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Articles by Shelly Mateer
Beyond the Headlines: Iraq Through the Eyes of a Lawyer and Entrepreneur
Iraq is a country full of potential. The people are welcoming, warm, and some of the most resilient in the world. I recently had the opportunity to interview Jaafar Al-Sabti, Head of the Corporate Department at Al Hadeel Al Hasan Law Firm in Baghdad. His work focuses on corporate law, commercial litigation and arbitration, taking foreign investors from market entry through to everyday compliance and disputes.
The Live It List: An Interview with Nicole Middendorf
I sometimes say, “You either have money, or you have time. Not both.” It seems whenever I’ve had the most money coming in, I have very little time. But when I’m broke, I have all the time in the world. But what if there was a balance? What if you could have both, and be able to actually enjoy the money you are making and cross some of those bucket list items off of your list at the same time? Nicole Middendorf has the answer – it’s called a Live It List.
Navigating AI in a World in Need of the Human Touch: An Interview with Liz Capants
“AI will make your job as a writer obsolete.” “You know you can use AI to generate your books. You don’t even have to write them. You could have one hundred books out in a year.” I have been told all of these things many times when someone discovers that I write for a living. I have never found these ideas to be true; I’ve actually had the opposite experience. The more automated and generic things have become, the more my skills as a writer are in demand.
Focus on the Good in Life to Create More Good in Your Life: An Interview with Laura May
A person I admire very much once said, “I only want to surround myself with smart, happy people”. This is sometimes easier said than done. During my adult life, I can honestly say that I have met a few of the most miserable people on Earth. The type who, when I am smiling, asks very critically, “Why are you smiling?” The type who always finds fault, many times belittling others simply because they are jealous of that person.
Nervous System Literacy: An Interview with Cindy Hyde
I recently had the opportunity to interview the founder of Soul State Wellness, Inc., Cindy Hyde. As she explains, her story isn’t a quiet one. Chronic fatigue. Chronic illness. Two cornea ulcers in six months. Temporary vision loss. Intermittent aphonia (her voice coming and going). Memory loss. Brain fog. By the time all these symptoms had presented multiple times it was too late. She had a deep feeling that something wasn’t right.
On Business, Parenting, and Being Present: An Interview with Roger Duthie
One thing I remember about my parents was their ability to be present. My father traveled a lot for work, and had a pretty dangerous career during my early childhood. I can remember him coming home to us in a certain snow-covered area of the United States, having been in some exotic location overseas. It didn’t matter that he had been gone, but it mattered that when he came home, he was present.
Realizing the American Dream: An Interview with Dr. Susan Levit
Sometimes you meet someone who has defied all of the odds, confronted bias and hatred, and made it through to become incredibly strong and successful. Dr. Susan Levit is just such a person. I recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Levit about her amazing life and her new book, Susanna: Journey to my Dream. Dr. Susan Levit’s inspiring journey began in a small Soviet town and has spanned four continents. She explained that she believes she was genetically preconditioned to become a doctor.
Remember September 11th
Shelly Mateer Shelly Mateer is a former CIA officer and author of Single in the CIA, Mission: Stand Down and the Mingling in the CIA series, as well as two children’s picture books, Mommy Thinks She’s a Monster, The Lemon Seed and an elementary-grade chapter book series The Adventures of Shelly Beach.
The Human Side of Leadership: A Conversation with Sam Willing
“I think all the guys are staring at you because they think you’re anorexic,” Teri stated with a sneer. We were at a training with various male police officers in rural Maryland, and I was a seemingly buxom, young, blond twenty-something. I was pretty sure they weren’t staring at me judging my possible eating habits. Always having been self-conscious about how thin I was, her words cut me, but I didn’t let her know.
Believe, Achieve, Love, and Live: An Interview with Eyal Levit
“You’re not four years old! You’re too small!” The mean little girl narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing me in all her four-year-old wisdom. Then she shoved me down the slide, cackling madly, because I was in her way and taking too long. “You’re too skinny. You need to eat,” the cruel girl looked me up and down with disgust. I was twelve. That exact phrase echoed through junior high, and then on into high school. “You’re so pale.
