#First Time Buyer Apartments London

[weirdowithaquill]

Traintober 2024: Day 15 - Star

Duck once had a Friend...

Once upon a time, Duck the Great Western Pannier Tank had worked at Paddington Station in London as a station pilot. Paddington was a huge station with several engines just like Duck who rattled about shunting trains for the big engines to take on long journeys all across the West of England and into Wales. Some of these engines were pompous and rude, while others were old and wizened. Duck’s favourite engine at Paddington however was an old, old friend of his.  

Her name was Princess Margaret, and she was a member of the Star Class of GWR express engines. They were old and wise engines, who though displaced from the top link express services by their younger successors the Castles and Kings, still performed admirably.

Duck didn’t get to see his friend much. She worked trains that went right the way out to Wales and back, and so she would often spend the night at her destination before returning. But when Princess Margaret was there, she would always take time out to talk to Duck. The two were as close as engines could be – Margie, as Duck called her, had taught the Pannier everything there was to know about coaches when he’d first arrived, back when she still headed important expresses like the ‘Cornishman’ and the ‘Cambrian Coast Express’. As she’d been displaced first by the Castles, then the Kings, she’d begun running longer-distances, on lighter-laid lines that the two bigger classes just couldn’t travel on.  

“Margie was still in service when I left,” Duck explained to the sheds one evening. The engines at the Big Sheds had been discussing their lives pre-Sodor – the Scottish Twins had spent several long minutes purely explaining why the Thistle was the prettiest flower in the world, while Percy had spent almost an hour going through all the various parts of the country he’d seen. “I feel like she had a good chance of being preserved too. She even got to cameo in that one movie – the Titfield Thunderbolt!”

All throughout this, Bear had been unusually quiet. The former Western-region diesel had had his own stories he wanted to tell, but now he was slightly afraid of speaking up. Oliver noticed. The Great Western autotank was still new to the railway, and didn’t trust Bear yet.

“Well, Bear – you look troubled. Is something the matter?” he asked. Bear winced, his engine making an odd rumbling sound. All the engines looked over, and Bear shrunk back under their attention.

“When I was being built,” he began slowly, “we… uh… I…” Henry smiled sympathetically.

“It’s alright Bear, we won’t hate you for what you have to say,” he offered. Duck, Percy and the other big engines agreed. Bear sighed.

“Princess Margaret was the last Star Class in service,” he said quietly. “And when I was built… she was… being… taken apart at Swindon.” Bear cut off, looking down at his buffers in shame. Duck’s eyes widened.

“She… she was cut up?” he asked slowly. Bear didn’t look Duck in the eye, staring down at the rails instead.

“Yeah. At Swindon. The men claimed they’d waited four years to see if they could find a buyer… and none came for her. I’m sorry Duck – she seemed like such a nice engine. She just told them it wasn’t their fault, and she’d lived a good life…” Bear rumbled out of the sheds to pull the Midnight Goods before any of the engines could say anything. Oliver looked horrified.

“I… I didn’t think he would be so… torn up about it,” he admitted quietly into the night air. “Oliver, I understand you went through something traumatic,” Percy replied darkly, “but you need to learn that not all diesels are evil. Duck… I’m sorry too. It’s hard learning a friend is gone.” Duck didn’t reply, instead staring silently out of the sheds.

His friend had been a real shining star on the Great Western, who’d served them through two World Wars and kept on going even as her class was torn up. And all she got for it was a cold siding at her own birthplace and a cutter’s torch.

Duck wasn’t sure what that said about Swindon’s legacy, but it wasn’t positive.

Back to the Master Post

[octuscle]

The spirit of the previous owner

By the time he was in the cab, Connor had calmed down to some extent. He and his friend had had a terrible fight in their impressive apartment on Marylebone High Street. Not only had a Wedgewood plate or two been broken in the process, but his friend had almost pushed him down the stairs. Connor had loved this man more than anything. He had been his protector. And his stallion. He had felt safe in his presence. And had been fucked like he had never been fucked before. They had had good times. But now times were bad. All they did was argue, his friend made fun of Connor publicly, calling him a pussy and a faggot in front of friends. Yet it was Connor who had brought the money into the relationship. Through the successful sale of two startups he had founded, Connor had more money than he could ever use. His friend had only brought an imposing appearance and a huge cock into the relationship.

Connor had put up with it all, but now he was afraid his friend was going to seriously hurt him. He had been crying, locked in the guest bathroom of his own apartment on the phone with his best friend. And she'd been simultaneously Googling a realtor for a refuge for Connor. Even for people of Connor's budget, immediately available properties in London weren't exactly common. But his best friend had called him back after a short while to tell him that she had found something at least for the transition.

