Travel the World on a Budget

#Travel #Tips #Money #Savings #DiscountTravel #ErrorFares #FlightDeals #GlitchFares #Discounts #Flights #SimplyEbony Here are travel tips that I’ve compiled to help you explore the world for cheap! Who doesn’t like savings? Please review and if you have additional tips please comment. Don’t forget to follow my new blog “Simply Ebony” to stay updated on Travel, Politics, Trump, Federal Government Employment, Career tips, Entertainment news, and Life.

* Plan around cheap airfare! If you see discount deals. Book the flight! Then reserve your lodging.

* Sign up for Ebates to get cash back and discounts on hotels, flights, tours and much more: https://www.ebates.com/r/EBONYA154?eeid=33618

* Get travelers insurance! This will save you the headache and unexpected costs to cover instances where you need to change travel arrangements, lost baggage, unexpected illness or medical emergencies.

* Research, research, research!! Know what it costs to fly to your favorite destinations so when you see a sale pop up you will recognize it as a deal.

* Research Hotels, Excursions, and Destinations…use Trip Advisor (www.tripadvisor.com).

* Set price alerts for flights…. you can do that on Hopper, Kayak, Google, via the airline websites, and other airline ticket sites. They’ll send you updates with flight prices and notify you when the price drops.

* One way tickets can save you money. Search around and compare prices for one way fares vs. round trip fares.

* Contact travel agents to get quotes on full packages and then go to Kayak or similar travel sites to see if you can find cheaper prices for air and/or hotel. If you find better deals you can try to negotiate a lower package with your travel agent or break down your package and solely book air and/or hotel with the travel agent if it is cheaper.

Maximize your Airline Rewards!
* Apply for and use the airline rewards Credit Card
* Shop via the airline rewards website
* Register with the rewards dining program
* Research and shop/dine at rewards places to get points
* Check the hotel partners list and make sure you update your accounts with the airline info so you get rewards points for your stays

Discount Vacation Deals

* Expedia – http://www.expedia.com
* Travel Zoo – http://www.travelzoo.com
* Groupon – http://www.groupon.com
* Living Social – http://www.livingsocial.com
* Bookit – http://www.Bookit.com (Bookit allows you to make payments. You can make a reservation and change/cancel the reservation if the rates drop or your plans change.)
* Clark Howard – http://www.clark.com/travel (Great deals for international travel)

Cheap Flights

* Airfare Spot – airfarespot.com
* Kayak – http://www.Kayak.com
* HOPPER – http://www.hopper.com
* Secret Flying – http://www.secretflying.com/usa-deals
* Fare deal Alert – http://www.faredealalert.com
* Flight Deal – http://www.theflightdeal.com
* Google flights – http://www.google.com/flights
* OntheFly – https://www.itasoftware.com/travelers/
* Skyscanner – http://www.skyscanner.com
* Priceline – Priceline.com
* SkipLagged – https://skiplagged.com (Great for those who use carry-ons only)
* Affordable – http://www.airfordable.com (Layaway tickets)

Special Note: Follow all of your favorite airlines and the above flight deal sites on Twitter and FaceBook to get real time notifications and Flash Deals.

Cheap Hotels and Lodging
* Priceline – http://www.Priceline.com
* Express Deals – http://expdealshotel.com/
* Better bidding – http://www.betterbidding.com/
* Hotwire – http://www.hotwire.com
* Hotels.com – http://www.hotels.com
Special note: Visit your desires Hotel’s link directly to find good deals and comparison shop using the above links.

Private Home/Villa/Condo/Townhome Rental Companies
* HomeAWay – http://www.homeaway.com
* VRBO – http://vrbo.com
* AirBNB – https://www.airbnb.com/
* InnClusive – https://www.facebook.com/innclusive/

Special Note: Private Home/Villa/Condo/Townhome Rental Companies are great ways to save money. If you are traveling with a group you will save substantially by splitting the cost of lodging. If you don’t mind cooking some of your meals, you can go grocery shopping and maximize the use of your kitchen and savings. Extended stay hotels also have kitchenettes where you can cook small meals.

