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beeblackburn · 3 years

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For the reverse unpopular opinion: urban fantasy

Thank you, @books-and-doodles!

Hmmm. If we’re going by Wikipedia’s definition of urban fantasy:

Works of urban fantasy may be set in an approximation of our world in which the fantastic exists secretly or in a world (such as an alternative history) in which it occurs openly (or some combination of the above). Elements such as magic, paranormal beings, other worlds and so on, may exist here. Common themes include coexistence or conflict between humans and other beings, and the changes such characters and events bring to local life.

Right, right, things to gush about the subgenre...

The lack of heavy duty world-building needed for the urban side of the setting is something I appreciate, because I’m the sort of reader who doesn’t need a huge amount of world-building. Granted, I do need an explanation on how the fantastic and urban sides can be reconciled, given the obvious societal effects that having magic in a more urban, modernized world would obviously have. Beyond that, though? The legwork for that side is already done for you. For me, I just want the characters to be good enough to get me through the ride.

I genuinely like the idea of a sense of wonder in the subgenre, how the modern setting can make the magical instances feel more mysterious and arcane, that juxtaposition between what we know is concrete and real, and what might be hiding at the edges of our sights in a hidden world. It’s out of our reaches for most of us, but it’s there and it touches the daily lives of the characters and, through them, we can imagine it in our own lives, from ghosts to pixies, and vampires to werewolves.

I think the tension between the supernatural and modern can absolutely be fascinating. Urban fantasy is usually about how a modern human reacts to seeing the creatures and sights behind the masquerade, and how they use their genre savviness to be awesome, yawn. But what about supernatural creatures reacting to modern conveniences? Reacting to modern tools and weaponry and how they might use them in their own daily life? It’s an unique tug-and-pull between the two sides for the subgenre.

I also appreciate how relatively unmilitarized it is as a subgenre. So much of epic and high fantasy is preoccupied with battles and armies and war, that sometimes I just want to read a nice book about how a protagonist has fucked up their life in a realesque setting, and go from there without hint or hair of a bunch of swords, guns, and/or battlefields, sleuthing around, looking for clues, or simply just enjoying their daily life with fellow normal people... and a werewolf.

By that strict definition... the only urban fantasy I really dig is Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch, which does address the reconciliation between the fantastic and mundane sides of the world, and does it well, and Peter Grant himself is an engaging protagonist who gets into well-crafted mysteries. I would be a little remiss if I didn’t mention Harry Potter, but you know the drill with J.K. Terfing. Though, I’m looking into checking out Alex Verus by Benedict Jacka and Night Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko (take into account that he’s pretty anti-Ukraine right now) to further my judgment on whether urban fantasy should be forever forgotten by me.

Thanks again, @books-and-doodles!

#urban fantasy #rivers of london #ben aaronovitch #alex verus #benedict jacka #night watch #sergei lukyanenko

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atlanticcanada · 4 years

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U.S. troops at the Canadian border? PM says it 'needs to remain' unmilitarized

After U.S. President Donald Trump's team floated the idea of placing troops on the Canada-U.S. border, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says it is in the U.S. and Canada's interests to keep the border unmilitarized.

He made the comment after recent discussions between Canada and the U.S., in which Trump’s team was floating the idea of putting U.S. troops within 30 kilometres of the shared border.

"Canada and the United States have the longest unmilitarized border in the world, and it is very much in both of our interests for it to remain that way. We have been in discussions with the United States on this," Trudeau confirmed, speaking from the front steps of Rideau Cottage on Thursday.

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He said that Canada has highlighted the benefits of that longstanding border arrangement to both countries and their economies, "and we feel that it needs to remain that way."

Sources confirmed to CTV News that Trump's White House is discussing the possibility of beefing up its military presence at the Canada-U.S. border, with the aim of assisting border guards in their attempts to catch irregular crossers.

Reports indicate that irregular border crossings from Canada to the United States aren't very common. According to a 2019 report from NBC News, data released from U.S. Customs and Border Protection showed 963 people were apprehended while crossing illegally from Canada to the United States in 2018.

However, that was an uptick from 2017, when 504 people were apprehended illegally crossing the border into the U.S. from Canada.

Meanwhile, Canada faces a much higher rate of irregular border crossings from the United States. According to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, from February to December 2017, Canada received 18,059 refugee claims from irregular border crossers. In 2018, that number rose to 20,603.