You Have the Answers: An Interview with Adri Barnhardt
“You’re just like your hair, flimsy and floppy. You’re such a pushover,” the cruel words came out of the mouth of one of the most popular girls in school. Most popular girl almost always coincided with mean girl. I felt the sting of her words, but didn’t say anything back. I was used to being put down by kids at school, and at this point in life I was attending the original Mean Girl High.
As a child I loved to write, with a particular inclination toward scary stories and other types of fiction. This was where I truly thrived, but over time you could say that the mundane aspects of life took precedence, and that creativity was dimmed. Teachers and professors told you what to write, and later, as an intelligence officer, cable writing didn’t exactly align with tales of ghost cats and spooky dolls.
My Byline & Review Published in KJ Kaschula’s newest book!
Former CIA officer. Author of several books. Creator of the BurpMitt® product line, Cooking in the CIA and Mommy’s Gone Mad!
It’s Been Ten Years!
It’s been 10 years since my first book, Single in the CIA was published. It’s been a busy 10 years. 2 kids, 12 books, cancer, miscarriage, moving multiple times, pet death, and so much more.
Why Invest in New York City Real Estate?
The past week’s tsunami drop in the stock market has been catastrophic, raising concerns about a possible recession and the impact on different asset classes, including real estate. However, real estate and the stock market don’t always move in the same direction, as real estate tends to be less volatile than stocks and often serves as a safe haven during times of stock market turbulence.
My Books Are Now Available As Audio Books
I’ve wanted to turn my books into audio books for a long time — many people had asked me about doing this. Now, I finally had the chance! Most of my books are now available as audio books as well as the other formats. I’m not sure how the redacted portions of my CIA-themed books will come out, but I’m sure people can figure it out. Enjoy!
Defuze the Situation: An Interview with Vanessa Carson
I watched as my friend’s face visibly fell and I could almost feel the dreadful feeling in the pit of her stomach that I knew she felt every time she saw that her ex-husband had sent her yet another email. I had never been married, but I had been in enough horrible relationships to know the stress that came along with acrimonious communications. In my friend’s case, they had both moved on long ago, but they had a child, and therefore co-parenting was necessary.
Do Something You Love: An Interview with Ellen J. Silverman
I recently had the opportunity to interview New York City real estate broker Ellen Silverman. In her childhood, Ellen didn’t envision anything in particular for herself career-wise. She grew up as an only child and her life goal was to be independent, make money, and get out of her parents’ home as quickly as possible! She loved structure and organization and always gravitated toward mathematics.
Digital Real Estate: An Interview with Andrew Rosener
Within a few weeks of being hired into the CIA, I realized I wanted to work for myself, unchained by office drama and cubicle warfare. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I was going to make it happen. At the time, I had my own eBay business on the side where I sold items on consignment, and I was dabbling in manufacturing lotions and other natural products, while selling some of my own items also. I was amazed at what people would buy. I once sold some empty bottles to a buyer.
Maritime Innovation and Global Impact in the Middle East: An Interview with Eric Le Quéré
I would float around for hours, watching the sea life in the canal walls. Under the floating dock I was fascinated (and sort of spooked) by the huge fish lingering there, swaying under the water with their mouths opening and closing. The canal wall itself housed all sorts of ocean life – there were lobsters, crabs, and even an octopus. If you sat on the floating dock, it was not unusual to see brightly colored angel fish, triggerfish, and even seahorses swimming up to examine your toes.
In light of the rapidly changing circumstances in the Middle East, and the recent developments, there are many questions about the future of Iraq, particularly following the collapse of the Hezbollah system in Lebanon and the swift downfall of the Iranian-backed regime in Damascus. What does the future hold for Iraq? How will U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East evolve under the incoming Trump administration?
Average Americans and the Demise of DEI
Source link “Walmart becomes latest — and biggest — company to roll back its DEI policies.” This headline, published last week by the Associated Press, provides yet more evidence that diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are on the retreat across America. “Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, is rolling back its diversity, equity and inclusion policies, joining a growing list of major corporations that have done the same,” the report begins.
What Is Advent, and Why Does It Matter?
Source link Sunday, December 1 marked the beginning of Advent for 2024. But what exactly is Advent, and why does it matter? Advent comes from the Latin adventus, which means “coming.” In simple terms, Advent is the period on the church calendar directly preceding Christmas. Within the Christian worldview, Advent is a special time of preparation and expectation for the coming of Jesus Christ, whose birth is celebrated at Christmas.