Follow these sites on Twitter and Facebook to get immediate info on Flight Deals and Flash Sales:

* Travel Deal Tree @traveldealtree

* Secret Flying @SecretFlying

* The Points Guy @thepointsguy

* The Flight Deal @theflightdeal

* Airfare Watchdog @airfarewatchdog

Sincerely,

Ebony

Karlief Moye Kills Three Co-Workers at the Blue Sunday Bar and Grill in Bowie, MD

On Sunday morning, at approximately 2:15 a.m., Karlief Moye, allegedly went on a rampage and killed three of his coworkers at the ‘Blue Sunday Bar and Grill’ in the Hilltop North Shopping Center of Bowie, Maryland, along Race Track Road. Moye later attempted to kill himself and is currently hospitalized. The victims of the triple homicide are 46-year-old Sherwood Morgan of Lake Arbor Way in Mitchellville, 27-year-old Jin Chen of Dove Circle in Laurel and 28-year-old Xue Zou of Doves Fly Way in Laurel.

What is truly perplexing-still with the smoking gun in his hand-those familiar with Moye are saying, “he would never do anything like this,” well he did. Why is it necessary to excuse violent behavior? Just because you know a person and you saw a certain side to them, it does not equate to their innocence or determine that they are incapable of violent acts. Violence occurs. Anger does not have a face or a type. Three people have been killed. Why is there a need to pacify violent behavior by saying “he’s a nice guy?” Why is the first thought not: “Three people lost their lives and the murderer should be held accountable?”

How do you respond if a violent workplace incident occurs? Do you know the steps to protect yourself? This incident should have us all alarmed. Realistically a tragedy like this can happen anywhere. You just never know who will snap at any given time. Be careful out there and stay vigilant.

These situations are tragic. May all of the victims Rest In Peace. Praying for the families, friends and coworkers.

For more on this story visit: http://pgpolice.blogspot.com/2017/01/suspect-in-double-homicide-injured-by.html?m=1

Steve Harvey Faces More Backlash After He Cancels Neighborhood Awards

Steve Harvey, the talk show host and radio personality has quietly ended the highly acclaimed Neighborhood Awards, formerly known as the Hoodie Awards, after more than 16 years. The Neighborhood Awards recognized local businesses, community leaders, teachers, churches and local entrepreneurs.

Harvey’s reason for cancelling the Neighborhood Awards, despite major community interest and its previous success, is reportedly due to a break from former manager Rushion McDonald, who owns the show and concept. After Harvey parted with his manager more than a year ago, he decided to stop supporting the event.

Harvey has recently faced major criticism for meeting with President DonaldTrump at Trump Tower on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Harvey has stated that he ‘didn’t expect’ the serious backlash he received from the Black community.

Harvey said, ’On a personal note, a lot of y’all hurt me,’ during a recent message to his radio audience, phoning in from his tropical vacation on January 16, the day of the meeting. ‘You really did. I didn’t expect the backlash to be so fierce.’

Harvey has maintained that he met with Trump in an effort to ‘get some things started’ and make ‘a plan for the inner cities’.

Harvey, a known comic, has been trying to position himself as a motivational speaker and community activist, so he doesn’t understand why people don’t think he was worthy of being an ambassador for his culture,’ the DailyMail.com source said.

Harvey has spent the last week vacationing with his family on a private island in the Caribbean and is focused on a new venture called Sand & Soul Festival, which will debut in October in Nassau, Bahamas at Atlantis Paradise Resort.

Members of Harvey’s team hope that the fallout from the Trump meeting, and the cancellation of Neighborhood Awards – as well as reports that Atlantis Paradise Resort is being sued for an outbreak of bed bugs – won’t deter fans.

Harvey’s radio listening audience consists of 76% of black women. He needs to seriously find a strategy to reconnect with his audience so they don’t abandon him permanently. The drastic loss of his support base could severely impact his bottom line. It’s essential to his livelihood and the survival of both his radio and television shows.

Harvey should have considered the long term ramifications of his meeting with Trump. Less than a week prior to the meeting Harvey was a staunch opponent of then President-elect Trump. His credibility is now in question. Steve looked surprised following the meeting. It was as if he didn’t expect the paparazzi to show up and for Trump to loudly express that they were old friends. Now Harvey has to deal with the back lash of his actions.

What are your thoughts? Can Steve Harvey come back from this major fall from grace?

Maryland Women’s Legislative Briefing New Visions, New Voices: Charting the Course for Our Future

Today I plan to sit at the table with women throughout Maryland to discuss important legislation concerning us at the Maryland Women’s Legislative Briefing. It’s hard to have a voice if you don’t sit at the table. Rape laws matter. The Violence Against Women Act matters. Immigration laws matter. Equality in Pay matters. Family Medical Sick Leave and the minimum wage increase matters. These are all issues we’ve been fighting for years. These are topics we’ll be discussing today. How to push forward on these laws impacting women. Today we will establish “New Visions, New Voices: Charting the Course for Our Future.”

