I first started writing When Can I Go Home? back in 1989 when I was in my last year of medical school. That was about a year after my mother died from Alzheimer's disease.
The book is a memoir about my mother's futile struggle with the disease. After she passed away I had a tremendous need and sometimes furious drive to record the journey in a timeless and permanent way. As a teenager, I had been my mother's primary caregiver for a few years , as the disease progressively robbed her of her cognitive abilities, personality and her very essence. At the time writing about it was very cathartic.
The disease process is profoundly isolating for families and I wanted to scream out and tell the world. That element is there in so many Alzheimer's memoirs. Unfortunately the issue of isolation has not improved in our society and much as we like to pretend it has in the last thirty years since my mother was diagnosed. At that time most people had not heard of Alzheimer's disease and of course now it is a household term, but as a society we are still ignorant and terrified about it till it affects our own family. The isolation is still there.
The book is a bit unusual or even paradoxical from an Alzheimer's memoir point of view in that It presents a dual perspective. First is a family caregiver specifically a teenager son, which is a bit unusual and at times even bizarre, since that is not the prototypical demographic of a caregiver. The other perspective is a clinical one from a physician. I have treated thousands of patients and their families affected by many psychiatric and neurological problems including many Alzheimer's victims. The clinical information is broken down and translated for the reader.
So you essentially have these two very different points of view sort of flip-flopping but sort of coming into what I hope is a harmonious symmetry. The third aspect of the book is an underlying and ongoing commentary on all the relevant sociological and psychological issues this book interfaces with. Such issues as the state of health care delivery, being a doctor, and the aging population are addressed and sometimes not in a very convenient way for those that need to hold onto pretense and prejudice for security. For example as a society we really don't treat the aging population with the honor and dignity they deserve. We are pretty much obsessed with youth and appearance. We also have a lot of bias toward the medical profession if not at times completely vilifying the field. So in that sense speaking candidly about things albeit my opinion yet based on experience may open the readers eyes, on some issue conversely it may propel some to try to look the other way even more. It's not always politically correct, but it is a memoir and it is honest. It is sort of visceral, some people will cry some will laugh some will get more angry, it makes you feel first, then think.
The manuscript was hard to finish, it lay dormant for some fifteen years, I never had an ending. Even after the death of an Alzheimer's victim, there is never an ending for the five million families affected by the disease. something hit me, after all these years. We are all universally humanly connected by this disease process, and I had the clarity to finish this book.
I love writing, but most of my energy and creativity is spent in my day job. I am currently working on a novel about psychiatric residency. Fiction is obviously a much different prospect than a memoir but it taps a different part of your brain and soul to create something like this compared to a memoir.
-Joseph J. Sivak MD
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The true life account of a young man living with the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in a parent. The disease was diagnosed in his mother when the author was seventeen years old in 1979, long before Alzheimer's disease was a household term.
The book candidly traces with graphic detailed description and dialogue the course of the fatal illness. The emotional issues of such pivotal events as the loss of autonomy of driving a car and entry into a nursing home are experienced through the eyes of a young son. From a concurrent viewpoint Alzheimer's is explained with the wisdom of a 21st century physician who has personally experienced the emotional anguish, and thus the fact-based journey is a truly unique dual-perspective Alzheimer's memoir. The story juxtaposes the active uphill battle to become a doctor set against the backdrop of the passive helpless struggle of losing a parent to the disease
The narrative provides explicit commentary on the modern plight of the physician and the global connection family members of an Alzheimer's victim painstakingly share. The unusual, seldom before elicited insights of the dual-perspective vigorously address universal issues such as coping, hope, futility, humiliation and societal bias toward the disease throughout the text.