Is Lavrov Coming To The EU?
Source link Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL’s newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe’s Eastern neighborhoods. I’m RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I’m drilling down on two issues: the upcoming OSCE ministerial meeting in Malta and the EU’s latest (underwhelming) sanctions on Russia.
No Substitute for the Real Thing: Study Finds That Looking at Famous Painting in Person Stimulates the Brain More Than Looking at a Copy
Source link A recent study revealed that a viewer’s emotional response to a painting is ten times more intense when viewing the original as opposed to a copy. The research involved five paintings, including Johannes Vermeer’s 1665 work Girl With a Pearl Earring, which was the piece that participants viewed for the longest. The paintings seem to softly glow under the display lights at the Mauritshuis museum in the Netherlands, where the research was conducted.
The Benefits of Bone Broth: Your Essential Guide to Understanding Every Type of Broth
Bone broth has surged in popularity in recent years, touted by health enthusiasts for its numerous benefits. This nutrient-rich liquid is made by simmering the bones and connective tissues of animals, such as chicken, beef, or turkey, for an extended period. The result is a savory, gelatinous broth that is not only a culinary staple but also a powerhouse of nutrition. 1.
The Week Ahead In Russia: Escalation And Endgame
The Week Ahead In Russia: Escalation And Endgame
Why Health Care Won the Female Vote
Source link Donald Trump’s stunning victory has everyone talking, especially about the surprising gains that he made with minority, youth, and women voters. As a woman, I was told that most of us would be voting for Harris because she was a champion of women’s health. It didn’t happen. In fact, Harris barely won the majority of the female vote, and she won women in smaller numbers than her Democratic predecessors. Why?
NATO Braces For An Unpredictable 2025
Source link Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL’s newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe’s Eastern neighborhoods. I’m RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I’m drilling down on one big issue: The future of NATO going into 2025. Note to Readers: You can now listen to my briefings by clicking on the audio link below.
EU To Target Chinese Firms With Asset Freezes, Visa Bans For Aiding Russia In Ukraine
Source link The European Union has proposed for the first time to target Chinese companies and individuals with visa bans and asset freezes over their dealings with Russian firms linked to Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine, according to RFE/RL.
Hope for American Education? - Intellectual Takeout
Source link Over the years, I’ve written extensively about the decline—nay, crisis—of American education (see here, here, and here, for instance). During the 20th century, our universities were steadily infiltrated and usurped by Marxists, socialists, and postmodernists, and the consequences have been dire.
Cranberries: The Thanksgiving Superfood for Health and Wellness
As Thanksgiving draws near, the spirit of gratitude fills the air, and our tables begin to overflow with a myriad of festive dishes. Among these culinary delights, cranberries take a prominent place—not just for their vibrant color and tart flavor, but also for their remarkable health benefits. This little berry is a powerhouse of nutrition, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
What Do Central Asians Think About China?
Source link China’s presence in Central Asia has been growing for 30 years. China is now a leading trade and security partner, foreign investor, and source of everyday goods available in markets and bazaars across Central Asia. The Central Asia Barometer recently released the results of a survey conducted over the course of several years that analyzes the opinions of Central Asian citizens toward various spheres of interaction with China, including the presence of Chinese workers in Central Asia.
The Motives Behind Russia’s Ballistic Missile Strike On Ukraine
Source link I’m Steve Gutterman, the editor of RFE/RL’s Russia/Ukraine/Belarus Desk. Welcome to The Week In Russia, in which I dissect some of the key developments in the country and in its war against Ukraine, and some of the takeaways going forward. To subscribe, click here. Russia’s use of what President Vladmir Putin said was a new intermediate-range missile against Ukraine was all about signaling — “a political strike not a military one,” as one analyst put it.
Friday Comic: Complicated Relationships
Friday Comic: Complicated Relationships
The Founding Fathers on Thanksgiving
Source link Although the Pilgrims came in 1620 and held the First Thanksgiving shortly thereafter, the national holiday which we celebrate didn’t come into existence until 1863. But America was not without Thanksgiving celebrations in the intervening years. As the quotes below demonstrate, days of prayer, fasting, and thanksgiving became a frequent part of American life, particularly during the Revolutionary War.