Get involved! If you are interested in joining the movement to chart our future here are steps that you can take:

Run for office.
* Volunteer to help a campaign.
* Apply for positions on the local Task Forces and the Commissions.
* Learn who your Congressional Representatives are and contact them to let them know how you feel about the Executive Orders. Find and contact your Representative here: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/

Sincerely,

Ebony

Immigrants Detained and Blocked From Entering the U.S. Following Trump’s Executive Order to Halt Immigration

Chaos has ensued one day after President Trump signed an executive order halting the admittance of refugees to the United States, and temporarily freezing immigration from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia, mostly Muslim countries. Several immigrants have been detained and blocked at airports causing major panic in both the U.S. and abroad. A Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman told Reuters on Saturday morning that the President’s executive order will, in fact, stop green card holders from seven countries from returning to the United States if they travel abroad.

A Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman told Reuters on Saturday morning that the President’s executive order will, in fact, stop green card holders from seven countries from returning to the United States if they travel abroad. “It will bar green card holders,” the spokeswoman said. The official further stated that green card holders will need a case-by-case waiver in order to return to the U.S. if they are currently outside the country.

For immigrants needing immediate assistance, NPR’s Kirk Siegler reports international refugee assistance groups are sending attorneys and translators to support new arrivals who are being detained.

Darweesh and Haider Sameer Abdulkhaleq Alshawi, two Iraqi immigrants, were detained at Kennedy Airport in New York on Saturday. The ACLU and other legal organizations filed a writ of habeas corpus for the two men Saturday in an attempt to obtain their clients’ release. One of those men, Hameed Khalid Darweesh, was later released from detention on Saturday, according to a tweet sent out by U.S. Rep Jerry Nadler.

In a joint statement, Reps. Nadler and Nydia Velazquez say they are continuing to work for the release of 11 immigrants currently held at the airport in New York.

Are you an immigrant from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya or Somalia and live in the United States either on a visa or a green card? Do you have friends or family that is impacted? I want to hear from you if President Trump’s travel ban is impacting your life. You can email me at ebony@thenextchaptercorp.com or leave a comment. Share your story.

Federal Hiring Freeze Update

#FederalEmployment #FederalJobs #Resumes #HiringFreeze #Trump #ExecutiveOrder

THE RESUME PLACE, INC., http://www.resume-place.com

HIRING FREEZE UPDATE – Jan 26, 2017
From Kathryn Troutman

Hiring! 5,000+ Customs and Border Protection Officers
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

President Trump signed an Executive Order on Jan 25, 2017 to begin building The Wall and hire 5,000 (up to 15,000) Border Patrol Officers. These positions will be exempt from the Federal Job Hiring Freeze that President Trump signed yesterday.

The Executive Order language:
Customs & Border Protection (CBP): Securing America’s Borders
“Sec. 8. Additional Border Patrol Agents. Subject to available appropriations, the Secretary, through the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, shall take all appropriate action to hire 5,000 additional Border Patrol agents, and all appropriate action to ensure that such agents enter on duty and are assigned to duty stations as soon as is practicable.

TWO POSITIONS POSTED NOW:
1) GS-9 position -Customs and Border Protection Officer – Closes Tuesday 2/7/2017
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/460911100/
2) GS-5/7 position – Border Patrol Agent (BPA) – Closes Tuesday 2/7/2017
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/460629500/

Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Travel may be required based on operational needs

SAMPLE BORDER PATROL AGENT JOB BLOCK (MILITARY EXPERIENCE)

Federal Resume Samples

What are the keywords for the federal resume?
* Inspection
* Security
* Screening
* Teamwork
* Communications
* Decision-making
* Sound decisions
* Composure in stressful situations
* Law enforcement regulations, methods
* Gather factual information through questioning, observation
* Examination of documents and records
* Able to interpret laws and regulations
* Case management, writing case notes
WANT HELP WITH YOUR FEDERAL RESUME? REQUEST QUOTE HERE: SuccessCreatorsorg@gmail.com

SEE SAMPLE BORDER PATROL AGENT JOB BLOCK:

Federal Resume Samples

What are the duties?
Being a Customs and Border Protection Officer makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. Typical assignments include:
* Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture law and regulations;
* Facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel;
* Conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances;
* Determining the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States; and
* Preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband.
What is the pay?
The Border Patrol Agent (BPA) position starts at a salary of $40,511 (GL-5 grade level), and offers promotion potential in 4 years to the GS-12 grade level with a salary of $72,168 (upon successful performance).