While the border remains unmilitarized, Canada has tightened regulations to cut down on travel between the two countries. Only essential travel is permitted, such as the transportation of goods or travel for work.

"We will continue to work with the United States to ensure that the border measures we put in place are respected. We have closed the border temporarily to all but… essential travellers," Trudeau said.

"We will continue to adjust as things unfold, as necessary. But we will be continuing to follow the best advice of the scientific community on doing what is necessary to keep Canadians safe, as a priority."

With files from CTV's Michel Boyer.

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/2QHOOcD

#new brunswick #prince edward island #nova scotia #news #politics #canada #CTVAtlantic

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dianeangelaa16 · 4 years

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Plague Diary: Friday, March 27, 2020

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy military troops along the country's northern border with Canada in light of the new coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged the potential military move at a news conference Thursday morning, saying that conversations are taking place.

In my opinion, there shouldn't be any discussions with the United States as very few - if not, zero - Canadians would want to enter illegally into the U.S. After all, they have the most coronavirus cases worldwide and do not have a universal health-care system.

VIEW | Coronavirus Update Worldometer:

I doubt any Canadian in their right mind would want a president who thinks the economy is more important than lives. If anything, the Canadian government should be the one putting military troops to stop Americans from entering the country; no offence to Americans.

Canadians With Universal Health-Care:

Coronavirus Update: 4,689 Cases and 57 Deaths In Canada.

#personaldiary

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kayla1993-world · 3 years

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WASHINGTON — Fully vaccinated Canadians were once again paying long-awaited visits to loved ones, vacation properties and tourist destinations in the United States on Monday as southbound travel restrictions finally began to ease along the world's longest unmilitarized land border.

Shortly after midnight, Customs and Border Protection agents began letting fully vaccinated vacationers, visitors and day-trippers drive into the U.S. for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

"Today marks the day that loved ones who have been separated for the past 19 months will finally be reunited." But Monday was a day that was too long in coming, considering how long highly effective COVID-19 vaccines have been publicly available in both countries, Higgins added.

"The United States and the Canadian governments failed their people in developing a consistent communication strategy relating to the very thing that all of us have been admonished to do, and that is follow the science, follow the facts, follow the data."

In a statement, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security acknowledged the new rules and warned visitors it might take a while to get through.

"Long lines are expected in the initial days following pent-up demand, and CBP will adjust resources as needed," the agency said. "Travellers are advised to expect longer-than-normal wait times, familiarize themselves with the new guidelines, and have appropriate documentation ready during a border inspection."

By 9 a.m. ET, passenger traffic delays at the busiest Canada-U.S. crossings were mostly only a few minutes, although the wait at the Peace Bridge between Buffalo and Niagara Falls reached more than two hours shortly after the new rules took effect.

Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, N.Y., said the energy was palpable among businesses in his city over the weekend as they prepared to welcome a new cascade of visitors.

"They realize what this is going to mean to their respective businesses, as we sort of move into the holiday season." But Higgins, Restaino and others, including community leaders on the Canadian side, know the full effect won't be apparent until Canada does away with requiring proof of a costly COVID-19 test to get back into the country.

"As long as we continue with this last wrinkle," Restaino said, "we won't see the full appreciation of just how much the communities on both sides of this river really do count on one another."

Indeed, the PCR test requirement — an expense of $150 to $300 per test for each family member — is keeping plenty of people at home, said Marcella Picone, a resident of Buffalo, N.Y., and member of the Facebook group "Families are Essential."

"There are still barriers," Picone said. "Yes, the U.S. has done the right thing; they're not asking for a COVID test for land entry, so they are easing the restrictions."

The Canada Border Services Agency issued a statement last week reminding would-be visitors that proof of a negative test, taken no more than 72 hours before travel, is required to re-enter Canada, along with proof of vaccination.

Not only is the expense discouraging people from travelling, but it's also a self-defeating measure that does little to improve public safety, said Perrin Beatty, a former federal cabinet minister who now serves as CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

"It just makes no sense," Beatty said in an interview. He pointed to the federal government's own rule that says if a trip to the U.S. will be less than 72 hours long, travellers can get their test done in Canada before they leave and use the same results when returning to the country.

"Who is protected by that?" It also creates what Beatty calls "friction" along a border where people are supposed to be able to cross freely, "but where the cost and administrative hassle is so great that people just give up."

