What is the word for people who uses other people?

Opportunist/parasite/freeloader. Interestingly (some might say), skag also means Heroin. A skag (or skaghead) is a user (of Heroin), but the word spills over to refer to a person who takes advantages of others heedlessly.

What is the word that describes a person who uses other people, generally for personal gain, without anything given in return? Maybe through blatancy or through manipulation. I was using extortionist, but I know that's not correct. To further explain; someone who keeps a relationship only for the benefits it provides.

I would suggest leech:

a person who clings to another for personal gain, especially without giving anything in return, and usually with the implication or effect of exhausting the other's resources; parasite.

There's parasite:

A person or thing that takes something from someone or something else and does not do anything to earn it or deserve it

Along the same lines are freeloader, sponge, and mooch:

Freeload: to get or ask for things (such as food, money, or a place to live) from people without paying for them

Sponge: someone who gets something from someone else without doing or paying anything in return

Mooch: to ask for and get things from other people without paying for them or doing anything for them (noun form can be either "mooch" or "moocher")

A parasite:

One who habitually takes advantage of the generosity of others without making any useful return. (AHD)
or a sponger:

A person who lives off other people by continually taking advantage of their generosity; parasite or scrounger

The dollar is still king: How in the world did that happen?

A cursory assessment might find the United States a less than ideal candidate for the job of managing the planet’s ultimate form of money.

Its public debt is enormous $22 trillion, and growing. Its politics recently delivered the longest government shutdown in American history. Its banking system is only a decade removed from the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Its proudly nationalist president provokes complaints from allies and foes alike that he breaches the norms of international relations, setting off talk that the American dollar has lost its aura as the indomitable safe haven.

But money tells a different story. The dollar has in recent years amassed greater stature as the favored repository for global savings, the paramount refuge in times of crisis and the key form of exchange for commodities like oil.

The enduring potency of the dollar gives force to President Trump’s mode of engagement. It has enabled his Treasury to find buyers for government savings bonds at enviously cheap rates, even as his $1.5 trillion worth of tax cuts added to the debt. It has reinforced Mr. Trump’s authority in imposing his foreign policies on an often-reluctant world by amplifying the power of his trade sanctions especially against Iran and Venezuela.

Because banks cannot risk jeopardizing their access to the plumbing of the dollar-based global financial network, they have taken pains to steer clear of nations and companies deemed pariahs in Washington.

There is no alternative to the dollar, We’re stuck with the dollar, which gives the United States astonishing structural power.

In a clear indication that the American currency has been gaining power, dollar, denominated lending to borrowers outside the United States, excluding banks, soared between late 2007 and early 2018, according to the Bank for International Settlements. It increased to more than 14 percent of global economic output from less than 10 percent.

This has played out despite a chorus predicting after the financial crisis that the dollar might finally surrender some of its dominance; that, in an age of pushback to American exceptionalism, it was time for someone else’s money to have a turn.

China has sought to elevate the role of its currency, the renminbi, to reflect its stature as a world power. Over the last decade, it has set up foreign-exchange arrangements with scores of countries, including Canada, Britain and Brazil. President Xi Jinping has championed China’s $1 trillion collection of global infrastructure projects, known as the Belt and Road Initiative, in part as a means of expanding worldwide use of the renminbi. Last year, China set up a trading system in Shanghai allowing oil to be purchased in the Chinese currency.

But China’s unfolding economic slowdown, concerns about its soaring debts and unease from neighbors that its investment is really a new form of colonialism have combined to moderate its infrastructure plans.

The Chinese government’s restrictions on taking money out of the country and its alarming detentions of foreigners often in parallel with geopolitical scrapes have tested the appeal of holding money embossed with the image of Chairman Mao.

“What about China?” I could go there and disappear. This doesn’t inspire confidence. Once you start that kind of politics, you cannot be serious as a global currency.

The most formidable competitor to the dollar has long been the euro. In September, the president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, devoted part his final State of the Union address to lamenting that the bloc was paying for 80 percent of its energy imports in dollars, though just 2 percent came from the United States.

“We will have to change that,” Mr. Juncker declared. “The euro must become the active instrument of a new sovereign Europe.”

But the most trusted euro-denominated investment, German government bonds, are in chronically short supply. With a deep cultural aversion to debt, Germany has been reluctant to finance spending by selling bonds. As a result, investors seeking ultrasafe places to stash savings have very few options in the euro currency. By comparison, American savings bonds are in virtually limitless supply.

A series of crises within the 19 countries that share the euro has provoked more animosity than unity, revealing a foundational defect: The euro is a common currency lacking a common political structure that can guarantee a robust response when trouble arises.

The problems with the euro are problems with governance, It has been deeply flawed from the outset. It doesn’t look like a very safe haven to go to from the U.S. dollar.

By contrast, the dollar looks like a uniquely rare creature on the global landscape a currency free of existential fears.

In recent years, the Federal Reserve has increased interest rates as it has phased out the cheap money it unleashed to attack the financial crisis. Higher rates have enhanced the appeal of the dollar for investors by lifting the rate of return on dollar holdings. More money has washed up on American shores.

Even with Trump in the White House, and all he has done so far to undermine American leadership in the world, still the dollar is the dominant global currency and doesn’t seem to be waning.

The certain endurance of the dollar has been a foundational truism in global affairs since the end of World War II. Perhaps counterintuitively, that notion was only strengthened by the global crisis that began in 2008.

The conflagration centered on the terrifying possibility that global banks would not be able to find enough dollars to avoid a reckoning with dollar-based debts. The Fed — essentially the central bank for the world, unleashed an unfathomable gusher of dollars. The system survived.