George Sherman Hudson was born and raised in Atlanta Ga.. After being continuously rejected by different publishers because of the subject matter contained in his books while serving time, this father of two did some research and started G Street Chronicles, the urban book publishing company that's ran by him with the help of his COO and fiancé Erica Jones . While George is continuously working hard to make G Street Chronicles a recognized name in the literary industry, he's also working hard on his highly anticipated REAL series. George has authored five books in all. His debut book Drama is in stores now. Having published more than 10 titles in the first year of business George is determined to make G Street Chronicles an urban lit powerhouse.
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The drama just doesn't stop in the lives of Deb, Tammy, and Lisa. Deb, the hard worker and savvy entrepreneur is blessed with a multimillion dollar contract, but has to enjoy the success without the comfort of her man whose fledging music career has him busy from state to state. Tammy has everything a diva could want, a multimillion dollar home, expensive cars, clothes, jewelry, and she thought love.
Drama is a book a lot like sex in the city with black characters, each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character. They take turns telling their side of the story. It has everything, humor, emotions, great characters, and a lot of drama.
I've written about my apprenticeship in the art of mastering concious dreaming. Among other things I learned about techniques for conscious dreaming and traveling in the dreamtime and to receive information about healing. In the dreamtime, I also received my name Dreamshield.I've studied social studies, qualified myself as journalist and writer and have done courses and workshops (before my apprenticeship) such as aura-reading, ThetaHealing and healing with gems. This, in my quest for spiritual deepening.One of the things I have encountered and describe in my book is that reality is much more comprehensive than it first appears to be. If you want to be free, want to feel free, you will have to face spiritual, physical and emotional blocks and work on them to release them. And that is one of the ways to develop awareness and the healing of yourself.I would like to share my experiences with you, giving personal readings and healings to support your process of awareness.
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The story of a young woman bumping into the enigmatic sorcerer Running Deer and her initiation into the sorcerer's world and mastering conscious dreaming. It takes the reader throughout the magic realms of the unknown and gives a new approach to the traditional training of women sorcerers.
David Fingerman has once again joined forces with The Virtual Book Tour Cafe'. Promoting his newest release, Silent Kill, and his first full length novel. This is one Mystery/Suspense/Thriller you won't want to miss.
David has worked in the court system and has used his knowledge to create a gripping suspense. His debut novel is available through Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, and Fictionwise. Grab your copy today.
About David: As a student at the University of Minnesota, David Fingerman realized that if he switched his major from journalism to speech, he could graduate that quarter. It was a no-brainer.
He worked in the court system of Hennepin County for over 20 years. In 2006 he left his job to do what he loves to do-write. He has published a number of stories in magazines and anthologies, and published a book of speculative fiction short stories, Edging Past Reality.
David is married and currently living in Minneapolis.
Police must follow a labyrinth, leading into the darkest tunnel of a twisted mind. A mind that carries no value for human life... Minneapolis police officer Louise Miller has attitude. Not only does she have to deal with the good old boy mentality of the department, but she's also a gay police officer who has to deal with harassment on a higher level. When one of her few friends on the force goes missing Miller investigates, despite her captain's order to leave it to the detectives. As Miller scours the precinct for any sign of the missing officer, Elias Boughton is on a psychopathic rampage. Kidnapping and murder are games he plays, blindly obeying a voice from his past. As the body count rises, Miller is convinced the detectives are heading in the wrong direction. Trying to fit the puzzle together, each clue revolves around a particular Rottweiler. As the mystery unravels so does her life, and the case becomes more personal than she ever dared imagine.
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Cate Masters writes fantasy/dark fantasy, historical, contemporary and speculative fiction, described by reviewers as “so compelling, I did not want to put it down,” “such romantic tales that really touch your soul,” “filled with action scenes which made it a riveting story,” and “the author weaves a great tale with a creative way of using words that makes the story refreshing to read.” The proud mom of three adult children, she currently lives in central Pennsylvania with her husband, Lily the dog, their dictator-like cat, Chairman Maiow, and dozens of characters inhabiting her imagination. Visit Cate online at www.catemasters.com, http://catemasters.blogspot.com or follow her on Facebook or Twitter. Cate loves to hear from readers. Email her at: cate.masters AT gmail.com.