Connor hadn't packed. He'd just grabbed his coat, pocketed his wallet and keys, and walked out of the apartment. The "Yeah, fuck off you miserable faggot" that his friend yelled into the stairwell after him had certainly been heard by all the neighbors. He could no longer return to his old home.

He had never been to Brixton in his life, Connor thought to himself. And when the cab turned into the destination street, he had to swallow. Unadorned row houses, everything a bit run down. But the house the cab stopped in front of was actually the prettiest of the row. Freshly renovated, a bit disturbing was the large modern garage that had concreted over the entire front yard. But on top of the garage, as far as he could tell, was a large roof terrace.

The realtor was waiting for him in front of the house. An unpleasant fellow, nervously smoking a cigarette. Connor hated smokers. But all right now. They shook hands, the realtor opened the door and Connor entered. The first impression was good. Bright, tidy. The furnishings were new, but unimaginative from IKEA or something similar. But that could be changed. No art on the walls, but posters, some not even framed. The motifs are already good, Connor thought with a grin. Predominantly announcements of boxing fights. Pictures of crisp men. He had little love for the working class, but horny fella's they were.

The realtor began to explain when the house was from. That it would be sold fully furnished. Directly ready to move in. That there were plenty of other interested parties. That the price was a bargain. A voice inside Connor told him that was exactly what he needed right now. Connor said he agreed, if it was okay, he'd stay right here. The realtor's mouth dropped open.

Connor had emailed his financial advisor to handle everything financial with the realtor. He had taken the key and pushed the realtor out the door. This was his house now. He had never had a house to himself before. This was his castle. He took a deep breath and felt secure.

The realtor couldn't believe his luck. The house had been unsold for over a year. The previous owner had been shot in his living room. Some gangland war or something. It had taken weeks to clean up the mess. Still, all the prospective buyers had felt uncomfortable as soon as they opened the door. He himself, too. And now this slim young man with an almost feminine appearance came and bought the house. Without batting an eye. Without trading.

Connor walked through the house. It was quite spacious. There was a living-dining room with an open kitchen downstairs and a terrace with a small garden. Upstairs were two rooms and two bathrooms. One had obviously been used as a bedroom, one as a study. A man had lived here. On the walls posters with box motifs, of motorcycles. Almost no books. And the man had been sporty. In the closet were tracksuits, sports clothes made of shiny synthetic fibers, like those worn by the men on the posters. A few pairs of jeans, a couple of jackets. My God, the morning coats took up more space in his closet than his previous owner's entire wardrobe did here. But it was perfect that he had something to change into here at all.

Lastly, Connor went to the garage. It was impressive. More like a fully equipped repair garage. With three high-horsepower looking motorcycles. And with a long wall of cabinets that held motorcycle suits, leather jackets and pants, as well as mechanic overalls. Okay, so in terms of the amount of clothing, maybe there was parity after all….

While everything else in the house looked as if its previous owner had just been out exercising, on a motorcycle ride, or at the pub, the kitchen was empty. There were no pots or anything like that. Just protein powder and bars. A few bottles of water. And a few cans of beer. He was about to grab a bottle of water when a voice told him that maybe a beer was more appropriate for the occasion. He opened a can, poured himself a glass and sat down in the TV chair. After a few sips, he fell asleep.

It was already dark outside when he woke up. My God, had he had a wild dream. He had gotten into a boxing ring. And his opponent was his friend. And he had knocked him out with one punch. He couldn't get the other crap together. He took the glass of beer and drank it down in one go. Shit, it was warm and stale. And he was hungry. If he remembered correctly, there had been a kebab joint not far away at all. That was better than nothing now. He wanted to reach for his coat, but something told him that black oxfords and a brown camel hair coat didn't go with kebabs. Even though his shoes and jacket were too big, he grabbed a bomber jacket from wardrobe, slipped on a pair of sneakers, and headed out.

At first, Connor had considered eating the kebab at home. But he was really hungry and ate it right in the snack bar, standing up. And drank a beer from a can to go with it. If his sophisticated friend could see him like that. The asshole deserved a punch in the face, he thought to himself. And cringed at the thought. Although he was right. Back home, he drank another beer. That would make him tired. He had to go to bed now.

Since he hadn't found any pajamas or anything like that in the closet, Connor had slept in his underwear. And obviously he had had a very wet dream tonight. Heck, how much had he jizzed out there? The realtor had said something about a basement, hopefully he'd find a washing machine there. But now he had to pee first. "Hey, hey, hey, mate!" That hadn't been a voice inside him now. He heard a voice. "In this house, a man sits only to shit. Pissing is standing up!" Connor was transfixed. "Trust me, mate, I only want what's best for you. Now piss, jerk off your morning wood, and then get a fucking haircut. You look like a girl." Connor was way too perplexed. Besides, the voice made him horny. Powerful, masculine, but companionable. With a heavy accent. That's how the boxers on the posters had to talk. Connor cummed. But didn't hit the toilet bowl but the toilet lid. He wanted to wipe it all away with some toilet paper, but that's when the voice spoke up again. "Nah, mate! This is your house, this is your cum. If it bothers anyone, tell them to clean it up."