A fully trained Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) is eligible for up to $35,000 in overtime pay. The starting salary for this position may be higher in certain duty locations, please visit the OPM website for information. If you select one of the following duty locations you may be eligible to receive an additional 25% of your salary each year for the first 3 years of employment on top of overtime pay. This incentive only applies to new federal employees only and is dependent upon the availability of funds.
* Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales and San Luis, AZ;
* Calexico and San Ysidro, CA;
* Coburn Gore and Jackman, ME;
* Raymond, MT;
* Pembina (10% only) and Portal, ND; and
* Laredo and Presidio, TX
What about the Hiring Freeze? (These jobs will become Exemption)
Sec. 16. Hiring. The Office of Personnel Management shall take appropriate action as may be necessary to facilitate hiring personnel to implement this order.

What are the qualifications for GS 5 Border Patrol Officer ?
Qualifications
The qualification requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of this announcement. You qualify for the GL-5 grade level (starting salary $40,511) if you possess one of the following:

a. One year of general work experience that demonstrates the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations; learn law enforcement regulations, methods and techniques through classroom training and/or on-the-job instruction; and gather factual information through questioning, observation, and examination of documents and records; OR
b. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university; OR
c. A combination of successfully completed post-high school education and general work experience. This will be calculated using your resume and unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.

++ WANT HELP WITH YOUR FEDERAL RESUME?
REQUEST QUOTE HERE: SuccessCreatorsorg@gmail.com

What are the qualifications for GS 9 Border Patrol Officer ?

You qualify for the GL-9 grade level (starting salary $51,424) if you possess the following:
One year of specialized work experience in law enforcement that demonstrates the ability to make arrests which includes the detainment of a person(s), handcuffing, restraining, arresting or containment of person(s) and/or have one year of specialized work experience that demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain contact with a network of informants, social and political organizations, state and local enforcement agencies, and private citizens, to ensure continuity of enforcement work and to carry out enforcement responsibilities. Experience should also demonstrate the ability to perform or conduct several of the following: criminal investigation involving violation of state, local or federal laws; seizure of illegal contraband (drugs); law enforcement database checks for citizenship, warrants, etc.; obtain or execute search warrants relevant to criminal cases or activity; testify in court to present evidence or act as a witness in administrative and/or criminal cases; administer oaths and/or receive sworn statements or facts from witnesses or other parties; exercise sound judgment in interpreting and applying matters relating to national security; deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous, tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters; and/or analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions or take prompt and appropriate law enforcement action in light of applicable laws, court decisions, and sound law enforcement procedures.

Qualifications:
Basic Job Requirements

You must successfully pass a polygraph examination
* You must successfully pass a background investigation
* Convictions of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are disqualifying
* You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position
* You must have resided in the U.S. for at least 3 of the last 5 years
* Referred for selection prior to your 40th birthday (waiver for veterans)
* You must meet job-related medical, fitness and drug-testing standards
* You will be required to work regular and recurring shift work
* You will be required to carry a firearm
* You must have a valid driver’s license

Learn how to prepare your federal resume for USAJOBS for Border Patrol Agent. Order the Federal Resume Guidebook, 6th Edition to see samples of successful federal resumes! Order PDF: http://www.fedjobtraining.com/books/federal-resume-guidebook

SAMPLE BORDER PATROL AGENT JOB BLOCK (MILITARY EXPERIENCE)

Federal Resume Samples

New Edition -The Movie

#NewEditionMovie #NE4Life The New Edition Story was a great way to bring us all together on a positive vibe. It helped to take our minds off of this major transition and go back to a time when we were happy and free.

Funny story I went to the New Edition concert with my best friend. I thought I was cute with those cheap $10.00 Rainbow shoes. My heel broke off my shoe. I had to climb up the steps to get to our seats with a broke heel. The walk to get on that SEPTA train was pitiful. You know Philly kids are cruel. They were clowning me so hard. My friend never left my side though, she walked slowly with me as I limped.

Ricky’s drug problem shocked me. They kept that well under the radar. He had a true queen by his side to help him through the overdose and the recovery.