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What happens in Key West, stays in Key West. Especially in 1856, when men outnumber women by ten to one. Wrecker Sam Langhorne came to Key West eight years earlier to forget his ruined engagement. When he rescues Livvie Collins from a watery grave, he’s swept away by her beauty and spirit. He’s sworn off love, but is soon captivated by Livvie’s wit–and her determination to remain single.
The death of Livvie’s father leaves her no other option than to sail to New Orleans to live with her brother Wendell. Though she hopes to support herself by writing novels, she’s sure Wendell will try to soon marry her off, and is determined to experience life to its fullest before reaching New Orleans.
Sam is handsome and attentive, constantly surprising her with his intelligence and his interest in current literature and happenings. She gives herself to him in a night of passion so she can know the true emotion at least once in her life. But can she save herself after she arrives in New Orleans?
What’s left for the Lakota when everything around them is changing? Quiet Thunder and Black Bear fear for their tribe’s welfare when buffalo and other game become scarce. A military captain named Pratt promises to teach them white man’s ways so they can become successful. Quiet Thunder follows Black Bear to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to the Indian Industrial School. The school’s rigid schedule allows little time together, and Black Bear grows more distant as his confusion over his identity grows. Can Quiet Thunder make him believe her love is as eternal as the stars?
AJ Dillon is trouble. The former lead singer of an indie band has no home, no money and no future. His grandfather is the only relative willing to take another chance on him. AJ arrives in Weeki Wachee, Florida, with his guitar, a few clothes and a bad attitude. The only good thing about Weeki Wachee is the ocean -- the one place AJ feels at home.
Grandpa lines up a job for AJ at Weeki Wachee Springs, where beautiful women perform as mermaids. Grandpa says real mermaids exist, but AJ doesn’t believe – until he meets Cassiopeia, and his passion for music resurfaces. But when greedy Chaz finds out, and threatens to kill them if AJ doesn't go along with his plan to make a fortune with a real mermaid show. Can AJ save Cassie? And himself?
Susan is a writer and editor. Being an Associate Editor for Space and Time Magazineis a passion of hers. She's also been a writing teacher for over twenty years. Currently she teaches workshops from time to time at conventions. She's a Science Fiction and Fantasy author and an active member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA). Susan is recently a new paranormal romance author. Also a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and recently becoming RWA Pro.
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LIGHTNING Being descended from an ancient race blessed by Zeus doesn't help Telkhine Laura Cordelais, when she's desperate and standing between life and death. Her destiny looks bleak. Every choice leads to death, and there is no winning door. Or is there? THUNDER Begging God for love, Vampire David Hilliard finds his request answered in the form of the tormented and dying Laura. In saving her, he falls in love and dooms them both to a dark underworld of voodoo and sorcery from which nothing can escape. THE STORM BEGINS Curses, Keres, demons, oh, my! And the unicorn's horn.
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WHEN LOVE SURVIVES is a contemporary paranormal romance novella that is also categorized as fantasy and science fiction romance. MAGIC Regina O'Malley is a college student who's just discovered she's magic. Today is the first day of her internship at a prominent brokerage house at the World Trade Center, and she's late. She doesn't know disaster is right around the corner. LOVE Gregor Vasiliev is a financial advisor at the World Trade Center. This shapeshifter hates the office coffee, and while on a donut run he gazes out the window of his favorite coffee shop. There in the street stands the lifemate he's been searching for. If he doesn't act now, he'll lose her forever.
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Georgia doesn’t know she’s a Harmony. Jobless and about to be homeless, her heart sinks when a hand snatches the coat of her dreams from the storefront window. Then she sees him staring at her reflection . . . the stalker.Trevor Stenwood, a vampire and Arnhem Knight, is handsome, sophisticated, and tongue-tied every time he sees her. Sworn to protect the supernaturals of the city, he’s fallen for a woman marked for death by demons. How can he save her when she’s afraid of him?
