#continental bank building

[dailyanarchistposts]

Chapter 7: Mutual Aid Amongst Ourselves (Part 2)

As to the Continent, we find the communal institutions fully alive in many parts of France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, the Scandinavian lands, and Spain, to say nothing of Eastern Europe; the village life in these countries is permeated with communal habits and customs; and almost every year the Continental literature is enriched by serious works dealing with this and connected subjects. I must, therefore, limit my illustrations to the most typical instances. Switzerland is undoubtedly one of them. Not only the five republics of Uri, Schwytz, Appenzell, Glarus, and Unterwalden hold their lands as undivided estates, and are governed by their popular folkmotes, but in all other cantons too the village communities remain in possession of a wide self-government, and own large parts of the Federal territory.[269] Two-thirds of all the Alpine meadows and two-thirds of all the forests of Switzerland are until now communal land; and a considerable number of fields, orchards, vineyards, peat bogs, quarries, and so on, are owned in common. In the Vaud, where all the householders continue to take part in the deliberations of their elected communal councils, the communal spirit is especially alive. Towards the end of the winter all the young men of each village go to stay a few days in the woods, to fell timber and to bring it down the steep slopes tobogganing way, the timber and the fuel wood being divided among all households or sold for their benefit. These excursions are real fêtes of manly labour. On the banks of Lake Leman part of the work required to keep up the terraces of the vineyards is still done in common; and in the spring, when the thermometer threatens to fall below zero before sunrise, the watchman wakes up all householders, who light fires of straw and dung and protect their vine-trees from the frost by an artificial cloud. In nearly all cantons the village communities possess so-called Bürgernutzen — that is, they hold in common a number of cows, in order to supply each family with butter; or they keep communal fields or vineyards, of which the produce is divided between the burghers, or they rent their land for the benefit of the community.[270]

It may be taken as a rule that where the communes have retained a wide sphere of functions, so as to be living parts of the national organism, and where they have not been reduced to sheer misery, they never fail to take good care of their lands. Accordingly the communal estates in Switzerland strikingly contrast with the miserable state of “commons” in this country. The communal forests in the Vaud and the Valais are admirably managed, in conformity with the rules of modern forestry. Elsewhere the “strips” of communal fields, which change owners under the system of re-allotment, are very well manured, especially as there is no lack of meadows and cattle. The high level meadows are well kept as a rule, and the rural roads are excellent.[271] And when we admire the Swiss châlet, the mountain road, the peasants’ cattle, the terraces of vineyards, or the school-house in Switzerland, we must keep in mind that without the timber for the châlet being taken from the communal woods and the stone from the communal quarries, without the cows being kept on the communal meadows, and the roads being made and the school-houses built by communal work, there would be little to admire.

It hardly need be said that a great number of mutual-aid habits and customs continue to persist in the Swiss villages. The evening gatherings for shelling walnuts, which take place in turns in each household; the evening parties for sewing the dowry of the girl who is going to marry; the calling of “aids” for building the houses and taking in the crops, as well as for all sorts of work which may be required by one of the commoners; the custom of exchanging children from one canton to the other, in order to make them learn two languages, French and German; and so on — all these are quite habitual;[272] while, on the other side, diverse modern requirements are met in the same spirit. Thus in Glarus most of the Alpine meadows have been sold during a time of calamity; but the communes still continue to buy field land, and after the newly-bought fields have been left in the possession of separate commoners for ten, twenty, or thirty years, as the case might be, they return to the common stock, which is re-allotted according to the needs of all. A great number of small associations are formed to produce some of the necessaries for life — bread, cheese, and wine — by common work, be it only on a limited scale; and agricultural co-operation altogether spreads in Switzerland with the greatest ease. Associations formed between ten to thirty peasants, who buy meadows and fields in common, and cultivate them as co-owners, are of common occurrence; while dairy associations for the sale of milk, butter, and cheese are organized everywhere. In fact, Switzerland was the birthplace of that form of co-operation. It offers, moreover, an immense field for the study of all sorts of small and large societies, formed for the satisfaction of all sorts of modern wants. In certain parts of Switzerland one finds in almost every village a number of associations — for protection from fire, for boating, for maintaining the quays on the shores of a lake, for the supply of water, and so on; and the country is covered with societies of archers, sharpshooters, topographers, footpath explorers, and the like, originated from modern militarism.

Switzerland is, however, by no means an exception in Europe, because the same institutions and habits are found in the villages of France, of Italy, of Germany, of Denmark, and so on. We have just seen what has been done by the rulers of France in order to destroy the village community and to get hold of its lands; but notwithstanding all that one-tenth part of the whole territory available for culture, i.e. 13,500,000 acres, including one-half of all the natural meadows and nearly a fifth part of all the forests of the country, remain in communal possession. The woods supply the communers with fuel, and the timber wood is cut, mostly by communal work, with all desirable regularity; the grazing lands are free for the commoners’ cattle; and what remains of communal fields is allotted and re-allotted in certain parts Ardennes — in the usual of France — namely, in the way.[273]

These additional sources of supply, which aid the poorer peasants to pass through a year of bad crops without parting with their small plots of land and without running into irredeemable debts, have certainly their importance for both the agricultural labourers and the nearly three millions of small peasant proprietors. It is even doubtful whether small peasant proprietorship could be maintained without these additional resources. But the ethical importance of the communal possessions, small as they are, is still greater than their economical value. They maintain in village life a nucleus of customs and habits of mutual aid which undoubtedly acts as a mighty check upon the development of reckless individualism and greediness, which small land-ownership is only too prone to develop. Mutual aid in all possible circumstances of village life is part of the routine life in all parts of the country. Everywhere we meet, under different names, with the charroi, i.e. the free aid of the neighbours for taking in a crop, for vintage, or for building a house; everywhere we find the same evening gatherings as have just been mentioned in Switzerland; and everywhere the commoners associate for all sorts of work. Such habits are mentioned by nearly all those who have written upon French village life. But it will perhaps be better to give in this place some abstracts from letters which I have just received from a friend of mine whom I have asked to communicate to me his observations on this subject. They come from an aged man who for years has been the mayor of his commune in South France (in Ariëge); the facts he mentions are known to him from long years of personal observation, and they have the advantage of coming from one neighbourhood instead of being skimmed from a large area. Some of them may seem trifling, but as a whole they depict quite a little world of village life.

“In several communes in our neighbourhood,” my friend writes, “the old custom of l’emprount is in vigour. When many hands are required in a métairie for rapidly making some work — dig out potatoes or mow the grass — the youth of the neighbourhood is convoked; young men and girls come in numbers, make it gaily and for nothing; and in the evening, after a gay meal, they dance.

“In the same communes, when a girl is going to marry, the girls of the neighbourhood come to aid in sewing the dowry. In several communes the women still continue to spin a good deal. When the winding off has to be done in a family it is done in one evening — all friends being convoked for that work. In many communes of the Ariège and other parts of the south-west the shelling of the Indian corn-sheaves is also done by all the neighbours. They are treated with chestnuts and wine, and the young people dance after the work has been done. The same custom is practised for making nut oil and crushing hemp. In the commune of L. the same is done for bringing in the corn crops. These days of hard work become fête days, as the owner stakes his honour on serving a good meal. No remuneration is given; all do it for each other.[274]

“In the commune of S. the common grazing-land is every year increased, so that nearly the whole of the land of the commune is now kept in common. The shepherds are elected by all owners of the cattle, including women. The bulls are communal.

“In the commune of M. the forty to fifty small sheep flocks of the commoners are brought together and divided into three or four flocks before being sent to the higher meadows. Each owner goes for a week to serve as shepherd.

“In the hamlet of C. a threshing machine has been bought in common by several households; the fifteen to twenty persons required to serve the machine being supplied by all the families. Three other threshing machines have been bought and are rented out by their owners, but the work is performed by outside helpers, invited in the usual way.

“In our commune of R. we had to raise the wall of the cemetery. Half of the money which was required for buying lime and for the wages of the skilled workers was supplied by the county council, and the other half by subscription. As to the work of carrying sand and water, making mortar, and serving the masons, it was done entirely by volunteers [just as in the Kabyle djemmâa]. The rural roads were repaired in the same way, by volunteer days of work given by the commoners. Other communes have built in the same way their fountains. The wine-press and other smaller appliances are frequently kept by the commune.”

Two residents of the same neighbourhood, questioned by my friend, add the following: —

“At O. a few years ago there was no mill. The commune has built one, levying a tax upon the commoners. As to the miller, they decided, in order to avoid frauds and partiality, that he should be paid two francs for each bread-eater, and the corn be ground free.

“At St. G. few peasants are insured against fire. When a conflagration has taken place — so it was lately — all give something to the family which has suffered from it — a chaldron, a bed-cloth, a chair, and so on — and a modest household is thus reconstituted. All the neighbours aid to build the house, and in the meantime the family is lodged free by the neighbours.”

Such habits of mutual support — of which many more examples could be given — undoubtedly account for the easiness with which the French peasants associate for using, in turn, the plough with its team of horses, the wine-press, and the threshing machine, when they are kept in the village by one of them only, as well as for the performance of all sorts of rural work in common. Canals were maintained, forests were cleared, trees were planted, and marshes were drained by the village communities from time immemorial; and the same continues still. Quite lately, in La Borne of Lozère barren hills were turned into rich gardens by communal work. “The soil was brought on men’s backs; terraces were made and planted with chestnut trees, peach trees, and orchards, and water was brought for irrigation in canals two or three miles long.” Just now they have dug a new canal, eleven miles in length.[275]

To the same spirit is also due the remarkable success lately obtained by the syndicats agricoles, or peasants’ and farmers’ associations. It was not until 1884 that associations of more than nineteen persons were permitted in France, and I need not say that when this “dangerous experiment” was ventured upon — so it was styled in the Chambers — all due “precautions” which functionaries can invent were taken. Notwithstanding all that, France begins to be covered with syndicates. At the outset they were only formed for buying manures and seeds, falsification having attained colossal proportions in these two branches;[276] but gradually they extended their functions in various directions, including the sale of agricultural produce and permanent improvements of the land. In South France the ravages of the phylloxera have called into existence a great number of wine-growers’ associations. Ten to thirty growers form a syndicate, buy a steam-engine for pumping water, and make the necessary arrangements for inundating their vineyards in turn.[277] New associations for protecting the land from inundations, for irrigation purposes, and for maintaining canals are continually formed, and the unanimity of all peasants of a neighbourhood, which is required by law, is no obstacle. Elsewhere we have the fruitières, or dairy associations, in some of which all butter and cheese is divided in equal parts, irrespective of the yield of each cow. In the Ariège we find an association of eight separate communes for the common culture of their lands, which they have put together; syndicates for free medical aid have been formed in 172 communes out of 337 in the same department; associations of consumers arise in connection with the syndicates; and so on.[278] “Quite a revolution is going on in our villages,” Alfred Baudrillart writes, “through these associations, which take in each region their own special characters.”

