IGFuRnp_HsIKKFVIFgY6AW4aiL1RmUYhgc6bLJelhzm_hMJWV9hTI0kFMvO5Yu1PYeyMZY9rwbqd9TGHvukoVk75LNopvkMFQ5DGy5y9eCGLJqWjvKqIZjCsQnvRQW5ufRy3fnv3PDWswDwwgw5EciZYQp8_Aj7aLsNBvdeG4B90EiYMm2b/s320/copyright%20infographic%20by%20Lili%20Chin.jpg" width="247" /></a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2swsYetZwqwf5WNNd0uzXXaHPFfTfqqLv7m-et7QlV-_mLNBMsgrFBP5jdujpjxUGuMe_Z-Djy2X9ZpWeglGLpqfnHSeDcphwOzhR37dkEcoGAtGgku73ewQ8yP533LVPuyOb51dzsavX-rvoUPGj-zDuCzCT3xBzhWTc_9mzW5Mvpa5rjtze0cM/s870/copyright%20infographic%202%20by%20Lili%20chin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="675" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2swsYetZwqwf5WNNd0uzXXaHPFfTfqqLv7m-et7QlV-_mLNBMsgrFBP5jdujpjxUGuMe_Z-Djy2X9ZpWeglGLpqfnHSeDcphwOzhR37dkEcoGAtGgku73ewQ8yP533LVPuyOb51dzsavX-rvoUPGj-zDuCzCT3xBzhWTc_9mzW5Mvpa5rjtze0cM/s320/copyright%20infographic%202%20by%20Lili%20chin.jpg" width="248" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>AI image generators and the impact on Artists</b></span></p><p>August 2023 was AI image generator info month on the blog. There are several often-viewed posts there. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxFZFdyK_yyU0iJRTukkZK4VHvEjrlJwd77phuYTrsKQyVmiNlsp3EFYxwcf8yOSObQHgrfVjEagPAGEynOFjrbh7lbq5QM9k4JQnmPBehHSOqWexn23kXliZcH91E4Wu8ynzHuVU6ubf1XH06wN-pG6_-resDY9l4f9d_aKayt26pGvSg5A6qpea3XY/s1258/Klimt%20cat%20AI%208.23.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="744" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxFZFdyK_yyU0iJRTukkZK4VHvEjrlJwd77phuYTrsKQyVmiNlsp3EFYxwcf8yOSObQHgrfVjEagPAGEynOFjrbh7lbq5QM9k4JQnmPBehHSOqWexn23kXliZcH91E4Wu8ynzHuVU6ubf1XH06wN-pG6_-resDY9l4f9d_aKayt26pGvSg5A6qpea3XY/s320/Klimt%20cat%20AI%208.23.jpeg" width="189" /></a></div><br /><p>Here are 2 highlights:</p><p><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/deciphering-ai-images-clues-to-look-for.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/deciphering-ai-images-clues-to-look-for.html</a><br /></p><p><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/beware-ai-image-generated-non.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/beware-ai-image-generated-non.html</a><br /></p><p>plus this artist testimonial from September</p><p><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/09/jean-baptiste-monge-on-impact-of.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/09/jean-baptiste-monge-on-impact-of.html</a><br /></p><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Is AI scraping of images "Fair Use" under current copyright laws??</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div>Artists say: "No!" Artists own the images that are being used to build the AI data sets. Artists are testifying before lawmakers and striving to raise awareness at the impact of AI generated images on their livelihoods. They consider what's being done with AI to fall outside the Copyright office's definition of fair use as "... a legal doctrine that promotes freedom of expression by permitting the unlicensed use of copyright-protected works <u>in certain circumstances.</u>" In general, Fair Use allows using excerpts of copyright protected work for educational use or critical review. </div><div><br /></div><div>While the courts work out the legal language of all this --what's happening to artists isn't fair. And it's up to art fans to be informed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Website text from the Copyright Office acknowledges "Fair Use: is a thorny issue: "Fair use is a judge-created doctrine dating back to the nineteenth century and codified in the 1976 Copyright Act. Both the fact patterns and the legal application have evolved over time, and you should seek legal assistance as necessary and appropriate." This Copyright Office link has an excellent primer on Fair Use. <a href="https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/index.html">https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/index.html</a></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span>Are AI generated images "transformative works" under copyright law -- is another thorny issue under Fair Use that artists are challenging. Copyright law has long protected derivative works as creative rights that belong to artists and author. Summaries of this recent Supreme Court ruling in the </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><i>Andy Warhol Foundation v. Goldsmith case</i> the courts "</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">recognition and affirmation of the importance of the author’s right to prepare derivative works"</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><i> </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">: </span><a href="http://copyright.nova.edu/derivative-works/#:~:text=" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">http://copyright.nova.edu/derivative-works/#:~:text=</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> and <a href="https://www.artforum.com/columns/the-transformative-impact-of-_warhol-v-goldsmith_-252757/">https://www.artforum.com/columns/the-transformative-impact-of-_warhol-v-goldsmith_-252757/</a> (photo below from the Artforum link)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlQh9joTyRpn-lYuDyShppZDx5g5C9ht_dY9oLjVXstP_JEJDZ4Y9HwEIWSpQ-msYJuMVhMVwVN5HjirkrG8OCVMKiysseXbMaJUW5y9rl6wAIWwxHmJuHoEhHPgIIPdhx0M43dijvieemTEfQOtZCATochL12xiAZ490yGUhV30jTxdjueDtbFpJWas/s750/AI%20supreme%20court%20prince%2010.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="750" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlQh9joTyRpn-lYuDyShppZDx5g5C9ht_dY9oLjVXstP_JEJDZ4Y9HwEIWSpQ-msYJuMVhMVwVN5HjirkrG8OCVMKiysseXbMaJUW5y9rl6wAIWwxHmJuHoEhHPgIIPdhx0M43dijvieemTEfQOtZCATochL12xiAZ490yGUhV30jTxdjueDtbFpJWas/s320/AI%20supreme%20court%20prince%2010.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We need laws that allow artists to "opt out" of image scraping for those who want to retain their creative rights. Why is this so hard to achieve?</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This Arthrive.com link is a primer regarding mis-attributed AI generated images we all need to be aware of </span></span></p><a href="https://arthive.com/publications/4056~Art_fakes_that_you_probably_came_across_on_the_Internet?fbclid=">https://arthive.com/publications/4056~Art_fakes_that_you_probably_came_across_on_the_Internet?fbclid=</a><p>Infographic below by Michelle Leivan <a href="https://www.cafepress.com/leivan/8172417">https://www.cafepress.com/leivan/8172417</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRm9alDpDRcZlt_rUIgOgvabUU9RK__EyyGC5L2INrb0qQ-qLut0RyAOmdqJWUp0dWjqS23SUwVh7Z668CwuHNmY4_3-1mMCAhXUtFGEuzu1-5iCMUHblShrjiKgIK_G-0Eh-iVGfQeDqP-TzV02DA9BxWQISVH87ftgRQVIf7jiRnx1Qm5V1wO_mT/s460/my_art_is_not_free_by%20Michelle%20Leivan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="460" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRm9alDpDRcZlt_rUIgOgvabUU9RK__EyyGC5L2INrb0qQ-qLut0RyAOmdqJWUp0dWjqS23SUwVh7Z668CwuHNmY4_3-1mMCAhXUtFGEuzu1-5iCMUHblShrjiKgIK_G-0Eh-iVGfQeDqP-TzV02DA9BxWQISVH87ftgRQVIf7jiRnx1Qm5V1wO_mT/s320/my_art_is_not_free_by%20Michelle%20Leivan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Concept Art Association. This industry organization helps promote the role of concept artists. This page on their website explains basics on AI and the advocay role of Concept Art Assocation raising awareness in the industry, the public at large, and lawmakers in Washington and at the Copyright Office:</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.conceptartassociation.com/advocacy" style="font-size: large;">https://www.conceptartassociation.com/advocacy</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5TMfc50d6bJgcmwzsDETBF_vuQUYDNUBVT1yZxKBp1wfA_4fF3vKLhJ2XJktT1nFJexV1iG-M02qeVaOeJc1ZedY18e3tRdNL98p3vZr7wzxEmTQ65j-Ch0eFEM7H12t82ht2W82-S-Uah72szGZDrpJpos_4A8y4UShzalh5qU-_CIJNknL3-DA/s1536/AI%20art%20Tomm%20Moore.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5TMfc50d6bJgcmwzsDETBF_vuQUYDNUBVT1yZxKBp1wfA_4fF3vKLhJ2XJktT1nFJexV1iG-M02qeVaOeJc1ZedY18e3tRdNL98p3vZr7wzxEmTQ65j-Ch0eFEM7H12t82ht2W82-S-Uah72szGZDrpJpos_4A8y4UShzalh5qU-_CIJNknL3-DA/s320/AI%20art%20Tomm%20Moore.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPplAR-HdAIHAJe8FqvKQrQbASmUFvNwdBrpmlzRivIiV0r6MKUx4NA1e7rgiyCoT0Dl_ZPBrvMIV6pfE3qaeNh79VQ0fbqn1XZF9MAUqxl2cHlQR88ZSEBGz1KOoDvr3EPz5rf1f03qCyD_7yKpgsLG115ihV6oAcyXfjZZu65K18bEgN_bD-um6/s1440/create%20dont%20scrape%20AI%20via%20Lea%20Lovberg%203.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPplAR-HdAIHAJe8FqvKQrQbASmUFvNwdBrpmlzRivIiV0r6MKUx4NA1e7rgiyCoT0Dl_ZPBrvMIV6pfE3qaeNh79VQ0fbqn1XZF9MAUqxl2cHlQR88ZSEBGz1KOoDvr3EPz5rf1f03qCyD_7yKpgsLG115ihV6oAcyXfjZZu65K18bEgN_bD-um6/s320/create%20dont%20scrape%20AI%20via%20Lea%20Lovberg%203.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Blog post with background on how concept art and fine artist Karla Ortiz became the face of the fight for artist's rights: <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2022/10/karla-ortiz-raising-awareness-on-ai-art.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2022/10/karla-ortiz-raising-awareness-on-ai-art.html</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In July 2023, Karla was part of a group of artist to testify about the impact of AI generated images on their industry and careers. This blog post has the text of her testimony and more. <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/07/testimony-of-karla-ortiz-and-others-at.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/07/testimony-of-karla-ortiz-and-others-at.html</a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZNzmjfnI560rbXNLm93Ued-5X0D1txwR4PtrgiHFShix9vX8IJJAnhVhepvF0Dpnbzl_FRst2maBTUtHcDcpjd1rRNwWxIKkOZeGCaToYUbVuSjuZeXtyBLCy6nfcpPoeLiYf8a-gCTdohLU__MN8ttIyCBKg5OVPMdh3Jzm8cWJAFTPJVX6K3_Kw-I/s1328/Karla%20at%20congress%207.12.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1328" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZNzmjfnI560rbXNLm93Ued-5X0D1txwR4PtrgiHFShix9vX8IJJAnhVhepvF0Dpnbzl_FRst2maBTUtHcDcpjd1rRNwWxIKkOZeGCaToYUbVuSjuZeXtyBLCy6nfcpPoeLiYf8a-gCTdohLU__MN8ttIyCBKg5OVPMdh3Jzm8cWJAFTPJVX6K3_Kw-I/s320/Karla%20at%20congress%207.12.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Photo below of artist Karla Ortiz in her Studio</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq94sKHR11uH0Qx0RUqb6CnW00KDi-GRcMKwKlV2cpX05RHIZ7f2kQiBteMZyN78gS1q_okoTd9tFklQ_fsVDTIFdXZ0Ak6U2t34WmaJfms0T3fb2inJWVxzGp42Gn7WYlnmdoEuRQ9yM6W8pLUUZSlG9jUBI2TENtxFzQhzb3NtYPtutV5WUWSaMd/s500/karla%20at%20her%20studio%203.27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="500" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq94sKHR11uH0Qx0RUqb6CnW00KDi-GRcMKwKlV2cpX05RHIZ7f2kQiBteMZyN78gS1q_okoTd9tFklQ_fsVDTIFdXZ0Ak6U2t34WmaJfms0T3fb2inJWVxzGp42Gn7WYlnmdoEuRQ9yM6W8pLUUZSlG9jUBI2TENtxFzQhzb3NtYPtutV5WUWSaMd/s320/karla%20at%20her%20studio%203.27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>"Musa Victoriosa" by Karla Ortiz, 2023. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/13/technology/ai-art-generator-lensa-stable-diffusion.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/13/technology/ai-art-generator-lensa-stable-diffusion.html</a></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYtE5g1BF-4x51A3r6f_BO_Md94FAW_tSHGfNCB1S7s9IVfyZHCUK2YekqZWK_u1Kxv91iq_7aWGexyUaeHtkxZAoFwV1BZP84HnSPsjgIFjhh8fPDVB9JPdJ6VlVQp_jL01C4IE2E_hAy4r5btI6Vr76uJFTROynHXlU4OXUai51I7geQ4o3_7C5/s2048/karla%20ortiz%20Musa%20Victoriosa%203.23%20a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1218" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYtE5g1BF-4x51A3r6f_BO_Md94FAW_tSHGfNCB1S7s9IVfyZHCUK2YekqZWK_u1Kxv91iq_7aWGexyUaeHtkxZAoFwV1BZP84HnSPsjgIFjhh8fPDVB9JPdJ6VlVQp_jL01C4IE2E_hAy4r5btI6Vr76uJFTROynHXlU4OXUai51I7geQ4o3_7C5/s320/karla%20ortiz%20Musa%20Victoriosa%203.23%20a.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Karla Ortiz Blog -- </b>In Nov 2022 Karla launched her KOrtiz Blog which she describes as"....</span><span style="background-color: #f1f1ef; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;">is a personal space for Karla to share art, processes, ideas, and all things art. This is also a space that will chronicle all of Karla’s personal thoughts and research on emerging AI technologies, the companies behind it, and all the concerns this new tech brings, from the artist’s perspective." <a href="https://www.kortizblog.com/">https://www.kortizblog.com/</a> (Photo below is from the KOrtiz blog)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwOxOavxvqsWSpsvQC24ek8JwMHnG9thlBkOGDRIlRrGUrZu5T3AuEdNuox53JUkNXi685TLo_my0Z3uzl3__cC2nT3L2TC9XeNISLg-wx_xzxyY0NztldWIHxDIo7dZqiMy_lzx64-MIJYtAI57BRANdFPC0SIQ1e5JIo-kQrluldLjkO7Elvgfu/s750/Karla%20AI%20blog%20studio%20photo%2011.22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwOxOavxvqsWSpsvQC24ek8JwMHnG9thlBkOGDRIlRrGUrZu5T3AuEdNuox53JUkNXi685TLo_my0Z3uzl3__cC2nT3L2TC9XeNISLg-wx_xzxyY0NztldWIHxDIo7dZqiMy_lzx64-MIJYtAI57BRANdFPC0SIQ1e5JIo-kQrluldLjkO7Elvgfu/s320/Karla%20AI%20blog%20studio%20photo%2011.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>GLAZE </b>-- background on, and link for the latest version of this free software, developed at University of Chicago, for artists to use to protect their online art images from being "scraped" for AI data sets. <a href="https://glaze.cs.uchicago.edu/index.html#whatis">https://glaze.cs.uchicago.edu/index.html#whatis</a></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Video from GLAZE creator Ben Zhao at SAND Lab, University of Chicago.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zryvJjb9EEY" width="320" youtube-src-id="zryvJjb9EEY"></iframe></div><br /><p>An earlier blog post about GLAZE</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/03/glaze-protective-tech-against-unethical.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/03/glaze-protective-tech-against-unethical.html</a></span></p><p>Here is a 5.22.23 segment on the Today Show previewing AI enhanced Adobe Photoshop..