At Christmas time in New York City, will love bloom in the snow?
Patti Hultstrand is an author, a publisher, an owner of several businesses, a web designer, a senior graphic designer for over twenty years, a single-mother of a sixteen year old son, an Arizonan, a lover, a generous person, a creative force, a spiritually influenced being, a believer in justice, a moonie, a lover of science-fiction, fantasy, romance, and anything that answers her questions of “what if”, a marketing guru, an entrepreneur, a visionary, an optimist of a future in space, but most importantly, she's a survivor and hates being confined by labels or stuck in a box by others. There are no walls in her life, just a VERY LONG TO DO LIST!
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Time-travel romance based in the late 1500's in the India region of the world. Epic romance with a warrior princess meeting the love of her life. Unfortunately, he's an American soldier from the 1960's and the king from a neighboring country. This is book one in the "time series."
In "Time Conquers All," Tamea, a nineteen-year old warrior princess from the India region of the world in the late 1500's, is being plagued by disturbing dreams and visions of the future. Tamea is assigned to protect a visiting king from a neighboring country while their two countries solidify a treaty that will benefit both countries. This king brings with him assassins that want to kill him and his family who are hiding a bigger secret regarding the origins of his country.
This king is not who he seems, and Tamea must unravel the intrigue that surrounds him and his country, but even more important, she must find out why he has been haunting her dreams and visions.
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In book 2, "Rescue In Time" due to be released in June 2010, we find Tamea and Parker are connected by more than just their countries' alliances, but have a destiny to discern. Tamea continues to have the disturbing vision where Parker dies in her arms from a successful assassins bullet. She is subconsciously trying to solve the outcome to save his life in the future.
Meanwhile, in the 1500's, Tamea and Parker must take their countries to war with their neighboring country of Bengal who have been implicated as the mastermind behind the assassination attempts on both of their families' lives. Tamea must learn that not all those close to her can be trusted, maybe not even the man she loves.
Mike is a newly published author who believes in the best this life has. He has a positive energy and is always willing to help those that seek out his help. He's an enabler, a catalyst that’s willing to set the bonfire of your soul aflame. He has burning desire to help others come alive, to find the dreams once held in the heart. His intent is to help as many people as he possibly can, to bring joy to as many lives as he can, and to empower as many people as he can, and to find the life of dreams again… His life has been comprised of experience, experiences that have lead him to this point in his life. He wishes to share what it is he has learned along the way so that all will enjoy the time we have…
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This is a concise book of what we share as individuals and how to get where you want in life, through founded principals given to us through life.
Abstract: As I sit here with the blank page staring at me I am instantly reminded as to why I wrote this book. I wrote this book for you.., you holding this book in your hands, searching for more in your life, wanting to be more, to offer more, and to live... To live the life of dreams is something we all started out wanting, but for one reason or another it slipped out of our sight. This book is for you and the dreams you have. You will find your way back to what you are and along the journey you will live a Pecunious life. I wish you well on the beautiful journey we call life.
Excerpt:
I am writing this book specifically for you, in my own style and with all the quirks and mistakes that could be pointed out by anyone planning to criticize this work. I am not submitting this to a professor hoping for an “A” nor am I trying to write something academically perfect. I would like to emphasize the fact that I am neither a literary scholar nor a highly skilled author. Please do not mistake this however with a lack of confidence on my part. What I am striving to accomplish is to take the things I’ve learned and experienced throughout my life and share them with you in the hopes that some of it will inspire or enlighten you. This book is written from my heart. For this opportunity I am forever grateful and hope these words fill you with the energy and warmth that flows through me. I hope this will provide you with a roadmap that will ultimately lead you to a Pecunious Life.
My wish is that this book will become a positive source of energy for you on your journey through this life.