“Very much the same must be said of Germany. Wherever the peasants could resist the plunder of their lands, they have retained them in communal ownership, which largely prevails in Württemberg, Baden, Hohenzollern, and in the Hessian province of Starkenberg.[279] The communal forests are kept, as a rule, in an excellent state, and in thousands of communes timber and fuel wood are divided every year among all inhabitants; even the old custom of the Lesholztag is widely spread: at the ringing of the village bell all go to the forest to take as much fuel wood as they can carry.[280] In Westphalia one finds communes in which all the land is cultivated as one common estate, in accordance with all requirements of modern agronomy. As to the old communal customs and habits, they are in vigour in most parts of Germany. The calling in of aids, which are real fêtes of labour, is known to be quite habitual in Westphalia, Hesse, and Nassau. In well-timbered regions the timber for a new house is usually taken from the communal forest, and all the neighbours join in building the house. Even in the suburbs of Frankfort it is a regular custom among the gardeners that in case of one of them being ill all come on Sunday to cultivate his garden.[281]

In Germany, as in France, as soon as the rulers of the people repealed their laws against the peasant associations — that was only in 1884–1888 — these unions began to develop with a wonderful rapidity, notwithstanding all legal obstacles which were put in their way[282]. “It is a fact,” Buchenberger says, “that in thousands of village communities, in which no sort of chemical manure or rational fodder was ever known, both have become of everyday use, to a quite unforeseen extent, owing to these associations” (vol. ii. p. 507). All sorts of labour-saving implements and agricultural machinery, and better breeds of cattle, are bought through the associations, and various arrangements for improving the quality of the produce begin to be introduced. Unions for the sale of agricultural produce are also formed, as well as for permanent improvements of the land.[283]

From the point of view of social economics all these efforts of the peasants certainly are of little importance. They cannot substantially, and still less permanently, alleviate the misery to which the tillers of the soil are doomed all over Europe. But from the ethical point of view, which we are now considering, their importance cannot be overrated. They prove that even under the system of reckless individualism which now prevails the agricultural masses piously maintain their mutual-support inheritance; and as soon as the States relax the iron laws by means of which they have broken all bonds between men, these bonds are at once reconstituted, notwithstanding the difficulties, political, economical, and social, which are many, and in such forms as best answer to the modern requirements of production. They indicate in which direction and in which form further progress must be expected.

I might easily multiply such illustrations, taking them from Italy, Spain, Denmark, and so on, and pointing out some interesting features which are proper to each of these countries.[284] The Slavonian populations of Austria and the Balkan peninsula, among whom the “compound family,” or “undivided household,” is found in existence, ought also to be mentioned.[285] But I hasten to pass on to Russia, where the same mutual-support tendency takes certain new and unforeseen forms. Moreover, in dealing with the village community in Russia we have the advantage: of possessing an immense mass of materials, collected during the colossal house-to-house inquest which was lately made by several zemstvos (county councils), and which embraces a population of nearly 20,000,000 peasants in different parts of the country.[286]

Two important conclusions may be drawn from the bulk of evidence collected by the Russian inquests. In Middle Russia, where fully one-third of the peasants have been brought to utter ruin (by heavy taxation, small allotments of unproductive land, rack rents, and very severe tax-collecting after total failures of crops), there was, during the first five-and-twenty years after the emancipation of the serfs, a decided tendency towards the constitution of individual property in land within the village communities. Many impoverished “horseless” peasants abandoned their allotments, and this land often became the property of those richer peasants, who borrow additional incomes from trade, or of outside traders, who buy land chiefly for exacting rack rents from the peasants. It must also be added that a flaw in the land redemption law of 1861 offered great facilities for buying peasants’ lands at a very small expense,[287] and that the State officials mostly used their weighty influence in favour of individual as against communal ownership. However, for the last twenty years a strong wind of opposition to the individual appropriation of the land blows again through the Middle Russian villages, and strenuous efforts are being made by the bulk of those peasants who stand between the rich and the very poor to uphold the village community. As to the fertile steppes of the South, which are now the most populous and the richest part of European Russia, they were mostly colonized, during the present century, under the system of individual ownership or occupation, sanctioned in that form by the State. But since improved methods of agriculture with the aid of machinery have been introduced in the region, the peasant owners have gradually begun themselves to transform their individual ownership into communal possession, and one finds now, in that granary of Russia, a very great number of spontaneously formed village communities of recent origin.[288]

The Crimea and the part of the mainland which lies to the north of it (the province of Taurida), for which we have detailed data, offer an excellent illustration of that movement. This territory began to be colonized, after its annexation in 1783, by Great, Little, and White Russians — Cossacks, freemen, and runaway serfs — who came individually or in small groups from all corners of Russia. They took first to cattle-breeding, and when they began later on to till the soil, each one tilled as much as he could afford to. But when — immigration continuing, and perfected ploughs being introduced — land stood in great demand, bitter disputes arose among the settlers. They lasted for years, until these men, previously tied by no mutual bonds, gradually came to the idea that an end must be put to disputes by introducing village-community ownership. They passed decisions to the effect that the land which they owned individually should henceforward be their common property, and they began to allot and to re-allot it in accordance with the usual village-community rules. The movement gradually took a great extension, and on a small territory, the Taurida statisticians found 161 villages in which communal ownership had been introduced by the peasant proprietors themselves, chiefly in the years 1855–1885, in lieu of individual ownership. Quite a variety of village-community types has been freely worked out in this way by the settlers.[289]

What adds to the interest of this transformation is that it took place, not only among the Great Russians, who are used to village-community life, but also among Little Russians, who have long since forgotten it under Polish rule, among Greeks and Bulgarians, and even among Germans, who have long since worked out in their prosperous and half-industrial Volga colonies their own type of village community.[290] It is evident that the Mussulman Tartars of Taurida hold their land under the Mussulman customary law, which is limited personal occupation; but even with them the European village community has been introduced in a few cases. As to other nationalities in Taurida, individual ownership has been abolished in six Esthonian, two Greek, two Bulgarian, one Czech, and one German village. This movement is characteristic for the whole of the fertile steppe region of the south. But separate instances of it are also found in Little Russia. Thus in a number of villages of the province of Chernigov the peasants were formerly individual owners of their plots; they had separate legal documents for their plots and used to rent and to sell their land at will. But in the fifties of the nineteenth century a movement began among them in favour of communal possession, the chief argument being the growing number of pauper families. The initiative of the reform was taken in one village, and the others followed suit, the last case on record dating from 1882. Of course there were struggles between the poor, who usually claim for communal possession, and the rich, who usually prefer individual ownership; and the struggles often lasted for years. In certain places the unanimity required then by the law being impossible to obtain, the village divided into two villages, one under individual ownership and the other under communal possession; and so they remained until the two coalesced into one community, or else they remained divided still. As to Middle Russia, its a fact that in many villages which were drifting towards individual ownership there began since 1880 a mass movement in favour of re-establishing the village community. Even peasant proprietors who had lived for years under the individualist system returned en masse to the communal institutions. Thus, there is a considerable number of ex-serfs who have received one-fourth part only of the regulation allotments, but they have received them free of redemption and in individual ownership.

There was in 1890 a wide-spread movement among them (in Kursk, Ryazan, Tambov, Orel, etc.) towards putting their allotments together and introducing the village community. The “free agriculturists” (volnyie khlebopashtsy), who were liberated from serfdom under the law of 1803, and had bought their allotments — each family separately — are now nearly all under the village-community system, which they have introduced themselves. All these movements are of recent origin, and non-Russians too join them. Thus the Bulgares in the district of Tiraspol, after having remained for sixty years under the personal-property system, introduced the village community in the years 1876–1882. The German Mennonites of Berdyansk fought in 1890 for introducing the village community, and the small peasant proprietors (Kleinwirthschaftliche) among the German Baptists were agitating in their villages in the same direction. One instance more: In the province of Samara the Russian government created in the forties, by way of experiment, 103 villages on the system of individual ownership. Each household received a splendid property of 105 acres. In 1890, out of the 103 villages the peasants in 72 had already notified the desire of introducing the village community. I take all these facts from the excellent work of V.V., who simply gives, in a classified form, the facts recorded in the above-mentioned house-to-house inquest.

This movement in favour of communal possession runs badly against the current economical theories, according to which intensive culture is incompatible with the village community. But the most charitable thing that can be said of these theories is that they have never been submitted to the test of experiment: they belong to the domain of political metaphysics. The facts which we have before us show, on the contrary, that wherever the Russian peasants, owing to a concurrence of favourable circumstances, are less miserable than they are on the average, and wherever they find men of knowledge and initiative among their neighbours, the village community becomes the very means for introducing various improvements in agriculture and village life altogether. Here, as elsewhere, mutual aid is a better leader to progress than the war of each against all, as may be seen from the following facts.

Under Nicholas the First’s rule many Crown officials and serf-owners used to compel the peasants to introduce the communal culture of small plots of the village lands, in order to refill the communal storehouses after loans of grain had been granted to the poorest commoners. Such cultures, connected in the peasants’ minds with the worst reminiscences of serfdom, were abandoned as soon as serfdom was abolished but now the peasants begin to reintroduce them on their own account. In one district (Ostrogozhsk, in Kursk) the initiative of one person was sufficient to call them to life in four-fifths of all the villages. The same is met with in several other localities. On a given day the commoners come out, the richer ones with a plough or a cart and the poorer ones single-handed, and no attempt is made to discriminate one’s share in the work. The crop is afterwards used for loans to the poorer commoners, mostly free grants, or for the orphans and widows, or for the village church, or for the school, or for repaying a communal debt.[291]

That all sorts of work which enters, so to say, in the routine of village life (repair of roads and bridges, dams, drainage, supply of water for irrigation, cutting of wood, planting of trees, etc.) are made by whole communes, and that land is rented and meadows are mown by whole communes — the work being accomplished by old and young, men and women, in the way described by Tolstoi — is only what one may expect from people living under the village-community system.[292] They are of everyday occurrence all over the country. But the village community is also by no means averse to modern agricultural improvements, when it can stand the expense, and when knowledge, hitherto kept for the rich only, finds its way into the peasant’s house.

It has just been said that perfected ploughs rapidly spread in South Russia, and in many cases the village communities were instrumental in spreading their use. A plough was bought by the community, experimented upon on a portion of the communal land, and the necessary improvements were indicated to the makers, whom the communes often aided in starting the manufacture of cheap ploughs as a village industry. In the district of Moscow, where 1,560 ploughs were lately bought by the peasants during five years, the impulse came from those communes which rented lands as a body for the special purpose of improved culture.

In the north-east (Vyatka) small associations of peasants, who travel with their winnowing machines (manufactured as a village industry in one of the iron districts), have spread the use of such machines in the neighbouring governments. The very wide spread of threshing machines in Samara, Saratov, and Kherson is due to the peasant associations, which can afford to buy a costly engine, while the individual peasant cannot. And while we read in nearly all economical treatises that the village community was doomed to disappear when the three-fields system had to be substituted by the rotation of crops system, we see in Russia many village communities taking the initiative of introducing the rotation of crops. Before accepting it the peasants usually set apart a portion of the communal fields for an experiment in artificial meadows, and the commune buys the seeds.[293] If the experiment proves successful they find no difficulty whatever in re-dividing their fields, so as to suit the five or six fields system.

This system is now in use in hundreds of villages of Moscow, Tver, Smolensk, Vyatka, and Pskov.[294] And where land can be spared the communities give also a portion of their domain to allotments for fruit-growing. Finally, the sudden extension lately taken in Russia by the little model farms, orchards, kitchen gardens, and silkworm-culture grounds — which are started at the village school-houses, under the conduct of the school-master, or of a village volunteer — is also due to the support they found with the village communities.

Moreover, such permanent improvements as drainage and irrigation are of frequent occurrence. For instance, in three districts of the province of Moscow — industrial to a great extent — drainage works have been accomplished within the last ten years on a large scale in no less than 180 to 200 different villages — the commoners working themselves with the spade. At another extremity of Russia, in the dry Steppes of Novouzen, over a thousand dams for ponds were built and several hundreds of deep wells were sunk by the communes; while in a wealthy German colony of the south-east the commoners worked, men and women alike, for five weeks in succession, to erect a dam, two miles long, for irrigation purposes. What could isolated men do in that struggle against the dry climate? What could they obtain through individual effort when South Russia was struck with the marmot plague, and all people living on the land, rich and poor, commoners and individualists, had to work with their hands in order to conjure the plague? To call in the policeman would have been of no use; to associate was the only possible remedy.