</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OFWuX3XOT5A" width="320" youtube-src-id="OFWuX3XOT5A"></iframe></div><p>And a links to the Content Authority Initiative refrenced in the clip: <a href="https://contentauthenticity.org/faq">https://contentauthenticity.org/faq</a></p><p><a href="https://contentauthenticity.org/how-it-works">https://contentauthenticity.org/how-it-works</a><br /></p><p>AI may be a tool that some will use, but we need transparancy about that use, and selected opt-ins with credit and compensation for artists who choose to allow use of their images. The standard should be opt-out with artist rights retained and protected. Just because an artist posts and image online that doesn't make the artWORK free to use by others.</p><div><b>Articles and interviews on AI and impact on artists:</b></div><div><b><a href="https://hyperallergic.com/835769/artists-skeptical-of-us-agreements-with-ai-companies/?fbclid=">https://hyperallergic.com/835769/artists-skeptical-of-us-agreements-with-ai-companies/?fbclid=</a><br /></b></div><div><div>Excerpt: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“ But the efficacy of these “voluntary” deals with leading AI companies is unclear, as Google, Meta, and OpenAI are each already embroiled in lawsuits over alleged copyright infringement and misuse of user information — and experts in the fields of art and technology are skeptical that they will achieve much. “The ‘voluntary’ nature of these commitments renders them meaningless,” University of Chicago professor Ben Zhao told Hyperallergic, noting that “while the Biden administration has good intentions, they seem to be oblivious to the real risks at stake.” As a computer science educator, Zhao served as the faculty lead for the research project “Glaze,” a system designed to shield artists from AI-style imitation. The technology, which is currently available for free to download, uses stylized masks that apply barely noticeable alterations to artworks in order to misdirect generative models that try to steal an artist’s personal aesthetic.</span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">These are incredibly strong yet poorly defined goals that have been set forth, and many of these commitments involve technical problems that lack solutions or may be completely insolvable,” Zhao said, pointing to the example of “watermarking” content. “There are no robust solutions for watermarking generative content, either text or images, known today,” he explained. “How hard will these AI companies work at ‘voluntarily’ building these difficult systems? What we need is real regulation with well-defined, transparent goals that are backed up with plans for testing, enforcement, and if necessary, penalties. The assumption that big tech will do the ‘right’ thing despite the obvious financial disincentives is naive.” Concept Art Association, an organization that supports concept artists and their work, also explained to Hyperallergic that because creators “are the true creative core at the heart of generative AI,” they must be allowed to have a say in the legislation around it.<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div><div><b><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/7/23823046/openai-data-scrape-block-ai?mibextid=Zxz2cZ&fbclid=">https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/7/23823046/openai-data-scrape-block-ai?mibextid=Zxz2cZ&fbclid=</a><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/hollywood-ceos-greed-will-burn-the-movie-biz-down?fbclid=">https://www.thedailybeast.com/hollywood-ceos-greed-will-burn-the-movie-biz-down?fbclid=</a></b></div><p>This June 2023 LA Times article looks at debunked AI augmented images making the rounds...<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/06/28/technology/ai-detection-midjourney-stable-diffusion-dalle.html">https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/06/28/technology/ai-detection-midjourney-stable-diffusion-dalle.html</a></p><p>Here are some resources to analyze online images and detect AI augmentation</p><p><a href="https://www.scam-detector.com/?fbclid=">https://www.scam-detector.com/?fbclid=</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.aiornot.com/">https://www.aiornot.com/</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ocrolus.com/product/detect/?utm_source=">https://www.ocrolus.com/product/detect/?utm_source=</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://petapixel.com/2023/06/16/ai-or-not-is-a-free-web-app-that-claims-to-detect-ai-generated-photos/">https://petapixel.com/2023/06/16/ai-or-not-is-a-free-web-app-that-claims-to-detect-ai-generated-photos/</a><br /></p><p><b>Now more than ever, it's important to SIFT before sharing images. The SIFT System -- </b></p><p><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">S</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">top.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">I</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">nvestigate.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">F</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">act check/find corroborating stories from credible sources.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">T</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">race claims, quotes and media to its original context.</span></p><p><b>Explained in this post from the blog: <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/sift-stop-investigate-fact-check-trace.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/sift-stop-investigate-fact-check-trace.html</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEVpRLWTWvZwLfwptFDuGHIFbK0hszWhR2GP3rF1G2aVIbPtINFLSELnSTqsyomZy_Vmni9sGFa6JeVIvXEonJy2bSeuTEuuqmujSK-Pkp23Wdl8zwPKGWAacySVZEI1A4D__TO2ihoPB8Xn7BfLMlOKCuat1atZzIz8VCgGM9U9Rhk1zeEV21I_N/s959/virus%20fact%20check.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEVpRLWTWvZwLfwptFDuGHIFbK0hszWhR2GP3rF1G2aVIbPtINFLSELnSTqsyomZy_Vmni9sGFa6JeVIvXEonJy2bSeuTEuuqmujSK-Pkp23Wdl8zwPKGWAacySVZEI1A4D__TO2ihoPB8Xn7BfLMlOKCuat1atZzIz8VCgGM9U9Rhk1zeEV21I_N/s320/virus%20fact%20check.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p><b>GALLERY OF MEMES AND IMAGES</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMbAKn6FiqU4_OFZvMeu99qDX0Sv7W4eD8MiTq1MmzZbOMCqzZ9Cv-371MeAPNkSim3BY9HUQkpoIbfaDIaR4Vq-JjZUNBrHwuGmwDKI59AlMja-GbVG0cYHzXcM7VnJwpCQ1zw-AwRj-b_ka5lSc8QkRc6dB-Lj5q1myHFzvcb_lxU0Sxn3eY7G5/s1291/NO%20AI%20info%20graphic%20via%20Thomas%20P%205.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1291" data-original-width="1290" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMbAKn6FiqU4_OFZvMeu99qDX0Sv7W4eD8MiTq1MmzZbOMCqzZ9Cv-371MeAPNkSim3BY9HUQkpoIbfaDIaR4Vq-JjZUNBrHwuGmwDKI59AlMja-GbVG0cYHzXcM7VnJwpCQ1zw-AwRj-b_ka5lSc8QkRc6dB-Lj5q1myHFzvcb_lxU0Sxn3eY7G5/s320/NO%20AI%20info%20graphic%20via%20Thomas%20P%205.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><b><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPErWo4vNFfZh2PBzk7moA3cRpumDKX2PmdNdm4VvN2jXtZT379PKD6jdB0Yrzq10uuQKC_QpMs0ssx_u9dsiX2W0MCg4eCTv5juYYtZnraPObtqoNwG-DKnVnt1Dn3ycHg96AfN0e2R2IFjaqlTAc9dz5a4JIC4I0g3z8Ieju1WLYq4yVNswwDE-/s476/art%20theft%20stolen%20art%20tineye%20com%20image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="476" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPErWo4vNFfZh2PBzk7moA3cRpumDKX2PmdNdm4VvN2jXtZT379PKD6jdB0Yrzq10uuQKC_QpMs0ssx_u9dsiX2W0MCg4eCTv5juYYtZnraPObtqoNwG-DKnVnt1Dn3ycHg96AfN0e2R2IFjaqlTAc9dz5a4JIC4I0g3z8Ieju1WLYq4yVNswwDE-/s320/art%20theft%20stolen%20art%20tineye%20com%20image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"4 Stages of Supporting" by Maginon02<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTi28xEEvEO7XZZxnXqZld8TQp9-Ax0TTtBS1mXHHwbatYncKXppH3CCsvLd5fI-_-KUfrzvJAx_ydtIczZ1zPnc1eqyiHJELagIOUpIoWaJH5qJKqIxw207E29QYF_4tnnKMsKroVbWIqAwTz8pK92RJP94e4vxnr_at8EAKblj6jPfzvpTQIulae/s960/art%20support%204%20stages%20by%20Magion02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="960" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTi28xEEvEO7XZZxnXqZld8TQp9-Ax0TTtBS1mXHHwbatYncKXppH3CCsvLd5fI-_-KUfrzvJAx_ydtIczZ1zPnc1eqyiHJELagIOUpIoWaJH5qJKqIxw207E29QYF_4tnnKMsKroVbWIqAwTz8pK92RJP94e4vxnr_at8EAKblj6jPfzvpTQIulae/s320/art%20support%204%20stages%20by%20Magion02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Graphic below from PPA (Professional Photographers of America)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxI_ep-ZqOwYbp0iBX3mXAGQ12g88rugXTCHFETdYxp6MrRE8p6wXWR9o3lqkffhPb83-hZGycPTRdqnMc5_jtF5GMMq2CqstvgMt5QfkQXY_Z7O99PQ1zfynJ51-IDTARkECzgqcwOMfrQ9UMgST5MXh4cGAgVfDvDkFdwQFNwrXxsJXTPAHOCbu/s960/copyright%20fight%20for%20artists%20PPA%20button.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxI_ep-ZqOwYbp0iBX3mXAGQ12g88rugXTCHFETdYxp6MrRE8p6wXWR9o3lqkffhPb83-hZGycPTRdqnMc5_jtF5GMMq2CqstvgMt5QfkQXY_Z7O99PQ1zfynJ51-IDTARkECzgqcwOMfrQ9UMgST5MXh4cGAgVfDvDkFdwQFNwrXxsJXTPAHOCbu/s320/copyright%20fight%20for%20artists%20PPA%20button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>"Copyright Guidelines for Crafters and Hobbyists" by Ginger Davis Allman, The Blue Bottle Tree<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHI4g6jwfPKvrygM5SnyyzSHyRjEcviSxP9Tmw3jpq1dWo4j66BptdzMYcMj5ZgCNcgzLHZkrqMxjGVbFZVAzrqR7cXRlX0_2afcEqlGZDS7yVQ4ag7cbWAQOO_6KafDVB1QB3_axX9-3ibSryoNgyV6MVbiIhtumh-d4viMKGyA7fHwIg01DTBEx/s1489/copyright%20chart%20c%202014%20Ginger%20Davis%20Allman%20The%20Blue%20Bottle%20Tree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1489" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHI4g6jwfPKvrygM5SnyyzSHyRjEcviSxP9Tmw3jpq1dWo4j66BptdzMYcMj5ZgCNcgzLHZkrqMxjGVbFZVAzrqR7cXRlX0_2afcEqlGZDS7yVQ4ag7cbWAQOO_6KafDVB1QB3_axX9-3ibSryoNgyV6MVbiIhtumh-d4viMKGyA7fHwIg01DTBEx/s320/copyright%20chart%20c%202014%20Ginger%20Davis%20Allman%20The%20Blue%20Bottle%20Tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8BfQ4n3QeEmMqgRfwNG2jrI2jy6qZDR664PLjjH7gjoBah7_h4-0Ql-v68rH1zfy2APsAB85hmpIUIAd7s0FtSDlQ0PdmwilUowllj0iJVuQGQdOZY6CEaTx13FnxGeb6AU0XxTtHaWBbIScz1vfpIYIvIQdTbOv7nVknDaLJjs7boF6z9EbS-I7/s668/copyright%20padlock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="668" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8BfQ4n3QeEmMqgRfwNG2jrI2jy6qZDR664PLjjH7gjoBah7_h4-0Ql-v68rH1zfy2APsAB85hmpIUIAd7s0FtSDlQ0PdmwilUowllj0iJVuQGQdOZY6CEaTx13FnxGeb6AU0XxTtHaWBbIScz1vfpIYIvIQdTbOv7nVknDaLJjs7boF6z9EbS-I7/s320/copyright%20padlock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEnd7hDIMra_gOwiTcTgU_ewa5QUd3IpcoRCdzl96IFXnExhN-45-Xi8Cg5Aj3zFe8wx58Vf_1RteAFlOtSq90VrdZbhVEAJtG4upMsAK2py6V93sTDBKHD7-tJ1tDYm7plvMvOr89SsZ1FSTHhEdVgavLlCYZgj_cyFMMUTfVOAq5C3Mwqr7COcJ/s638/copyright%20what%20is.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="638" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEnd7hDIMra_gOwiTcTgU_ewa5QUd3IpcoRCdzl96IFXnExhN-45-Xi8Cg5Aj3zFe8wx58Vf_1RteAFlOtSq90VrdZbhVEAJtG4upMsAK2py6V93sTDBKHD7-tJ1tDYm7plvMvOr89SsZ1FSTHhEdVgavLlCYZgj_cyFMMUTfVOAq5C3Mwqr7COcJ/s320/copyright%20what%20is.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"Can I Use That Picture" graphic by TheVisualCommunicationGuy.com<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGMHPT30AC40f_QaCOex1LYCO5SqpgogtKoy6Zh-go4ZX4zWeG16XJTMyojTtCp3OlvXVh4ijOWcNfSXbZEhp8uUdNCS8k1A_sjC1ygDOh-oPk3iQv9toPmRq2Zj5aZGMeNNd_I6OpvaDx3KGZKKpOB3aWBY4u0BlPBdDJHNnelxLC6IXOy4ngPfv/s2550/copyright%20Infographic_CanIUseThatPicture.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="2550" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGMHPT30AC40f_QaCOex1LYCO5SqpgogtKoy6Zh-go4ZX4zWeG16XJTMyojTtCp3OlvXVh4ijOWcNfSXbZEhp8uUdNCS8k1A_sjC1ygDOh-oPk3iQv9toPmRq2Zj5aZGMeNNd_I6OpvaDx3KGZKKpOB3aWBY4u0BlPBdDJHNnelxLC6IXOy4ngPfv/s320/copyright%20Infographic_CanIUseThatPicture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"Don't Work for Free Flowchart" by Peppermintmonster and Kelley McMorris<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1AnGxqIoW1gxFYsEq3eIIysoMtEpp8-_STq5ktS07kRyzUxFAHbuco9ukPuZ2gWNZO9gvSR34Iv3XCmAdgdZDA0_8INfeGIY18JQbI5idIm9bjXbHjPuWd9WPRsto4MUortZisajIcx47Rh8niLEjqUSobO3bVfY2ehvat65-irb7EoNuWivwwP3/s794/1-flowchart-when-creatives-should-work-for-free%20by%20design%20taxi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1AnGxqIoW1gxFYsEq3eIIysoMtEpp8-_STq5ktS07kRyzUxFAHbuco9ukPuZ2gWNZO9gvSR34Iv3XCmAdgdZDA0_8INfeGIY18JQbI5idIm9bjXbHjPuWd9WPRsto4MUortZisajIcx47Rh8niLEjqUSobO3bVfY2ehvat65-irb7EoNuWivwwP3/s320/1-flowchart-when-creatives-should-work-for-free%20by%20design%20taxi.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>"Levels of Hell" graphic by Adam Ellis<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsv8Y__bYHLcMVdHxQpgoVOCAbJzsamAFkxOfjMvwlSnKv6sHrxHn7_48It5-2ztR8814YytFwZ5bnJKIuWYpQudDF1x7GiZNG8fY6DkeA8YUNJsPPmt4SYKBsiy043NWJ-mILPxPeI9L2rmsz_rN30MHi6U5NhjTpfR0KGvFTDvzWgtEeEpYQ3zS/s960/art%20theft%20levels%20of%20hell%20by%20Adam%20Ellis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="762" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsv8Y__bYHLcMVdHxQpgoVOCAbJzsamAFkxOfjMvwlSnKv6sHrxHn7_48It5-2ztR8814YytFwZ5bnJKIuWYpQudDF1x7GiZNG8fY6DkeA8YUNJsPPmt4SYKBsiy043NWJ-mILPxPeI9L2rmsz_rN30MHi6U5NhjTpfR0KGvFTDvzWgtEeEpYQ3zS/s320/art%20theft%20levels%20of%20hell%20by%20Adam%20Ellis.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TV3rjLANNbuyrVa7k29FRCn4KXKEMWx24Qn5KiDZT-i0u9OiJtCp1Yfx7Jkw0W0zA7yfhQZMUWhGTOk-JZrrHsUG5QC1tjiDYHpI7ly5cMv3dg7rumc2a7CkE6xcy3zX8-ZY94iAVE1stcjBs04pvIt0l1Hg0HaU2nMdrdueWHaXUSSdrHcx7E3m/s1000/copyright-patent-trademark-intellectual-property-infringement-files-1000x577.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="1000" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TV3rjLANNbuyrVa7k29FRCn4KXKEMWx24Qn5KiDZT-i0u9OiJtCp1Yfx7Jkw0W0zA7yfhQZMUWhGTOk-JZrrHsUG5QC1tjiDYHpI7ly5cMv3dg7rumc2a7CkE6xcy3zX8-ZY94iAVE1stcjBs04pvIt0l1Hg0HaU2nMdrdueWHaXUSSdrHcx7E3m/s320/copyright-patent-trademark-intellectual-property-infringement-files-1000x577.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-56621287806493119472023-12-31T17:26:00.000-08:002024-01-17T21:46:28.875-08:00Indie Art Life, Artist Rights, Self-Care Tips (12.31.23)<p> <b style="text-align: center;"><u>POSTS ON INDIE ART LIFE --</u></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>PROTECTING ARTIST RIGHTS and SELF-CARE TIPS</u> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Artists in Action against AI Art</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Starting back in Oct 2022 a vanguard of artists took a stand against unauthorized use of their copyright protected artWORK being "scraped" off the internet by AI art platforms. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyQunASjoMks0WzfYil-dogUCrtArhTWmhDiCGo2ttcovX6xAqylb0nSIBlnx-Z8MM7TJ2RUi5Wd_UW_7uTRRlFqbdwsCksrMatGREJCpFSeDzmMPsnib5ICtf-2lrA3AecgdbwpQzO0JpXAAdIel7crBoDkuqZPMqTZQjGMPZJk2iJEnM0sEm_gL/s2048/karla%20ortiz%20untitled%20Concept%20art%20webinar%20ad%202.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyQunASjoMks0WzfYil-dogUCrtArhTWmhDiCGo2ttcovX6xAqylb0nSIBlnx-Z8MM7TJ2RUi5Wd_UW_7uTRRlFqbdwsCksrMatGREJCpFSeDzmMPsnib5ICtf-2lrA3AecgdbwpQzO0JpXAAdIel7crBoDkuqZPMqTZQjGMPZJk2iJEnM0sEm_gL/s320/karla%20ortiz%20untitled%20Concept%20art%20webinar%20ad%202.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Concept art above by artist Karla Ortiz below...<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEF1Y9WadZJ4W80d_POpsJaRkfe-lZRODvq9NsA9gbeSXInWUtdho9eyvKUmr1JaKnQ_NvEgDGKra-G0mrpnWsCLYotyHHfXQ0-OagQ56Y7z22QKbeN95n1ZD99tzYf-I3cVO1Ptf6WvrkFVWo-S7sMfz5x2c8Uqc-8PG138fUX42-MZ5vxgHyVANy/s960/Karla%20Dr%20Strange.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEF1Y9WadZJ4W80d_POpsJaRkfe-lZRODvq9NsA9gbeSXInWUtdho9eyvKUmr1JaKnQ_NvEgDGKra-G0mrpnWsCLYotyHHfXQ0-OagQ56Y7z22QKbeN95n1ZD99tzYf-I3cVO1Ptf6WvrkFVWo-S7sMfz5x2c8Uqc-8PG138fUX42-MZ5vxgHyVANy/s320/Karla%20Dr%20Strange.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a link to my first post on the artists vs. AI art. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2022/10/karla-ortiz-raising-awareness-on-ai-art.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2022/10/karla-ortiz-raising-awareness-on-ai-art.html</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>In July 2023, Karla was part of a group of artists who testified at congressional hearings about the impact of AI generated images on their industry and career. </div><div><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/07/testimony-of-karla-ortiz-and-others-at.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/07/testimony-of-karla-ortiz-and-others-at.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9euVjH63I3h774oxZWFQq0XLo0ypykl5XhdmoDVMNbLjMRSViSw1s-Idkf5SJIAq-h5pS1_pOmJWZoSl6nN3dxFHbfk5ebeCxHJ06XGjo793qJWn7lGjbdTe4d1D1pthaWEwpcLbDU_Pv9XAMoS8z5U4rls1Job-YNU0DCzvnoF8Q73lbvc2pvqDNHEU/s1328/Karla%20at%20congress%207.12.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1328" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9euVjH63I3h774oxZWFQq0XLo0ypykl5XhdmoDVMNbLjMRSViSw1s-Idkf5SJIAq-h5pS1_pOmJWZoSl6nN3dxFHbfk5ebeCxHJ06XGjo793qJWn7lGjbdTe4d1D1pthaWEwpcLbDU_Pv9XAMoS8z5U4rls1Job-YNU0DCzvnoF8Q73lbvc2pvqDNHEU/s320/Karla%20at%20congress%207.12.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Articles and interviews on AI and impact on artists:</b></div><div><b><a href="https://hyperallergic.com/835769/artists-skeptical-of-us-agreements-with-ai-companies/?fbclid=">https://hyperallergic.com/835769/artists-skeptical-of-us-agreements-with-ai-companies/?fbclid=</a><br /></b></div><div><div>Excerpt: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“ But the efficacy of these “voluntary” deals with leading AI companies is unclear, as Google, Meta, and OpenAI are each already embroiled in lawsuits over alleged copyright infringement and misuse of user information — and experts in the fields of art and technology are skeptical that they will achieve much. “The ‘voluntary’ nature of these commitments renders them meaningless,” University of Chicago professor Ben Zhao told Hyperallergic, noting that “while the Biden administration has good intentions, they seem to be oblivious to the real risks at stake.” As a computer science educator, Zhao served as the faculty lead for the research project “Glaze,” a system designed to shield artists from AI-style imitation. The technology, which is currently available for free to download, uses stylized masks that apply barely noticeable alterations to artworks in order to misdirect generative models that try to steal an artist’s personal aesthetic.</span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">These are incredibly strong yet poorly defined goals that have been set forth, and many of these commitments involve technical problems that lack solutions or may be completely insolvable,” Zhao said, pointing to the example of “watermarking” content. “There are no robust solutions for watermarking generative content, either text or images, known today,” he explained. “How hard will these AI companies work at ‘voluntarily’ building these difficult systems? What we need is real regulation with well-defined, transparent goals that are backed up with plans for testing, enforcement, and if necessary, penalties. The assumption that big tech will do the ‘right’ thing despite the obvious financial disincentives is naive.” Concept Art Association, an organization that supports concept artists and their work, also explained to Hyperallergic that because creators “are the true creative core at the heart of generative AI,” they must be allowed to have a say in the legislation around it.<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div><div><b><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/7/23823046/openai-data-scrape-block-ai?mibextid=Zxz2cZ&fbclid=">https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/7/23823046/openai-data-scrape-block-ai?mibextid=Zxz2cZ&fbclid=</a><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/hollywood-ceos-greed-will-burn-the-movie-biz-down?fbclid=">https://www.thedailybeast.com/hollywood-ceos-greed-will-burn-the-movie-biz-down?fbclid=</a><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>NFTs --- Future for art, or current version of 1630s Tulip craze cautionary tale?</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-S5V7fosHZU8qYrnckvsHzrJNB6MTFPJhpXNoW8tA7f1uQyRWj7kPSIMVYjrztx_u-JRUNmg87VEmEfrvdUpxeNqUVGRct8qjrMI83N7Qmq2mJYxqPSJc9B534dMdPGgVupaAJwxNOwY/s2048/NFT+WTFinance.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-S5V7fosHZU8qYrnckvsHzrJNB6MTFPJhpXNoW8tA7f1uQyRWj7kPSIMVYjrztx_u-JRUNmg87VEmEfrvdUpxeNqUVGRct8qjrMI83N7Qmq2mJYxqPSJc9B534dMdPGgVupaAJwxNOwY/s320/NFT+WTFinance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>This April 2021 post documents early case studies on NFTs as well as resources that explain them. <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2021/04/nfts-in-news-case-studies.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2021/04/nfts-in-news-case-studies.html</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><b><u>CONTROVERSIAL CALIFORNIA LAW REGARDING FREELANCE WORK</u></b><br /><b><u>(became effective January 2020)</u></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Og-VlRNU4U99WIhp6rLiSlUYSwce44-oORg93ykxCkL_QjPcHNs_gGta-uWW8khsHURrbBpNMYtoD-w7vW1Sbj_83-jcLSwvzQRo8hDz37RLeCtIrHWlKVP8O1oB6KrjX1Nw_sm0nXU/s1600/ab+5abc-test-logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="720" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Og-VlRNU4U99WIhp6rLiSlUYSwce44-oORg93ykxCkL_QjPcHNs_gGta-uWW8khsHURrbBpNMYtoD-w7vW1Sbj_83-jcLSwvzQRo8hDz37RLeCtIrHWlKVP8O1oB6KrjX1Nw_sm0nXU/s320/ab+5abc-test-logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVynQx-qxPGdAzKublbW7DYHKMIRMrWhSEedn8Qc4LMffXKFeB_r22iCkHlR_VSWyWPkDrEZQNA2Nhy_f_-QNBfGsGg4t4F5Xpkx7gqGGMFbNLinL3xp4TdEJPMivjcK2frUawnt8rH0/s1600/ab+5+abc-test-gig-worker-ab5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVynQx-qxPGdAzKublbW7DYHKMIRMrWhSEedn8Qc4LMffXKFeB_r22iCkHlR_VSWyWPkDrEZQNA2Nhy_f_-QNBfGsGg4t4F5Xpkx7gqGGMFbNLinL3xp4TdEJPMivjcK2frUawnt8rH0/s320/ab+5+abc-test-gig-worker-ab5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><u><br /></u></b><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">This January 2020 post is where I update links and info on AB5 (updated 5.17.21)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/01/freelancer-law-california-ab5-in-effect.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/01/freelancer-law-california-ab5-in-effect.html</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/10/freelance-workers-in-ca-impacted-by-ab.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/10/freelance-workers-in-ca-impacted-by-ab.html</a></div><br /><b><u>CASE ACT (<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;">Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;"> )</span></u></b><br /><b><u>OPTION TO FIGHT ART THEFT</u><br /></b><div style="text-align: left;"><b>UPDATE January 2021 -- This is the Bill has become a federal law. Read all about it here: </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2021/02/case-act-is-now-law-now-what.html"><span style="color: black;">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2021/02/case-act-is-now-law-now-what.html</span></a><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">(images below from the Graphic Artists Guild)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1PF5huWUq03ZtNnHtStuerEu-ebbHngx8Vd1YXybQh76fSCG9ASw1FlvK7baS6KljrZDVM7FBtqx-diFNZ7nCUl98kzMKcHNkFyuoL2kLp72ZNm-RqqbOla-6C7LM5ZdsuFP3lEgSwA/s1600/copyright+CASEinfographic-fullhouses+from+GAG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1PF5huWUq03ZtNnHtStuerEu-ebbHngx8Vd1YXybQh76fSCG9ASw1FlvK7baS6KljrZDVM7FBtqx-diFNZ7nCUl98kzMKcHNkFyuoL2kLp72ZNm-RqqbOla-6C7LM5ZdsuFP3lEgSwA/s320/copyright+CASEinfographic-fullhouses+from+GAG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg17fNsnivOvK2TWF3EjGsb-k2Lc1TTlu85EtzEoLwtTH-Ad8B00Fv0aSFGUYjM5D7itvTpArF015jG4W3BLltSXhP4Xvj0II5RsCuvScTnrvzifiSCjJY-J7aV0VHF8fbvnvqOANEIdA/s1600/CASE+act+support+photo+from+GAG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg17fNsnivOvK2TWF3EjGsb-k2Lc1TTlu85EtzEoLwtTH-Ad8B00Fv0aSFGUYjM5D7itvTpArF015jG4W3BLltSXhP4Xvj0II5RsCuvScTnrvzifiSCjJY-J7aV0VHF8fbvnvqOANEIdA/s320/CASE+act+support+photo+from+GAG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Several posts here on the blog explaining the CASE Act Bill, as well as links to other sources.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/10/case-act-yes-vote-in-house-now-on-to.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/10/case-act-yes-vote-in-house-now-on-to.html</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>This January 2021 link from Copyright Alliance has FAQ on how CASE Act Small Claims court will work, and when it will star</b>t: <a href="https://copyrightalliance.org/case-act-signed-into-law/">https://copyrightalliance.org/case-act-signed-into-law/</a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>COPYRIGHT INFO FOR ARTISTS</u></b><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIjK2YS-wU0Txx1UaWT9QPFUz-li1OBTGAVtxk3f4d0UdIhFlBq7LAok03s11XkF4UFVKTETtfgFe6sQyY5NB_B6D34U4tA39jA1o1rhctP0c99fuzN1LDCuAyH4e_S_5zMxym2guwmQ/s1600/copyright+stock+figure+from+dreamtime+(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIjK2YS-wU0Txx1UaWT9QPFUz-li1OBTGAVtxk3f4d0UdIhFlBq7LAok03s11XkF4UFVKTETtfgFe6sQyY5NB_B6D34U4tA39jA1o1rhctP0c99fuzN1LDCuAyH4e_S_5zMxym2guwmQ/s1600/copyright+stock+figure+from+dreamtime+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><b><u><br /></u></b></div><p>It was around July 2014 that I started posting frequently about Copyright Protection for images posted online. My artist friend Lili Chin of Doggie Drawings <a href="https://www.doggiedrawings.net/">https://www.doggiedrawings.net/</a><br />had become a target for outrageous levels of art theft. This included an impostor in the UK who downloaded Lili's dog images, flipped them, painted them on canvases adding painted dog collars with actual rhinestones on them, then sold them at art fairs and even a gallery! The gal ended up on a British TV show bragging about her successful business. Lili's fans alerted her -- a great example of how an educated, loyal, invested fan base is the front line for fighting art theft. Even more vital: Lili registers her copyrights. It was a long, expensive, frustrating fight to watch my friend go through. The gallery was appalled at the impostor and kicked her out. The impostor went into hiding. It became a dead end for Lili (and the expensive UK lawyers she had to hire). Lili has won successful settlements since then, but is still fighting art theft. I see how exhausting it is. This waste of artist time and resources, not to mention livelihood, inspired my activism. So I started learning more and posting more. Since 2015, I've subscribed to an intellectual property legal service that allows me to schedule phone consultation appointments. It's an investment I make on behalf of the blog. I want to post info that's as accurate as possible given that many of these issues are fluid with new laws in the works. I use this source to fact check my own IP questions directly with an IP attorney. More on the service here: <a href="https://counselforcreators.com/creators-legal-program/">https://counselforcreators.com/creators-legal-program/</a><br /><br />My blog post links below share resources and case studies on unauthorized commercial use of artist-owned images for profit by others:<br /><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/07/copyright-info-for-artists_15.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/07/copyright-info-for-artists_15.html</a><br />Also see blog post from June 11, 2016 with FREE infographics by Lili Chin on copyright 101<br /><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/06/copyright-101-infographic-by-lili-chin.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/06/copyright-101-infographic-by-lili-chin.html</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWomW4ZrvAKZK11oDRGWsztx91ipKVM300g_VGRrXIt5FEKNVNoyTtZZsvar1Yt_AqrJhyphenhyphenzTqlFy1AshcGaasMWHO0R8n1eEOQui1dxwYW_Ht2pU0zYjLqSXEzvTe3_IGaxQJVG5yJuI/s1600/copyright+infographic+by+Lili+Chin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWomW4ZrvAKZK11oDRGWsztx91ipKVM300g_VGRrXIt5FEKNVNoyTtZZsvar1Yt_AqrJhyphenhyphenzTqlFy1AshcGaasMWHO0R8n1eEOQui1dxwYW_Ht2pU0zYjLqSXEzvTe3_IGaxQJVG5yJuI/s320/copyright+infographic+by+Lili+Chin.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><p>Lili's infographics are available as free downloads on her link:<br /> <a href="http://www.doggiedrawings.net/copyright-101">http://www.doggiedrawings.net/copyright-101</a><br /><br />Lili Chin won a settlement against Kohls when the retail giant stole her artwork.