Between the beginning of 2008 and late 2018, the share of reserves that central banks worldwide held in dollars remained roughly constant, dipping to 62 percent of the total from 63 percent, according to the International Monetary Fund. This, at a time when total reserves, the money that central banks hold on their balance sheets, expanded by more than half.

Over the same time, reserves entrusted to the euro have slipped to 20 percent from 27 percent. Much of this shift reflects the euro’s loss of value against the dollar. China’s currency makes up only 2 percent of total reserves, according to the I.M.F.

The supremacy of the dollar has enhanced Mr. Trump’s ability to dictate key foreign policy aims.

His decision to revoke American participation in an antinuclear deal with Iran and resume sanctions has brought consternation from key American allies in Europe. Germany, France and Italy had looked to Iran as a source of new trade, while banking on the deal as a means of preventing its nuclear reach.

Still, Europe abided by the sanctions, for the simple reason that its banks cannot survive the prospect of severing their access to a global financial system dominated by dollars.

For a global bank, the inability to operate in dollars is effectively a death sentence, The United States has been able to leverage that.

A similar power has been applied to Venezuela, as Mr. Trump tries to oust President Nicolás Maduro. The sanctions have been effective, paralyzing oil exports and the banking system in a matter of days.

The supremacy of the dollar has also intensified pressure on Russia. Amid the possible motives for Russian interference in the American election of 2016 was President Vladimir Putin’s eagerness to gain relief from United States sanctions, especially for his cronies. Years of sanctions have restricted their movement of money in the global banking system. The dominance of the dollar has made such limits easier to enforce.

There are no forevers in the global economy, making this era no more permanent than any other. Some see in the Trump administration’s use of the dollar the makings for a backlash.

France, Germany and Britain recently formed a trading company aimed at allowing European and Iranian firms to exchange food and medicine, relying on a barter system to get around sanctions.

In a speech last week, Benoît Cœuré, a member of the governing board of the European Central Bank, accused the United States of wielding the dollar to force its policies on others.

Being the issuer of a global reserve currency confers international monetary power, in particular the capacity to ‘weaponize’ access to the financial and payments systems. Europe had an imperative to raise the “global standing” of the euro, using the currency as “a tool to project global influence.”

China, too, has its own notions about the rightful course of history.

The network of rail, highway and maritime projects it is financing from Asia to Europe is in part about enabling the transport of Chinese goods free of dependence on shipping lanes policed by the United States. Its championing of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is about creating an alternative source of capital.

But while that may be the future, the dollar for now remains what it has long been, the closest approximation to a sure thing in a volatile global economy.

Horrible things passengers have done while flying

Some passengers have confused emergency exit door handles for handrails. 
Others have been filmed slapping gate agents or calling other passengers names. 
One man was photographed removing his pants, shoes, and socks on a flight. 

Getting lost,  navigating language barriers, and  spending too much of a foreign currency are part of the experience of  being a tourist. But making a major mistake while flying can have consequences for everyone on board. 

First-time flyers, superstitious travelers, and passengers who have  simply reached the end of their rope have caused everything from flight delays to cancellations. 

An Air France passenger took to Twitter after she said that a man on her flight removed his pants and socks while mid-air.

According to tweets from Air France passenger, a man on a flight from Paris to Los Angeles allegedly  removed his pants in a bathroom before takeoff, and later removed his shoes and socks. That the passenger was sitting in the seat across from her and spent the remainder of the flight in his boxers. 

According to her tweets, she eventually alerted a flight attendant about the pants-less man, and the employee offered to move her seat. She said that she didn't want to lose the bulkhead legroom she had, and therefore asked the attendant if he could ask the man to put his pants back on. According to the flight attendant "just shrugged." 

"Air France regrets the customer's feelings and confirms that the passenger boarded in shorts and sandals," a representative for Air France told INSIDER. 

The representative also said that its crew handled the alleged situation according to protocol. 

"The company reminds us that it is not the responsibility of cabin crew to require customers to wear acceptable clothing, except of course in the event of indecent dress," the Air France representative said. "Having solicited the crew whose role is to ensure the comfort and well-being of the passengers, the customer was offered another seat of the same type and with the same comfort that she refused." 

A woman was reportedly kicked off a United Airlines flight after complaining about sitting between "two big pigs."

A video filmed by passenger Norma Rodgers appears to show a woman ranting about her seat on a flight from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Newark, New Jersey, and calling the passengers on either side of her "two big pigs." 

"I don't know how I'm going to do this for the next four hours," the woman said to someone on the phone, sitting between Rodgers and another man. "This is just impossible, they're squishing me, it's unbelievable." 

She then said "At least they'll keep me warm." 

Rodgers then called a flight attendant to ask them to reseat the woman, saying she would not be "verbally abused by anybody." 

When a flight attendant told the woman to wait in the back of the plane for another available seat, she said "Thank goodness, because I eat salad, okay?" 

Another passenger can be heard in the video telling her that the way she was acting was "terrible." 

I'm not going to be politically correct. Why don't you sit between those two big pigs?" she said. 

United Airlines staff  eventually escorted the woman off the plane. 

"United flight attendants care about the safety and well being of all of our customers which is why they acted quickly to find a different seat for the disruptive customer," a United spokesman told The Independent. "When it became clear that this passenger's behavior was likely to be problematic on this flight, she was provided alternate travel arrangements first thing the next morning." 

A passenger tried to open an emergency exit on an American Airlines flight while it was mid-air, but a celebrity came to the rescue.