And now, after having said so much about mutual aid and support which are practised by the tillers of the soil in “civilized” countries, I see that I might fill an octavo volume with illustrations taken from the life of the hundreds of millions of men who also live under the tutorship of more or less centralized States, but are out of touch with modern civilization and modern ideas. I might describe the inner life of a Turkish village and its network of admirable mutual-aid customs and habits. On turning over my leaflets covered with illustrations from peasant life in Caucasia, I come across touching facts of mutual support. I trace the same customs in the Arab djemmâa and the Afghan purra, in the villages of Persia, India, and Java, in the undivided family of the Chinese, in the encampments of the semi-nomads of Central Asia and the nomads of the far North. On consulting taken at random in the literature of Africa, I find them replete with similar facts — of aids convoked to take in the crops, of houses built by all inhabitants of the village — sometimes to repair the havoc done by civilized filibusters — of people aiding each other in case of accident, protecting the traveller, and so on. And when I peruse such works as Post’s compendium of African customary law I understand why, notwithstanding all tyranny, oppression, robberies and raids, tribal wars, glutton kings, deceiving witches and priests, slave-hunters, and the like, these populations have not gone astray in the woods; why they have maintained a certain civilization, and have remained men, instead of dropping to the level of straggling families of decaying orang-outans. The fact is, that the slave-hunters, the ivory robbers, the fighting kings, the Matabele and the Madagascar “heroes” pass away, leaving their traces marked with blood and fire; but the nucleus of mutual-aid institutions, habits, and customs, grown up in the tribe and the village community, remains; and it keeps men united in societies, open to the progress of civilization, and ready to receive it when the day comes that they shall receive civilization instead of bullets.

The same applies to our civilized world. The natural and social calamities pass away. Whole populations are periodically reduced to misery or starvation; the very springs of life are crushed out of millions of men, reduced to city pauperism; the understanding and the feelings of the millions are vitiated by teachings worked out in the interest of the few. All this is certainly a part of our existence. But the nucleus of mutual-support institutions, habits, and customs remains alive with the millions; it keeps them together; and they prefer to cling to their customs, beliefs, and traditions rather than to accept the teachings of a war of each against all, which are offered to them under the title of science, but are no science at all.

[racefortheironthrone]

With housing becoming increasingly unaffordable to many Americans, do you think we might start to see bigger companies and labor unions start buying and/or building housing for their workers?

Companies, not so much, because especially post-tech layoffs, the dominant paradigm is to view labor costs as something to be avoided and passed on to consumers or the government etc. as much as possible. So even though workforce housing is a sound investment, most employers won't put in the money.

Labor unions have done this historically, but it's a heavy lift when it comes to organizational capacity, especially when the costs are distributed across ever-smaller numbers of members. It's also the case that U.S banking, housing, and labor law makes it unnecessarily difficult to build cooperative housing of this sort.

Changing the law and financial policies to something more similar to continental Europe or Scandinavia would dramatically alter how much cooperative housing is built in the U.S.

[irregularincidents]

In 1913, Brooklyn-based engineer Carrol Livingston Riker approached the papers with a plan to solve the issue of cold winters in Canada and New England... by diverting the Gulf Stream that provides Western Europe with its temperate climate so that the warm ocean currents provide their benefits to the Eastern parts of North America instead, such as warmer winters and fewer icebergs.

The manner with this would be achieved, Riker states, would be by building a 200 mile long pier off the coast of Newfoundland along the Grand Bank to where the deep ocean begins, meaning that in places the pier would have to be some 300 plus feet deep in places.

Naturally the fact that this would plunge the British Isles and Western continental Europe into freezing winters that match those in Northern Canada (Britain being at the same latitude as places like Labrador, Canada) isn't lost on the writers of the article in the St Louis Star and Times, nor the fact that as Canada was a British colony at the time which the United States would have to potentially annex to complete the megastructure, but Riker considers the overall net good (for Americans) makes the benefits outweigh the costs.

Despite the devastating climate catastrophe for Europe (the Star and Times amusingly suggesting that it could also cause the poles to shift) that could occur from this theoretical plan, Riker nonetheless received support from folk from both Harvard and Yale, in addition to the United States Naval Observatory, with the engineer also presenting his arguments so successfully to New York Representative Calder he attempted to introduce a bill to Congress to obtain funding for the project...

This did not actually happen, obviously, but it bring to mind a similar project first proposed in 1928 by German architect Herman Sörgel, which he named Atlantropa. Here Sörgel proposed damming and draining the Mediterranean, with the control flow of water through dams at Gibraltar and other points around the sea, which he theorised would create endless energy, new resources and uncovered land for people to settle in Southern Europe and Northern Africa.

However, much like Riker's pier, this would have ALSO created horrible climate change issues (rather than creating new farmland it would essentially turn the Med into a giant salt desert, which the sun would heat further causing the potential desertification of Southern Europe), technological issues with constructing the project in the first place, would have bankrupted all the countries that required access to the Med to trade, AND further opening up Africa and the Middle East to even more colonisation efforts by European powers.

[lu-inlondon]

Imagine, if you will, the year 1984.

It's a fairly normal year compared to what's been going on in the last of them. People are killing each other en masse and it feels like the end of the world is upon them, but Hob's lived through a few of those already and he's sure they'll keep on spinning.

He's back in London after an extended period in continental Europe and one faked death. (It's easier now, coming back to London. He just has to change the borough he lives in. There are so many people, he just turns into another vaguely familiar face in the crowd for those who knew him.)

Five years to go, then it's time to meet his Stranger again.

He's working at a bank. It's not his favourite job, but he's charming - always has been - and surprisingly good with numbers, which is all it takes for him to be successful enough to not have to worry about the next couple of years. There's a residential flat building he bought two identities ago that he manages on the side, renting himself a room as well.

Hob's comfortable. And at the same time, vibrating out of his skin.

Their 1889 meeting had been a disaster. He'd been overly confident and paid the price for it. If more was yet to come, remained to be seen, but it gnawed on him. He would live, sure, but losing his Stranger because of something he said nearly one hundred years ago drove him mad.

And then there were the songs.

Hob wasn't sure why, but so much of the music playing on the radio reminded him of his Stranger, that oftentimes, all he could do was turn it off.

How can I just let you walk away? Just let you leave without a trace

It was by far the worst he'd heard yet because it described just what had happened.

Because he had let his Stranger leave in the pouring rain. He had made no attempt to follow him, to catch up to him and explain what he'd meant. And just like in the centuries before that, he'd been gone, nowhere to be found.

After the song came out in March, Hob's radio was turned off near permanently. He didn't even go to see the film, which didn't sound too bad if he was being honest. But the thought alone to hear the song-

1989 came and went, his Stranger was still gone and the White Horse was closing. Hob had fought - for as long as he could - but there was nothing he could do. The new development had promised too much to the borough, some local middle-class guy insisting that it was a historic landmark stood no chance.

Buying a new venue for them to meet had sounded like a smart idea at the time. He didn't know when - or if - his Stranger would finally show, but Hob needed to be here when he finally did.

It didn't much feel like a good idea any longer when he stood in what would eventually be the taproom, surrounded by nothing but peeling wallpaper and dirty old floorboards.

So take a look at me now, oh there's just an empty space And there's nothin' left here to remind me Just the memory of your face

He couldn't even imagine his Stranger here, not really. He'd only ever seen him at the White Horse or in his dreams and after so many years, the memory was hazy.

The only person who knew the most important things about him, lost to time as everyone else.

It hurt more than he thought it would. Hurt longer, too.

Hob poured his soul into the new pub. He's got the money to have other people do the dirty work, but it felt wrong. It felt as if he had to be the one to do this, do remove the rest of decade-old flowery wallpaper, to rip out the creaking floorboards, to tear down walls. He had to be the one to build the new bar, stain the wood to be just the right warm colour to make this homey.

If he put his very being into this, maybe his stranger would come back.

Slowly, it took shape. There's still much missing but if Hob's got one thing, it's time. He quit his job at the bank, and spend nearly all his time at The New Inn. The name isn't really creative, but it doesn't have to be. It's meant to be a clear sign for his Stranger, flashing brightly to make him find his way back to Hob.

When it's done and there's nothing left to do, Hob sits down on a barstool and listens.

It's empty, quiet. Outside he can hear the rain prattle against the window, cars driving along the road, a mum calling for her kid, but the pub's empty. It's just Hob like it's been for a good while now.

Maybe it's better this way. At least he doesn't have to explain why he sits at his own bar, stone-cold sober and crying.

I wish, I could just make you turn around Turn around and see me cry

The years go on, as they always do. Time stops for no one, not even two immortals.

Hob stays in London, as risky as it may be. He manages the New Inn for a while before he moves to the other side of town, starting a degree because it's been a while since he spent time getting a proper education. The thought of teaching history is crazy at first - an inside joke he tells himself - but at some point, it feels right. So he keeps at it.

It's a bit like the inn, he supposes. His Stranger is gone and with him his connection to his past. He's floating through time untethered, so he's trying to put down anchors: the new pub, teaching, a flat to live in for more than a dozen years.

It's different. But it's nice.

His bartenders are either old people, short of their retirement, or students. Neither of them stays around long enough to catch onto the fact that he hasn't aged a day since he met them. It's his one rule for people he regularly interacts with and slowly it lessens the worry that he'll be found out again.

He switches universities, gets new colleagues, slowly loses touch with the old ones and clings to the material he teaches.

He loves it, no doubt, but sometimes when he's still down at the pub grading papers when everyone's already asleep in their beds, he stares at the empty room. Decades have passed and there's still no sign of his stranger.

Hob closes a hand around his glass, stares into the rest of amber liquid that has taken on the room's temperature hours ago. He won't drink it anymore, but it's the best thing he's got to talk to. Talking about his day to an empty pint isn't the same as telling his Stranger about the last hundred years, but it's a start. If anything, he's just transferring all to his memory so when he comes back - because Hob is sure he'll see his Stranger again - he won't miss any of the important details.

But to wait for you, is all I can do and that's what I've got to face Take a good look at me now, 'cos I'll still be standin' here And you coming back to me is against all odds It's the chance I've gotta take

[ziad246]

Egypt Approves 50 Billion Pound Investment to Boost Tourism

Egypt has recently authorized a substantial financial package worth 50 billion Egyptian pounds to bolster its tourism sector by expanding hotel capacities. This strategic initiative is projected to create around 45,000 new job opportunities, directly and indirectly, thereby supporting the government's efforts to combat unemployment through increased private-sector investment.

The allocated funds are specifically intended to enhance Egypt's tourism infrastructure and are prohibited from being used to settle existing banking sector debts. This condition underscores the government's commitment to the growth and revitalization of Egypt's tourism industry.

Moreover, this initiative aims to foster the development of new tourism offerings that capitalize on Egypt's rich cultural heritage and historic sites. By leveraging these assets, Egypt seeks to attract more tourists and enhance visitor experiences, thereby solidifying its position as a premier global tourism destination.

In conclusion, Egypt's decision to invest 50 billion pounds into its tourism sector represents a crucial step towards economic revitalization, job creation, and enhancing Egypt's international appeal as a tourism hub through focused infrastructure improvements and innovative tourism initiatives.

Reservations for Egypt Easter tours following the holiday week further indicate the revival of activities in Siwa Oasis during this period. The recovery of Egypt classic tours can also be attributed to increased local tourism promotion for Siwa Oasis and growing awareness of its distinctive and unique tourism offerings. The oasis provides a wide range of accommodations to suit all economic groups, with reasonable subsistence costs and no cases of exploitation or price violations, thanks to the hospitable nature of the local people.