I have had many life-changing experiences throughout my life, and they have helped mold me into who I am now. I wish to share some of my experiences with you only for the sake of giving you a background of where I come from, nothing more. I am fully aware that there are others that have had, are having, and will have more challenging life experiences and from them we should be even more inspired by their energy and perseverance.
In 1976 on a mid August afternoon, when I was nine, I witnessed an accident that took the life of the woman I considered to be my mother and put my father in the hospital for weeks. That image is still as fresh in my mind today as it was on the day it happened.
My brother and I were on summer vacation from school. The summers in Colorado were always filled with adventure for us. Sometimes we would drive cross-country to our grandparent’s house for the summer. Other times we would spend the summer exploring the vast expanses of ranch we lived on.
This particular summer some of our relatives came out to see us and to see the majestic grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. The ranch was big and we had plenty of room, but the visit gave my brother and me an excuse to sleep outside in the camper. On that faithful day our parents and relatives decided to go caravanning into the Great Rocky Mountains. The relatives lived out in the flat lands of the east and had never seen real mountains, so it was our duty to show them. This was an experience none of us would soon forget.
The day started out as most big family gathering do with people busy doing this and that, getting ready to go out for the daytrip. For me all those details have been lost. I can’t remember if we took two or three cars. I can’t remember all of the relatives who were there, but I do remember the truck that was fire-engine red with a blue trailer as it was sliding sideways down the four lane highway. I remember the pavement was soaked from the drizzling rain and from the moment the trailer went sideways the world went into slow motion. The drainage pipes started sliding off the trailer one by one, bouncing and sliding into the median. It was as if the movie wanted me to pay close attention to the succeeding details without missing a thing, it was surreal. The truck was trying to correct the slide, but couldn’t with the trailer already moving in its own direction. Our car was just passing the truck, and then the collision took place. The truck plowed into the driver’s side of the car my parents were in, crushing the driver’s side and shoving the vehicle down a ravine and out of sight…
My memory flashes back to the point where I’m walking back to my parent’s vehicle. I notice the wildflowers on the side of the road, the colors are so brilliant. Yellow, purple these flowers seem as if they’re glowing with the brilliance of stars. The people are scurrying everywhere, but in slow motion and in silence. I can’t hear anything, not the screaming or the crying.., but the colors.., the colors stand out in my mind like that of a first kiss or of a first love. I can’t remember ever seeing colors so vivid.
I reach my parents’ vehicle lying lifeless ten or fifteen feet down in the gully. The car is soaked from the drizzling rain, glass is scattered on the trunk of the car and the ground behind it. The driver’s side is crushed, the windows on the driver’s side are all broken, the back window, is broken and so are my parents. No one is moving in the car, not even the other relatives who are passengers. I’ve seen enough.., I guess.., because I turn and walk away in silence.
Everything, everything is completely silent still. I see my cousin’s contorted face. She looks as if she is screaming and crying, but I don’t hear her. I am completely devoid of all my senses except my vision, the colors; the colors are so vivid and mesmerizing. I look up to see the rain and in it the hues of the rainbow so beautiful and brilliant. I’m amazed at the color I’m seeing. This is the start of a journey, a journey of experience that has helped mold who I am, and so I move on.
Ms. Muhammad is an award winning author of poetry and prose. She is the author of two children books, one being a tool to help parents discuss the issue of sexual abuse with their children and the other a chapter book of short stories filled with adventure. She has also her first young adult novel Love Laws which is the first of two sequels and was nominated for the 2009 Cyblis Award. Her recent work being a work of poetry called Journeys of a Soul. Her first book of poetry released in 2007 titled "Echoes of an Era" was written in dedication to her mother. In early 2009 she among many authors, became apart of the Anthology "Forever Friends" which was edited and hosted by Shelagh Watkins who's also the author of Mr. Plane makers flying Machine and " The Power of Persuasion". Ms. Muhammad is currently a staff writer for Poetic Monthly Magazine as well as book review manager. She is now the author of five books. Her books are also available on Kindle.