"The friction has essentially meant that the gains that the Canadian tourism sector was hoping to attain when Canada opened the borders to people coming north just never materialized."

The new land border rules take effect as the U.S. also begins requiring foreign nationals who are visiting by air to be fully vaccinated before boarding their flights.

As of Monday, U.S.-bound air passengers are required to show proof of vaccination as well as a negative COVID-19 test that's no more than 72 hours old for fully immunized travellers, and 24 hours in the case of unvaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

The U.S. Travel Association estimates that inbound international travel produced $239 billion in export income and directly supported 1.2 million American jobs.

"After nearly two years of restrictions, Monday begins in earnest the return of international travel, when long-separated families and friends can safely reunite, travellers can explore this amazing country, and the U.S. can reconnect with the global community," association president Roger Dow said in a statement.

"It is a monumental day for travellers, for the communities and businesses that rely on international visitation, and for the U.S. economy overall."

The association figures the pandemic has cost the U.S. some $300 billion in foregone export income and more than a million jobs, with travel levels not expected to return to 2019 levels until 2024 at the earliest.

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dndinedelterre · 3 years

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News from Dalfon, the capital of Dilys!

It’s that time of the month again! Of course, it’s time for the parliament of Dilys to meet! Before this month’s agenda is explained, there is some history that needs review for those who aren’t from this wonderful nation!

Dilys is an island nation to the North of Madelonia. Rather than having states, Dilys is divided by cultural and tribal divisions. There are five main tribes / clans in this nation. The northern most tribe is the Wrenian tribe, the easternmost is the Callian tribe, the southern most is the Galenian tribe, the western most is the Dilyna tribe, and the central most is the Fergun tribe. The capital city where the parliament meets is towards the center of the nation, and it is called Dalfon, after the god of weather.

For about the last 800 years, the tribes have decided that it is in their best interest to meet centrally each month to regulate things like trade, defense, borders, and other diplomatic things of that sort. There have been issues between the tribes in the past (specifically the Ferguns and the Wrenians, which have been engaged in many battles for thousands of years), but they are often settled or pushed to the side for more pertinent matters. During these meetings in Dalfon, representatives from each tribe are sent and join in a processional up to the building. They engage in meetings (and occasionally a high court case) for about a week, and go back home until the next parliamentary meeting.

So, after that review, we are moving onto the agenda for this month.

In regards to domestic issues:

The Ferguns are seeking another border re-examination from the parliament. They say that the Wrenians were wrongly given rightful Fergun land in the last border draw-up.

The Wrenians ask that the main road through Fergun remain unmilitarized, especially during the week leading up to Parliament. The Ferguns claim that it is necessary for looting, but the Wrenians say they have been attacked when passing through. They ask that the parliament put restrictions on the Fergun military to protect Wrenian civilians.

The Galenians have requested more funding for sending their Clerics abroad and around the nation. They say that, because their clerics are the best trained on the continent, they must be sent to help cure the masses. The top Galenian Cleric shared this directly in regards to this request: “This world belongs to all of us, so it is our job to cure it.”

The Dilynas propose strengthening the Dilys navy. They claim it is necessary for Dilys to prove its strength and prepare for any combat that may arise in the future with mainland Edelterre. The Dilyna tribe leaders stated, “it is vital for our lives in Dilys, and it is what the Hero Dilyn would have wanted of us all.”

The Callians would like to increase trade of their mining products, including coal, iron, copper, and other minerals, with mainland Edelterre, along with increased trade with the tribes of Dilys. The Callians would like to emphasize trade abroad to expand their alliances and spread their trade routes further for business and recreational travel. They seek the approval of the parliament before they move ahead with trade plans.

That’s all we have planned for this month, more may arise in the coming days. Dilys looks forward to seeing the results of this meeting soon!

#dilys #dnd in edelterre #dnd campaign #dnd #dnd stuff #dnd worldbuilding #world building #Dungeons and Dragons #custom #original content

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talkwithomer · 4 years

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Justin Trudeau says the Trump administration wants to station troops near the Canadian border to prevent illegal crossings. Trudeau said his government has resisted the idea, saying it was "very much in both of our interests" to keep the US-Canada border "unmilitarized." https://ift.tt/39fADlu

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precedent2015 · 4 years

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#IFTTT #reddit

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simpleworldnews · 4 years

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submitted by /u/DaFunkJunkie [link] [comments] from https://ift.tt/33PRxpz

#news #worldwide #earth #nature

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atlanticcanada · 3 years

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Canada-U.S. land border reopens, but PCR test still a drag on travel

Fully vaccinated Canadians were once again paying long-awaited visits to loved ones, vacation properties and tourist destinations in the United States on Monday as southbound travel restrictions finally began to ease along the world's longest unmilitarized land border.