During the winter tourist season, Siwa Oasis has witnessed a surge in popularity, driven by the active promotion of Egypt day tours by domestic tourism companies. Domestic tourism has played a significant role in reviving the winter tourism movement over the past years, as more people discover the oasis's tourism, cultural, and environmental components, as well as its serene natural beauty. Siwa Oasis has become a sought-after destination for recreation and the enjoyment of tranquility during the winter season, while also gaining recognition as a medical tourism destination during the summer.

Siwa Oasis stands out as one of the most important parks in Egypt and internationally, boasting a continental climate, warm weather, and diverse destinations and activities. It offers adventure tourism, safari tours, camping experiences, unique cultural and natural attractions, and recreational activities. International tourism companies include Siwa Oasis on their list of recommendations for tourists, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking comfort, tranquility, and a primitive way of life. Popular tour packages like the Siwa Oasis, Bahariya, and White Desert Tour Package and the unique Private Tour to Siwa Oasis allow visitors to explore the fascinating oasis and immerse themselves in its charming atmosphere, hot springs, and salt lakes. Siwa Oasis is also home to various Islamic, Roman, and Pharaonic monuments, such as the Temple of Revelation, the Tomb of Alexander the Great, the Mountain of the Dead, and the Temple of Amun and the Shali Castle.

Siwa Oasis is renowned for its medical tourism offerings during the summer months, attracting patients seeking treatments like hot sand baths for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and various skin diseases. Patients and visitors come from different regions of Egypt, as well as Arab and foreign countries, often combining their visits with other tourist destinations like Egypt and Jordan tours.

Siwa Oasis, being a natural reserve, takes pride in preserving its unique heritage architectural style, characterized by buildings of one or two floors. Hotels and tourist resorts adhere to the ancient Siwi architectural style, maintaining a unified appearance, colors, and facades. Accommodation prices cater to various budgets, ensuring a memorable and inclusive experience for all visitors.

When exploring Egypt, travelers can combine their adventures with visits to Siwa Oasis. From the bustling city of Cairo, visitors can embark on the Siwa Oasis Tour from Cairo, immersing themselves in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the oasis. Alternatively, the 7-day tour to Cairo and Siwa Oasis provides a comprehensive experience that combines the highlights of Cairo with the serenity of Siwa Oasis. For a shorter excursion, the 3 Days 2 Nights Siwa Oasis Desert tours from Cairo offer a taste of the oasis's unique charm. Other popular options include Egypt Nile Cruise tours, which allow travelers to sail along the iconic Nile River, and Egypt shore excursions, which provide opportunities to explore the country's remarkable coastal destinations.

[furlantravelfashionblogger]

Curiosidades sobre Veneza...👇

Veneza é uma ilha? Não exatamente! Na verdade, a cidade é um conjunto de 124 ilhotas que começaram a ser populadas e anexadas umas às outras a partir do século VII. Cada pedacinho da cidade possuía geralmente uma igreja, um campo (a praça) e um poço, e eram as pontes que interligavam uma parte à outra. Diferente do que muita gente pensa, Veneza não é mar e sim uma lagoa separada do mar por pequenas porções de terra.

O Canal Grande tem aproximadamente 4,2 quilômetros e profundidade de 3 a 5 metros. Uma grande ponte liga a ilha até a cidade de Mestre (como alguns dizem Veneza nova, ou Veneza continente). Por ela passam carros, ônibus e o trem.

A construção de Veneza

Para construir as casas e palácios, os venezianos fincavam troncos de madeira nos pequenos pedaços de terra para que ele ficassem bem sólidos. Em contato com a água salgada e o “caranto”, mistura de areia e argila das camadas mais fundas da lagoa, os troncos ficavam duros como pedra. A partir daí, os construtores colocavam duas camadas de placas de madeira e uma camada de blocos de pedras e tijolos sigilados posteriormente com grandes blocos de pedra de Istria, uma espécie de mármore muito resistente à água salgada e à umidade.

As margens das ilhas são revestidas com tijolos para que a erosão não “coma” o terreno da cidade. Com o passar dos anos, esses tijolos tornam-se frágeis atacados pela água salgada, pela variação da maré e pelo movimentos dos motores dos barcos. Assim, de tempos em tempos, e é necessário um restauro. A operação não é nada fácil, deve-se fechar e esvaziar o canal para trocar os tijolos danificados.

As ruas de Veneza são cobertas por pedras chamadas trachite e é exatamente debaixo de onde pisamos que está todo o sistema elétrico e hidráulico da cidade. E entre uma ilhota e outra os fios e tubulações também são atravessados pelas pontes. Veneza não possui um sistema de esgoto moderno e utiliza ainda as históricas galerias que levam a água suja aos rios e canais. Duas vezes por dia, a lagoa se esvazia e se enche de água proveniente do mar por três bocas de porto, limpando assim os canais. Em grande parte das construções existem as fossas sépticas, grandes caixas onde ocorre um tratamento da água suja antes que ela seja depositada nos canais.

Foto de 1950, mostra o canal principal se Veneza drenado e sendo escavado para ter aumentada a sua profundidade.

Curiosities about Venice...👇

Is Venice an island? Not exactly! In fact, the city is a group of 124 islets that began to be populated and annexed to each other from the 7th century onwards. Each part of the city generally had a church, a field (the square) and a well, and bridges connected one part to the other. Contrary to what many people think, Venice is not the sea but a lagoon separated from the sea by small portions of land.

The Canal Grande is approximately 4.2 kilometers long and 3 to 5 meters deep. A large bridge connects the island to the city of Mestre (as some say New Venice, or mainland Venice). Cars, buses and trains pass through it.

The construction of Venice

To build houses and palaces, the Venetians planted wooden trunks in small pieces of land so that they were solid. In contact with salt water and “caranto”, a mixture of sand and clay from the deepest layers of the lagoon, the trunks became hard as stone. From there, the builders placed two layers of wooden plates and a layer of stone blocks and bricks, later sigilated with large blocks of Istrian stone, a type of marble that is very resistant to salt water and humidity.

The banks of the islands are covered with bricks so that erosion does not “eat” the city’s land. Over the years, these bricks become fragile, attacked by salt water, tidal fluctuations and the movements of boat engines. So, from time to time, restoration is necessary. The operation is not easy at all, the channel must be closed and emptied to replace the damaged bricks.

The streets of Venice are covered with stones called trachite and it is exactly below where we step that the city's entire electrical and hydraulic system is located. And between one islet and another, wires and pipes are also crossed by bridges. Venice does not have a modern sewage system and still uses historic sewers that carry dirty water to rivers and canals. Twice a day, the lagoon empties and fills with water from the sea through three port mouths, thus cleaning the channels. In most buildings there are septic tanks, large tanks where dirty water is treated before it is deposited in the canals.

Photo from 1950, shows the main canal of Venice being drained and being excavated to increase its depth.

[mariacallous]

For most of his life, Cory Infinger has lived down a hill and along a bend in the Little Wekiva River, a gentle stream meandering northwest of Orlando. During Hurricane Ian, in September 2022, the stream swelled, inundating the homes of his family and his neighbors and also the street where they live, making it impassable.

Overnight Ian had moved slowly and violently over the state’s interior, dropping historic amounts of rain, after coming ashore in southwest Florida as a category 4 hurricane, its high winds and storm surge flattening coastal communities there.

For Infinger the deluge forced a hasty morning evacuation with his wife and youngest two of their three children. It would displace the family for months as their home underwent massive repairs. More than a year later the ordeal has left the family rattled, especially his 16- and 8-year-old children, said Infinger, who grew up fishing and trapping turtles along the Little Wekiva and now enjoys doing the same with his kids. (A 22-year-old son no longer lives at home.)

“You could tell they were sad when we came back to get the last few things,” he recalled of his kids as he described the family’s temporary stay in a rental house, and then the move back to their newly remodeled home. “It took them a while to get used to, this is our new house. Everything had changed.”

In the last seven years Florida has weathered five major hurricanes. Michael, which made landfall in 2018 in the Panhandle, was the first category 5 hurricane to strike the continental United States since Andrew in 1992. Ian, in 2022, was the costliest hurricane in state history and third-costliest on record nationwide, after Katrina in 2005 and Harvey in 2017. Recent major Florida hurricanes also include Irma in 2017, Nicole in 2022, and Idalia in 2023.

If the disasters sharpened Floridians’ resolve, in the immediate aftermath, to build back stronger and better, another crisis may be causing some to rethink where they live and the rising risk as the global climate warms.

After Ian, Infinger’s taxes and homeowners insurance, which he pays together into a bank escrow account as part of his regular mortgage payment, jumped by $450 a month. That amount could be considered moderate in a state where annual home insurance rates in the five and six figures have not been unheard of in recent years, and many homeowners have received letters from their insurers informing them that their existing policies will not be renewed.

Some homeowners have received multiple such letters from multiple insurers, leaving them scrambling from one policy to the next, as lenders require mortgage holders to carry insurance. Others whose homes are paid off are going without insurance altogether, to spare the expense.

“We deal with it,” said Infinger, who, with his wife, is considering moving away from the Little Wekiva in the coming years. For now, he said, “there’s nothing really we can do about it.”

Across the country, homeowners are grappling with skyrocketing insurance rates and dropped policies, with those in states such as California, Florida, and Louisiana hit hardest. Growing evidence suggests the soaring costs only hint at the widespread unpriced risk facing homeowners as the warming climate leads to rising seas and more damaging hurricanes and wildfires.

As many as 6.8 million properties nationwide have been affected by insurance problems, but that number represents a fraction of the 39 million homes and businesses vulnerable to flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires whose risk has not been priced into their policies, according to a study by the First Street Foundation, a nonprofit researching climate risk. Together these 39 million properties constitute what the study characterizes as an “insurance bubble,” defined by properties likely overvalued because of underpriced or subsidized insurance.

Other research suggests the changing climate has not been priced into the real estate market in a way that reflects the risk. A separate study published last year in Nature Climate Change, a peer-reviewed journal, estimates that residential properties vulnerable to flooding are overvalued by $121 billion to $237 billion, in part because of the subsidized National Flood Insurance Program.

The study found that the most overvalued properties are concentrated in coastal counties where there are no flood risk disclosure laws and where there is less personal concern about climate change. Much of the overvaluation is driven by properties situated outside of the 100-year flood zones designed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Low-income households especially are in danger of losing home equity, potentially leading to wider wealth gaps. In Florida, properties are overvalued by more than $50 billion, according to the study.

The unpriced risk is important for many reasons. Municipalities that rely on property tax revenue may be vulnerable to potential shortfalls, the study says. The National Climate Assessment pointed out last year that the overvaluation of coastal properties makes it difficult to move people out of harm’s way, because of the limited amount of compensation available through flood insurance and federal flood disaster assistance programs.

“Florida is one of the riskiest places from a climate impact standpoint that you can live in,” said Rob Moore, director of the flooding solutions team at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “One only needs to look through a few years of front pages to see how many major hurricanes have struck this state, and that definitely had an impact on how both private insurers and insurers in the public realm are looking at risk and pricing it in the state of Florida.”

“We’re so far behind in regard to pricing in the climate. That’s why we’re seeing these big [insurance] spikes in places like Florida and California and Louisiana,” said Jeremy Porter, head of climate implications research at the First Street Foundation. “It’s the first mechanism to start to price climate into the housing market.”

