Lifeguarding Is Such An Interesting Career Because You Sit There Staring At People And Hoping They Don’t

When writing always remember… a character flaw is only a flaw until becomes useful. 

Is your protagonist manipulative? Well that’s awful… until they manipulate the antagonist into making a decision that saves the lives of their friends. 

Is your protagonist a skeptic? Well that’s not good… until someone tries to lie to them. 

Is your protagonist overprotective? That sucks… until someone they love is in danger. 

Is your protagonist remorseless? Well that makes them pretty unlikeable… until a hard decision has to be made. 

It is not the prettiest but here is a little chart I made of skin tones.

The idea is to eye-drop anywhere on the chart to get a unique skin tone instead of getting stuck in the loop of “white, tan, dark”.

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If you are looking for a specific website for all of these subjects, you have came to the right place:

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Download 1,700 free courses from Stanford, Yale, MIT, Harvard, Berkeley and other great universities to your computer or mobile device. Over

i think the near-extinction of people making fun, deep and/or unique interactive text-based browser games, projects and stories is catastrophic to the internet. i'm talking pre-itch.io era, nothing against it.

there are a lot of fun ones listed here and here but for the most part, they were made years ago and are now a dying breed. i get why. there's no money in it. factoring in the cost of web hosting and servers, it probably costs money. it's just sad that it's a dying art form.

anyway, here's some of my favorite browser-based interactive projects and games, if you're into that kind of thing. 90% of them are on the lists that i linked above.

A Better World - create an alternate history timeline

Alter Ego - abandonware birth-to-death life simulator game

Seedship - text-based game about colonizing a new planet

Sandboxels or ThisIsSand - free-falling sand physics games

Little Alchemy 2 - combine various elements to make new ones

Infinite Craft - kind of the same as Little Alchemy

ZenGM - simulate sports

Tamajoji - browser-based tamagotchi

IFDB - interactive fiction database (text adventure games)

Written Realms - more text adventure games with a user interface

The Cafe & Diner - mystery game

The New Campaign Trail - US presidential campaign game

Money Simulator - simulate financial decisions

Genesis - text-based adventure/fantasy game

Level 13 - text-based science fiction adventure game

Miniconomy - player driven economy game

Checkbox Olympics - games involving clicking checkboxes

BrantSteele.net - game show and Hunger Games simulators

Murder Games - fight to the death simulator by Orteil

Cookie Clicker - different but felt weird not including it. by Orteil.

if you're ever thinking about making a niche project that only a select number of individuals will be nerdy enough to enjoy, keep in mind i've been playing some of these games off and on for 20~ years (Alter Ego, for example). quite literally a lifetime of replayability.

Adobe is going to spy on your projects. This is insane.

free resources to write a novel in 2024

hello hello! it's me, rach!

as the new year approaches, many of us set goals and resolutions - myself included. one of my goals for 2024 is to write a novel (I've been procrastinating on this for quite a long time now). i assume that some of you might have the same goal, that's why I'm writing this post today.

over 2023 i've been releasing some freebies for authors just like me, so I thought I could compile my favorites in this post. hope you find this useful :)

1) the writer's workbook

this workbook has over 60 exercises to help you develop characters, scenarios, etc. if you're ever stuck, I'm pretty sure this workbook will be your best friend.

2) author's corner (notion template)

this is the most downloaded freebie in my shop! it is a notion dashboard with everything you need to organize your writing and has some templates included (like scrivener)!!

3) another notion template

this one has two themes you can choose from: cottage-core and dark academia. they're very similar to the previous template, but this one is more recent and I added some new features. feel free to explore both and pick the one you like the most.

4) the author's journal

this is a cute printable with 20 pages that will help you stay on track and manage your social media accounts as a writer who shares their work online. you can also register what you're currently writing and your personal research and resources.

5) plan your book printable

this is a 6-page printable for you to fill out and plan your book easily and effectively.

6) excel sheet to organize tasks & word-count

this is a simple excel sheet, but it is very effective for keeping track of your tasks & word-count of your novels. also, it is 100% customizable to your liking!

that's all for now! feel free to explore my gumroad shop where I have plenty of freebies to grab! also, don't forget to subscribe so that you never miss any opportunity to get a goodie for free :)

hope this post was useful!

have a nice day,

rach

Being a lifeguard has made me lose faith in peoples common sense

Reblog for greater sample size.

Who Can Obtain a Lifeguard Certificate?

In the United States, water safety is a paramount concern, and one of the crucial roles in ensuring it is that of a lifeguard. Lifeguards play a pivotal role in preventing accidents and responding swiftly in emergency situations around bodies of water.

To become a lifeguard in the USA, individuals must undergo comprehensive training and earn a lifeguard certificate. While several organizations offer lifeguard certification, the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is gaining prominence for its high standards and rigorous training programs.

In this article, we will explore who can obtain a lifeguard certificate in the USA and delve into the unique features of the American Lifeguard Association's certification process.

Qualifications for Lifeguard Certification

Age Requirements

The most basic requirement for obtaining a lifeguard certificate in the USA is meeting the age criteria. Generally, individuals must be at least 15 or 16 years old, depending on the certification program.

The age requirement ensures that candidates have the maturity and physical capability to handle the responsibilities of a lifeguard. Swimming Proficiency:

A strong swimming ability is a fundamental requirement for lifeguard certification. Candidates are typically required to demonstrate competence in various swimming strokes and skills, such as treading water and diving.

The specific swimming requirements may vary slightly among different certification programs.

CPR and First Aid Certification

Lifeguards are often the first responders in emergency situations, so certification programs typically include training in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and First Aid. Having a current CPR and First Aid certification is often a prerequisite for lifeguard training.

Physical Fitness

Lifeguarding can be physically demanding, requiring stamina and strength. Candidates may need to pass a fitness test, which could include swimming a certain distance within a specific time frame and performing timed rescues.

American Lifeguard Association (ALA) Certification

While several organizations provide lifeguard certification in the USA, the American Lifeguard Association has gained recognition for its commitment to high standards and innovative training programs. Here are some key aspects of ALA's lifeguard certification:

Comprehensive Training

ALA offers a comprehensive lifeguard training program that covers not only the essential lifeguarding skills but also emphasizes situational awareness, effective communication, and risk management.

The goal is to produce lifeguards who are not only skilled in water rescue but also well-equipped to prevent accidents.

Innovative Teaching Methods

ALA employs innovative teaching methods to engage candidates and enhance the learning experience. This includes the use of modern educational technology, scenario-based training, and interactive simulations to better prepare lifeguards for real-world situations. Emphasis on Preventative Measures:

The ALA training program places a strong emphasis on preventative measures, teaching lifeguards to identify potential risks and take proactive steps to mitigate them. This focus on prevention aligns with the idea that the best rescue is the one that never has to happen.

Continuing Education Opportunities

Lifeguarding is a dynamic field, and ALA recognizes the importance of ongoing education. The association provides opportunities for lifeguards to continue their learning and stay updated on the latest safety protocols and techniques. Conclusion:

Becoming a certified lifeguard in the USA is a significant achievement that requires a combination of age eligibility, swimming proficiency, CPR and First Aid certification, and physical fitness.

While various organizations offer lifeguard certification, the American Lifeguard Association stands out for its commitment to high standards, comprehensive training, and innovative teaching methods.

Aspiring lifeguards should carefully choose a certification program that not only meets the basic requirements but also equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their crucial role.

With water safety being of utmost importance, certified lifeguards play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of individuals enjoying aquatic activities across the nation.