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzbd63bRgQQeQVdrDUuL0wPI-Ckkp5ktusdwkF2xdPNEU_bKictcFw2z5S6wTB4PgwLedPWYUXEI-st3ekO4cvlhfY6VHdyYW07YupfsmuSh5YvgcNB-X0mRx9uhoIBtfi3vSGzAGbPs/s1600/art+theft++kohls+lili+original.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzbd63bRgQQeQVdrDUuL0wPI-Ckkp5ktusdwkF2xdPNEU_bKictcFw2z5S6wTB4PgwLedPWYUXEI-st3ekO4cvlhfY6VHdyYW07YupfsmuSh5YvgcNB-X0mRx9uhoIBtfi3vSGzAGbPs/s320/art+theft++kohls+lili+original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>This Oct 2016 post has background info on this groundbreaking legal case in the fight against art theft: <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/10/indie-artist-lili-chin-files-lawsuit.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/10/indie-artist-lili-chin-files-lawsuit.html</a><br />This post also has links for the infamous case Lili suffered in 2013 with the UK art thief.<br />Lili's suit against Kohl's settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.<br /><br />Important info on blog post "Fan Art -- Playground or Minefield." Includes link to video clip of panel on IP. This post on the grey areas of Fan Art is also updated.<br /><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/04/fan-art-playground-or-minefield.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/04/fan-art-playground-or-minefield.html</a><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>COMBAT ART THEFT --</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>case studies and taking action</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYo9fPn4tcsJG9mzr4H3QfChM0odPiWrrLkfOCQvS0Ki61OxlyNPAb36k5Jis3aYEU0-YBVxAzg2lBhQbV2aHHjvdHMKVDrLLVU1Rj0bZJbJeSGtE9Kvt1r5mFfcsJ8s6ZI4QElgQOIY/s1600/art+theft+jade+boylan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYo9fPn4tcsJG9mzr4H3QfChM0odPiWrrLkfOCQvS0Ki61OxlyNPAb36k5Jis3aYEU0-YBVxAzg2lBhQbV2aHHjvdHMKVDrLLVU1Rj0bZJbJeSGtE9Kvt1r5mFfcsJ8s6ZI4QElgQOIY/s320/art+theft+jade+boylan.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>This "Combat Art Theft" post compiles case studies and how artists are fighting back. There is a dangerous culture of tolerated piracy when it comes to online art. This. Must. Stop. Links on this post explain the risks.. and offer solutions.<a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/09/combat-art-theft-case-studies-and.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/09/combat-art-theft-case-studies-and.html</a><br /><br />Loyal fans alerting artists are the front line of defense against art theft. Artists educating fans about creative rights helps curb counterfeiting... (chart below by Ginger Davis Allman -- more info in these links --<br /><a href="https://thebluebottletree.com/copyright-guidelines-polymer-clay-artists/">https://thebluebottletree.com/copyright-guidelines-polymer-clay-artists/</a><br /><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/12/copyright-guidelines-chart-by-ginger.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/12/copyright-guidelines-chart-by-ginger.html</a>)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3T1N744-ECrHbAFWIb1IXj0495soSjt9yIz6uSZ4AgMLFwLaO4ZF-WRb5hpHDlhyphenhyphenURRAko_s6C3xavieEipaV2fH9e7WEYqoSL3o6xwF_TWl2k9pzoRaZYN7aqw9FhnqW4G7OuRIdv1w/s1600/copyright+chart+c+2014+Ginger+Davis+Allman+The+Blue+Bottle+Tree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1489" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3T1N744-ECrHbAFWIb1IXj0495soSjt9yIz6uSZ4AgMLFwLaO4ZF-WRb5hpHDlhyphenhyphenURRAko_s6C3xavieEipaV2fH9e7WEYqoSL3o6xwF_TWl2k9pzoRaZYN7aqw9FhnqW4G7OuRIdv1w/s320/copyright+chart+c+2014+Ginger+Davis+Allman+The+Blue+Bottle+Tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>PRICE YOUR ART RIGHT -- </u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>DON'T WORK FOR FREE</u></b></div><div>August 2019 posts with insights from industry pros about the damage done to artists at all levels when art is undervalued..</div><div><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/08/how-to-price-your-art-guide-for-all.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/08/how-to-price-your-art-guide-for-all.html</a></div><div><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/08/stop-working-for-free-industry-vet.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/08/stop-working-for-free-industry-vet.html</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>SELF-CARE</u></b></div><br /><span>The long trauma of 2020 impacted everyone. It resonates years later and continues to bring many self-care challenges. Please be mindful of your mental, emotional and physical health. </span></div><div><span>Artists and other indie creators must be well to work -- they are the only ones who can do their jobs. You can't do your best from a place of unwellness.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><span>Use the internet and social media wisely. Share facts, not fear. Always <b>SIFT</b> before sharing.</span></div><div><span><b>S</b>top.</span></div><div><span><b>I</b>nvestigate.</span></div><div><span><b>F</b>act-check/Find corroborating stories on credible sites.</span></div><div><span><b>T</b>race posts back to original context/media. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DLJK-euhW8tfDvKDqdzN5g1SQEDjwH9qJMDevDssadX9whrv8DK2jaIGHkZsWlEEWBU9g2ezlGV7xv2bDQxJGgXDZHaN83J8FkOh4d7LQLWqkc8mGdhya7yualj_NXnzK9C0JuPDBj2b7tCAhN2JfrNRNQmCGI2Na4QZZ1djnEyywaN9_JIAkMDxOSg/s962/sift-infographic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="962" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DLJK-euhW8tfDvKDqdzN5g1SQEDjwH9qJMDevDssadX9whrv8DK2jaIGHkZsWlEEWBU9g2ezlGV7xv2bDQxJGgXDZHaN83J8FkOh4d7LQLWqkc8mGdhya7yualj_NXnzK9C0JuPDBj2b7tCAhN2JfrNRNQmCGI2Na4QZZ1djnEyywaN9_JIAkMDxOSg/s320/sift-infographic.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span>The SIFT system was coined by Mike Caufield, a digital literacy expert at Washington State University. </span></div><div><span>Please check out more SIFTing tips here:</span></div><div><span><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/sift-stop-investigate-fact-check-trace.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/08/sift-stop-investigate-fact-check-trace.html</a><br /></span></div><div><span><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/08/sift-system-and-sites-to-fight-mis.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/08/sift-system-and-sites-to-fight-mis.html</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vkIy5d8W_0F9a3Q-j2f6VXOhszFW-JbnVhbKPIg43hMyDKlzr5xQBNS4qypybjKAaOQav3dk0nQY-Rei9qIi1wH8AWeeM0gtoNQH7gOu8WsMO9jA6QyHEP-RdgSem426a7dZMXw38h4/s960/virus+meme+misinformation+post+wisely.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vkIy5d8W_0F9a3Q-j2f6VXOhszFW-JbnVhbKPIg43hMyDKlzr5xQBNS4qypybjKAaOQav3dk0nQY-Rei9qIi1wH8AWeeM0gtoNQH7gOu8WsMO9jA6QyHEP-RdgSem426a7dZMXw38h4/s320/virus+meme+misinformation+post+wisely.jpg" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>ART AND ANXIETY </u></b></div>I also post links for resources regarding Art and Anxiety. This includes tips on how to communicate the value of your work!.<a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/07/get-inspired-art-and-anxiety-dance-steps.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/07/get-inspired-art-and-anxiety-dance-steps.html</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwR0RpWU0PRrdY-i4SxbcVtftGa3_wgb4pbJ8lH0VWZBZCdTN7TsHNu3JDy5ACMRCZEKglc3Zg1CeiRwZ50cOBba8BsAVs3C5fBYFsSEE6m4h_ElBfBEWAgHq3A20Gr68oTo30N2ueXY/s1600/when+you+buy+from+artist.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwR0RpWU0PRrdY-i4SxbcVtftGa3_wgb4pbJ8lH0VWZBZCdTN7TsHNu3JDy5ACMRCZEKglc3Zg1CeiRwZ50cOBba8BsAVs3C5fBYFsSEE6m4h_ElBfBEWAgHq3A20Gr68oTo30N2ueXY/s320/when+you+buy+from+artist.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />Link below is for Tumbler post by (gal artist .. just saying :) C.Spike Trotman. The gem below is just one of the panels from the Tumbler post explaining steps to success for indie artist life ....<a href="http://spikedrewthis.tumblr.com/post/64136324548/this-is-everything-i-know-a-24-hour-comic-about">http://spikedrewthis.tumblr.com/post/64136324548/this-is-everything-i-know-a-24-hour-comic-about</a><br />The link hasn't been active for awhile... but I'm leaving it here as a record and in case it revives somewhere else. Meanwhile, here's the link for the book form of this terrific comic about indie art survival: <a href="https://ironcircus.com/product/this-is-everything-i-know/">https://ironcircus.com/product/this-is-everything-i-know/</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXma-WbY7lX3vKkGm9b6Bkk_ezKSs4uAQ-Hs1yewqbxMj1uO-dV0vqLLGSlYI0v7fdE7znnsp8Lriwnlaqg99LJTEzTLWaUJrY4mpEabkhRJRDsSM_ldKYRampgi1wwrE-aq83TejtTs/s1600/c+spike+trotman+true+fan.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXma-WbY7lX3vKkGm9b6Bkk_ezKSs4uAQ-Hs1yewqbxMj1uO-dV0vqLLGSlYI0v7fdE7znnsp8Lriwnlaqg99LJTEzTLWaUJrY4mpEabkhRJRDsSM_ldKYRampgi1wwrE-aq83TejtTs/s320/c+spike+trotman+true+fan.png" width="206" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>More "art has value" on this post on how to turn a charity request into a paying job ... <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/07/your-business-lesson-turn-charity.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/07/your-business-lesson-turn-charity.html</a><br /><br />Lots here on the blog for artist health -- physical, emotional, financial....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii28zRy2PrafFAnAZxzdjTYggkDqBzchUFy0G7SkVqVMn8iVdVOqrGj2oDgzX_qXjmDt8GH0fp09hddxsHLZJM4fXQ1uoNfg5sOB-k-I57tR5_mez5S2wXc2zIW9cyexJNG-7aLWg9z68/s1600/sitting+graphic+by+patterson+clark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii28zRy2PrafFAnAZxzdjTYggkDqBzchUFy0G7SkVqVMn8iVdVOqrGj2oDgzX_qXjmDt8GH0fp09hddxsHLZJM4fXQ1uoNfg5sOB-k-I57tR5_mez5S2wXc2zIW9cyexJNG-7aLWg9z68/s320/sitting+graphic+by+patterson+clark.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>Graphic above by Patternson Clark...<br /><br />"PSA on Killer Chairs" post on dangers of too much chair time for anyone with a desk job .. and tips to help fight the effects of damage to posture and hand and wrists<br />...<a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/posts-in-progress-and-psa.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/posts-in-progress-and-psa.html</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>YOGA FOR ARTISTS</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsS6pgaWJ5PN3CPXqQZCM2UZ-PfJd-rg9ClXngDLThRppQ1z2y5Y9hT42rECb-N5HFPrFTe1j2eLGRnJo20i-m8dUY_EuXACS7UQEP-4wz9qiAMhkuLVqyhzYnGP0dRuXK6iMNzr0UDct/s1600/IMG_7614.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsS6pgaWJ5PN3CPXqQZCM2UZ-PfJd-rg9ClXngDLThRppQ1z2y5Y9hT42rECb-N5HFPrFTe1j2eLGRnJo20i-m8dUY_EuXACS7UQEP-4wz9qiAMhkuLVqyhzYnGP0dRuXK6iMNzr0UDct/s1600/IMG_7614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">In 2015 I launched a series of posts to share stretches and restorative options for Artists and others whose work demands long hours of sitting. These simple exercises will help undo the strain on back, shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. Posts feature stills and video with certified yoga instructor Simone, who gives helpful workshops at the SNB showroom for crew and colleagues. Simone's Facebook page also offers links to online tutorials she finds and recommends:</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/simonemarket">https://www.facebook.com/simonemarket</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Always consult your own doctor before beginning any fitness routine.</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Here are links for "Yoga for Artists" lessons on the blog:</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Introduction -- Art requires Flexibility</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/04/yoga-for-artists-introduction-art.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/04/yoga-for-artists-introduction-art.html</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Lesson #1 Releases for Shoulders and Upper Back <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/04/yoga-for-artists-lesson-1-releases-for.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/04/yoga-for-artists-lesson-1-releases-for.html</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Lesson #2 - Upper Body Stretches using Chair, Wall and Blocks</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/06/yoga-lesson-2-upper-body-stretches.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/06/yoga-lesson-2-upper-body-stretches.html</a><br /><br /><b>FREE SHIPPING IS A MYTH</b><br />Indie artists struggle to either absorb shipping and handling costs or factor them into their prices. Customers have been indoctrinated into the myth of Free Shipping. What is that really costing all of us? <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/01/free-shipping-is-myth-it-costs-indie.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/01/free-shipping-is-myth-it-costs-indie.html</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TpAROWLyeF0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TpAROWLyeF0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>PROCESS POSTS --</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I will always advocate for using tutorials to monetize your online art. Educate followers so they can grow with you as supporters.</div></div><div>Art below by Catherine Scartaccini</div><div><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/08/catherine-scartaccini-illustrator.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/08/catherine-scartaccini-illustrator.