[maenage-a]

THE HOTEL

introduction: continental hotels are structures found all over the globe, usually in main and highly populated cities. despite not looking any different from any other luxury chain hotel, it serves as a focal point for every high end criminal and elite hitman crossing the city and it offers a wide range of services from weapons and work appropriate wear (tailored and modified on client specifications) to food and lodging for however many days needed.

the new york city's continental hotel was first established in 1904. situated in lower manhattan’s financial district, the building stands fifteen stories tall and it displays a neo-renaissance architecture style.

you know the rules. no business can be conducted on this premises, lest incurring heavy penalties

generally speaking, there are two vital rules to keep in mind when stepping inside any continental: no blood is to be spilled on company grounds and all guests are forbidden from going after their contracts or seeking information relevant to them inside the hotel

the sentence for anyone who kills inside the continental hotel is being considered excommunicado. all services are barred and entrance is no longer permitted, with (usually) immediate effect

all services must be paid with specific coins issued by the continental itself,  although payment through regular means is allowed for outsiders

people who are not making use of the hotel's services can be allowed sanctuary. this is strictly subject to the manager's discretion and authority

continentals   (and their managers)   are subjected to the high table's authority.  if there is a violation of the rules,  or any anomaly is perceived,  an abjudicator is sent to regulate matters.  they can declare a continental deconsacrated,  effectively shutting it down,  or issue a state of interregnum,  meaning business is temporarily halted   (usually due to a change in management).

THE STAFF

manager.   winston scott has been the manager of the continental hotel of new york for nearly forty years,  uncontested and widely respected.  there is very little that goes on in the city he doesn’t know about.  he can usually be found on company grounds,  whether in the lounge or up above in his penthouse

concierge.   a continental hotel concierge is not simply a desk clerk.  their authority is second only to the manager's and they can implement house rules if they see fit   (although this could not be true for every continental),  with authorization

assistant-concierge.   a specific staff member among those qualified that has received or is receiving special training in order to fully take on the role

other staff.   a continental,  like any other hotel,  needs many people to function properly,  such as kitchen staff,  cleaners,  bartenders,  guardians and so on

affiliated.  those that,  while not officially among the hotel's staff,  might offer their services,  such as:  bank clerks,  tailors,  doctors,  bodyguards and drivers.

+ blog relevant specifications

winston abides by the rules, generally speaking. but he is not unwilling to bend and twist them a little when he needs to. however, he is not in the business of doing favors for people with no reason. if he has a solid enough relationship with your muse and convincing motive, then he might meet them halfway (this mostly pertains to him providing information, which is easy enough for him to do without raising suspiction)

i go by the assumption that new york isn't the only continental in the united states,  because that would simply be impractical.  there should be at least one,  if not more,  for each main area. 

[davidpwilson2564]

Bloglet

Sunday, November 5, 2023

Clocks back an hour. At my desk by nine (but my body tells me it's ten). The Marathon kicks off. My son calls. We talk about my coming out to Queens. He says he will pick me up at the train. (Making my life a bit easier.)

By the time I leave the street is a madhouse. People coming to see their friends who're running. Crazy. I have to circle around them to get to the train.

Uneventful ride out to Queens. Picked up by my son in Kew Gardens. That (relatively) new building, referred to locally as the "Darth Vader Building."

Nice to see the Jean and the girls. Later, Kenichi drops me off at Continental Ave. When I get to city I see some who've just completed the run. How many hours did this twenty six mile (plus) run take them? Police are nosily dismantling the iron fences. (The way they shout at each other over the noise.) The ironwork had been held together by zip ties. (I've never noticed this before. A new practice?) I am wondering, had there been zip ties used on Jan 6 would it have (maybe) slowed down the insurrectionists, Trump's army? (But who would have expected this rabble, fired up, sent by Trump, would attack the police?)

Nice to be home. (I have successfully gotten through another week.)

Monday, November 6, 2023

The Civil Fraud Case continues. Trump, who can't be controled by his lawyers, makes a big scene. Ivanka is supposed to appear later this week.

Very nice weather. Head out. Some runners who completed the race (there were thousands who did) wearing their medals around their necks.

Pick up meds. Sticker stock. Use a debit card. Shortly thereafer get a text from my bank, asking if this was for real. (Nice that someone is keeping an eye on things.)

Monday Night Football. The Jets take another beating. Local teams not doing well this year.

to be continued

[dankusner]

Downtown Dallas Crime Fears Are Very Real

With violence on the rise, police presence is too light

With highs in the 80s and partly cloudy skies, Sept. 12 was a pleasant day for a walk in Dallas.

It was, however, a terrible day to be out and about downtown.

A shooting that wounded three people, including a teen, inside the Continental apartment building on Commerce Street drew more than 20 police squad cars to the area.

At around the same time, first responders were dispatched to the corner of Field and Elm streets, where a Dallas County employee lay on the sidewalk unconscious after a man sneaked up behind her and struck her in the head with an object.

She ended up in intensive care.

That same Thursday, Dallas County marshals hauled a man to Parkland Hospital for a mental health evaluation after he punched a stranger outside the Frank Crowley Courts Building, according to a county official.

This was a particularly bad day for downtown.

But it would be a mistake to dismiss it as a blip on the radar.

Police data indicate that violence is on the upswing in the central part of the city after years of decline.

Dallas police have logged 203 violent crimes in this area as of Monday, up from 167 this time last year.

That includes murders, aggravated assaults, robberies and sexual attacks.

Last year, the number of violent crimes reported to police in the downtown area totaled 222.

We’re nearing that figure with more than three months left in the calendar.

These numbers correspond to what Dallas police call Sector 130, which includes the county courts and jail complex on the outskirts of downtown as well as Victory Park.

But a deeper look at police beats in the city’s crime analytics dashboard shows the increase in violence is in the central business district itself.

Take Beat 134, bounded by Interstate 345 to the east, Akard Street to the west, Pacific Avenue to the north and Young Street to the south.

That’s home to several hotels, restaurants and office buildings, including Comerica Bank, the Santander Tower and the University of North Texas System Building.

This police beat has recorded 49 violent crimes so far, up from 31 this time last year.

City Tavern sits near the corner of Akard and Elm streets in Beat 134.

In June, a man swung a large stick into the back of a bar patron’s head and punched a bar employee.

A suspect was arrested days later. Court records indicate the 32-year-old man is homeless and mentally unstable.

Other areas of the central business district have also seen a jump in violent crime.

Beat 133 in the western part of downtown has seen 36 violent crimes so far this year, compared with 19 incidents into late September 2023.

Beat 135, the southern part of downtown that includes City Hall and the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, has reported 40 violent crimes this year.

That’s compared with 32 as of late September last year.

What exactly happened on Sept. 12?

Police have said little about the Continental building shooting.

According to a redacted police report obtained by our editorial board, the perpetrator is an unknown suspect who reacted to an argument.

At least one of the victims was “uncooperative” with police, saying he didn’t know who shot him or what the motive was.

Meanwhile, Dallas police found the man suspected of beating the Dallas County employee.

They arrested him Sept. 16 on a different call after someone complained he was trespassing at the UNT System Building on Main Street.

The suspect, Antonio Banks, has been in and out of jail or prison for most of his adult life and has a history of indigence and mental illness, court records show.

Various Tarrant County authorities have arrested him since 2006 on burglary, theft, assault, criminal trespass and marijuana possession charges.

Banks was twice arrested by the Tarrant County Hospital District police for striking or punching nurses, one in 2017 and another in 2021.

In both cases, he was deemed incompetent to stand trial — meaning he was too mentally ill to participate in his defense — and ordered to undergo treatment to restore competency.

He received three years in prison for the 2021 case and was released on parole in April 2023.

Four months later, Banks was back in handcuffs when the Tarrant County Hospital District police arrested him again on a charge of obstructing a roadway and disobeying commands to move.

But prosecutors moved to dismiss the case, and a judge transferred Banks to a probate court for involuntary “civil” commitment in a mental health facility.

“Defendant is not competent to stand trial and is unlikely to recover,” reads a December court entry.

We were unable to determine what happened next or how Banks ended up in downtown Dallas.

Those of us who live or work downtown regularly encounter people who are plainly mentally ill, waving objects, talking to themselves or making bizarre comments to passersby.

We fear for their safety and our own.

Downtown has, at the very least, a perception problem.

That’s all it takes to scare away businesses and residents even after sizable public and private investments to reinvigorate the central city.

But the numbers suggest that perception is driven by reality.

It feels more dangerous downtown because it is becoming more dangerous.

We do know that downtown business and civic leaders have joined with City Hall to examine the problem.

That is a crucial step forward, and we are hopeful that solutions are forthcoming.

We don’t yet know what is driving the jump in violent crime downtown, but City Hall and the Dallas Police Department need to address it.

Just as important, there must be broader recognition among city leaders and their partners in tackling homelessness that the housing-first strategy is inadequate when dealing with people who are severely mentally ill.

This is a puzzle that police alone can’t solve.

Jails shouldn’t be our main mental health institutions.

We need city and county officials, the local behavioral health authority and private partners putting their heads together.

But the central business district simply needs more police patrolling the streets to deal with immediate threats.

The police department can’t ignore the fact that the violent crime trendline downtown is moving in the wrong direction.

And City Hall can’t afford to turn its back on one of the highest-investment areas in the city and home to 15,000 residents.

Those Dallasites deserve to feel safe and to be safe, too.

Exclusive:

Dallas Police Chief Eddie García says, ‘I’m leaving on my terms’

García spoke with The Dallas Morning News in an extensive sit-down at his office at police headquarters.

In his first public remarks since he confirmed he’s leaving for Austin, Chief Eddie García told The Dallas Morning News in an exclusive interview on Tuesday that he’s considered retiring since May but that no single event precipitated his decision.

“I’m leaving on my terms,” García told The News in an extensive sit-down interview at his office at the Jack Evans Police Headquarters.

“I don’t think people truly understand how difficult that can be for police chiefs in this era.”

García, a popular city leader who has overseen annual drops in violent crime, is leaving his more than 30-year long career in law enforcement to become Austin’s assistant city manager under former boss T.C. Broadnax.

On Thursday, news of his departure stunned city leaders, his own command staff and officers — and its timing frustrated the chief, who said he wanted to break the news himself.

“I do feel it kind of robbed me a little bit of my goodbye,” García told The News.

“I know that there has been a narrative portrayed because I didn’t have an opportunity to truly spell out what was going through my head.”

The chief said his decision was most linked to the window of opportunity that opened after Austin’s position overseeing the city’s public safety departments became vacant.

He said he signed Austin’s offer letter early last week and his last day in Dallas will be Nov. 1.

He has no information from City Hall yet on who the interim will be and how involved he’ll be in selecting the new chief.

Just four months ago, Interim City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert pledged García would stay in Dallas until at least mid-2027.

The city committed to keeping him among the highest-paid Texas police chiefs with a $306,440 base salary and a $10,000 retention bonus every six months.

He’ll leave without collecting any of the bonuses.

Even though the offer letter addendum does not explicitly say García committed to staying in Dallas, he said in June “that is the intent.”

“Home = @DallasPD,” the chief wrote on social media shortly after the agreement was announced.

He’ll now start in Austin on Nov. 4 — and questions have circulated widely in Dallas about what changed between May and the sudden news of his departure.

García said he began speaking with Broadnax and former Dallas deputy city manager Jon Fortune, who now also works in Austin, weeks before the fatal shooting of Officer Darron Burks, who was killed as he sat in his squad car Aug. 29.

García has emphasized his loyalty to Broadnax, who hired García as Dallas’ police chief in late 2020.

In February, after Broadnax announced he was leaving Dallas, the chief said he’d “go through a wall for that man.”

City leaders said García is leaving at a critical time.

Dallas police have been in mourning after the Aug. 29 death of Burks, who was fatally shot in southeast Oak Cliff.

Two other officers were shot but survived.

Dallas is contending with proposed public safety charter amendments that have been mired in controversy.

Police and fire officials have also been embroiled in tense discussions with the city over how to fix a $3 billion shortfall in the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System.

City Council members have blamed García’s decision on the proposed charter amendments brought by the nonprofit Dallas HERO.

If approved by voters in November, one of those would mandate Dallas hire around 900 more cops.

García became emotional several times during the interview with The News.

He said none of the recent challenges caused him to leave.