The voice was right, after all. He finally had to live his life. And the voice was also right about the hairstyle. Connor wanted to change some things, the haircut was a start. But who had put his clothes on the bed for him? T-shirt, jockstrap, white socks, tracksuit. And there was a message on his cell phone. With an address. And a terse text, "Ask for Stevie." The barber wasn't far away. Because he found nothing else, Connor had eaten two protein bars for breakfast. He hadn't showered. He assumed the barber would wash his hair. He grabbed his sneakers and jacket from yesterday, got dressed, and left the house. Crazy, but he felt like the shoes fit like a glove today.

Stevie was more of a Steve. A colossus who was inked all over. He didn't ask for what Connor wanted. Stevie didn't wash his hair. Stevie only did a haircut. And it took five minutes. "Eight pounds, mate," Stevie grunted, "and tomorrow at 08:00 sharp, please." Connor left the store confused. Why tomorrow? He looked in the shop window next to the barber shop. He wasn't concerned with the offers for new cell phone contracts. He was concerned with the reflection. He looked like a chav. He looked like most men who were on the street at this hour.

On the way home, Connor had done some shopping. A few convenience foods, a few cans of beer. And a few motorcycle and martial arts magazines. Once home, he went in search of the washing machine. The entrance to the basement had been moved to the garage after the house was remodeled. And yes, there was a laundry room in the basement. Also, a storage room. But most importantly, there was the basement room under the garage. He had expected a lot of things. But not a darkroom. Fully equipped with sling and St. Andrew's cross. And most of all, with a jail cell.

There had been no net in the basement. When he got back upstairs, he had ten missed calls. His friend. He turned off the cell phone. Still, he heard a phone ring. The ringing came from the jacket he had just put on. There was a cell phone and an anonymous caller. He picked it up. And the voice told him that he could use this phone for now.

Connor took the phone, sat down in the living room, and inspected the phone thoroughly. A carelessly maintained address book. Stevie, after all, he already knew. Otherwise, mostly just abbreviated first names or cryptic ones like "Weed" or "Ink." And under Connor was his own number. Nothing surprised him anymore. Although it was actually maybe a little early, he grabbed a beer and flipped through the magazines. Fuck, they were already hot fella's. Both the lads in the leather suits and the mixed martial arts fighters. Connor jerked off more than once. It made him even more horny to cum on his torso and rub the jizz in. Hell, he had all the choices here, why didn't he put on some of the clothes here to jerk off. He tried on racing suits, boxers and mechanic overalls. Every outfit made him horny. In all of them he cummed. By now it was dark again. The house looked like a battlefield. Clothes were lying around everywhere. He himself was encrusted by the many cum. And still not showered. Then he got a WhatsApp message. From a Nick. With a location. And whether he would like to have a beer. The location was quite a distance away. But why not? He was about to call a cab when the voice came on. How many more motorcycles did he need? He was supposed to get around like a man. Hell, yes! Motorcycles were his world. So Connor put on a suit that went well with the bright red Ducati, grabbed his boots, gloves and helmet and took off.

It had been a great evening with the lads. But keeping Stevie waiting was unwise, Connor thought to himself. As he pissed, he wondered if he hadn't been circumcised. But the massive cock he held in his hands was not. He spread half of his piss on the toilet seat. Fuck, it was his piss. Even if the way to Stevie was short, he took his neon green Kawasaki Ninja for it. Today Stevie took more time and shaved bald in the sides and neck. It looked really good. Connor slipped Stevie 20 pounds, said goodbye to the lads and left the store. Shit, he didn't have any cigarettes with him. So he went to the next store, bought some cigarettes and a lighter and lit a cigarette on the next park bench. While doing so, he checked his cell phone. He still had a number of unread messages. But one was brand new: "Mate, workout at 10:00?" "Sure thing," Connor replied. He got on his bike and intuitively rode to his boxing center.

Sure Connor was a lightweight. But he worked out hard with his trainer. And technically, he wasn't bad at all. After two hours, the two were through. Connor went back to the weights for two more hours. His dream was to build mass. He never wanted to be pushed around by anyone ever again.