Actor Michael Rapaport was on a flight from Houston to Los Angeles when he said he  saw a man with both hands on the lever of the emergency exit door, trying to open it. 

The flight attendants were gathered at the back of the plane, so Rapaport ran to the man and pinned him against a seat until the crew could restrain him.

When interviewed by authorities when the plane landed, the man said he  thought it was the bathroom door, the man was "really confused and made an honest mistake." 

Temporarily out of order

I'm temporarily out of order and my "Give a shit is broken pending repair"

Due to a large brain fart I'm out of inspiration for a few days. 

Remembering a sad day without my nephew

OBITUARY

Adrian J. "AJ" Hedgpeth

June 7, 1971 – February 20, 2016

Adrian J. "AJ" Hedgpeth passed away suddenly on Saturday, February 20, 2016. Beloved husband of Carla Hedgpeth (nee Frank); loving father of Austin Hedgpeth and step father of Paige Pollman; dear son of James and Patricia (nee Trull) Hedgpeth; dear brother of Sherry Hedgpeth; brother-in-law of Sharon Frank, Vicki Frank and Jake Frank; grandson of the late Duward A. and Dorothy Mae Trull, James A. and Mary J. Hedgpeth Sr.; nephew of the late Danny T. Hedgpeth. AJ was a dear friend to many.

7 Good reasons to claim Social Security early

Waiting to file for benefits isn’t always the best option

There’s arguably no decision that’s more important for seniors than deciding when to take Social Security benefits. After all, more than 3 out of 5 aged beneficiaries today is reliant on Social Security for at least half of their monthly income.

But deciding when to take benefits isn’t as cut-and-dried as you might think. 

Ideally, retired workers who’ve earned the prerequisite 40 lifetime work credits needed to qualify for benefits will wait until age 70 before claiming their payout. The reason is simple: Though workers qualify to begin receiving a benefit as early as age 62, their payout will grow by approximately 8% for each year they hold off on their claim, up until age 70. All factors considered (length of work history, earnings history, and birth year), waiting until age 70 is the way to maximize your monthly Social Security check.

However, waiting doesn’t always make sense. For some people, claiming early, despite the permanent reduction to their monthly check, can lead to a higher lifetime payout than if they were to wait. And the key to success with Social Security is to maximize what you receive over your lifetime, not just per month.

With this in mind, here are seven good reasons claiming Social Security early might make sense.

1. You don’t believe you’ll reach the average life expectancy

Among the many factors to be considered when deciding the right claiming age is your health. 

Imagine for a moment that we had two identical people with the exact same work history, earnings history, and birth year. One claimed their benefit as early as possible at age 62, and the other waited until age 70. Though the one who waited receives a higher monthly payout, the person filing early receives a reduced payout, but for eight years prior to the 70-year-old netting his or her first check. 

Now, imagine we examined the aggregate payout of these two identical individuals over time. What we’d see is that their lifetime payouts from Social Security would be about equal when they reached their late 70s  which is right where the average American life expectancy sits at the moment. 

Therefore, if you have a chronic health condition that could shorten your life expectancy, or if anyone in your immediate family has passed away before reaching the average life expectancy in the U.S. of just under 79 years, then claiming your benefit early might be a smart way to maximize what you’ll be paid over your lifetime.

2. You expect Social Security to play no role in your ability to make ends meet

Another reason claiming Social Security early might make sense is if you’ve done a good job of saving for retirement and you don’t need the income provided by the program to make ends meet. 

Today’s statistics are pretty glaring. According to an April 2018 Gallup poll, 90% of existing retirees are in some capacity reliant on their Social Security income to make ends meet. Meanwhile, a Gallup survey among nonretirees found that a combined 84% expect to lean on the program in some capacity when they retire. This suggests that only around 1 out of 10 working Americans will save enough over his or her lifetime to not need a dime from Social Security.

Should you be among this minority, claiming your benefits early may offer two benefits. First, it could provide icing-on-the-cake income that allows you to vacation or take up hobbies. 

Secondly, by claiming early and reducing your monthly payout, you might, to some small degree, lower your annual federal (and possibly state) income tax bill. 

3. You have no other sources of income or limited earning capacity

Sometimes we may have little choice but to claim Social Security benefits early. For example, if you’re out of work and have no other sources of income, or for whatever reason your earning capacity is limited, it might be in your best interest to claim Social Security benefits early and secure an income stream that’ll allow you to pay your bills. 

However, there is a Social Security do-over clause that seniors (especially baby boomers) who’ve struggled to find work should be aware of. Known as Form SSA-521 (officially, Request for Withdrawal of Application), this request allows an individuals’ benefits claim to be undone if submitted within 12 months of first receiving their entitlement. The catch is that you’ll need to repay every cent you’ve received from the Social Security Administration, and, as noted, you only have 12 months to submit your request once you begin receiving benefits. 

The beauty of Form SSA-521 is that if you regret claiming benefits early, and you happen to land a well-paying job not long after you begin taking benefits, you have the opportunity to undo your claim and allow your benefits to grow once more. 

4. You’re heavily indebted

More and more, debt is becoming a worry for senior citizens. In 2014, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released data showing that the percentage of homeowners aged 65 and up that were carrying mortgage debt had climbed from 22% in 2001 to 30% as of 2011. For folks aged 75 and up, the percentage more than doubled to 21.2% in 2011 from 8.4% in 2001. 