He said the real story was that he’s “hanging up my badge after almost 33 years — and that should have been the lead.”

García acknowledged that his departure comes at a painful time, but said he increasingly thought about the importance of playing a role in the lives of his three children, who are all young adults.

He said he didn’t want to feel the angst of being away from his rank-and-file officers while away on weekends with family.

“I only know how to lead one way,” García said.

“There is no balance. Good, bad, or indifferent, the way I lead is — we come second, our lives come second. And anyone that says that it doesn’t, doesn’t really recognize the job.”

Asked whether he had considered the job Fortune left in Dallas, García said it “would have been unfair” to the next chief if he had stayed for that role.

Everyone would’ve continued looking at him as police chief, he said.

The day before the news leaked on Thursday, García said he alerted the “proper people in city management” about his decision.

Garcia declined to speculate on where the leak may have stemmed and would not specify who he spoke to at City Hall.

He said he planned to alert everyone this week.

García said he wants the community to know that he took this job personally.

“If I ever have a plaque on my wall, a shadow box that has all the badges of ranks that I had from San Jose to here,” Garcia said, “the last badge that’s going to be on there is Dallas police.”

[darkmaga-retard]

Yaroslav Lissovolik

BRICS was originally created as a constellation of the regional leaders of the developing world. The economic imperatives of BRICS development and the opportunities offered by its unique cross-continental/regional format imply that BRICS is in a position to co-integrate the respective regional integration platforms and development institutions, in which BRICS economies are playing a leading role. Without additional resources and spending a network BRICS+ format could establish the respective platforms with respect to regional development banks (RDBs), regional financing arrangements (RFAs) and regional integration arrangements (RTAs).

The most important steps that the BRICS may undertake in building a more resilient international financial system is via bringing together the various regional development institutions of the Global South, where BRICS/BRICS+ countries are members. Indeed, rather than creating new institutions or relying mostly on IMF quota redistribution, BRICS economies can create a network of regional development institutions, including regional financing arrangements (RFAs), whose total resources exceed those of the IMF. Such an framework in effect already exists at the global level, whereby the IMF holds coordination/discussions with the main RFAs. The BRICS could hold similar activities with the RFAs of the developing world, with the coordination role reserved for the BRICS CRA – this would require minimal institutionalization and resources from BRICS members.

In the sphere of project financing a similar platform may be created by the regional development institutions of the Global South with a coordination role of the New Development Bank (NDB) – the NDB already has a similar mechanism for the national (rather than regional) development banks of BRICS members.

[dan6085]

The story of the creation of the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC is closely tied to Lou Pearlman, a businessman who orchestrated one of the largest Ponzi schemes in U.S. history. Pearlman was instrumental in forming and managing both of these highly successful boy bands, but his operations were marred by financial fraud that eventually led to his downfall.

### **Lou Pearlman: The Mastermind**

Lou Pearlman was an ambitious entrepreneur with a keen eye for spotting trends, particularly in the entertainment industry. In the early 1990s, he observed the success of New Kids on the Block and recognized the potential for boy bands to become major money-making enterprises. Inspired by this, he decided to create his own boy bands, leading to the formation of the Backstreet Boys in 1993 and *NSYNC in 1995.

### **Formation of Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC**

1. **Backstreet Boys:**

- Pearlman conducted a series of auditions in Orlando, Florida, ultimately selecting the members of the Backstreet Boys—AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, and Brian Littrell.

- The Backstreet Boys quickly became a massive success, especially in Europe, before conquering the U.S. market.

2. ***NSYNC:**

- In 1995, Pearlman used the same formula to create *NSYNC, recruiting members Lance Bass, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Justin Timberlake.

- *NSYNC also achieved immense popularity, rivaling the success of the Backstreet Boys.

### **The Ponzi Scheme:**

While Pearlman was building these boy bands, he was also running a massive Ponzi scheme through his company, Trans Continental Airlines, Inc. This scheme is the darker side of his business dealings, which ultimately overshadowed his success in the music industry.

- **The Scheme:**

- Pearlman lured investors by falsely claiming that his company owned a fleet of airplanes and operated a successful airline business. In reality, the airline existed mostly on paper, and the company’s revenue came from new investments rather than legitimate business operations.

- Investors were promised high returns on their investments, which Pearlman paid out using the funds from newer investors, a classic hallmark of a Ponzi scheme.

- For years, Pearlman managed to maintain this facade, raising hundreds of millions of dollars from individual investors, banks, and financial institutions.

### **Impact on the Bands:**

While the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC were generating millions of dollars in revenue, Pearlman’s control over the bands’ finances meant that the members themselves were paid very little compared to the massive earnings their music generated.

- **Exploitative Contracts:**

- Pearlman positioned himself not only as the bands’ manager but also as a sixth member of each band, taking a significant cut of the profits. This left the actual band members with much less money than they should have earned.

- The contracts were heavily skewed in Pearlman’s favor, which eventually led to legal battles.

- **Legal Battles:**

- In 1998, the Backstreet Boys sued Pearlman and his company for fraud and misrepresentation, leading to a settlement that allowed them to gain greater control over their careers.

- *NSYNC followed suit shortly after, suing Pearlman in 1999 for similar reasons. This legal battle was particularly acrimonious, but *NSYNC eventually won the right to break away from Pearlman and continue under a new record label.

### **The Downfall:**

Pearlman’s Ponzi scheme began to unravel in the early 2000s as investors started to demand returns that he could no longer pay. In 2006, federal investigators discovered the full extent of his fraud.

- **Arrest and Conviction:**

- In 2007, Pearlman was arrested in Indonesia after fleeing the United States. He was extradited to the U.S. and faced multiple charges of conspiracy, money laundering, and making false statements during bankruptcy proceedings.

- In 2008, Pearlman was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in federal prison. He died in prison in 2016.

### **Legacy:**

The creation of the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC is a tale of incredible success marred by deep financial deception. While Pearlman’s Ponzi scheme is one of the most infamous financial frauds in history, the boy bands he helped create continue to have a lasting impact on the music industry. Their success stories serve as a reminder of the complexities behind the entertainment business and the potential for exploitation in pursuit of fame and fortune.

[linuxgamenews]

Discover the Puzzle Nature Building Game Preserve now

Preserve relaxing puzzle nature building game releases in early access with success on Linux, Mac, and Windows PC. Thanks to the creative minds at Bitmap Galaxy. Available on both Steam Early Access and Humble Store with 97% Very Positive reviews. Great news for all you nature lovers and puzzle fans out there — Preserve, the relaxing puzzle nature building title from Bitmap Galaxy, is now live on Steam Early Access. To sweeten the deal, there’s an exclusive launch discount available for a limited time, so you can jump in on Linux right away, without breaking the bank. Also, if you’re really feeling the Preserve vibes of Preserve, you might want to check out the ‘Wonder Edition.’ It comes with the base title, plus a digital artbook and soundtrack. It’s perfect for those who want to dive deeper into the title’s beautiful world. Gameplay is all about creating the perfect habitats across three stunning biomes: Continental, Savanna, and Marine. You’ve got over 25 puzzles to crack, each one more challenging than the last. And if puzzles aren’t your thing, no worries. There’s an unlimited creative mode where you can let your imagination run wild. You can also show off your creations with the in-game photo mode, perfect for capturing those “wow” moments.

Expand Your World Vertically!

One of the best features of Preserve is the vertical map expansion. Not only can you expand your map horizontally, but you can also stack layers of nature to create a vertical network of habitats. Imagine building a multi-layered ecosystem that’s as deep as it is wide—how awesome is that?

Preserve relaxing puzzle release Trailer

Diverse Biomes to Explore

Each biome has its own unique flavor. Whether you’re exploring alpine forests, roaming the savannas, or diving into Caribbean reefs, you’ll find a diverse set of plants, animals, and environmental challenges. Every biome offers something new to discover and overcome.

Play Your Way

Preserve gives you plenty of options with multiple relaxing game modes. Since you have the regular harmony and puzzle modes if you’re up for a challenge. But if you just want to build without any limitations, the creative mode is where it’s at. And don’t forget about the photo mode—it’s perfect for sharing your creations with your friends after each session.

Natural Relaxing Wonders and More in Preserve

Want to make your map even more stunning? You can add natural wonders like snowy Alps, lavender fields, or towering redwood forests. These wonders aren’t just pretty to look at — they’re acquired through a unique card upcycle system. Due to add an extra layer of strategy to the title.

Join the Community

Matej Hudak, the Head of Publishing at Grindstone, shared his excitement about the launch. "We’re thrilled to bring Preserve the relaxing puzzle nature building to Early Access and can’t wait to see what players create. We’re also teaming up with Townscaper, Polylithic, Terra Nil, and Terra Scape for some awesome launch day bundles," he said. The title will also be part of the Wholesome Games celebration from August 15-21, so there’s plenty of fun stuff coming up. As you start your relaxing journey on Linux, be sure to join the Preserve Discord community. It’s a great place to share your feedback, catch up on the latest updates, and connect with other players. Bitmap Galaxy plans to keep updating the game, with hopes of a full release within a year, so your input will be key in shaping Preserve’s future.

Get in on the Preserve relaxing action

Preserve relaxing puzzle nature building is now available on Steam Early Access and Humble Store. Priced at $9.99 USD / £11.19 / 9,99€ with the 20% discount. Or, if you’re looking for something extra, grab the ‘Wonder Edition’ for $19.99 USD / £16.75 / 19,50€, which includes the digital artbook and soundtrack. All available on Linux, Mac, and Windows PC. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the title and start creating your own slice of paradise!

[mahogany-manor-bed-and-breakfast]

Cozy Getaways: Best Bed and Breakfasts in New Brunswick

Cozy Getaways: Best Bed and Breakfasts in New Brunswick

Nestled on the eastern seaboard of Canada, New Brunswick is a province rich in natural beauty, history, and culture. From its picturesque coastal towns to its lush inland forests, New Brunswick offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. One of the best ways to experience the charm and warmth of this region is by staying at one of its many cozy bed and breakfasts (B&Bs). In this article, we'll explore some of the best B&Bs in New Brunswick, each offering a unique blend of comfort, hospitality, and local flavor.

1. Mahogany Manor Bed & Breakfast - Saint John

Located in the heart of Saint John, Mahogany Manor Bed & Breakfast is a stately Victorian home offering luxurious accommodations and warm hospitality? This bed and breakfast in New Brunswick features beautifully decorated rooms with antique furnishings, comfortable beds, and modern amenities. Each morning, guests are treated to a gourmet breakfast in the elegant dining room, with a menu that changes daily to showcase seasonal ingredients. The inn's central location makes it easy to explore Saint John's historic sites, waterfront, and vibrant cultural scene. The attentive hosts and charming ambiance make Mahogany Manor a top choice for travelers seeking a blend of comfort and convenience at a bed and breakfast in New Brunswick.

2. Maple Shade Bed & Breakfast - Shediac

Shediac, known as the "Lobster Capital of the World," is home to the charming Maple Shade Bed & Breakfast. This B&B is housed in a century-old Victorian home that has been lovingly restored to retain its historic charm while offering modern comforts. The rooms are cozy and inviting, with period furnishings and personal touches that make guests feel right at home. Breakfast at Maple Shade is a highlight, featuring homemade pastries, fresh fruit, and hearty main dishes. The friendly hosts are eager to share their local knowledge, ensuring that guests have an authentic and memorable experience.

3. Gîte Le Poirier B&B - Caraquet

For those looking to explore the Acadian Peninsula, Gîte Le Poirier B&B in Caraquet is a fantastic option. This B&B offers stunning views of the Baie des Chaleurs and is a short drive from the Village Historique Acadien, where visitors can immerse themselves in Acadian history and culture. Gîte Le Poirier features spacious, well-appointed rooms with private balconies overlooking the bay. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning, with options ranging from traditional Acadian dishes to continental fare. The warm hospitality and scenic location make this B&B a favorite among travelers.