What Would Really Happen If We End the US Department of Education?
Source link After the recent presidential election victory by Donald Trump, perennial calls to end the US Department of Education grew louder. With Republicans gaining control of the US Senate, and retaining control of the US House of Representatives as well, the prospect of eliminating the department became more plausible. But don’t hold your breath.
Make Government Efficient Again? - Intellectual Takeout
Source link President-elect Donald Trump has wasted no time since election day, having already announced a string of cabinet appointments—including Matt Gaetz as attorney general, Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, Elise Stefanik as United Nations ambassador, and Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense.
Finland Hosts Artillery Drills Near Russian Border
Finland Hosts Artillery Drills Near Russian Border
Wider Europe Briefing: Georgia’s Vanishing EU Dreams
Source link Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL’s newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe’s Eastern neighborhoods. I’m RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I am drilling down on two issues: what the EU can do about Georgia and the potential changes 2025 will bring for people entering the EU.
The Lesser-Known Side of MCT Oil: An Unspoken Connection to Anxiety
Medium-chain triglyceridess (MCTs) are a type of fat that is rapidly absorbed by the body and converted into energy. MCT oil, derived primarily from coconut oil and palm kernel oil, has gained immense popularity in the health community, particularly among those following ketogenic or low-carb diets. Its quick conversion into ketones makes it a favored choice for individuals looking to enhance energy levels, boost mental clarity, or support weight loss.
Friday Comic: Treats
@2021 - All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign
Study Shows Americans Are Becoming More Afraid. Are We Doomed to Live in Fear?
Source link Americans are “in the grasp of deep, paralyzing dread” according to Andre Mouchard of The Orange County Register. Mouchard is commenting on the results of an annual study conducted by Chapman University in which researchers poll more than 1,000 Americans to find out what their top fears are. The researchers inquire about a wide range of phobias and fears, from ghosts to spiders to nuclear war.
The Best Revenge Is Living Well: An Interview with Marina Nestel
There it was, my shiny new Mustang that I had just purchased, much to everyone’s envy. I had recently graduated college and had happily begun my first office job in the heart of downtown Sacramento, California. I had driven the car to work, and parked in our company’s parking lot just as I did every day, except today I had a brand new car! I walked out, exhausted from the day’s work, and was shocked to see that someone had keyed the car all the way down the driver’s side.
The Complex Legacy of George Orwell
Source link George Orwell, one of the most influential political writers of the 20th century, is widely recognized for his searing critiques of totalitarian regimes in his novels Animal Farm and 1984. Orwell’s portrayal of state control, propaganda, and the manipulation of truth has resonated with readers across the political spectrum. However, Orwell’s personal political ideology and his critiques of totalitarianism are far more complex than is often acknowledged.
Amid Ukraine Fallout, China Pushes Ahead With Bold Kyrgyzstan Trade Vision
Source link BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN — A Swedish consultancy group made international headlines in 2007 when it declared that Santa Claus should be based in Kyrgyzstan, as it was the best place for him to reach every household in the world during his fabled Christmas-night journey. For those restricted to ground travel, however, landlocked Kyrgyzstan still looks like a logistics nightmare with its soaring mountain peaks and poor roads.
Swedish Death Cleaning and Aging in Place
Source link Several of my relatives and friends are in the process of cleaning out a parent’s home. Some have tragically lost their aged parents, and some are rearranging living situations to accommodate medical needs. In each situation, however, there is an overwhelming factor: Each of them are dealing with a house stuffed with … stuff. No one knows what most of this stuff is or why their parents have kept it all these years.
How Parenting Got So Intense
Source link You can’t find a better explanation of the rise of helicopter parenting and how, when and why that morphed into “intensive parenting” than this New York Times podcast from a few weeks ago, inspired by the surgeon general’s report on parental burnout. Michael Barbaro, host of “The Daily,” interviews Claire Cain Miller, a Times reporter (and the mom of kids 12 and 8) covering family issues.
EU Training Mission To Ukraine To Continue
Source link Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL’s newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe’s Eastern neighborhoods. I’m RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I am drilling down on two issues: the EU’s training mission for Ukrainian soldiers and the main takeaways from the hearing on the EU’s new enlargement commissioner.
Elections, War, And Sabotage
Elections, War, And Sabotage
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