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDRu7M501xCg-F7pND7u0szDrfmsZ6suP4BTm4YpHcV645JkbxBS9N8Mjxj307KsCBeazZvg9ljOdNCgmtWKM65vH6fkOCm_kutN0aJwwiqSIOlVz-AEp0G7RFuurcMBI767Xp817W2Q/s1600/catherine+giraffe+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDRu7M501xCg-F7pND7u0szDrfmsZ6suP4BTm4YpHcV645JkbxBS9N8Mjxj307KsCBeazZvg9ljOdNCgmtWKM65vH6fkOCm_kutN0aJwwiqSIOlVz-AEp0G7RFuurcMBI767Xp817W2Q/s320/catherine+giraffe+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://csillustrator.com/">https://csillustrator.com/</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGrGf4pYDUbUsc9S_sIwrtR8ekogQ9HwK0wYi1qroM-NqJTflK2jyVCMpQvlfDBmDOTomtQqPGJ_-iWfq9NGntrTIhfVMpsZ2YPIMvBg5B5Bf0BQm83mwn_2lPxBBacAe3B0_SdLthTg/s1600/catherine+giraffe+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGrGf4pYDUbUsc9S_sIwrtR8ekogQ9HwK0wYi1qroM-NqJTflK2jyVCMpQvlfDBmDOTomtQqPGJ_-iWfq9NGntrTIhfVMpsZ2YPIMvBg5B5Bf0BQm83mwn_2lPxBBacAe3B0_SdLthTg/s320/catherine+giraffe+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGiIm9K8R62xyFE2PuXnMmbKwZdr5oM9vpDY8f88hnol8TVZcrE9dcLd2DEhH_OL1nHa08tMipiU2rrgFKs1iDx46pR0HO4Liaup7n69DZL-HpjmJl3zVudoooAPX3ETTQThA7-UXehQ/s1600/catherine+giraffe+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGiIm9K8R62xyFE2PuXnMmbKwZdr5oM9vpDY8f88hnol8TVZcrE9dcLd2DEhH_OL1nHa08tMipiU2rrgFKs1iDx46pR0HO4Liaup7n69DZL-HpjmJl3zVudoooAPX3ETTQThA7-UXehQ/s320/catherine+giraffe+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Documenting your creative process engages followers. It's also a great way to make your artWORK work for you. You're going through the steps already. You're taking the time.. and spending your resources... to document them. They are perfect to make multi-purpose. Monetize them. Never undervalue your time, talent and effort. Art life requires art work that is compensated.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So many artists posts these valuable tutorials for free. Why not share a few, but then use these sorts of posts to move followers to platforms where they can find more by supporting your art life on Patreon or with Ko-fi. </div></div></div>Art below by Hannah Stiles, Ainigmati Studios<br /><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/11/process-post-ainigmati-studio.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/11/process-post-ainigmati-studio.html</a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_E_UiOik-mQB-zhReEMUdbZq2UiTBZb4gDdHVsq7giQGKfjDCT60pDv6ZV6CCifALCg5fLHtlREROeMhFKfj2MkgTjuWxxIE-We7Mrg2c19zkMKsnyUViZ4SBGrXcEPlIhg0HnCRKS_o/s1600/Ainigmati+cat+11.14.19+wire+frame.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="960" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_E_UiOik-mQB-zhReEMUdbZq2UiTBZb4gDdHVsq7giQGKfjDCT60pDv6ZV6CCifALCg5fLHtlREROeMhFKfj2MkgTjuWxxIE-We7Mrg2c19zkMKsnyUViZ4SBGrXcEPlIhg0HnCRKS_o/s320/Ainigmati+cat+11.14.19+wire+frame.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil650mRWptpPFbdfObjentGzWrXTHwQ1z4IM4qHFBgnOGbz16ePKN8H1XU44nSD_Afz62Vk6ruYRZmyimyiLbN0qlSfPJdroJyYCAV7zRGcHp6YerB5z1gUscj3me4jVt0lsjWMVE6-mU/s1600/Ainigmati+cat+11.14.19++6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil650mRWptpPFbdfObjentGzWrXTHwQ1z4IM4qHFBgnOGbz16ePKN8H1XU44nSD_Afz62Vk6ruYRZmyimyiLbN0qlSfPJdroJyYCAV7zRGcHp6YerB5z1gUscj3me4jVt0lsjWMVE6-mU/s320/Ainigmati+cat+11.14.19++6.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Ainigmati">https://www.etsy.com/shop/Ainigmati</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJIDEZdMGscZKlA-3nhI4QFlv_X-CJeP5LU-4FScEso3oAh9JUkpF0dQyOKTAD2Stz23o9Is-tsra4FSRcR_YZfV0DbhVfxWEm23IQF5J4s12TjeLqXz8xXNQEXLld6KC3U5p2dq8Dq8/s1600/Ainigmati+cat+11.14.19++5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJIDEZdMGscZKlA-3nhI4QFlv_X-CJeP5LU-4FScEso3oAh9JUkpF0dQyOKTAD2Stz23o9Is-tsra4FSRcR_YZfV0DbhVfxWEm23IQF5J4s12TjeLqXz8xXNQEXLld6KC3U5p2dq8Dq8/s320/Ainigmati+cat+11.14.19++5.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlPVmmVFINZAZ-nJ2-pALbtMFN7lc_Qhjk_y5GMWV2weCZtiFn8AmHuKseSF37x0EfziFljdj4KTIBYLhLKiWV6R5r3B2YDys2LhHwpCg0J7BYKX3SdUlKZfoErEyKfnVlzieG28hfh8/s1600/Ainigmati+cat+11.14.19+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlPVmmVFINZAZ-nJ2-pALbtMFN7lc_Qhjk_y5GMWV2weCZtiFn8AmHuKseSF37x0EfziFljdj4KTIBYLhLKiWV6R5r3B2YDys2LhHwpCg0J7BYKX3SdUlKZfoErEyKfnVlzieG28hfh8/s320/Ainigmati+cat+11.14.19+1.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>GET INSPIRED BY LOOKING BACK, LOOKING OFF-GRID and</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>NOT BEING LIKE EVERYONE ELSE LOOKING ONLINE </u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The internet has been a game changer, but recently I've heard professional artists, executives, instructors and collectors concerned about the growing trend of mediocrity. The easy access to so many versions of familiar images and subject matter means that everyone's art starts to look the same. Imitation is the death of growth. Don't copy other artists work, tweak it a bit, and call it your own. That's fine for practice in your sketchbook, but it's no way to build a brand and audience of your own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/05/imitation-is-fraud-not-flattery.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/05/imitation-is-fraud-not-flattery.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> If you want to reach the next level, get away from the screen. Go in person to look at original art. Attend events that lend themselves to sketching. Visit the zoo, aquarium, museums. Look back in books and at libraries to see what artists were doing generations ago. These are habits the exceptional artists share. Disney legend artist Andreas Deja is a prime example of this. His highly educational blog shares treasures from his personal collection of art by past artists who have inspired him. My blog post on his wire sculptures shows his work, an artist that inspires him, and links to his blog:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/05/line-horses-and-wire-frogs.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/05/line-horses-and-wire-frogs.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Art history in all genres can expand your own visual vocabulary. Here are some posts that showcase art inspiration from icons of the past, or activities that inspire sketching... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Icons to study...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/10/mary-blair-panel-family-colleague.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/10/mary-blair-panel-family-colleague.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/06/little-golden-books-history-and-links.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/06/little-golden-books-history-and-links.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/08/sorolla-and-america-exhibit-at-san.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/08/sorolla-and-america-exhibit-at-san.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/get-inspired-norman-thelwell.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/get-inspired-norman-thelwell.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/11/one-night-exhibition-of-hirschfeld.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/11/one-night-exhibition-of-hirschfeld.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">activities to sketch and study anatomy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/empty-saddle-club-western-horse-show.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/empty-saddle-club-western-horse-show.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/horse-show-2011-artist-sketchbook.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/horse-show-2011-artist-sketchbook.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/get-inspiredfamily-fun-natl-history.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/get-inspiredfamily-fun-natl-history.html</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">COVID may seem like old news... but the virus continues to mutate and will complicate conventions for exhibitors and attendees. Everyone who has been attending conventions for years is familiar with "con crud"-- that range of respiratory symptoms that flare up a week or so after a convention. Several days working nearly non-stop in a convention hall environment is bound to irritate your throat etc. But now there's the concern that conventions are ideal "super spreader" events. Everyone has different risk levels. Be respectful of others needs and concerns. Even healthy looking people can have risk factors. The basics will continue to apply -- wash hands frequently; limit close contact; mask and vaccinate as recommended. Golden rule -- treat others as you wish to be treated. Be kind.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>ORIGINAL BLOG POSTS ON COVD-19</span></div><div><span>There are 15 Posts for April 2020 on the blog regarding COVID-19. Here's link for #1 of 15 of the April posts:</span><br /><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04/covid-1-of-15-april-2020-snb-open-for.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04/covid-1-of-15-april-2020-snb-open-for.html</a><br /><span>The 15 posts in April include links for indie artist funding resources (post #s 3-5) , DIY disinfecting tips, post #7) links for credible, science-based sites to find the latest on Covid (post #s 12-14). Post #s 9-11 have oodles of online links with family friendly sites like links to zoo and aquarium live cams, as well as tips for home office and self-care survival tools. </span><br /><br />I'm leaving the March 2020 posts in tact with the announcement that they are untouched from 3.31.2020, but are valuable as a record of information we had available as the crisis hit.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP3EwPP-jQQ7wvJVotsQ9kjQJ_m2V-yj89a2WPAe0qYmUKHUyclPlsAcPWhzbiCOon-qyfstd-OnJvDzXt5mr-sxrLSSNWiDHtAV8O-Z_VMoRm2Rcv5QbzXpKm1w2x_MefsjCfhQXKJ8/s1600/virus+hand+wash+infographic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP3EwPP-jQQ7wvJVotsQ9kjQJ_m2V-yj89a2WPAe0qYmUKHUyclPlsAcPWhzbiCOon-qyfstd-OnJvDzXt5mr-sxrLSSNWiDHtAV8O-Z_VMoRm2Rcv5QbzXpKm1w2x_MefsjCfhQXKJ8/s320/virus+hand+wash+infographic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Info graphic below from Compound Interest</div><div><a href="https://www.compoundchem.com/2020/03/31/destroy-coronavirus/?">https://www.compoundchem.com/2020/03/31/destroy-coronavirus/?</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSj_9Tzepp7w0qGn2Jcs6o50X5cZLHeFZKe6wpLn6UtSTl1IVBEbK0t05Tskhe0vF8J1FuUs2X8pm7574AMB8lewBeXnO0p_8qw-3dbRhr1E-_CwTjqgdPezmeq6U8rwlLJpet_s3iAw/s1600/virus+graphic+Four-ways-to-destroy-coronavirus-v3+compound+interst.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSj_9Tzepp7w0qGn2Jcs6o50X5cZLHeFZKe6wpLn6UtSTl1IVBEbK0t05Tskhe0vF8J1FuUs2X8pm7574AMB8lewBeXnO0p_8qw-3dbRhr1E-_CwTjqgdPezmeq6U8rwlLJpet_s3iAw/s320/virus+graphic+Four-ways-to-destroy-coronavirus-v3+compound+interst.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-56852991993923677432023-12-31T17:25:00.000-08:002023-12-31T17:25:53.451-08:00Your Guide to Behind the Scenes at Stuart Ng Books (12.31.23)<p> <b>Start here to learn how to use this blog.</b>.... You are about to explore SNB adventures from my (Amy's) perspective ... Stuart's website links to this blog, but Stuart does NOT write these posts. This "Your Guide" posts updates monthly.</p>For the latest news on Stuart Ng Books, you can follow SNB on Facebook or Twitter. To receive Stuart's email newsletter (with lots of exclusive offers) use this link from the SNB website: <a href="http://stuartngbooks.com/join-our-mailing-list.html">http://stuartngbooks.com/join-our-mailing-list.html</a><br />For info on ordering books, and a website chock full of our extensive inventory, start at the homepage for SNB: <a href="http://stuartngbooks.com/">http://stuartngbooks.com/</a><br /><br />Welcome to the realm of Bride of Bookseller. The posts are all written by me. This blog exists to educate and entertain by sharing resources that can benefit artists.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It takes talent and commitment to thrive as an indie artist. But it also takes balance and fitness. No one talks to artists about this truth: You have to be well enough.. physically.. mentally..emotionally...financially... to get your work done. At the same time, so many artists struggle with chronic conditions that impact their productivity. No wonder artists are stressed. Many posts on the blog here offer possible solutions.... and celebrate the traits all the best artists share: (button below from Alaska Robotics <a href="http://alaskarobotics.com/">http://alaskarobotics.com/</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8C4DiNuj6aJ6t8h7N1m8pCqECf1OXZRukldr0zJ8kyXfNsf6v9ZuAk3QTTilQrNzI7iuCCLQ4tCnWGPA_lfIXPpVY54Cp_J4yXLsGhjpQHrP_b8d0VjfT53YJ8bfw8OlQcPk_aGR8LI/s1600/IMG_6440.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8C4DiNuj6aJ6t8h7N1m8pCqECf1OXZRukldr0zJ8kyXfNsf6v9ZuAk3QTTilQrNzI7iuCCLQ4tCnWGPA_lfIXPpVY54Cp_J4yXLsGhjpQHrP_b8d0VjfT53YJ8bfw8OlQcPk_aGR8LI/s320/IMG_6440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Scroll down this "Your Guide" post and you'll discover background on the blog (SNB and BTS backstory)....<br /><br />These links will take you to posts with expanded topics....<br /><b><br /></b><div><b><u>1) POSTS ON INDIE ART LIFE -- </u></b><b><u>PROTECTING ARTIST RIGHTS and SELF-CARE TIPS</u></b><b><u><br /></u></b>INCLUDES LINKS TO 2020 COVID-19 POSTS</div><div><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/05/your-guide-to-bts-indie-art-life-artist.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/05/your-guide-to-bts-indie-art-life-artist.html</a><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XZpnCL5NS0X41Yj3q5SSG_sK77c8w7sVldFYiT1219ZwChAY8KSkymUOWiuyeWtFb51n3ESL9gqsknWwx3Jokh2AeQRHdgtbHARUUwCcXHIq481Qsy4462MWrs9whLMP4lwg91HOGek/s1600/virus+if+you+think+art+is+useless++meme.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="750" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XZpnCL5NS0X41Yj3q5SSG_sK77c8w7sVldFYiT1219ZwChAY8KSkymUOWiuyeWtFb51n3ESL9gqsknWwx3Jokh2AeQRHdgtbHARUUwCcXHIq481Qsy4462MWrs9whLMP4lwg91HOGek/s320/virus+if+you+think+art+is+useless++meme.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b style="text-align: center;"><u>2) SNB -- CONVENTIONS AND WENDLING CONNECTION</u></b><b> </b></div><div><b><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-2-conventions-and.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-2-conventions-and.html</a><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg963klvaoi1c3BUTsWdjzpN_5VSDwCCLuLc0Yp_f_qZWnc8Q1aEViKNQFcvrE0Z1k1pNtdMhNnSYth_cmmLYtXRwiej9mu9xWFu2DIZeh2tDlz1zNTDgxwrCUMj4TO0ctlidgpJCJzABk/s350/cvr+wendling+desk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="350" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg963klvaoi1c3BUTsWdjzpN_5VSDwCCLuLc0Yp_f_qZWnc8Q1aEViKNQFcvrE0Z1k1pNtdMhNnSYth_cmmLYtXRwiej9mu9xWFu2DIZeh2tDlz1zNTDgxwrCUMj4TO0ctlidgpJCJzABk/s320/cvr+wendling+desk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br /></b></div><br /><b style="text-align: center;"><u>3) ART LIFE -- RESOURCES AND EXHIBITIONS</u></b><p><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/03/your-guide-to-bts-3-art-life-resources.