"Today marks the day that loved ones who have been separated for the past 19 months will finally be reunited. That is very, very significant," said Rep. Brian Higgins, a New York congressman who has been urging the White House for months to end the restrictions.

Newsletter sign-up: Get The COVID-19 Brief sent to your inbox

But Monday was a day that was too long in coming, considering how long highly effective COVID-19 vaccines have been publicly available in both countries, Higgins added.

In a statement, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security acknowledged the new rules and warned visitors it might take a while to get through.

"Long lines are expected in the initial days following pent-up demand, and CBP will adjust resources as needed," the agency said.

"Travellers are advised to expect longer-than-normal wait times, familiarize themselves with the new guidelines, and have appropriate documentation ready during a border inspection."

Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, N.Y., said the energy was palpable among businesses in his city over the weekend as they prepared to welcome a new cascade of visitors.

"They realize what this is going to mean to their respective businesses, as we sort of move into the holiday season. They're very excited about it," Restaino said.

But Higgins, Restaino and others, including community leaders on the Canadian side, know the full effect won't be apparent until Canada does away with requiring proof of a costly COVID-19 test in order to get back into the country.

"As long as we continue with this last wrinkle," Restaino said, "we won't see the full appreciation of just how much the communities on both sides of this river really do count on one another."

Indeed, the PCR test requirement -- an expense of $150 to $300 per test for each family member -- is keeping plenty of people at home, said Marcella Picone, a resident of Buffalo, N.Y., and member of the Facebook group "Families are Essential."

"There's still barriers," Picone said.

"Yes, the U.S. has done the right thing; they're not asking for a COVID test for land entry, so they are easing the restrictions. But now, obviously Canada needs to step up and eliminate their PCR tests."

The Canada Border Services Agency issued a statement last week reminding would-be travellers that proof of a negative test, taken no more than 72 hours before travel, is required to re-enter Canada, along with proof of vaccination.

Not only is the expense discouraging people from travelling, it's a self-defeating measure that does little to improve public safety, said Perrin Beatty, a former federal cabinet minister who now serves as CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

"It just makes no sense," Beatty said in an interview.

He pointed to the federal government's own rule that says if a trip to the U.S. will be less than 72 hours long, travellers can get their test done in Canada before they leave and use the same results when returning to the country.

"Who is protected by that? All this does is to waste money and waste people's time."

It also creates what Beatty calls "friction" along a border where people are supposed to be able to cross freely, "but where the cost and administrative hassle is so great that people just give up."

"The friction has essentially meant that the gains that the Canadian tourism sector were hoping to achieve when Canada opened the borders to people coming north just never materialized."

The new land border rules take effect as the U.S. also begins requiring foreign nationals who are visiting by air to be fully vaccinated before boarding their flights.

The U.S. Travel Association estimates that inbound international travel produced $239 billion in export income and directly supported 1.2 million American jobs.

"After nearly two years of restrictions, Monday begins in earnest the return of international travel, when long-separated families and friends can safely reunite, travellers can explore this amazing country, and the U.S. is able to reconnect with the global community," association president Roger Dow said in a statement.

"It is a monumental day for travellers, for the communities and businesses that rely on international visitation, and for the U.S. economy overall."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2021

TODAY: Fully vaccinated, legal non-citizens may once again travel to the U.S. for non-essential reasons via land & ferry ports of entry. Make sure you: Bring proof that you are fully vaccinated for #COVID19 Can verbally indicate your reason for travelhttps://t.co/nTjpgQLC9L pic.twitter.com/9Lg1u8LBd1

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) November 8, 2021

You must provide a pre-arrival #COVID19 molecular test result when coming to Canada, regardless of your citizenship and vaccination status. The results of the test are valid for 72 hours. For more information, visit: https://t.co/q2PyZPHuvz pic.twitter.com/4oaDzxpESn

— Canada Border Services Agency (@CanBorder) November 5, 2021

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/3qjI4V0

#new brunswick #prince edward island #nova scotia #news #politics #canada #CTVAtlantic

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