Making matters worse, student loan debt is also impacting seniors. According to a Government Accountability Office report from December 2016, the number of student loan borrowers aged 65 and up had increased 385% since 2005. Meanwhile, the aggregate amount of student loan debt these older Americans are lugging around catapulted from $2 billion in 2005 to $22 billion, as of the report. 

The solution to this mess may very well be to claim Social Security benefits early in order to put that income to work by reducing debt. But keep in mind that this may not be a fix-all solution, especially since the retirement earnings test could come into play if you’re working and receiving benefits. This could result in some, or all, of your benefits being withheld until you reach your full retirement age.

5. You’re a lower-earning spouse

Another scenario where claiming early can make a lot of sense is if you’re married and your lifetime earnings are notably lower than that of your spouse. 

Ideally, you and your spouse are going to work out a plan to maximize what you’ll receive from the program over your lifetime. This plan will likely involve allowing the larger of the two incomes to grow as much as possible. Letting the larger payout accrue 8% per year is going to make a bigger difference down the line than if the smaller payout were allowed to grow over time. 

However, married retirees are still going to want some form of income. That’s where the lower-earning spouse comes into play. By claiming benefits early, the lower-earning spouse ensures that the couple is generating at least some income during retirement. 

Obviously this scenario depends on other factors, such as the size of the couple’s nest egg and their health. Nevertheless, it can be a smart way for a lower-earning spouse to contribute, while giving the higher-earning spouse the time to allow his or her benefit to grow. 

6. You’re confident in your ability to grow your money at greater than 8% per year

Claiming Social Security benefits early might also make sense if you believe that you can consistently outpace the 8% return you’d receive each year by holding off on your claim between ages 62 and 70. 

Why would someone believe they can top an 8% annual return with consistency? As an example, since hitting its Great Recession low in March 2009, the broad-based S&P 500 has risen 327%. That’s an annualized return through Aug. 19, 2018 of about 16.6% per year. If you’d taken your Social Security benefits and invested them into stocks since March 2009, there’s a pretty good chance you’d have beaten the 8% annual return you’d get with Social Security. 

However -- and this is a very big “however”  the data I provided above involves some serious cherry-picking. Historically, the stock market has returned 7% per year, inclusive of dividend reinvestment and when adjusted for inflation. Since timing investments in the stock market can’t be done with any long-term consistency, the data would suggest that your chances of finding an investment (stock market related or not) that can top 8% annually on a regular basis are pretty slim. 

In other words, this is an option that very few people are going to find attractive or worthwhile. 

7. You worry about Congress’s ability to fix Social Security’s issues

Finally, taking Social Security early could make sense if you foresee trouble ahead for the program and have little faith in lawmakers’ ability to fix it. 

According to the newest annual report from the Social Security Board of Trustees, the program will begin burning through its $2.9 trillion in asset reserves this year. Though this net cash outflow will start off very small  $1.7 billion in 2018 and $0.2 billion in 2019  it’s expected to balloon to $169 billion in 2027. By 2034, the Trustees believe that Social Security’s $2.9 trillion in excess cash will be completely depleted. 

Now, before you panic, Social Security will continue to pay eligible beneficiaries, even without any extra cash in its coffers. Its payroll tax and the taxation of benefits will ensure that happens. 

But the Trust’s net cash outflow is an indication that the current payout schedule isn’t sustainable. The Trustees estimate the need for an across-the-board cut to benefits of up to 21% by 2034. Put in another context, claiming benefits early, even at a reduced rate, may allow you to generate more in lifetime income than if you waited a few years for a higher monthly payout, but were eventually hit with a 21% reduction in benefits. 

Admittedly, though, it’s impossible to predict how long it’ll take Congress to act, or what lawmakers on Capitol Hill will eventually do to amend the program. That makes an early claim based on Social Security’s long-term issues a bit of a gamble. 

How Often Should You Really Shower?

Ah, the age-old question: How often should you shower? When it comes to health basics, everyone wants to know if there’s a magic number. Sometimes you really can land on a concrete numerical answer in response to a health question, but other times, it’s not that simple. Answering that pressing shower question falls into the latter category.

Dermatologists don’t universally agree on how often you should shower.

The main reason that we shower is to wash away sweat and dead skin cells, remove dirt and debris, and prevent things like body odor. All of this is based on your natural tendencies towards oiliness, sweating, and B.O., as well as your daily activity and environment. So, naturally, the “right” showering frequency varies from person to person.

With that said, there’s a pretty clear dermatological consensus that showering or bathing every day isn’t necessary for most people. The idea of needing to shower every 24 hours to maintain good personal hygiene is more of a societal norm some people subscribe to than a biological imperative. In fact, many of us are probably showering more than we need to.

Generally, most people only really need to take a few showers a week.

I suggests two to three showers a week for the average person, every two or three days. It really just depends on your lifestyle and natural tendencies toward oiliness, sweating, and B.O.

Obviously, if you work up a sweat at the gym every day, you may want to shower every day. Same with people who are exposed to strong chemicals or odors on the job (like in a factory or fast food kitchen) or people who get dirty or exert themselves physically while working outdoors.

Season and climate play a role, too. The same person who showers every day during a hot, humid summer, may opt for once every two days during a cold, dry winter.

If you prefer to shower every day, that’s totally OK as long as you’re doing it the right way for your skin and overall health.

“For most people, a daily shower is fine provided they avoid aggressive bathing practices,” Yes, it’s possible to bathe aggressively.

Regularly taking excessively long showers or baths is one potential problem, since that can strip away natural oils from your skin’s lipid barrier, the fatty outer layer that keeps moisture in and irritants and allergens out. This can cause dryness and irritation. Consider capping it at about 10 minutes (especially if you have dry skin), and be sure to replenish your skin with moisturizer afterward.