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/03/your-guide-to-bts-3-art-life-resources.html</a> </p><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1Ri7CEZrNohfDQoBPyAHzDvp4b75OIz2uv1B3CGATjhGMO610c2tjLLBVMdaJnybU9YR9et8f545N9yUZ1oIJOsbBLCnXPCul1dmEy4VfTr9Y7IEQrZq87IYf6QLQ7E1RA5QD5wmeHs/s1400/logo+bancroft+bros+podcast.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1Ri7CEZrNohfDQoBPyAHzDvp4b75OIz2uv1B3CGATjhGMO610c2tjLLBVMdaJnybU9YR9et8f545N9yUZ1oIJOsbBLCnXPCul1dmEy4VfTr9Y7IEQrZq87IYf6QLQ7E1RA5QD5wmeHs/s320/logo+bancroft+bros+podcast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></b></div><b style="text-align: center;"><u>4) SCIENCE THEMED POSTS</u></b></div><div><b style="text-align: center;"><u><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-4-science-themed.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-4-science-themed.html</a><br /></u></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zKxueKJBRGFXdXModN_O2TRcdhKNz_7fdNW7CBupXJmIj2HLwgLHlaW2UPlQYj2L2XlVu461IVYDhpqbgB7clpWYM9z-k3rClC4lx0usu76ny5yGq1L3TcgEpPlPwh65ZPbJSDlEB3k/s540/curie+quote+in+full.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="540" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zKxueKJBRGFXdXModN_O2TRcdhKNz_7fdNW7CBupXJmIj2HLwgLHlaW2UPlQYj2L2XlVu461IVYDhpqbgB7clpWYM9z-k3rClC4lx0usu76ny5yGq1L3TcgEpPlPwh65ZPbJSDlEB3k/s320/curie+quote+in+full.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><u><br /></u></b></div><b style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></b><b style="text-align: center;"><u>5) ATTRACTIONS NEAR SNB TORRANCE STORE</u></b></div><div>Like Wilson Park! With its wheelchair and stroller accessible tree house. The Farmers Market on Tuesday and Saturday Mornings. Tons of family friendly amenities.</div><div><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-5-attractions-near.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-5-attractions-near.html</a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gEaRZYQSLgJaf8pjAPAuWdWzb3MYQW_o3T1yjfokiL7fRWpdQk5K9V9sTNx707xQPQyuCTOb7ZlO8xopvBpvU6VgBaj0fAMbk0FRInuKT0_3dc1wDco05aiA9OTX58oy2XQjjpJTfRM/s1600/wp+sign+and+street.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gEaRZYQSLgJaf8pjAPAuWdWzb3MYQW_o3T1yjfokiL7fRWpdQk5K9V9sTNx707xQPQyuCTOb7ZlO8xopvBpvU6VgBaj0fAMbk0FRInuKT0_3dc1wDco05aiA9OTX58oy2XQjjpJTfRM/s320/wp+sign+and+street.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_2hgo-x89QDf98juP4s_AKzGYBg5_Q7RFCjgZ4AbOn9WL92_ZPXsL_pzPutCzKmMIeiQwSQ1m3DqRLs3lSsgsokVsjSzPjOUp4uTbAFLLde1uKfYGNGa08L0FEQLNKGjTi6b6AHXf3k/s640/IMG_7951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_2hgo-x89QDf98juP4s_AKzGYBg5_Q7RFCjgZ4AbOn9WL92_ZPXsL_pzPutCzKmMIeiQwSQ1m3DqRLs3lSsgsokVsjSzPjOUp4uTbAFLLde1uKfYGNGa08L0FEQLNKGjTi6b6AHXf3k/s320/IMG_7951.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></b></div><b style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></b><b style="text-align: center;"><u>6) HORSE OF COURSE</u></b></div><div><b style="text-align: center;"><u><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-6-horse-of-course-4723.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-6-horse-of-course-4723.html</a><br /></u></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7XTDCz0SX2CTjsg2sCxexIPrf26RwDK1dU2DYUS2p2AvacKm55b4huKqXpml1n2X2Sp426jJ-of5hgMevDNlImFndRox_XDYaMRvc4MU34Bera_igkiWiaNo_kr-2qMo1F8X4xNBL8g/s960/horse+rider+hugs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="960" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7XTDCz0SX2CTjsg2sCxexIPrf26RwDK1dU2DYUS2p2AvacKm55b4huKqXpml1n2X2Sp426jJ-of5hgMevDNlImFndRox_XDYaMRvc4MU34Bera_igkiWiaNo_kr-2qMo1F8X4xNBL8g/s320/horse+rider+hugs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><u><br /></u></b></div><b style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></b><b style="text-align: center;"><u>7) POSTS FROM 2011 --MOST ACTIVE YEAR ON THE BLOG</u></b></div><div><b style="text-align: center;"><u><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-7-posts-from-2011.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-7-posts-from-2011.html</a><br /></u></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0FxDOWzSszRl1avZS4iJI8GlDUQzzcH2Vum3IIPcYR8URlU8g3BQdlhQVRDIr4WMdM9cBOmRgL4w_TjB5E2EfLmDCK3XK6J7X6FmhUsDBsUhlwWUh5V4w0oJMs8Lwy1jmuEeVQ1wXMI/s1600/regis+ctnx+11+cu.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0FxDOWzSszRl1avZS4iJI8GlDUQzzcH2Vum3IIPcYR8URlU8g3BQdlhQVRDIr4WMdM9cBOmRgL4w_TjB5E2EfLmDCK3XK6J7X6FmhUsDBsUhlwWUh5V4w0oJMs8Lwy1jmuEeVQ1wXMI/s320/regis+ctnx+11+cu.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><u><br /></u></b></div><b style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></b><b style="text-align: center;"><u>8) OTHER POPULAR TOPICS/POSTS</u></b></div><div><div><u style="font-weight: bold;">(</u>includes posts on DreamCon; LA Printer's Fair; Tim Burton exhibiton at LACMA in 2011)</div><div><a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-8-other-popular.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/your-guide-to-bts-8-other-popular.html</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRFPSNSPGs91NQ00ZCiJGVyB-NFWczVsHQ5nVvFpjpBjWZSrjO6FpkHFaGnOUU7Gbc80qUKihKQUzNqdKe5KpdOFgWLH4_WkSDXplATTlHlxK6zxpvjbSQ-1dY2yCcymeEosaICzn7Mg/s1600/menagcvr.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRFPSNSPGs91NQ00ZCiJGVyB-NFWczVsHQ5nVvFpjpBjWZSrjO6FpkHFaGnOUU7Gbc80qUKihKQUzNqdKe5KpdOFgWLH4_WkSDXplATTlHlxK6zxpvjbSQ-1dY2yCcymeEosaICzn7Mg/s320/menagcvr.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>______________________________________<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>SNB and BTS BACKSTORY</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6-wj47AKrCtFa2aXJQ7Mj0E8YLefhjGOkL5Xt1q3GTq8ZoKLY2uaLokE4Susm45gxGF2NVT89aYX3YoZojr0ZiJqTmDsJ9ADirv-jd7Wvwxpo4QYe5xlrb50CVc01q7UUG1FxTDjV_k/s1600/IMG_8844.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6-wj47AKrCtFa2aXJQ7Mj0E8YLefhjGOkL5Xt1q3GTq8ZoKLY2uaLokE4Susm45gxGF2NVT89aYX3YoZojr0ZiJqTmDsJ9ADirv-jd7Wvwxpo4QYe5xlrb50CVc01q7UUG1FxTDjV_k/s320/IMG_8844.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>For the origin of the SNB logo, see this post: <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/07/snb-logo-origin-story.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/07/snb-logo-origin-story.html</a><br /><br />Stuart Ng Books is <u>very </u>small business in Torrance, CA. Our niche is books on illustration, animation and comic art. Our wonderful, loyal patrons are artists, students and collectors in these fields.<br />We started in the genteel era of hands-on bookselling, before the internet. We were mentored by colleagues, some of whose stores folded under the pressures from Amazon. We weathered the transition to websites. Stuart worked hard to build a brand in this tough business environment. Our bookstore started as a printed mail-order catalog. I say "our" bookstore because it was just the two of us for years. We had a book room in the house for inventory. The dining room table was the packing station for mail orders. I was the voice on the phone, processed orders, and schlepped boxes to the post office. But it's called Stuart Ng Books for a reason. Once the books started earning their way and moved into a store location, I was ready to segue into BTS (behind-the-scenes) mode.<br /><br />Sales are still mostly mail order. Stuart ships books all over the world. In addition to our website and Torrance store location, we sell books at conventions and the occasional special event expo or festival. Scroll down for links for convention appearances. Here are two examples of expos/festivals:<br /><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/05/snb-at-ncsfest-may-17th-19th.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/05/snb-at-ncsfest-may-17th-19th.html</a><br /><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/vis-vis-french-bande-dessinee-meets-la_26.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/vis-vis-french-bande-dessinee-meets-la_26.html</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJvqNbUXS_ToRDmSQBoKeU8cPiqGJuHXkFaEQIk7B4y8CEZHp4T7o-8zyfXSEfQaPTCbbqluep_j1zf6FKv2OUsTPz8EfSiCG4oWLLeKkKo7r29uzOXenG-Qfu7YOGoVX6ZUr8-ra0E4/s1600/fox+with+book.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJvqNbUXS_ToRDmSQBoKeU8cPiqGJuHXkFaEQIk7B4y8CEZHp4T7o-8zyfXSEfQaPTCbbqluep_j1zf6FKv2OUsTPz8EfSiCG4oWLLeKkKo7r29uzOXenG-Qfu7YOGoVX6ZUr8-ra0E4/s320/fox+with+book.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>Stuart is a man on a mission. He is always on the job: in constant search for great books and artists. He is known for discovering treasures during his annual trip to France to attend the festival in Angouleme, Europe's largest comic art convention. It was a chance to meet Claire Wendling and see her exhibition at the Angouleme festival in 2005 that launched Stuart on this adventure. He has attended the festival every year since then (except the Covid years -- 2021-2023). The times I went with him are in posts on the blog for Jan/Feb of those years. Stuart doesn't speak or read French; he selects his inventory strictly for the art. He's the visual one. I'm more verbal. I took some French lessons... so now I can try to talk with people there (and order more than a ham and cheese sandwich at the cafes).<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB9SDNkUKvxUc5WH2ggqDt-_EQz_TIh2kHoabEvC2f021sCr8lhJJR8l0ut03XV66_exXhojCwS0c-nnZvujRiuavg6LVrgaFuJXuvg0Xm5Jshf_4Xhgau209zmHgmopC2UXOG7OpbQQ/s1600/IMG_0197.JPG" style="text-align: start;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643280206432283314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB9SDNkUKvxUc5WH2ggqDt-_EQz_TIh2kHoabEvC2f021sCr8lhJJR8l0ut03XV66_exXhojCwS0c-nnZvujRiuavg6LVrgaFuJXuvg0Xm5Jshf_4Xhgau209zmHgmopC2UXOG7OpbQQ/s320/IMG_0197.JPG" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>When Stuart launched the business full-time in 1997, we had no idea we would become a world-wide resource for books in our field. When I married Stuart... a LONG time ago.. I had no idea I would also be marrying a small business (we didn't meet in business school.... but that's another story). Where we find ourselves now, all these years later, is a creative place that keeps us both engaged with artists. Stuart Ng Books has exhibited at San Diego Comic Con for over 20 years. For 2020, Stuart planned to open a small retail location in Burbank. Covid quashed that. In the last year or so, he's looked at different locations, but either the location or the lease fell apart. If you have any location suggestions, please contact him directly.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4spY3kSD7mVuKYzUxEqT7TcSX39PF5PgNzoEoq9Wy91C_OhPITgjRW32LkU-BDzJkPXeXdXUD-zjMkgd74UQlIkXvNvkpz_RbsohLHkCZEEungIdonRr3ccttVeizJfO-Ga52CS8g-xU/s1600/books+in+the+home.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4spY3kSD7mVuKYzUxEqT7TcSX39PF5PgNzoEoq9Wy91C_OhPITgjRW32LkU-BDzJkPXeXdXUD-zjMkgd74UQlIkXvNvkpz_RbsohLHkCZEEungIdonRr3ccttVeizJfO-Ga52CS8g-xU/s320/books+in+the+home.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>Our patrons seek out Stuart at conventions and online. They buy books from him because his "eye" and expertise are a bonus they value. Part of the fun of Stuart Ng Books is how we get to facilitate connections and inspiration. We get to see the artistic process in action. We steward the passing of cherished books from the reference libraries of artists who are masters in their field into the hands and creative spirit of a next generation. I try to remind us of all this on the days when our "What is the Matrix" question haunts us: <i>Can a little book business survive in the internet age?</i> Stay tuned ....</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq3rHyFz3mW5M2OFVoNAbET5rYDKbxnS3lUabhqfNOmP6eklS3-yb2Usneyu7SbyPfjkDFyBdnvq5ncanbrbDBLqQ_3yFF6-mbqmIJWLmktyWGZYaE5yysgHddEkhWQQmzcSOT7yzN3Y/s1600/jon+stewart+book+tutorial.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq3rHyFz3mW5M2OFVoNAbET5rYDKbxnS3lUabhqfNOmP6eklS3-yb2Usneyu7SbyPfjkDFyBdnvq5ncanbrbDBLqQ_3yFF6-mbqmIJWLmktyWGZYaE5yysgHddEkhWQQmzcSOT7yzN3Y/s320/jon+stewart+book+tutorial.png" width="320" /></a></div>I started my blog in 2008 as a way to share topics I discussed with friends and patrons who visited us at conventions. I also use the blog to share trips to exhibits and shows we attend that artists might find inspiring.<br />See "FAQ," "Stewardship" and "Legacy Books" for posts about bringing YOU the benefits of a devoted rare bookseller in world where mom and pop bookstores are themselves becoming endangered!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>HELLO WORLD -- 120+ and counting</b></i></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">For a complete list of the <span style="color: blue;">122 countries</span> that have visited the blog, check out this Aug 11, 2011 post: "Hello World.." <a href="http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/08/hello-world-please-leave-comment.html">http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2011/08/hello-world-please-leave-comment.html</a> And one final stat -- as of August 2023, the blog has tallied over 600,000 all-time page views.</div></div></div></div></div>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-51027373957087129782023-11-28T21:43:00.000-08:002023-12-02T20:48:13.633-08:00Top Tips -- Hospice and End of Life Care (updated 12.2.23)<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">This is a post in progress...</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222;">My wonderful Mom has passed away. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The last weeks of her life taught me how vital it is for EVERYONE to
have a practice of self-soothing -- prayer/meditation/deep breathing. Whatever