4. The Mission House Bed & Breakfast - Miramichi

Situated on the banks of the Miramichi River, The Mission House Bed & Breakfast offers a unique blend of history and comfort. The B&B is housed in a beautifully restored historic building that once served as a mission. The rooms are tastefully decorated, combining antique furnishings with modern amenities. Guests can relax in the cozy common areas or take a stroll along the river. Breakfast at The Mission House is a feast, with homemade bread, fresh eggs, and local preserves. The serene setting and rich history make this B&B a perfect choice for a peaceful getaway.

5. The Tidal Watch Inn - St. Martins

The Tidal Watch Inn in St. Martins is a delightful B&B located on the Bay of Fundy, famous for its dramatic tides. The inn offers comfortable rooms with stunning views of the bay and easy access to the nearby sea caves and Fundy Trail Parkway. Each morning, guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast in the dining room, with a menu that includes fresh seafood, local produce, and homemade baked goods. The Tidal Watch Inn's welcoming hosts and prime location make it an excellent base for exploring the natural wonders of the Bay of Fundy.

6. Florenceville Inn Bed & Breakfast - Florenceville-Bristol

Florenceville Inn Bed & Breakfast is situated in the charming town of Florenceville-Bristol, known as the "French Fry Capital of the World." This B&B offers comfortable accommodations in a beautifully restored historic home. The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated, with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning, featuring local ingredients and freshly brewed coffee. The hosts are friendly and knowledgeable, providing guests with tips on local attractions and activities. The inn's central location makes it easy to explore the surrounding area, including the picturesque St. John River Valley.

7. Kingsbrae Arms - St. Andrews by-the-Sea

Located in the historic town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Kingsbrae Arms is a luxurious B&B that perfectly blends elegance with a homely atmosphere. This inn is set within walking distance of the stunning Kingsbrae Garden, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. Each room is uniquely decorated with antique furnishings, plush bedding, and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a gourmet breakfast each morning, featuring local ingredients and seasonal dishes. The attentive staff and beautifully maintained grounds make Kingsbrae Arms a top choice for travelers seeking a tranquil retreat.

8. Auberge Wild Rose Inn - Moncton

For a peaceful retreat just outside the bustling city of Moncton, Auberge Wild Rose Inn offers the perfect combination of tranquility and convenience. This B&B is set on a picturesque property surrounded by gardens and woodland, providing a serene escape from the city. The rooms are tastefully decorated, with comfortable beds and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast each morning, with options ranging from continental to full English fare. The inn's friendly hosts go out of their way to make guests feel welcome, offering personalized service and local recommendations. The proximity to Moncton and the natural beauty of the surroundings make Auberge Wild Rose Inn an ideal choice for a relaxing getaway.

9. Blair House Heritage Inn - Fredericton

Blair House Heritage Inn in Fredericton is a charming B&B offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort. The inn is housed in a beautifully restored heritage home, with elegant rooms that feature period furnishings and contemporary amenities. Guests can relax in the cozy common areas or take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens. Breakfast at Blair House is a gourmet experience, with a menu that includes homemade pastries, fresh fruit, and savory dishes. The inn's central location makes it easy to explore Fredericton's historic sites, shops, and restaurants. The warm hospitality and attention to detail make Blair House Heritage Inn a top choice for visitors to Fredericton.

10. The Partridge Island Bed & Breakfast - Parrsboro

Situated on the stunning Bay of Fundy, The Partridge Island Bed & Breakfast offers a cozy and welcoming retreat for travelers. The B&B features comfortable rooms with beautiful views of the bay and easy access to the nearby Partridge Island and Fundy Geological Museum. Each morning, guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast in the dining room, with a menu that includes fresh seafood, local produce, and homemade baked goods. The inn's friendly hosts are eager to share their local knowledge and ensure that guests have a memorable stay. The breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality make The Partridge Island Bed & Breakfast a perfect choice for a coastal getaway.

In conclusion

New Brunswick's bed and breakfasts offer a diverse range of accommodations, each with its own unique charm and character. Whether you're seeking a luxurious retreat, a historic inn, or a cozy home away from home, there's a B&B in New Brunswick that's perfect for you. These establishments provide not only a comfortable place to rest but also an opportunity to experience the local culture, cuisine, and hospitality that make this region so special. So, the next time you're planning a trip to New Brunswick, consider staying at one of these top bed and breakfasts for a truly unforgettable experience.

Related Blogs:

Best Places to Stay in New Brunswick, Canada

10 Best Places to Visit in Summer in New Brunswick Canada

[novaharpersworld]

It was dark and the sun had fully set behind the high storied buildings of Aldersvale when Cresh Eson, Premier of all Soljoro, slipped past his guard, using a little confounding spell and taking the servant's stairs down to the old part of the Premier's residence that used to be the palace of the Tols, and pulled the hood of his cloak down further to conceal his eyes. He'd used a mirage casting to disguise his features so he could pass undetected among the people, appearing to any servant that happened upon him in those antiquated halls as just one more rich Publican off to a clandestine rendezvous with a lover--not exactly unknown and about which they had been trained to studiously see nothing.

He encountered no one, thankfully, the narrow halls so silent and still that every sound became magnified, a footstep or cough echoing, so Eson thought, like a majlock gun discharged at close range. He left the residence and stepped into the early spring air, cool with a gentle breeze. He was still in the Premier compound, an estate of respectable proportion surrounded by a high wall.

Moonrise was underway, the last light of the sun having vanished a little while before, the silver orb in the dark sky ascending over the Aldersvale skyline, ringed with haze from the ether discharge of the city's many steam clockworks, which never failed to make the air just a bit more humid than it should otherwise be. The Residence was at the top of Aldersvale, the capitol of Soljoro perched atop the Numarian plateau--a thousand feet high and nearly a thousand leagues across, it split the continent down the middle from the Northfelds to the Nebelheim steppes far to the south.

Right now, though, Eson was not interested in the spectacular views afforded him by his Residence, and he would have to climb to the compound wall's rampart to take in the view in any case.

He headed for the main gate and passed the guards, who cast him nary a glance. They only stopped traffic into the Residence and not out of it.

The streets were empty. He took in the cul-de-sac, on which several other buildings had been built. The Assembly building was only a ninety-two second jog away (so his aides told him) to the right, and next to it the Continental Parliment, where delegates from each of the nations of Numaria met to settle disputes and conflicts between Soljoro, Insturi, Noth, Vash, Zhaing-Shen, Gaelris, and the indigenous peoples of the Northfelds. And next to it, the imposing edifice of the High Bank of Rel with its tower spire and inset, opaque windows.

Eson kept walking down the cul-de-sac, his boots clopping off the cobbles. A thin steam haze had settled over the city now everyone was home with their hearths going, fuzzing out the street gaslamps dotting the sidewalks. He took a left and headed down a side lane. It was't exactly far to his destination, a little beerhall just outside the cul-de-sac called the Reveler's Hollow.

At the end of the lane, the insulated heart of power in Adersvale came to an abrupt end and the real world butted up against it. Eson paused as a horseless tram rattled past, and several pedestrians moved along the sidewalks, about business of their own. He ignored them and crossed the street, heading for the modest, squat building that housed the Hollow. Two dogs were barking back and forth across the city at each other distantly.

The bell jingled overhead as he entered, and immediately he cringed inside before remembering the mirage cast that disguised him. No one could tell the Premier of Soljoro had just walked in, and not more than a couple heads had turned in his direction anyway. The first step was to get himself something to drink.

Crossing to the bar, he was immediately hit with the sour smell of beer and the thick scent of cigarillo smoke. Two dozen customers sat at tables, or had withdrawn into corners where there were armchairs and copies of the Aldersvale News Journal for more intimate, detailed, political discussions. The yellow gaslight cast by the lamps sconced on the walls gave the place a warm, rich feeling, compounded by the velvet red curtains draped over the windows.

"I'll have a Vashian ice-wine," he told the barkeep, a woman of about forty. It was Eltha, Eson recognized her at once, but he was still keeping his cover.

"Right you are, sir," she said, turning to the ice box behind her and rummaging around for a bottle, grabbing one and a stein, and dropping them on the bar between them. "One ice-wine. That's twelve bronze marks."

"Open a tab, if you would."

"Sure." She shrugged and pulled a chalkboard with the names of the patrons with open tabs scrawled on it, and glanced at Eson with a crooked eyebrow. "Should I put down Cresh Eson, or something else this time?"

Eson started. "How did--"

"I'm your fourth cousin, I know your walk."

"Well keep it quiet, I'm here on business."

"Sounds serious," she said. "Name?"

"Bartanion Lestoria," he said and she snorted, scratching it down with a nub of chalk.

"Fucking terrible name."

"I'm only using it the once, it didn't have to be great." He leaned in over his ice-wine and lowered his voice. "Is he here?"

"Who's that?"

"Epiphani Ofaris."

It was her turn to look stunned. "The head of the--??"

Eson motioned for her to lower her voice.

"The head of the Artificer Collective, here? In my pub?"

"I wouldn't be asking otherwise."

"Haven't seen anyone who looked like a spell weaver so far tonight, but I don't even know what they'd look like. I've never even seen one."

Eson swiveled in his bar stool and skimmed across the crowd. Mostly young men, aides or interns at the Residence or the Assembly, relaxing or debating policy mostly. A few sons of the Seven Houses gambling and playong cards together riotously in the back. You never got lower class sorts in the Hollow, it was too close to the heart of power for that, and much too frequented by the elites to tolerate it.

Nothing. He didn't see Ofaris anywhere. Perhaps he hadn't arrived yet. He turned back to his ice-wine and found Eltha now at the far end of the bar getting refills for a highly intoxicated group of men. Alone, he popped the top of his ice-wine and poured it into his stein. Vashian ice-wine was a particularly rare speciality. Brewed by the Vash in the snow-steppes of Nebelheim, the ice-wine had to be brewed, bottled, and shipped at near freezing temperatures. A sustained temperature rise of even two degrees over ten minutes would spoil the batch and it would be ruined. Thus, it was expensive to ship and more expensive to buy. And all the more worth it.

The ice-wine frothed into the stein and the surface iced over. The metal of the stein frosted in moments. Eson listened to the icing crackle, one of his favorite parts of the process. Grabbing a spoon, he cracked the ice on the surface and sipped. It chilled him to the bone instantly, but the moment it reached his stomach, it warmed him to his core.

"Premier, I believe we have an appointment," said a voice next to him.

Eson started and turned to find a tall, thin man in a nice suit and cloak standing next to him. He carried a sleek walking stick and wore a top hat on his head, a well-trimmed salt and pepper beard covering his cheeks and chin.

Eson didn't recognize him.

"I'm sorry, I think you have me mistaken for someone else."

The man smiled, removed his top hat, and sat in the stool next to Eson, leaning his cane against the bar between them. Eson glanced at it and saw on the grip a sigil of an Amaranth tree whose roots went to the heart of the earth and whose canopy reached into the sky. The sigil of the Artificer Collective.

"Ofaris?" Eson asked. "How did you know it was me?" He's have to invest in a better mirage cast next time.

"You're not the only one who can use disguises, Premier," Ofaris said. "Was it a mirage cast? They work on most people, but not spell-weavers."

"Noted." Eson sipped his ice-wine.

"You arranged for this meeting through our usual back channels three months before our annual consultation," Ofaris said. "I can only assume this is a matter of personal importance."

"Yes, I had a question."

"Questions are good, but answers are better."

"Hopefully you'll answer, then. I know full well how reticent your lot are with answers."

"An accurate answer delayed is better than an inaccurate answer immediately given."