Another good shower habit? Saying no to extremely hot water and harsh soaps, both of which can strip away the natural oils that make up that essential lipid barrier. Instead, Dr. Piliang says, opt for warm water and gentle cleansers formulated without ingredients like fragrances or sodium lauryl sulfate, a sudsing agent that can pull oil out of the skin. Looking for products formulated for people with sensitive skin can help point you in the right direction.

Even if you’re using the gentle stuff, you really only need to soap up a few places on your body, Dr. Newsom says. That includes your armpits and groin area. (This can extend to using a gentle soap on your vulva if you feel it’s necessary, but definitely not in your vagina.) B.O. happens when the apocrine sweat glands in your armpits and groin produce a milky fluid that then mixes with bacteria on your skin. The sweat elsewhere on your body typically comes from eccrine glands and is odorless, so you can wash those spots with just water if you like. Your feet are an exception to this rule, however, because they’ve probably been sweating and deprived of aeration all day (bacteria love this).

Another thing you want to limit or avoid is the use of physical exfoliators, whether they’re in body wash products or via loofahs and scrub brushes. These can be too harsh and possibly cause microscopic scratches in the outer layer of your skin. Plus, loofahs and the like tend to harbor bacteria.

Obviously, your mileage may vary here. You might have a gentle physical exfoliator you love, in which case, feel free to keep doing what you’re doing. But if you’re looking for a different method of sloughing off dead skin cells, I suggests going for something like a body wash containing a chemical exfoliator, such as an AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). (Definitely keep anything like this away from your vagina, though!)

Some skin conditions may require you to shower more or less often than the average person.

For instance, someone with very oily skin, body acne, or hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) may want to shower every day (or sometimes even twice a day) to keep their skin clean or avoid body odor.

On the other hand, people with extremely dry or sensitive skin, or inflammatory skin conditions where the lipid barrier is already impaired, like psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea, might find daily showers too dehydrating and irritating. (Avoiding hot water and harsh cleansers is even more important in these scenarios.)

If you are dealing with any kind of skin condition, ask your dermatologist if it affects how often you should shower. Otherwise, it’s up to you to determine the sweet spot that will keep you clean without irritating your skin.

Potato, Leek, and Pea Pot Pie with Spinach-Arugula Salad

You can also find this recipe and more on my WoodPress Blog

Yield: Serves 4 | Active Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 

Ingredients 

•1 medium leek, white and light-green parts only, cut crosswise into 1/3" rounds 
•5 tablespoons (or more) olive oil, divided 
•1 pound sweet Italian sausage (about 4 links), cut into 1/4" coins 
•2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 
•3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 
•2 cups leftover chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth 
•2 medium carrots (about 5 1/2 ounces), peeled, cut into 1/4" coins 
•4 small new potatoes (about 5 ounces), cut into 1/2" cubes 
•6 ounces frozen peas, thawed 
•1 tablespoon chopped dill 
•1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided 
•1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided 
•3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 
•1 sheet frozen puff pastry, such as Dufour or Pepperidge Farm, thawed 
•1 large egg (optional) 
•5 cups baby spinach (about 4 ounces) 
•4 cups baby arugula (about 3 ounces) 
•3 radishes, thinly sliced 
•1/4 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped 
•1/4 cup parsley, coarsely chopped 
•1/4 cup sliced almonds

Preparation 

• Place rack in upper third of oven; preheat to 425°F. If you see or feel dirt in leeks, rinse well, separating layers, then pat dry; otherwise, leave rounds intact. 
• Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a 10" cast-iron or other deep, heavy, ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Cook sausage, stirring occasionally, until browned, 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes more. Using a slotted spoon, transfer sausage and garlic to a plate, reserving about 2 Tbsp. oil in pan. 
• Return pan to low heat and add flour, 1 Tbsp. at a time, stirring to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture starts to smell toasty and is the color of peanut butter, about 5 minutes. 
• Stir in stock 1/4-cupful at a time. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add carrots, potatoes, and leek and simmer until carrots and potatoes are just softened and liquid is reduced by half, 10–12 minutes. Add reserved sausage and garlic, peas, dill, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper and stir to combine. 
• Remove from heat. Place pastry over skillet, tucking corners gently into sides; it won’t completely cover pan. Whisk egg with 1 Tbsp. water (if not using, substitute 1 Tbsp. oil) in a small bowl and brush top of pastry. Cut four 1" slits in pastry to vent. 
• Bake pot pie until pastry is beginning to brown and underside is cooked, 23–25 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving. 

Meanwhile, whisk remaining 4 Tbsp. oil, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper in a large bowl. Add spinach, arugula, radishes, cilantro, parsley, and almonds and toss to combine. 
Divide pot pie among plates and serve salad alongside. 

Cooks’ Note
Any brand frozen puff pastry works; the weight may vary, but either way, you’ll have enough to work with. 

Texas Stalking Laws

The crime of stalking is defined as a pattern of malicious behavior -- such as repeatedly showing up at an estranged partner's house after being told to stay away -- as opposed to a one-time event. While stalking is often associated with repeatedly following or pursuing someone, stalking can also be characterized by less direct actions, such as repeatedly contacting someone through the mail, phone, or internet. In addition, stalking can take the form of unwanted gifts or messages. The pattern of behavior must cause the victim to fear for his or her safety or well-being in order to be considered stalking.