Thanks Ronnie! I love that all of New Edition Reunited at his wedding.

I want to fact check Ralph saying he did all of the work in the group. I remember New Edition back in the day and it seemed that they were one cohesive group. I think Ralph may have been caught up in his own ego. Technically I always thought Johnny was the best singer and Bobby was the best performer. I had the hugest crush on Ronnie.

Bobby unequivocally gave zero cares. He just did whatever he wanted to do. I remember seeing Bobby Brown perform at the Essence Music Festival. No lie they had to put the curtains down on him to get him to exit the stage. Trust me we were over his performance well before he was. Bobby loves Bobby.

I loved Michael Bivins business acumen. He helped keep the R&B groups going with Boys to Men and ABC.

Maurice Starr was a crook! That is terrible how he took advantage of not just one but two pop star groups. New Kids on the Block was also ripped off by him.

Uncle Brooke needs his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He put in some serious work with those boys. I wonder if he was ever properly compensated?

I have a question: Where were the fathers of these boys? I understand that the mothers were single but not one of these boys had a father, close uncle or someone? (Well besides Ronnie’s Uncle Brook.)

Johnny Gill is the real MVP! He continuously made smooth moves first with the Stacy Lattisaw duet album. His solo albums. New Edition. LSG. The man is talented and blessed.

Special kudos to BET for taking us all back to our happy place. Those days when we watched Video Soul and waited for videos to show on the juke box. I’m smiling thinking about how extra yummy they looked in those white outfits. What’s next BET? I want to see more great content.

What are your thoughts about the New Edition Movie? Who do you want to see next? I think we need a movie on all of the artists from Bad Boy Boy Records. That would be epic. Diddy make it happen!

Signed,

Simply Ebony

The Face of Domestic Violence

The Face of Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking

#TriggerAlert #DomesticViolence #HumanTrafficking #Awareness #TheNextChapter

What does domestic violence look like? This woman Angela was a victim of human trafficking at the hands of her ex-boyfriend. She decided to leave. Her ex-boyfriend brutally attacked her with a metal nightstick from head to toe. He beat her severely, destroyed her laptop, took her phone and her money, and left her for dead.

Recent news coverage shows her abuser in court crying over his sentencing. He cared more about being locked away for his horrific actions than about the life of Angela. This is what Domestic Violence looks like.

Have you or someone close to you experienced domestic violence? Please share your story or inbox me to anonymously share your story. Leave words of encouragement for survivors.

To read previous news coverage of this story visit this link: http://www.ktnv.com/news/standoff-suspect-charged-with-attempted-murder

To support Angela and help with her mounting medical expenses visit here: https://www.gofundme.com/fckdomesticviolence

Simply Ebony

Hi everyone! Happy New Year! Yes, it’s January 26, 2017 and I decided to FINALLY start my blog.  This is your exclusive access to “Simply Ebony.”  I made a goal this year to connect and engage with amazing people.

The content for “Simply Ebony,” is driven by you.  What is it that you want me to discuss? I plan to give it to you straight no chaser on everything from politics, music, travel, business trends, job hunting, and love.  No subject is off-limits.

Who am I? I tag myself as #LadyofInspiration the one who gives freely and lives purposefully.  I founded The Next Chapter and Success Creators and currently serve as the CEO for both organizations.  I advocate for survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.  I am a proud Air Force and Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran!

I live life on my terms.  I’m a survivor of both sexual assault and domestic violence.  I say survivor versus victim because I never allowed the circumstances in my life to define me.  I now stand as the voice of the silent victims that are out there.  My inbox is always open if you need to talk at ebony@thenextchaptercorp.com.

I love God! I’m a strong believer that it is my faith that has helped me through my most difficult trials and tribulations. I travel often. I laugh frequently.  I love freely.  This is my life.

I recently traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to visit with the Philly Nomadness Travel Tribe and see the highly acclaimed blogger and author Luvvie Ajayi of the book “I’m Judging You.” You can follow her blog “Awesomely Luvvie” at http://www.awesomelyluvvie.com/. She was my inspiration for starting the “Simply Ebony” blog.  The time is now to live the life that you want.  Don’t wait until tomorrow.  Start now!

It feels amazing to finally launch my blog! Thank you Luvvie and all of those Boss Women out there that use their voices to empower other queens.

What are your goals for this new year? How are you dealing with this Presidential Transition? Any major travel plans for 2017?