Journeys of a soul is poetry that whispers romance,reveals the chnges of nature and cries the ills of society while wrapping you spiritually.
The Secret of Life
The secret to a joy filled life Is being able to embrace and feel the embrace. The beautiful sequential series of Events and inter-personal relationships Weaving themselves into one Grand majestic tapestry of diversity. Synchronizing, coalescing and presenting Themselves into one awesome universe-- So complete that not a single creature Is deprived of the pleasure and richness We share and that gives us each, The security and sustenance Like a baby in the strong yet tender and Nurturing embrace of a loving mother- The sanctuary of an infant child neither Unaware of it's purpose Nor yet inspired by it's potential.
Shanty and Jessie have known each other all their lives. They shared most everything, at least that's what Jessie thought until she learned things about Shanty she never new. Wanting to be successful, Jessie embarks on a long time dream of her grandfathers and takes it in another form to the worst part of her home towns neighboorhood. being under the watchful eyes of Dustin and Russell Jessie finds herself up to her throat in Love laws.
Hugs and Kisses was written as a tool to help parents speak to their children or any child about sexual abuse. It has questions after each chapter that can be asked of the child to help them learn to "speak about it" to a parent or responsible adult. It should be read by an adult before and during introduction to the subject as it contains graphic story lines.
Why? “An increased focus on security at all levels of government agencies and projects following the events of September 11, 2001 created an enormous need within the government services arena for a company that could maintain an up-to-the-minute, in-depth knowledge of security rules and regulations and bring any given work or project up to the standards of such regulations. I saw the opportunity to fill this void and at the same time provide my client base with a security services company that they could outsource work to in order to realize time- and cost-efficiencies.
“It is constantly rewarding to me to see our thorough, needs-focused solutions and our responsive, just-in-time service assist our clients in discharging their contracts and responsibilities in a way that would not be possible if they had to maintain these functions in-house. This enables our clients to remain competitive while placing their complete confidence in our services and our personnel.”
Security background: Diane began her career in Security Administration at defense contractor. Her subsequent experience over two decades serving in a wide range of security services and administration positions includes work in personnel, information technology, and facilities security; document management and related security and compliance issue; disaster planning and crisis management. Immediately prior to founding Security First & Associates, Diane held Directorship positions at various Defense Contractors.
Education: BS, Colorado Christian University
MBA, University of Phoenix
Awards: 2008 Micro Award Winner for Count Me In -
Make Mine a Million Business Competition -
2008 Sam Walton Emerging Entrepreneur Award Winner
2008 Maryland Entrepreneur Finalist Awardee
Everything You Wanted to Know About the Security Clearance Process, But are afraid to ask The owner of a highly sought-after security consulting firm who has worked for major defense contractors, Griffin is constantly asked about the security/facility process. Her book explains why some jobs require a security clearance, how to get one, and why people who have been through the process will answer questions about it by saying, “ If I told you, I would have to kill you.”
Unlocking the mystery for her readers, Griffin shares her vast experiences and knowledge by covering the process from A to Z. If there ever was a study guide for a job that requires a security clearance, this is it!