Stalking has been codified as a crime in all fifty states. In Texas, specifically, the law defines stalking as when someone knowingly engages in behavior that someone else would find threatening, and that would cause a reasonable person to be afraid. Stalking is treated as a 3rd degree felony, which means that it is often punishable with a prison sentence. If convicted of another charge of stalking, it is considered to be a 2nd degree felony.

Code Section

Texas Penal 42.072

Stalking Defined as

A person commits an offense if on more than one occasion and pursuant to scheme or course of conduct directed at specific person, knowingly engages in conduct that:

Stalker knows/reasonably believes victim will view as threatening;
Causes fear; and
Would cause a reasonable person to fear.
Punishment/Classification

3rd degree felony

Penalty for Repeat Offense

2nd degree felony

Arrest or Restraining Order Specifically Authorized by Statute?

Note About Threat

Threats can be explicit (saying you are going to kill the victim) or implied (veiled threats, hurting the family pet).
Threats have to be aimed at a specific person; they cannot be general threats.
Threats may be conveyed by the stalker or by someone acting on behalf of the stalker.
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Note to Victims: If you are being stalked by another person, your first course of action should be to notify law enforcement or your local prosecutor's office. You can request:

Each incident be documented
A copy of the report from your local law enforcement agency
Keep in mind, stalking is a serious crime and can be accompanied by escalating criminal behavior and even violence. Speak to a Texas law enforcement officer right away if you have questions.

Research the Law

Texas Law
Official State Codes- Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
Texas Stalking Laws: Related Resources

Stalking and Domestic Violence
Texas Domestic Violence Laws
Texas Protective Orders Laws
Charged With Stalking? Get the Help of an Attorney Today

As you can see, stalking doesn't always happen like it does in the movies. You don't need to be monitoring another person around the clock to be in violation of this law. If you or someone you love has been accused of a stalking crime in Texas, now is the time to seek legal representation. A great first step in that process is to meet with a Texas criminal defense attorney near you.

Subtle Warning Signs Your Partner Might Be Cheating

Hindsight is everything when it comes to cheating. When an affair comes to light, it’s easy to realize the signs were there all along-you just missed them. But signs of cheating, whether the affair is purely physical or emotional, are often subtle. 

Since cheating is cloaked in secrecy, the person is doing their best not to arouse suspicion in their partner, The cheater’s goal is to not get caught and then have to deal with the consequences. They strive to make everything appear normal.

At the same time, people tend to draw conclusions about their partner based on their pre-existing beliefs, So if you tend to be a trusting person, it can be easy to overlook the less-obvious signs of cheating. Keep an out for these warning signs.

Their schedule changes with no good explanation

Most people have pretty predictable schedules, and even if their schedule changes, there’s usually a reason that makes sense. “Someone who must 'work late' all of a sudden at times that go beyond a reasonable explanation may be cheating. That’s especially true if this keeps happening when your partner has no new job, promotion, or project they’re working on. 

They're suddenly unreachable

Again, a change is the big factor. If your partner has a job that makes it tough to reach them during certain hours of the day, it doesn’t mean they’re cheating. But if you’re suddenly struggling to reach them when you could in the past, and it’s a consistent issue, that should raise a red flag. “Cheaters need privacy and blocks of uninterrupted time,” Coleman points out. “Someone engaged in an ongoing affair must be periodically unreachable.” After all, they don’t want to risk you hearing suspicious voices or background noises.

They have a decrease-or increase-in libido

It’s more common for cheaters to decrease the frequency of sex at home, given that they’re getting it elsewhere. But sometimes they try to have sex more at home. Guilt-ridden people may increase lovemaking at home. Some will do so to cover their tracks. But some may do so to satisfy a partner so that the partner will not be seeking sex at a later time when the cheater knows he or she won't be available.

Their friends don't seem as friendly as they used to be

Cheaters tend to be less careful about covering their tracks in front of friends versus you. And, of course, people tend to confide in their friends. As a result, there is a good chance your partner's friends may know what's really going on before you do. Those friends may end up feeling uneasy and anxious around you because they know something you don’t.

Their phone habits change

This can include a range of things, like changing their password or keeping their phone on them all the time when they used to leave it sitting out. “These changes are indicative of the deception that cheating always involves and therefore are strong signs of cheating.” Anytime someone starts to ‘hide' things, it is cause for questioning.

They're suddenly paying more attention to their appearance for no apparent reason

Sometimes people decide to focus on their appearance as part of a New Year’s resolution or want to lose weight for health reasons. But they’re usually pretty open about it. “The reasons and timing must make sense,” If your partner is suddenly wearing cologne or spending a lot of money on new clothes, and it was never their thing in the past, it’s not unreasonable to inquire why. If their answer doesn’t make sense, it should raise a red flag.

They seem to be around less than usual

Cheaters have to make time for their fling-and that time usually comes from time you once spent together. “Also, if the affair has gone on for a while, there may be demands placed upon them by their paramour to spend more time together,” Again, it’s perfectly OK and expected to ask your partner what’s going on when they’re suddenly not around as much as usual.

Things don't add up with what they say and what actually happens

This is often how cheaters get caught. Maybe your partner says they needed to do something that doesn’t add up, or someone they say they were with slips that they weren’t. “The truth is easy but lies are hard to keep straight. Objective evidence supports truth but often conflicts with lies.

They don't disclose details of their day anymore

People usually share intimate details of their day with their partner. But when they’re cheating, that tends to shift to the new fling, Mayer says. As a result, they end up telling you less. When they already have someone to share this with, they might not even be aware they are no longer sharing with you.