"Yes, that's the kind of shite I mean," Eson said. "Look, I just needed to ask--about the future."

Ofaris' entire demeanor changed. Once relaxed and easy going, now tense.

"We are strictly forbidden from revealing any knowledge we may have--in theory--of the future. You know this."

"Yes, yes, but your people have always pointed the right way for Soljoro in times of crisis before."

"Are we in a crisis now?"

"I don't know, you tell me."

"Clever, but it's not for me to say."

"Look, I don't want to know about the far future, I just want to know--my term as Premier is up in six months. I've got an election to run and I just wanted some advice."

Ofaris sighed. "What do you want to know?"

"Whether I'll win!" Eson laughed.

"Ahh," said Ofaris. "I should have guessed."

"Just tell me if I'll lose so I can choose not to seek a fourth term. Save myself some embarrassment that way. I'm not as young as I used to be, I've got a term or maybe two left in me, I have a few younger contenders eying the Premiership, and if I can just bow out gracefully, it would save me some personal stress."

"I'm not permitted to speak of such things," Ofaris said, shaking his head. "Only in the gravest of circumstances are we even allowed to consult the Weave, not for the personal egoism of career publicans desperate to save face."

"All right, I'm sorry" Eson said. He looked away and sipped his ice wine, watching the aggressive young men on the bar's far side whoop and jostle each other with the roll of the dice, cigarillo smoke curling around their heads.

Ofaris jerked next to him and as he glanced back at the Artificer, he saw the man's eyes gleam suddenly blue and shimmer in their sockets--and then it was gone.

"I've been Linked by the Collective," Ofaris said, as if nothing happened. "They seem to believe I should answer your question, but not here."

Eson sat up. "Lead on."

He picked up his stein to go, but Ofaris put a hand on his arm and sat him back down on his stool.

"You may want to brace yourself," he warned, his hand still on Eson's forearm.

"Brace for wha--"

The world dropped away with a gut-wrenching feeling of freefall. For a split second Eson lost all sense of direction, and then he blinked and found himself on all fours, gasping for breath, his face inches away from varnished mahogany floorboards.

He sat up on his heels with a groan and looked around. Ofaris was standing by an ornate desk across the room, behind which were floor to ceiling bookshelves crammed with texts and books and scrolls. The spell weaver no longer wore a fine suit but full length gray robes, and where he had had a walking stick he now held a staff.

Eson glanced to the side and realized he was in a research study of some kind. Contraptions and clockwork designs of all sorts were scattered about, and behind the desk was a huge gear tri-clock, three faces overlapping, measuring something that wasn't time as Eson understood it. The hands weren't pointing at the right numbers to be early evening.

"I apologize for the haste by which we arrived," Ofaris said. "Are you all right?"

"You could have waited just a moment for me to actually brace myself next time," Eson muttered, getting to his feet with a groan. "You didn't happen to transport my ice wine with us, did you?"

"Transported? We haven't transported anywhere. We're still at Reveler's Hollow."

"You're shitting me," Eson said. He pointed at the high narrow window behind Ofaris. "We're clearly not in the same place, just look outside."

He went to the window, but as he approached his pointing finger faltered. Outside was only a dimensionless pale void. There was no up or down, near or far, just an expanse of brightness.

"What the hell is this?" He turned to Ofaris. "I have half a mind to report you for kidnapping. Where the hell are we?"

"Technically we're in my mind," Ofaris said. "More technically we're in what might be called a circuitous quantum semi-dimension within the meta-mind of the Collective. Sort of a pocket where I store everything personal to my mind. Memories, experiences, personal histories, all the information I've read, every idea I've ever had. That's every book I've ever read on those shelves. We all have one."

Eson rubbed his eyes. None of that had made the slightest bit of sense. "I think," he said slowly, "I'm going to just say that we're in your mind."

"Fair enough. It's not entirely inaccurate."

Eson glanced around, still at a loss.

"You wanted to know of the future," Ofaris said. "The Collective has reached consensus on this. You are to be told."

"All right," Eson said, leaning on the edge of the desk. "That bad?"

"You will serve one term more as the Soljoran Premier, but you will not reach its fifth year."

"Dead? Or do I resign in disgrace? Not sure how that could happen, I keep my nose clean."

"Premier, I need to you take this seriously," Ofaris said, stepping closer. "The Collective is taking a risk in telling you any of this, and you can never tell another soul. The history of our world is approaching a great crisis, something that will surpass any other."

Eson frowned. "By Anistaru, you're serious. What crisis?"

Ofaris stared at him, and something in his eyes made Eson's blood run cold.

"Shatterpoint." Ofaris sighed. "We have no other name for it. We can see into the future, Premier, but we cannot see everything. At a certain point in the timeline, everything goes dark. An event horizon beyond which we cannot see."

"And you're saying this Shatterpoint is going to happen in my next term, is that it?"

"Precisely so. For years we have seen this drawing nearer and nearer, but we still don't know what it is. All we know is that every year our visions of the future cannot extend as far as they could before, and we estimate only a few years left before it overtakes us all."

"But there is a solution, surely. We can avoid it."

"The path is already in motion. The only thing we know is that the Weave becomes tangled, strands become severed, and the network collapses, in the future. Not here. There is nothing we can do. It is a future cataclysm echoing back to our own time."

Eson closed his eyes.

"Is it the end of everything?"

"We don't know. The Weave is damaged, huge parts of it erased or disintegrated in two years. We don't know what the fall out will be. It could theoretically erase our universe from existence, or it could cause chaos and destablization but leave our reality fairly intact. After all, our timeline has to reach that future in order to reach Shatterpoint. The question of time paradoxes has fractured the Consensus. I'm think we will be in for chaotic times, possibly even effecting the physical and magical laws of our world. Others think in more apocalyptic terms."

Eson sank down the desk and sat on the floor, rubbing his eyes as he processed this.

"And I don't see it through to the end."

"Correct."

"I see." Eson shook his head. "What are we supposed to do?"

"Everything you can. Stockpile supplies, run programs on basic aid and survival techniques for every single person in Soljoro. We must keep the population from reaching an exponential decline curve that could endanger our species with extinction."

"And I can't tell anyone about this?"

"Not unless you want mass panic and chaos."

"Fuck me. What am I supposed to tell my advisors and generals to justify these policies?"

"I never was any good with politics, that's your domain. I'm just the messenger bearing a warning. There is a storm coming unlike anything we've ever seen. If we wish our people to survive, we must band together, and we must cooperate with the Fae. It's only together that we survive this."

"That'll never sell, Soljorans hate the Fae! And they have a mutual distaste for us, so I see a hell of a lot of hurdles to your proposal."

"You must find a way, Premier. Or we are all dead." Ofaris raised a hand. "Brace yourself."

He snapped his fingers. The world jerked out from under Eson again and when he had exited the whirlwind he found himself on the floor of the Reveler's Hollow, having fallen off his stool. Eltha was overhead, but all Eson could see were her legs. He stared up at her as her mouth moved but he couldnt process the words.

"Cousin, are you all right?"

Eson reached up a hand and she helped drag him to his feet. He felt shakey. Glancing back at the bar, he realized that Ofaris was nowhere to be found.

"Cousin? Are you all right? Should I summon a tram for you?"

"No, no, I'm all right," he said, shaking his head. "I think I could use a walk to clear my head."

He patted her on the shoulder, then stepped toward the door.

"Don't forget your ice wine!" She said, handing him his stein. Eson glanced in it. All the ice had melted and it was ruined. He smiled and handed it back without a word, then went to the door and pushed it open.

"I'll send the bill for your tab to your residence, shall I?" She called out after him.

He paused on the threshold, propping the door open with his back, and looked at her.

"Yes, that will be fine," he said, feeling in a daze.

Then he turned and walked out into the dark, letting the door snap shut behind him.

[hardynwa]

With Geometric Power AIPP Ready, Enyimba Economic City First Phase is Ready to Take-Off

Enyimba Economic City Development Company FZE, the developers of Enyimba Economic City, a 9,803 Hectares Greenfield Special Economic Zone in Abia State, a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project of Crown Realties Plc., Abia State Government and Federal Government of Nigeria under the Made In Nigeria for Export (MINE) programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria, congratulates Geometric Power on the official commissioning of Aba Integrated Power Project (AIPP). Aba Integrated Power Project ringfenced 9 local governments of Abia State including the commercial and industrial city of Aba for provision of 24/7 power supply. By the ringfence, AIPP is a full utility company in the entire value chain of power business including generation, distribution and marketing. The ceremony is the commissioning by and the esteem presence of The President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on Monday February 26, 2024, of its 188 MW gas-powered generation plant in Osisioma, Aba, Abia State. The event is poised to draw dignitaries from across the Country and Businesses. Enyimba Economic City and Geometric AIPP are jointly financed by African Export Import Bank, Cairo, Egypt, at the back of each other. Geometric AIPP is the Bank’s recognized power partner for Enyimba Economic City, with which it has signed a 90MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for First Phase of Enyimba Economic City. This momentous occasion therefore, not only signifies the launch of Geometric Power operation but also marks the significant step towards the take-off of $288.7 million, first phase of the project. Enyimba Economic City is located in 3 local governments of Abia State, Ukwa West, Ukwa East and Ugwunagbo with growth sectors in Manufacturing, Logistics, Healthcare, Entertainment, Education, Innovation and Technology Hub, Commercial, Lifestyle Residential and Aviation. First Phase of the project is 1,499 Hectares of land that includes First Industrial Township and Logistics Park with Full Origin and Destination (OD) Inland Port connected by rail to both Port Harcourt and Onne Seaports. On November 14, 2023, the Board of Afreximbank approved $201.7million syndicated debt for the project with Afreximbank underwriting $150million. Currently, the loan legal documentation is ongoing. The two (2) interstate highways that are vital for connectivity for the project, Enugu – Port Harcourt (200km) and Onitsha – Owerri – Aba (161km) are also concessioned to a Consortium led by Enyimba Economic City Development Company FZE that includes CCECC Nigeria Limited (EPC), Escher Silverman Global, UK (Technical), Instatoll of South Africa (Operations & Management) and Afrinvest (WA) Limited (Financial). Route Survey, Redesign, Traffic Studies, Revenue Modelling, Willingness to Pay Studies, are currently ongoing on the roads. With the planned 82km highway from Azumini in Abia State bisecting the A3-Enugu Port Harcourt Highway to Obinze in Owerri, the intervention on the external connectivity makes Enyimba Economic City 90 minutes driving distance accessible to the 11 states of Southsouth/Southeast of Nigeria and connected to economic activities of the whole Nigeria. The intermodal logistics, road, rail, airport and seaports is also planned to make Enyimba Economic City “The Strategic Global Business Hub in Africa” and African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) compliant. It is noteworthy that Enyimba Economic City won the first prize of the Global New Cities Business Plan Contest of the Chartered Cities Institute in Washington DC in 2019, beating Black Stone Charter City in Australia to second prize and Novgorod New Hanse Town in Russia to third place, as a new city that has the capacity to transform the economy of the country. The award included a US$25,000 cash prize. Enyimba Economic City Development Company FZE has started to build marketing teams by engaging zone marketing/FDI Companies in India (Crescendo Worldwide), China (Brilliance Co. Limited) and Nigeria (Commodities Development Initiative). There are a total 127 manufacturing leads from the 3 territories currently. The project is planned to be launched by Q2 of 2024. Once again, congratulations to our esteemed partners, Geometric AIPP, their indefatigable Chairman, Prof Bart Nnaji and Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Alex Otti. Website: www.eecdgroup.com Email: info@eecdgroup.comTel: +234 9033509001, +234 8163818968Twitter (X): enyimbaecocityInstagram: enyimbaeconomiccityLinkedIn: Enyimba Economic City Development Company Facebook: Enyimba Economic City Read the full article