Excerpt:
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SECURITY CLEARANCE PROCESS, BUT ARE AFRAID TO ASK www.SecurityFirstAssociates.com THE BASICS BEHIND SECURITY CLEARANCES The United States is under constant threat of having individuals, fundamentalist groups and foreign countries compromise the nation’s security. In order to combat this threat, the U.S. Federal Government maintains a process for identifying credible and trustworthy individuals, companies and industries to assist with protecting our national interests and citizens. These dynamics make Trust a precious commodity. Nothing can take its place. In order for the U.S. government to identify trustworthy candidates, it must take them through a stringent process prior to granting them access to sensitive data and critical positions. A security clearance is a privilege and not a right. The award of a security clearance does not give the recipient access to classified information in and of itself. The recipient must have a need to know the specific classified data that is given access to. With this section, I will pose appropriate questions and provide answers that are basic to security clearances including systems and people involved in the process. As you read this book and as you participate in the process of seeking a security clearance, if you have any doubts how to respond to inquiries, just remember, telling the truth is always the best practice. Q: What is a Security Clearance? A: A security clearance is a determination by the United States government that a person or company is eligible for access to classified information. There are two types of clearances: Personnel Security Clearances (individuals) and Facility Security Clearance (companies). Q: What is SCI? A: SCI is the abbreviation for Sensitive Compartmented Information. The Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) establishes standards to govern access to SCI. Q: What are the different levels of a security clearance? A: There are three security clearance levels: Confidential, Secret and Top Secret. Top Secret level clearance covers information that reasonably could cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security if disclosed to unauthorized sources. Top Secret Clearance Secret level clearance covers information that reasonably could cause serious damage to the national security if disclosed to unauthorized sources. Secret Clearance Confidential level clearance covers information that reasonably could cause damage to the national security if disclosed to unauthorized sources. Confidential Clearance EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SECURITY CLEARANCE PROCESS, BUT ARE AFRAID TO ASK www.SecurityFirstAssociates.com 6 Q: What is e-QIP? A: The Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) will replace the Electronic Personnel Security Questionnaire (EPSQ), previously used within Department of Defense (DoD) as the automated request for personnel security investigations and clearances. E-QIP is a secure website that will eventually contain all PSI forms, including the SF 86, SF 85P, and the SF 85. Within the DoD, the Facility Security Officer (FSO) at a cleared facility will initiate the request through the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) that will permit the employee to access the site and complete the personnel security questionnaire on line. Q: What is JPAS? A: JPAS is a consolidated database constructed by the DoD for the purpose of collecting and disseminating information on the security clearance status of virtually everyone in the DoD sphere of influence. This includes military, government civilian personnel, and industry contractors. The government created JPAS to create a near real-time environment where the agencies that grant clearances and the departments that use them could share a common source of information. Before JPAS, a collection of databases kept by numerous agencies, kept mostly in parallel, were responsible for keeping all this information accessible. Most of these databases were not highly accessible for user input, and information mostly rolled in one direction, from the Central Adjudicating Facilities (CAFs) to the user. JPAS was introduced in stages starting around 2002/2003 and gradually made increasingly available and then mandated for contractors around late 2004. Q: What is the difference between an interim and a full security clearance? A: Interim clearances are granted in exceptional circumstances where official functions must be performed before completion of the investigative and adjudicative processes associated with the security clearance procedure. There is no difference between an interim and a full security clearance as it relates to access to classified information. However, when such access is granted, the background investigation must be expedited, and, if unfavorable information is developed at anytime, the interim security clearance may be withdrawn. Q: How much does a security clearances cost? A: Currently, there is no direct charge for a Facility Security Clearance (FCL) or Personnel Security Clearance (PCL).
Authors in the SpotLight. Learn about the author and their books, writing, and lives. Click the picture of coffee above to meet our hosts, and see a list of schedules.
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-The interaction with other authors and readers has been so great. The hits on my blog are on a steady rise, my TBR pile is too, and I am learning so much from my fellow authors while enjoying all of the comments along the way. Thank you so much BK for all the work you have done! ~Kiki Howell http://authorsbyauthors.blogspot.com
-The VBT's have been an absolutely wonderful experience. I have been able to interview and be interviewed by some amazing and creative people. I am so thrilled to be a part of this! ~L.E.Harvey http://www.leharvey.com
-As a participating author on Brandi Drury's Virtual Book Tour the value of coverage and feedback has been indispensable. Nowhere else can an author promoting their works receive this intensity of promotional focus. Authors Supporting Authors is a developed network that permeates the blogosphere. This book tour doesn't simply get the word out about your latest writing, it gets it to the exact recipients who want it and provides you with a super-niche for promoting your book.~Lee Libro http://literary-magic.com
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