They accuse you of cheating

This is a weird but common habit of cheaters-and there are a few reasons for it, Coleman says. By making your alleged behavior the issue, it puts you on the defensive and takes the focus off of them. It can also make you less likely to speak up about things that seem off because you don’t want to upset them, given that they're already "worried" that you're cheating. And it also gives them a reason to say they need “time away to think,” aka meet up with their lover.

They start giving you more gifts than usual

Of course, loving partners give gifts. But cheaters take this to the next level to cover their tracks. It can be a way of reassuring you that they love you and are devoted to you so that any subtle sign of cheating the partner uncovers can be readily dismissed as something they would never do. 

They're suddenly really critical of you

There’s something called cognitive dissonance that’s an uncomfortable state of inner anxiety and tension created when a person’s attitude about something (cheating is wrong) is the opposite of what they’re actually doing (cheating anyway). To try to reduce that inner tension, they may try to justify their cheating by trying to convince themselves that you’re the problem. And that can come out as being hypercritical of you out of nowhere.

The relationship issues you've had in the past don't seem to be there anymore

Every couple has some kind of issue that keeps surfacing. If it suddenly goes away, and there seems to be no reason for it, you should be concerned. “This can be a sign of cheating or just that your partner has given up trying and is looking for a way out.”  A big sign that something is off with this: The tension isn’t there anymore, but you don’t feel connected either.

They get defensive when you ask why certain things have changed

Relationships change and evolve, but this should be something you can talk about as a couple. “If there is an innocent explanation for why some things have changed there is no need for defensiveness.” A cheater may answer a question with a question, like "Why do you ask?" or "Why is that important?" because they need more time to come up with an answer they can get away with.

They're really on top of your schedule

It can feel a little odd when your partner keeps asking when you will and won’t be home-and it should. “The cheater needs to know the time slots when they can have the freedom and flexibility to spend time with their new romantic interest.” They work hard not to get caught.

If your partner is showing any of these signs, or things just don't feel right to you, it's perfectly acceptable to ask what's going on. Hopefully, there's a good explanation.

This Is How Australia Will Kill You, or Come Close to Doing so

Ah, Australia. The land down under gave us wonderful imports like Hugh Jackman and Crocodile Dundee, but it’s also home to some of the deadliest species known to man. Each crack and crevice of Australian wildlife is alive with something that can maim, or worse yet, end you. For instance, there are close to 520 types of creepy crawlers, many of which are extremely venomous. Then there are the venomous snakes that could paralyze you, or worse.  And don’t even get us started on the kangaroos. That’s right. They’re not so innocent either.

That’s just on land. The oppressive heat will beckon you to take a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean, but beware of deadly jellyfish and shark attacks, not to mention the gigantic ocean swells that can swallow you up. Is Australia the most dangerous place on Earth? Probably not, but here are several reasons why Australian wildlife might not give you a pleasant, “G’day mate.”

Box Jellyfish

You don’t need to venture far into Australia’s waters to find danger. The box jellyfish has one of the most painful stings of any animal in the world, and it can even be fatal to humans. If that weren’t bad enough, their translucent skin makes them incredibly difficult to see in the water. That’s exactly what happened to 10-year, who miraculously survived this horrific attack in 2010.

Funnel Web Spider

If you’re looking to go for a walk, watch where you step. There are some prominent spiders to avoid, including the red back, mouse spider, wolf spider, black house spider, and then there’s the funnel-web spider, one of the most venomous on the planet. They build funnel-shaped webs, which they use as burrows or to trap prey. The venom of this spider is toxic and potentially fatal. Early symptoms of a funnel-web spider bite include tingling around the mouth and tongue, facial muscle twitching, nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, salivation, and shortness of breath. Not fun!

Saltwater Crocodiles

These crocs wreak havoc in the sea and defy logic by eating pretty much anything. The swamps, rivers, and estuaries in Northern Australia are home to these huge, ancient animals.

Males can reach up to 4,400 pounds and can be more than 20 feet long. When a saltwater crocodile attacks, its incredibly strong tail enables sudden, speedy lunges out of the water, while strong back legs move with lightning speed,  leaving any unfortunate nearby prey little time to react. Its powerful jaw is filled with 64-68 teeth, ready to bite down with the greatest bite pressure measured in any living animal.

Kangaroos

This unsuspecting marsupial can also be one of the outback’s most cuddly killers. Kangaroos can reach speeds around 44 mph over short distances, and can be very dangerous to men. Kangaroos live in large family groups called mobs. During courtship, the males will fight for “ownership” of the female. They will kick, bite, and punch. If humans try to break up the fight, they can be as aggressive with us as any other threat.

Female kangaroos are fierce when carrying a joey in their pouch and will fight pedestrians who approach to protect their offspring.

Cone Snails

This seemingly benign-looking mollusk literally sucks. It evolved a radular tooth that can launch out of its mouth like a harpoon at unsuspecting prey, including your foot. These snails are found near Indo-Pacific ocean reefs and are most likely encountered when they are stepped on. Because stings can be painless, people may not realize they have been stung until it’s too late. Their harpoon will pump you full of neurotoxins that affect vision and speech.

Giant Centipedes 

Inhabiting the nightmares of everyone, everywhere, the giant centipede is able to grow to a whopping 6¼ inches. The squirmy insect is naturally equipped with a pair of venomous claws that sting its victims. It can cause severe pain in humans, which can last for several days. Some people report intense pain, while others claim it is no worse than a wasp sting, which is also pretty painful.

Trash Can-Sized Crabs

I cheated a little, as this image probably wasn’t taken in Australia. However, the coconut crab pictured is indigenous to islands across the Indian Ocean through areas of the Pacific Ocean east of Australia.