works, this life skill is essential. Learn it early. Practice it often. </span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">More on all that later...</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nEpLnjBPjZbPF9mNaLFGoOJ5W80k6JOKn-2REOtql7LzdoHfP2GfccYlqwVxU7lrtDjm7xCTMyiaoMXwP1iGibRt2w2EpW-vjB8WKLywtVQsvXjrFSfx78tXdEH2h0-hZur3BMMfTVlYGDZFYMl0E2piH73O6bUT3apKMeC5R8k2IjG2lgOZ8kY8KLk/s710/mom%20in%20long%20beach.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="573" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nEpLnjBPjZbPF9mNaLFGoOJ5W80k6JOKn-2REOtql7LzdoHfP2GfccYlqwVxU7lrtDjm7xCTMyiaoMXwP1iGibRt2w2EpW-vjB8WKLywtVQsvXjrFSfx78tXdEH2h0-hZur3BMMfTVlYGDZFYMl0E2piH73O6bUT3apKMeC5R8k2IjG2lgOZ8kY8KLk/s320/mom%20in%20long%20beach.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">The loss of Mom is a lot to process. And there's still all the administrative
tasks to deal with. I am taking things slowly. "Apply oxygen mask (self-care tools) to yourself before assisting others," remains in effect.</span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">For now, I'm remembering the great life she lived: </span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">a 62-year
loving marriage with Dad; </span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">travel and adventures from the late 1930s to her last
Europe visit (a month long trip in 2013 -- when she and Dad were in their 80s!). </span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">She compiled 40 photograph albums from the 1950s-2020s. These are vintage time
capsules of Europe, Hawaii and several states in the US.</span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222;">She was an artist, and the best mom ever.</span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222;">Dad passed away suddenly two years ago. His departure put mom and me on a journey. It was a desert we
crossed together. Sometimes the conditions were harsh, but thanks to planning and
resources — we got to see some beauty in crossing too. Now we are each at our own
version of the oasis at the end. Relief. Reflection. Remembrances. Rest.</span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span>Even though Mom was in her late 90s -- and had survived bouts of </span><span>pneumonia</span><span> starting back in May -- it was a struggle to get her on hospice in the last months of her life. I'm still deconstructing what went wrong. She suffered in the last few weeks -- and I think that was </span><span>preventable</span><span>. I'll be sharing more of the </span><span>experience in this post. Hopefully</span><span> other families can learn from the lessons we learned the hard way. </span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span>Everyone deserves the peace, safety and comfort we all expect from </span><span>hospice. No one should have to fight for it.</span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">---------------------------------------------</span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span>12.1.23 segment from Amanpour and Co. on the grinding costs of elder care. It </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span>references</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span> important NY Times “Dying Broke” series (<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/series/dying-broke">https://www.nytimes.com/series/dying-broke</a>). There are no easy answers on how to afford elder care — short or long term. It's a universal problem. This segment discusses the average costs of $10k/mo for assisted
living -- which means 6 figures a year! Aging at home with Private care is even more. Spending down all
assets is often inevitable if many years of constant care are required. If elders are expecting kids/family members to take them in and provide full-time caregiving -- be aware of the emotional and financial impact. Have
the hard conversations early and often.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HFryAUzufrA" width="320" youtube-src-id="HFryAUzufrA"></iframe></span></div><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This next video is 2 years old, but the challenges are still the same. "The Retirement Gamble" from Frontline</span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lkOQNPIsO-Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="lkOQNPIsO-Q"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Japan is often cited as an example of how to handle elder care better. But their system is under a strain as well..</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/08/15/japan-elderly-care-dignity-respect/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/08/15/japan-elderly-care-dignity-respect/</a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><p></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span></p>awhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171952273456587264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581571991583535247.post-65374994220708037722023-11-05T22:59:00.000-08:002023-11-28T21:14:39.568-08:00November on the blog -- artists to be thankful for<p><span style="font-size: medium;">November got away from me. (art below by Martha Sawyers, 1947)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TUFTK7o5lWXU_AVBSnOU9rxiCoFXow4wF9MRHFjsnrVxpdvMl8PqHOAiwwBYYBE7ebutO4DxN1HP2MZyMNCGBQNwo8XdVBCspdP4YAyqjQVWjZxI2CIABFHTRrVPmTiEMeHCshrB6BC7TEITdwvTSm5sYutIRznDtAu80aKLZMqxu-vDWUckjklrouE/s1274/Thanksgiving%20by%20Martha%20Sawyers%201947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TUFTK7o5lWXU_AVBSnOU9rxiCoFXow4wF9MRHFjsnrVxpdvMl8PqHOAiwwBYYBE7ebutO4DxN1HP2MZyMNCGBQNwo8XdVBCspdP4YAyqjQVWjZxI2CIABFHTRrVPmTiEMeHCshrB6BC7TEITdwvTSm5sYutIRznDtAu80aKLZMqxu-vDWUckjklrouE/s320/Thanksgiving%20by%20Martha%20Sawyers%201947.JPG" width="271" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Vintage Thanksgiving postcard image</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQPw-eu0IZdKBGXK42xf0P8QvAClFwkdlGL2s2bRlCtilNjE4w62SbNcKKXC1sIsavCCDxFomB_XAgeCinbJSYLydLkhYutDUhjjvfYwmtdm9_rfqVpYkSm4Aq8rzvIVG3lpypSApHkDcOALYfxVljs3FptWZM0q4N8xo2veqhbocnDsaXmHYK-9-u2A/s750/thanksgiving%20town%20turkey%20carriage%2011.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="750" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQPw-eu0IZdKBGXK42xf0P8QvAClFwkdlGL2s2bRlCtilNjE4w62SbNcKKXC1sIsavCCDxFomB_XAgeCinbJSYLydLkhYutDUhjjvfYwmtdm9_rfqVpYkSm4Aq8rzvIVG3lpypSApHkDcOALYfxVljs3FptWZM0q4N8xo2veqhbocnDsaXmHYK-9-u2A/s320/thanksgiving%20town%20turkey%20carriage%2011.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This month was supposed to feature posts on artists to be thankful for. Many longtime friends.. and also a new-to-me find... all inspiring. Two of these posts got completed ...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Peter de Seve </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/11/thankful-for-peter-de-seve-peek-inside.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/11/thankful-for-peter-de-seve-peek-inside.html</a><br /></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLq2I7xc2Ocu382wSbmFQDAJYIFnzdDwaymFTszU-UIP6LxBAwBgGiKFkrphUXU8OOJC6ii7du2TcdEm8bkNaZlNsQM7HIYt12z_aQGZby4Bo9_RroyOlpiclHG8httd7U0NrGztxKYPKnguF8c8_NV6Pn7napUw9enjpKffskUVPAl8aFSy8oLIlavA/s320/sdcc2010%20stuart%20w%20Peter%20de%20Seve.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLq2I7xc2Ocu382wSbmFQDAJYIFnzdDwaymFTszU-UIP6LxBAwBgGiKFkrphUXU8OOJC6ii7du2TcdEm8bkNaZlNsQM7HIYt12z_aQGZby4Bo9_RroyOlpiclHG8httd7U0NrGztxKYPKnguF8c8_NV6Pn7napUw9enjpKffskUVPAl8aFSy8oLIlavA/s1600/sdcc2010%20stuart%20w%20Peter%20de%20Seve.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: left;">Peter's new book:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.com/local-fauna-the-art-of-peter-de-seve-with-a-signed-color-bookplate.html">https://stuartngbooks.com/local-fauna-the-art-of-peter-de-seve-with-a-signed-color-bookplate.html</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pz4mhsWD00TnHApCFbw_f-NSwNBD8_3PmfUAfyaxw54E12K58HAAAC4XpU57RDjjWY9DqYpKCU-F2nG0yk2SzKkVxbDciN0GnguIqpt2C95Fkm7LEL1fXHFP96wbm1IRbX2BxLLJ-UZFry9YuF6hYZBSpEnOJyOlztHeZYda1n7kC-fi-5TDGFAe8hc/s457/LocalFauna%20cvr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pz4mhsWD00TnHApCFbw_f-NSwNBD8_3PmfUAfyaxw54E12K58HAAAC4XpU57RDjjWY9DqYpKCU-F2nG0yk2SzKkVxbDciN0GnguIqpt2C95Fkm7LEL1fXHFP96wbm1IRbX2BxLLJ-UZFry9YuF6hYZBSpEnOJyOlztHeZYda1n7kC-fi-5TDGFAe8hc/s320/LocalFauna%20cvr.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A personal favorite de Seve image "Something Familiar" prints available via Peter's website</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://peterdeseve.com/print-shop/something-familiar">https://peterdeseve.com/print-shop/something-familiar</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTj6Oj_5KntNRqd7lCSByCk7TVcs0W1SXLYqmAvblqiFXcTtX7-zbzTaSqUFsLAFE3ULS6_7xv-4mEklXB9kaBY_CkKXWQ08w63RLZm-Zdppz5hWKOchPVAe8GiCkbkYl1ca2HrWbjNFUHmyDO4RH2VOERpbac9fiDoEypckJbuzGOYDvC2rVZcn0RjI/s709/halloween%20peter%20de%20seve%20black%20kitten.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTj6Oj_5KntNRqd7lCSByCk7TVcs0W1SXLYqmAvblqiFXcTtX7-zbzTaSqUFsLAFE3ULS6_7xv-4mEklXB9kaBY_CkKXWQ08w63RLZm-Zdppz5hWKOchPVAe8GiCkbkYl1ca2HrWbjNFUHmyDO4RH2VOERpbac9fiDoEypckJbuzGOYDvC2rVZcn0RjI/s320/halloween%20peter%20de%20seve%20black%20kitten.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bill Swan</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><b><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/11/thankful-for-bill-swan-and-fiberglass.html"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2023/11/thankful-for-bill-swan-and-fiberglass.html</span></a><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1TUONx6cIskCligXuYPEh0g0O0xlX3RVqmrUkEe7kQKUSrBp_W4wDkBJ11Xm1LxLkFlvJhjhuQ3PRYzE9rYFcJHh7X3A5d3WPNUsz6VLj8vK_srTIR1jXnh4dMFSr02Kd88EP-3mphcUERIjhy9zjJSHQztHyTM7-syJMaAa-1Jvhm1qogB449tDdEw/s491/bill%20swan%20w%20mustang%20bw%205.22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="491" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1TUONx6cIskCligXuYPEh0g0O0xlX3RVqmrUkEe7kQKUSrBp_W4wDkBJ11Xm1LxLkFlvJhjhuQ3PRYzE9rYFcJHh7X3A5d3WPNUsz6VLj8vK_srTIR1jXnh4dMFSr02Kd88EP-3mphcUERIjhy9zjJSHQztHyTM7-syJMaAa-1Jvhm1qogB449tDdEw/s320/bill%20swan%20w%20mustang%20bw%205.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Lisa-Smith-ebook/dp/B097RCZSD4">https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Lisa-Smith-ebook/dp/B097RCZSD4</a><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZG-ye0s-Fhe22ru7eH2nwtBqDmHQwlSXAy0MOx5wQxBtaKNemf4MXrERq_MmMMX2InKcuWlK-NwOXB_7mLTZJJw4BY4BwY846yxfXnTm92KmzoIygX3WZATfyoBcad_gtvzUxmzsZrU0seXfii9W3J_4DBioIKWLYdBNvpxeh7r18T-LGNT0UEz9CSo/s640/bill%20swan%20book.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZG-ye0s-Fhe22ru7eH2nwtBqDmHQwlSXAy0MOx5wQxBtaKNemf4MXrERq_MmMMX2InKcuWlK-NwOXB_7mLTZJJw4BY4BwY846yxfXnTm92KmzoIygX3WZATfyoBcad_gtvzUxmzsZrU0seXfii9W3J_4DBioIKWLYdBNvpxeh7r18T-LGNT0UEz9CSo/s320/bill%20swan%20book.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's a preview of more "thankful" posts you'll be seeing at some point.. Not but not this month</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Pierre Alary</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYe_lVmvOU0CohHvFmUnLE3vUsgGz3z8CQTlYEgMqTqh4WhdEyo8Xxa8JCYQrO9RWuqPQNOddn-mNbwJf4ezkCnoIIlEj28tDGm-iODeGHHJ2A5TAOBA9pTfu7GmzTZPnq7XTvPGBD0nBacS8VDOw-WcqRpK_h4EMuiO_bUXpyafbmQrUnyzAjH7YEgU/s320/stuart%20w%20pierre%20a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYe_lVmvOU0CohHvFmUnLE3vUsgGz3z8CQTlYEgMqTqh4WhdEyo8Xxa8JCYQrO9RWuqPQNOddn-mNbwJf4ezkCnoIIlEj28tDGm-iODeGHHJ2A5TAOBA9pTfu7GmzTZPnq7XTvPGBD0nBacS8VDOw-WcqRpK_h4EMuiO_bUXpyafbmQrUnyzAjH7YEgU/s1600/stuart%20w%20pierre%20a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.com/sketchbook-carnet-de-croquis-signed-and-numbered-en-3.html">https://stuartngbooks.com/sketchbook-carnet-de-croquis-signed-and-numbered-en-3.html</a><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtU30RdtTAmB_4IVg5fFWcb-Rlix13OGRKu8MCxGnDgOdebhC3esVc7RHEGyvKy_3jGywmIV8fF-xYL0VLJ9oMnNcPB6qc4y2I8gOEuUmgTAvVRTnQk0sFR66iIIUEI0K3Qn71wkqJdw9EG_2Mw7sVRcgcWQwc9YiHtNf4IDlb2318gFDZBu4rRMFhX9U/s449/cvr%20alary%20sb%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtU30RdtTAmB_4IVg5fFWcb-Rlix13OGRKu8MCxGnDgOdebhC3esVc7RHEGyvKy_3jGywmIV8fF-xYL0VLJ9oMnNcPB6qc4y2I8gOEuUmgTAvVRTnQk0sFR66iIIUEI0K3Qn71wkqJdw9EG_2Mw7sVRcgcWQwc9YiHtNf4IDlb2318gFDZBu4rRMFhX9U/s320/cvr%20alary%20sb%201.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.com/belladone-tome-1-marie-collection-2b-en-2.html">https://stuartngbooks.com/belladone-tome-1-marie-collection-2b-en-2.html</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaib6sMHE5hTFKei8hKmrQwwiVvyIw6sJCpJuMF31qfIZYQnkRAkv6dJSlcnj6xhVoGtkVCG4S8g_GmsUglhbP7P3DY4bAFF0AI5I_o9JGG66VtsgFRGoIzqMwVmfKCyEFCHHxwFzNyVQ1E92Bh9LTwuIuy0GclzssmjBAbORtFcZUWJT3A2YDrK3RKE/s483/alary%20belldone%202B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaib6sMHE5hTFKei8hKmrQwwiVvyIw6sJCpJuMF31qfIZYQnkRAkv6dJSlcnj6xhVoGtkVCG4S8g_GmsUglhbP7P3DY4bAFF0AI5I_o9JGG66VtsgFRGoIzqMwVmfKCyEFCHHxwFzNyVQ1E92Bh9LTwuIuy0GclzssmjBAbORtFcZUWJT3A2YDrK3RKE/s320/alary%20belldone%202B.jpeg" width="232" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.com/gone-with-the-wind-tome-1.html">https://stuartngbooks.com/gone-with-the-wind-tome-1.html</a><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUeRzgLf4UaumCTv6AFSoZ9ZrrRXemVPrj4leobs8AuCgx1BDHLLl4SuBevTQDobnRTXBDGgGVjS5VX6DbCD4jIBRpHF_XCZeao13Xbt3Rzf4Pb9PuPQ6sr4QpzcuCvTbwybBTe0TAW7oxcnK-VJu72kE55G6c2jzdLX0_adcwqY4OqYUWZTL4Jl1bG4/s465/alary%20gwtw.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUeRzgLf4UaumCTv6AFSoZ9ZrrRXemVPrj4leobs8AuCgx1BDHLLl4SuBevTQDobnRTXBDGgGVjS5VX6DbCD4jIBRpHF_XCZeao13Xbt3Rzf4Pb9PuPQ6sr4QpzcuCvTbwybBTe0TAW7oxcnK-VJu72kE55G6c2jzdLX0_adcwqY4OqYUWZTL4Jl1bG4/s320/alary%20gwtw.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rosa Bonheur</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.com/rosa-bonheur.html">https://stuartngbooks.com/rosa-bonheur.html</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3IeuB8Np4lt8UMtFhVX_BJBt2YS74C9Rd0FZQmnZwK7o_2voHnDrwNT4s3Pjs4eg2_RGNHhfJBsqUicHRjEr8BxNf1cgAKAb0Ka3-Kg1VDedukqPHq0MVSWQmLvgxSuN5kum5OoLaLlem1BAMaf8XIyKDDwueJGOjTvlMx7zLgBXEfcFQEyuMFYH7K8/s506/rosa%20b%20int%20page.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3IeuB8Np4lt8UMtFhVX_BJBt2YS74C9Rd0FZQmnZwK7o_2voHnDrwNT4s3Pjs4eg2_RGNHhfJBsqUicHRjEr8BxNf1cgAKAb0Ka3-Kg1VDedukqPHq0MVSWQmLvgxSuN5kum5OoLaLlem1BAMaf8XIyKDDwueJGOjTvlMx7zLgBXEfcFQEyuMFYH7K8/s320/rosa%20b%20int%20page.