August Network of Nice Hookups!

It's time for your monthly karma cleansing, friends!

If you're new to The Network of Nice, here's the deal:
1) Look through the hook up requests - if you can help someone, email them.
2) Look through the hook up offers - if someone can help you, email them.
3) Write a thoughtful, thorough thank you email to anyone who took the time to help you out.  Because you're a kind, well-raised individual.

I need a hook-up!

I'd love to make friends in Reno, Nevada

I'm 23, and I recently moved to Reno after deciding to quit a PhD program in Los Angeles. As a  currently unemployed, new resident, I'm not sure how to go about  making new friends. Hopefully the network of nice can help! I like literature, cooking, caffeine, animals, sci fi/fantasy tv shows and I'm trying (very slowly) to start running. I'm also in the market for a book club if anyone knows of a good one in the area.
cloie.webster@gmail (dot) com

I want to meet new people in London

I was born and raised in London but left the city four years ago to live in France, Spain and the USA. Now that I'm making plans to return to my beloved hometown in a couple of months, all of my friends have relocated too. So, I'm looking for new London-based chums to adventure with. Things I love to do in London include museum lattes, weekend breakfasts and market wandering, day trips, bookstore rummaging, drag queen bingo and even nights in with cake, nail polish and Dirty Dancing. Let’s be friends!
calamitykanne@gmail (dot) com

I want to know about getting an advanced degree in Humanities
I'm hoping that you might be able to hook me up with someone who has an advanced degree in the humanities (a Masters or preferably a PhD in English, history, philosophy) who graduated and didn't get/take an academic job. I'd love to hear stories about what people are doing with their degrees out in the big world beyond university, because I'm still trying to figure out what I might do, or what I could possibly do, and as I'll be done my PhD in a little over a year, I need to start figuring out what's next.
meldalgleish@gmail (dot) com

I'd love to meet people in Melbourne
So, I'm moving from Queenstown, NZ to Melbourne, AU in the next few weeks (possibly next week!) with feck all sorted. I'm not too worried about sussing a flat and job (although if someone has either or both on offer I wouldn't say no!) but more so about meeting people! I'm 27, love everything and nothing in particular - fashion, books, good food, big nights out, I'm trying to like cooking and am dead keen on exploring the city... if anyone wants a friend, I am most definitely available.
elliemiller99@gmail (dot) com

I need to know about Istanbul/TEFL
I am taking a TEFL Certificate course in Istanbul starting in September and I would love any and all advice people can give me about living in Istanbul and/or teaching English.
roxsaidah@gmail (dot) com

I need help writing a Japanese letter to my host family in Osaka
It's been 15 years since I stayed with my Japanese host family for 4 months while I studied abroad during college.  They were so wonderful to me, and I still think about them often.  Unfortunately,  I do not think about my Japanese language skills very often and they have gotten really bad!   I have a draft of what I'd like to write to them, and  then some English filled in where I can't remember the Japanese.  If you could proof-read it for me and help fill in the gaps, it would mean a lot.  I've been wanting to do this ever since this tsunami.   For whoever helps, I'll donate $15 in your name to one of the Japan Relief funds on globalgiving.org     ありがとうございます   
agwynne@hotmail (dot) com
Looking for a penpal

I'd love to have a penpal from anywhere around the globe (I'm from Spain), to send them emails and/or letters. I love sharing things with people, and if you love discovering new things, this could be a great adventure!

maria.nieto013@gmail (dot) com

I'd like to talk to someone who had taught English abroad
I'm graduating college in a year with a degree in anthropology, and I'm considering teaching English abroad (probably in South Korea). I'd like to talk to people who've done this before--anything you can tell me about your experiences, reliable placement agencies, or unexpected difficulties/awesomeness would be great.
emily@chapman-leff (dot) net

I'd like to talk to someone about art conservation
Perhaps a bit obscure, but I'm looking for folks working in or studying art conservation. I want to get myself into the field but feel overwhelmed by program per-requirements and internships, and would love to talk to someone who's been there!

olivia.hillmer@gmail (dot) com

I can give you a hook-up!

I can tell you about traveling to or living in L.A
My name is Rachael and I can tell you all about life in Los Angeles, for the casual visitor to the new resident! I have been living in the Los Angeles area for eighteen years and write for a monthly visitors guide on anything and everything L.A. I would be more than happy to help upcoming L.A. visitors/residents with recommendations on where to eat, drink, shop, and play and even how to maneuver the metro as it can be intimidating. I tailor my advice according to your interests/time/budget. glassofwinATgmail (dot) com

Running/Toronto/Young Divorce
I can tell you what it's like to live in Toronto, Canada, or how to cope with getting divorced young, or how to become a runner!
meldalgleish@gmail (dot) com

I can tell you about AmericorpsI am entering my second year as an AmeriCorps volunteer and would love to speak to anyone who is curious about applying for AmeriCorps jobs and wants to hear about the experience. Over the past year, I've learned how to budget my meager stipend, find a good work/life balance, and invest myself in my new community. I am happy to share this experience with those who are considering it!
hiphiphoratio@gmail (dot) com

I can talk to you about college marching band!
I'm in my third year in a 180 piece marching band at a large public university, and I marched for three years in high school too. I can tell you my experience about what it's like to balance band with schoolwork, as well as talk about the work that actually goes in to putting together a show.
mwhitney1020@gmail (dot) com

I can help you plan your party or book your band's gig - for free, remotely 

I offer great event planning services for no charge (since I'm still making a name for myself). I can work remotely so distance is no problem! Preparation for parties, bar + bat mitzvahs, weddings, company events - anything!  I manage bands; I can hook up aspiring artists (solo or bands) who are looking for their big break! Again, I can work remotely so distance is no issue. 

rlmiller16@gmail (dot) com

Want to be included in a future Network of Nice?  Email me 100 words about your hook up request/offer at sarah (at) yesandyes (dot) org!

original photo (without text on top) by ali bubba, for sale here