Still, the coconut crab is the largest land-living arthropod in the world and is capable of breaking human bones. So, ya know, steer clear and leave them to their dumpster diving.

 Red back Spider

This spider is one of the most venomous in Australia. If you are a small insect unlucky enough to be considered a meal for this spider, you will first be bitten with its venomous fangs. As paralysis takes over, you will be wrapped in silk, have your head and body bitten repeatedly, and finally your liquified insides sucked out. Yikes!

Humans who are bitten don’t get off that lightly either. Taking the pain of a red back bite for granted, the venom often is so potent that you will need an antivenom to reverse its symptoms. And watch out because they like to live in walls, building materials, clothes, and shoes.

Snakes Eating Whole Crocodiles

We all know how there are hundreds of poisonous snake species slithering across the globe, but if one of your worst fears is being bitten by one of them, you’re in luck because they have other ways to kill you!

In 2014, this epic battle (or the end of it at least) between a python and crocodile took the internet by storm. We’re thinking the python may still be digesting this meal today.

Cassowaries 

They look goofy, and because they can’t fly they take it out on humans. It has been named the world’s most dangerous bird in the Guinness World Records. Found in the rain forests of Australia, this cross between a turkey and an ostrich can slice you with a single kick  They grow to 6 feet tall, run at speeds of up to 31 mph, and jump to heights of 5 feet. They are also excellent swimmers, so there’s no escape if you piss them off.

Red-Bellied Black Snake

The red-bellied black snake is one of the most identifiable snakes in Australia. It is most common in urban areas, and is distinguished by its red underbelly. As a warning, it will lift its body up to show off its fiery stomach, just so you know it’s not fooling around.

Bites from this snake are usually not life threatening, but they do require a trip to the hospital pretty quickly. Vomiting, diarrhea and intense pain are the main symptoms, and this is another creepy crawler that likes to find a home in shoes

Great White Sharks

While not just a danger in Australia, these mega-fish are the kings of any ocean and eat whatever they can sink their 222 razor-sharp teeth into. That’s pretty much anything that moves. These hunters are equipped with the ampullae of Lorenzini, a magical death adaptation enabling them to detect electromagnetic fields emitted from anything with a pulse. Some surfers are now even arming themselves with electromagnetic devices to repel them.

Snakes Eating Devils

For you religious types, Australia is so devout that its snakes hunt and kill devils. Just kidding.

In the scaly vice that is this python’s body, it’s hunted and killed a flying fox. Now, if you feel bad for the fox, it should be noted that they are notorious for carrying infectious diseases. According to New South Wales Government’s website, flying foxes are known to carry Australian bat lyssavirus and Hendra virust, each of which can pose a serious health risk.

Some Australians actually prefer the snakes keep up their pest control.

Stone fish

The stone fish resembles a rock, but it’s actually a super poisonous fish covered in needle-like dorsal fin spines. They camouflage themselves near rocks, confusing swimmers with a grey, mottled color similar to that of a stone (hence the name). It is one of the most venomous fish known. If you step on one, their sting can cause extreme pain, and possibly even death. You can get revenge on them, though. When prepared properly, the protein-based venom quickly breaks down when heated, meaning you can eat them.

Strychnine Tree

The small, orange fruits that grow on the strychnine tree happen to house toxic seeds, which can cause harm to the nervous system if eaten by humans. At best, it can cause convulsions; at worst, it can be fatal. And that’s just the fruit! The bark and blossoms of this tree are poisonous to humans, too.

Dingoes

Dingoes are wild dogs that roam the outback in packs. They are not the most dangerous animals in Australia as there have only been a small number of attacks on humans reported, but they are certainly capable of being a danger. Most of the reported attacks have been caused by tourists mistaking the animal for a dog and attempting to feed it.

On the other hand dingoes are bad news for livestock and farm animals. So much so that a 5,614-km fence was constructed in Southeast Australia for the sole purpose of protecting livestock from them.

The Outback

We are not talking about the popular restaurant chain. Australia’s outback, a massive sprawl of hot and dry land that makes up the nation’s interior, poses some special challenges. You’ll need to plot out your route in advance to make sure you have enough fuel for the journey, as there are long stretches of road without services of any sort — meaning no gas, food, or water for hundreds of miles. Think the real-life version of Mad Max. You should also carry plenty of extra water. And if you’re lost, there’s no guarantee anyone will find you with little or no cell service. Plus, the sparsely traveled roads mean help won’t always be fast to arrive. Happy travels!

 Irukandji Jellyfish

This minuscule jellyfish proves that size doesn’t matter when it comes to packing a killer punch. They mostly live in the waters of North Australia and grow to a cubic centimeter.

Unlike other jellyfish, these guys can fire venom from their stingers to inject humans. The venom can cause muscle cramps, nausea, and almost always requires hospitalization.

The Heat

Australia can get mad hot in their summer months, which is our winter. Temps out in the outback have reached highs as sweltering as 122° F, where you can literally fry an egg on the concrete. Australia has been getting warmer due to global climate change. Health officials in Victoria highlighted the threat of heatwaves when they found that about 374 people died during an extreme week long period in January 2009.

Eastern Brown Snakes

This slithering killer found in highly populated areas throughout eastern Australia is the world’s second-most venomous land snake. Known to have caused more than 21 deaths since 2000, statistically that’s more than one a year, a bite delivers 2–6 mg of venom and can cause cardiac arrest, but more often leads to uncontrolled bleeding, with symptoms seen within 15 minutes.