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqoHQBO9YVvXXFbwmmva5tTETllXY9XReGNZ5b3qFAngQ9Th98-oNsBzP3ZbgvjYMM6sVSX7s-o8Nb0UJO3RH7R34qPA5_suqt6CrqiMLoX5Qipi1O-mC46Oz1YFMQoo7dr6Z3UozvxBuZJ2anPIqBl2Xb-pAw_kNwVq77jy4gI8ze0IjXT_uaWAFvDM/s490/rosa%20bonheur%20cvr%2023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqoHQBO9YVvXXFbwmmva5tTETllXY9XReGNZ5b3qFAngQ9Th98-oNsBzP3ZbgvjYMM6sVSX7s-o8Nb0UJO3RH7R34qPA5_suqt6CrqiMLoX5Qipi1O-mC46Oz1YFMQoo7dr6Z3UozvxBuZJ2anPIqBl2Xb-pAw_kNwVq77jy4gI8ze0IjXT_uaWAFvDM/s320/rosa%20bonheur%20cvr%2023.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/12/gift-of-inspiration-equine-artists-jo.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/12/gift-of-inspiration-equine-artists-jo.html</a><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2bM34cXd7aXf8BaKETeYmNeD9f0WPSl6jgDKOfs35LCkF_sqnX3fS3sPglMrsRnbsqPxxmUJ0a2gyArgM4N7hIv7UH8q63FB18Nh09rK5hJENw9H2sawkufXui3j1pvmHGwIDi4gdvRj6T_jB0I5o2OuQog-pWUi0Un7Kx3sOEXRMExs_WBq5vORCEs/s1440/rosa%20bonheur%20horses%20banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="1440" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2bM34cXd7aXf8BaKETeYmNeD9f0WPSl6jgDKOfs35LCkF_sqnX3fS3sPglMrsRnbsqPxxmUJ0a2gyArgM4N7hIv7UH8q63FB18Nh09rK5hJENw9H2sawkufXui3j1pvmHGwIDi4gdvRj6T_jB0I5o2OuQog-pWUi0Un7Kx3sOEXRMExs_WBq5vORCEs/s320/rosa%20bonheur%20horses%20banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXu6uiuzFntmwxIrAw0vy3j31NBfFTLkZ0Sudmjp6WQKgSPKNRSk25s8QBOUjNRxBsyh80S3VqZUt9_htl58mJ2qO5gMWnl3FkXVl7qz96N0kf6C1t21k9I0npeiBXu5UJAtwaNBLIfNSJtjDAs-zGHrry8HoYB_GqmcP6W8o8lBeyHeAH7Wa40IgvT48/s500/Rosa%20Bonheur%20in%20Her%20Studio.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="500" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXu6uiuzFntmwxIrAw0vy3j31NBfFTLkZ0Sudmjp6WQKgSPKNRSk25s8QBOUjNRxBsyh80S3VqZUt9_htl58mJ2qO5gMWnl3FkXVl7qz96N0kf6C1t21k9I0npeiBXu5UJAtwaNBLIfNSJtjDAs-zGHrry8HoYB_GqmcP6W8o8lBeyHeAH7Wa40IgvT48/s320/Rosa%20Bonheur%20in%20Her%20Studio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswc9zBy5PTGSfWH1nHcjkZ-TIWtLUYd_3bQBhyvt71mALZUXs-qf9-N6PDG0eoA4IEw8hz1NNlUEPeVuJGuPic6RChsmGas66GuMDFr5j2Ke-zn6zCY7PqCm5Rx9e43VSuzQEpS9Mm-uLgSyRnzlHz3BPAfn2ico78liK9B5Flk3T0qHuvAd2cX_jrdw/s3811/the%20horse%20fair%20by%20Rosa%20Bonheur.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1962" data-original-width="3811" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswc9zBy5PTGSfWH1nHcjkZ-TIWtLUYd_3bQBhyvt71mALZUXs-qf9-N6PDG0eoA4IEw8hz1NNlUEPeVuJGuPic6RChsmGas66GuMDFr5j2Ke-zn6zCY7PqCm5Rx9e43VSuzQEpS9Mm-uLgSyRnzlHz3BPAfn2ico78liK9B5Flk3T0qHuvAd2cX_jrdw/s320/the%20horse%20fair%20by%20Rosa%20Bonheur.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Claire Wending, Terry Whitlatch, Marguerite Sauvage, Lili Chin, Karla Ortiz</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The fab 5 </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVSqGorzJv161Hgsi7NWf3dSu3LhsE03PBr3WrwhHihfYZZChRGiGkzf8AAHFijum5a0kwj1mUC9gz8gtRFQQ56UTN_L4ISpgTt1qcY10A4xBJQ7i40jV1FN6TbWA2n0TbRVsIEsSES-92NbZN9Z7pqvQ42EdAHDrNzo-H4uC1-lKM1o-fszdDrVrP7Y/s960/big%20wow%2015%20cw%20meets%20tw.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="960" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVSqGorzJv161Hgsi7NWf3dSu3LhsE03PBr3WrwhHihfYZZChRGiGkzf8AAHFijum5a0kwj1mUC9gz8gtRFQQ56UTN_L4ISpgTt1qcY10A4xBJQ7i40jV1FN6TbWA2n0TbRVsIEsSES-92NbZN9Z7pqvQ42EdAHDrNzo-H4uC1-lKM1o-fszdDrVrP7Y/s320/big%20wow%2015%20cw%20meets%20tw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92fB8EE88vJD2PfJCN2V2Sp_LR3WZwUnj8Eha1QZ-83fiJRg_zxAU4RQ-ttISyBWbcy7C_-oZU-iSoQPuH9RthwfUdjo-It8m5uhOo8IEpLyt0LCF9mSnbufsvDOF-ou9yVVHwHH-D8a_DidzzmjAvCVyScg7_0fSggMx9Sb0d1kX7RG7OCA0haUm2AU/s960/with%20Marguerite%20at%20T%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92fB8EE88vJD2PfJCN2V2Sp_LR3WZwUnj8Eha1QZ-83fiJRg_zxAU4RQ-ttISyBWbcy7C_-oZU-iSoQPuH9RthwfUdjo-It8m5uhOo8IEpLyt0LCF9mSnbufsvDOF-ou9yVVHwHH-D8a_DidzzmjAvCVyScg7_0fSggMx9Sb0d1kX7RG7OCA0haUm2AU/s320/with%20Marguerite%20at%20T%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Images from Claire's Iguana Bay 2.0</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.com/iguana-bay-2.0.html">https://stuartngbooks.com/iguana-bay-2.0.html</a><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZdzZ7t4aSGwCYum_UBE64qdTHMo071enFsoNQZN4upp6Mc87XsfipcssKgYCZ0sUWmi2eM8zs1DDUbHrZ1_QcsEKYUPMhQHJ7lfz7oUgcy0CTUPDbI-Ot6QqVmyhnx-bqEL4UMdL9vtdKqQ_uuTq1yGAnPxCKEftWN9ip_6jxnOSetFpJeCN5TUs3H8/s960/claire%20art%20iguana%20bay%20preview.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="960" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZdzZ7t4aSGwCYum_UBE64qdTHMo071enFsoNQZN4upp6Mc87XsfipcssKgYCZ0sUWmi2eM8zs1DDUbHrZ1_QcsEKYUPMhQHJ7lfz7oUgcy0CTUPDbI-Ot6QqVmyhnx-bqEL4UMdL9vtdKqQ_uuTq1yGAnPxCKEftWN9ip_6jxnOSetFpJeCN5TUs3H8/s320/claire%20art%20iguana%20bay%20preview.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Two cover images by Marguerite:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.queenofmercia.com/books/boston-metaphysical-society-vol-2/">https://www.queenofmercia.com/books/boston-metaphysical-society-vol-2/</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOwJJTP9ZxTogBorcb5X83azrg7qEji8pQRNcXs88bk_iuE2Nox0DRjmo39LGZXYJfmfZWJ3FPtM7aNrdjAE8TEKgh1YrMDyqC6RPvwEl0zgN-y0nz0eAhpAgPfANzcjBptHHWnetyafcZh3YO0n7VkKuS951W5ue5ykD54h2WU6HgRvx8OqJw1MHOP8/s1929/Marguerite-sauvage%20BostonMeta%204.22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1929" data-original-width="1350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOwJJTP9ZxTogBorcb5X83azrg7qEji8pQRNcXs88bk_iuE2Nox0DRjmo39LGZXYJfmfZWJ3FPtM7aNrdjAE8TEKgh1YrMDyqC6RPvwEl0zgN-y0nz0eAhpAgPfANzcjBptHHWnetyafcZh3YO0n7VkKuS951W5ue5ykD54h2WU6HgRvx8OqJw1MHOP8/s320/Marguerite-sauvage%20BostonMeta%204.22.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.margueritesauvage.com/albums/1539437">https://www.margueritesauvage.com/albums/1539437</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4wk2MTCZsiZUofyoaNKhLsFQIogc3GyRGHL6cGWCQilKF2JIohUkA2kEzOoQJLEHuOhWs6-nT59CnKZ52bWr_nzwK8TYQADgmTZMJSh1U09fZSZsJ1e1yiCaOh4w-e-KOYsu52veL542fQLh4bhRWF2XJQOTpn1pdy3awTII-RMz8q5SHF5h4Vz0Ieo/s5829/marguerite-sauvage-faith-thedreamside-cover-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5829" data-original-width="3840" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4wk2MTCZsiZUofyoaNKhLsFQIogc3GyRGHL6cGWCQilKF2JIohUkA2kEzOoQJLEHuOhWs6-nT59CnKZ52bWr_nzwK8TYQADgmTZMJSh1U09fZSZsJ1e1yiCaOh4w-e-KOYsu52veL542fQLh4bhRWF2XJQOTpn1pdy3awTII-RMz8q5SHF5h4Vz0Ieo/s320/marguerite-sauvage-faith-thedreamside-cover-2.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Terryl's panel at Lightbox Expo 2023</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqu89KpQxHqGjnY0-0jgD698iTo-iFeB3dFpUCz-ppDWpZ_TV-HpgZuoJD9dtfggoWnaxPVSn7dhoY86y8iDXsZEIVGbAjbeT9KoY1MIUD6lRLF-knujj4tJg2dPhLs70Z9nTRd7TCUn15RafkVGArubSQaKEJEhX3Lp0wyBakXr-Agn0kYbnztXFRbm4/s1080/LBX%2023%20Terryl%20panel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqu89KpQxHqGjnY0-0jgD698iTo-iFeB3dFpUCz-ppDWpZ_TV-HpgZuoJD9dtfggoWnaxPVSn7dhoY86y8iDXsZEIVGbAjbeT9KoY1MIUD6lRLF-knujj4tJg2dPhLs70Z9nTRd7TCUn15RafkVGArubSQaKEJEhX3Lp0wyBakXr-Agn0kYbnztXFRbm4/s320/LBX%2023%20Terryl%20panel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Terryl w/ Peter de Seve at Lightbox Expo 2019</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x_3-NWiFPKgYXE7mKRDrTJPpaYPIPGxCHi0skiWYaSmX4web-0SltS-hUBAkOvg2orIODDdb_GzkLN_bUe0yJZL6APemEC8-G7QrFOWIOQAMA7bY8n6bC_LQpwmR_XUjdSvG3WVVwOOEojYpKFJylRlDUYP5TPlCzrAojatBtg6XKhZLuFS4dH4Hn_s/s2016/terryl%20w%20peter%20lbx%202019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x_3-NWiFPKgYXE7mKRDrTJPpaYPIPGxCHi0skiWYaSmX4web-0SltS-hUBAkOvg2orIODDdb_GzkLN_bUe0yJZL6APemEC8-G7QrFOWIOQAMA7bY8n6bC_LQpwmR_XUjdSvG3WVVwOOEojYpKFJylRlDUYP5TPlCzrAojatBtg6XKhZLuFS4dH4Hn_s/s320/terryl%20w%20peter%20lbx%202019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Terryl's illusration from her book "The Katurran Odyssey"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.com/the-katurran-odyssey-en.html">https://stuartngbooks.com/the-katurran-odyssey-en.html</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_xO-fiIpRkgYXNKtowpS02I_rFi_z1w9BvBhdiNR5p_LZYtb3zw5sX8GiwsEJ6GxbgbBEpiMZwDNfoShuJUyBWDdJRtw4XE17CxjHd6tqRMN_edkGzRYB4xMj7x2seeGUpP08aXUNHdw8UbRRbqBxDyzR36sv42ErF-OSz8epsanXTzBN-XaPaEiWCk/s2048/terryl%20quagga.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1609" data-original-width="2048" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_xO-fiIpRkgYXNKtowpS02I_rFi_z1w9BvBhdiNR5p_LZYtb3zw5sX8GiwsEJ6GxbgbBEpiMZwDNfoShuJUyBWDdJRtw4XE17CxjHd6tqRMN_edkGzRYB4xMj7x2seeGUpP08aXUNHdw8UbRRbqBxDyzR36sv42ErF-OSz8epsanXTzBN-XaPaEiWCk/s320/terryl%20quagga.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lili Chin</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.doggiedrawings.net/">https://www.doggiedrawings.net/</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg358ydIwIQgbUumJh4kvNPQhHe5WZmJ8hKgfr7oswX_AvbgS6SaFiyAihJeWEYEI_jY2P_7zzfAnX7WgAprhPPpd0PVRju7qzUIfDA0qSRBsi7p-O-FuGPOmehQKdqbHsoCwuNIavly8XUVsrrhEV3hvfjW-EetOUt4ltQuFP4t8RwfmzKFegEy_jIwFo/s300/lili%20chin%20w%20boogie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="261" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg358ydIwIQgbUumJh4kvNPQhHe5WZmJ8hKgfr7oswX_AvbgS6SaFiyAihJeWEYEI_jY2P_7zzfAnX7WgAprhPPpd0PVRju7qzUIfDA0qSRBsi7p-O-FuGPOmehQKdqbHsoCwuNIavly8XUVsrrhEV3hvfjW-EetOUt4ltQuFP4t8RwfmzKFegEy_jIwFo/s1600/lili%20chin%20w%20boogie.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW82PcTtdJk69mx2_MpDIymScoER7hztMnkCd1gJPtRTQT4AF9JlYskEalo_aKFJkU0SDPyJpmRxylVXeiIggzr7CyTynh4WnYpSs2EOt2fgWGoKCKZLeVj4VcWdkDmgTmmLICk9oze2tXdgEj7VA32hsPuc4IFcs9B2YEBzN27mQ8nxUGBU1MuqMal5c/s960/art%20theft%20lili%203.2020%20glasses.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW82PcTtdJk69mx2_MpDIymScoER7hztMnkCd1gJPtRTQT4AF9JlYskEalo_aKFJkU0SDPyJpmRxylVXeiIggzr7CyTynh4WnYpSs2EOt2fgWGoKCKZLeVj4VcWdkDmgTmmLICk9oze2tXdgEj7VA32hsPuc4IFcs9B2YEBzN27mQ8nxUGBU1MuqMal5c/s320/art%20theft%20lili%203.2020%20glasses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdeW9D7ReLPkZmo6Fa2h4hOXueiOg4v910QduNlAlrNutB2oTuPTCjbd17CnXsodJL3q7hh_kjtQ1M7Ig-v8_vG9n65quE1kauuRjui4wpQf5G-_IgUhaZsQq9lscGgoNox0ZNLpwDkXUNRzoIMzRQKLbbIa8AJusw0yqaZQzeQw7w-lotYGWsgU2sGU/s948/Lili%20Kitty%20SNB%20news%206.2.23%20c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdeW9D7ReLPkZmo6Fa2h4hOXueiOg4v910QduNlAlrNutB2oTuPTCjbd17CnXsodJL3q7hh_kjtQ1M7Ig-v8_vG9n65quE1kauuRjui4wpQf5G-_IgUhaZsQq9lscGgoNox0ZNLpwDkXUNRzoIMzRQKLbbIa8AJusw0yqaZQzeQw7w-lotYGWsgU2sGU/s320/Lili%20Kitty%20SNB%20news%206.2.23%20c.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIk5HEx0AERoC97gbUN8F_45ZRUQfePCD7iEJXXWEwgGVBndoW79N-FCdhGRUCw1H3nK2QXIlWAS-Qjz94VdpgKuHv7az4_DfUPNQck9axxpJ0Lnx5j3YN7gw5YIhGAPyKvfWo-kpkMDlU_3u2Fntw7OEE2bICshxtT6-2Nn3_G7v1PCmdlacwzPDJTs/s1650/copyright%20info%202%20by%20Lili%20Chin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIk5HEx0AERoC97gbUN8F_45ZRUQfePCD7iEJXXWEwgGVBndoW79N-FCdhGRUCw1H3nK2QXIlWAS-Qjz94VdpgKuHv7az4_DfUPNQck9axxpJ0Lnx5j3YN7gw5YIhGAPyKvfWo-kpkMDlU_3u2Fntw7OEE2bICshxtT6-2Nn3_G7v1PCmdlacwzPDJTs/s320/copyright%20info%202%20by%20Lili%20Chin.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HuPLYrP6_Mu5OXTUlDF5S9uP4PYYvgcUWVt_4IMpAER8yXJk32HzzqmyQk59RphUxgStPvPnjAhLEB1ieY7FZfuiogkSXeAFMkKtM1L6HfT30qyCA_3oQWJDbFLlzo0doGMjQy1xNWp0q7d9-1n_gUOmRt1v3W87ItvZWTIy5tSg-2K-y_lJHiCmuSk/s960/copyright%20infographic%20by%20Lili%20Chin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="742" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HuPLYrP6_Mu5OXTUlDF5S9uP4PYYvgcUWVt_4IMpAER8yXJk32HzzqmyQk59RphUxgStPvPnjAhLEB1ieY7FZfuiogkSXeAFMkKtM1L6HfT30qyCA_3oQWJDbFLlzo0doGMjQy1xNWp0q7d9-1n_gUOmRt1v3W87ItvZWTIy5tSg-2K-y_lJHiCmuSk/s320/copyright%20infographic%20by%20Lili%20Chin.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Karla Ortiz</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.karlaortizart.com/">https://www.karlaortizart.com/</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2022/10/karla-ortiz-raising-awareness-on-ai-art.html">https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2022/10/karla-ortiz-raising-awareness-on-ai-art.html</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xxBSrNvz4IFUq8y9jUhc-qtHLkuIqvZNp6aVv-1FqKvjBS6-z6zMUCAAkKmPPmhp34D-KO7u5VomIWn6E8qkaObRrLIxvVhYbRg7Exc20y6P7mHj5ZlP519BaO9IPp3Xfh6elEjetO82PvuD4aueQsnVE6I4R0ZTWZEmJtJz_ItFl2LWoE0l7LofIqc/s480/strange%20Karla%20Ortiz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xxBSrNvz4IFUq8y9jUhc-qtHLkuIqvZNp6aVv-1FqKvjBS6-z6zMUCAAkKmPPmhp34D-KO7u5VomIWn6E8qkaObRrLIxvVhYbRg7Exc20y6P7mHj5ZlP519BaO9IPp3Xfh6elEjetO82PvuD4aueQsnVE6I4R0ZTWZEmJtJz_ItFl2LWoE0l7LofIqc/s320/strange%20Karla%20Ortiz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GCfZz0zQX5Ort6I7jEk8k0bo_s383j_8Cu-ekdZGJjl0wX_Uou8IhHnKBg54OSwdPewD_uF45kmEBNY1awqbIBoaM9c603Z8WGCTZSnu40oDwrS6M30SIoSzLTpgOQl31bIEwsdrcT5aXORXKhXqFah5gzxq7G42fohaCspKIYcSKFbMLhyIrx35vzs/s1328/Karla%20at%20congress%207.12.23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1328" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GCfZz0zQX5Ort6I7jEk8k0bo_s383j_8Cu-ekdZGJjl0wX_Uou8IhHnKBg54OSwdPewD_uF45kmEBNY1awqbIBoaM9c603Z8WGCTZSnu40oDwrS6M30SIoSzLTpgOQl31bIEwsdrcT5aXORXKhXqFah5gzxq7G42fohaCspKIYcSKFbMLhyIrx35vzs/s320/Karla%20at%20congress%207.12.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6tiHjn2ij4CF8MXMRsCSvUwV3Pcqin1iJoh9svrVqZM9AAgo-d3OoV1-VOtzCOyuZKZOincDL4s7SURkbJ76E4n9UQg58R25vBEzRLM1UA_P13heQ8HngcGzdHt44M_GBsDZlRjyX5x4BVhSWEFvMBwi7IpyOmUG2STEb3tf_aEyth_S9n3nopRsT6o/s2048/karla%20ortiz%20Musa%20Victoriosa%203.23%20a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1218" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6tiHjn2ij4CF8MXMRsCSvUwV3Pcqin1iJoh9svrVqZM9AAgo-d3OoV1-VOtzCOyuZKZOincDL4s7SURkbJ76E4n9UQg58R25vBEzRLM1UA_P13heQ8HngcGzdHt44M_GBsDZlRjyX5x4BVhSWEFvMBwi7IpyOmUG2STEb3tf_aEyth_S9n3nopRsT6o/s320/karla%20ortiz%20Musa%20Victoriosa%203.23%20a.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>William Stout</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.williamstout.com/">https://www.williamstout.com/</a><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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