So slowly a new routine came into his life. Get up at 06:00, run for an hour, visit Stevie, work out. And in the evenings, roaming the pubs with the lads. Maybe with an occasional fuck in the loo. His body was developing very neatly. He'd persuaded one of the lads from the kebab shop to clean up his mess three times a week while he was out working out. Marylebone High Street was a long way away. Just as he was sitting at Stevie's one morning, he got a message. "Appointment today at 4:00 pm." The sender was Ink. He looked in the address book. Yes, there was an address listed. So he headed there after practice. Damn, why hadn't the idea come to him himself and much earlier. He was the only one of his mates without a tattoo. For a start, a full sleave was quite a good project. At least for the next few days he now had a few new appointments in his calendar.

When the inking of his arm was done, he stood in front of the mirror in the morning after taking a piss. He really liked what he saw. He saw a man who fit the house. And the house fit him. While sitting with Stevie, it occurred to him to check the voicemail on his old cell phone. His financial advisor had told him that everything was taken care of. The house was paid for and his friend's existing powers of attorney had been cancelled. Some messages were from his best friend. He wrote her a message telling her not to worry, he just needed some extended time off. And many messages were from his friend. First nasty abuse, then eventually begging and pleading. Sure, without Connor's money he was nothing. Connor sent a message with his new address "Tomorrow at 8:00 pm." He awaited his friend leaning against the window frame. The T-shirt showed off his new tattoos well. With his hands deep in the pockets of his workout pants, Connor massaged his cock. And down in his darkroom, a couple of his buddies were waiting with bulging bladders for the new piss pig to move into the cell.

[around1302]

EPILOGUE: SIX YEARS LATER

SPARE PARTS: a series

LONDON

(W) strong language, oral (male receiving)

THIRD PERSON’S POV

FOUR YEARS LATER

Cheers ring throughout the arena, thumping so loud even the floors shook. Charlie watches off stage, hands over an agape mouth as she tries to process just how proud she is – which is a pretty impossible feat. Amelia’s screams deafen her from the left, her own jumping adding to the shakes and only making her husband worry because a woman only two months from her due date definitely shouldn’t be moving like that.

(Even if she insists she knows what’s doing by the third time round).

“Oh, my God, this is going straight to his dick,” Liam laughs, whistling so loud that a few fans nearly spot them hidden behind the curtain. It was absolutely essential no one saw them – this wasn’t their night in the slightest.

“Thank you so much London!” Louis belts to the crowd one last time, trying his best to soak those emotional final few moments in before descending and joining his friends backstage.

They all scream, engulfing him in a suffocating group hug Amelia’s forced to bow out from early. Louis is clearly high on adrenaline, nearly shaking with the thrill of it all, as his former bandmates lap over each other to congratulate him.

“God, it felt so weird at first,” he pants, nodding his thanks toward the crew member who handed him a water as they all made their way to the tour buses. His tour buses, “being up there alone, but it was incredible. I just want to go out there and do it all again.”

“Good job you’ve booked a whole ass tour then,” Niall grips his shoulders, kissing the back of his sweaty head.

“Lou, you were fucking ace!” Zayn shouts over the phone Liam nearly forgot he was holding. It’s a miracle the signal and battery even held up in the 02, especially from Zayn’s hotel in Florence.

“How’s the exhibition going?” Louis responds, taking Liam’s phone to face Zayn for a minute.

The five of them climb onto the buses, each taking a minute to gasp at how different it is. Like slipping on an old cardigan, they all expected to see the red leather they were so used to and the posters they’d chosen and the always stocked mini fridge. This bus is all Louis now.

“So good,” Zayn begins to break up as the bus quickly sets off to Louis’ London apartment, “I had a buyer yesterday, meeting with him after tomorrow’s gallery opening.”

Everyone gives their congratulations, then Louis hangs up the phone before Zayn turns into nothing but a blob of pixels, handing Liam’s phone back to him.

“I’ve never seen a crowd like that,” Niall shuffles on the sofa he would never say is uncomfortable, but, well. It’s no Spare Parts tour bus. “So impressive mate.”

Amongst the pumped up conversation about Louis’ first solo show, Charlie feels her silenced phone buzzing away in her back pocket. Pulling the device out, she can’t help the small smile that makes it’s way onto her face – earning knowing groans from the others.

There’s only one person who can elicit that smile.

“Just answer it.” Louis chuckles.

“It’s just because I told him to call if there was an emergency–”

“Answer it before I do!” Amelia intercepts, throwing a cushion at Charlie. She barely catches it before it hits her face, so as she stands to take the call, she sticks her tongue out at her best friend.

And a finger.

Charlie hears a muted, “love you too!” as the door to the bunks close and she’s alone.

“Hi,” Charlie accepts the FaceTime, unable to hold back her smile as her husband comes into frame. “Everything okay?”

“Look,” he holds up a toy, specifically a 2 year old Rubik’s cube that aims to help with colour awareness. Charlie thought it was dumb, but it’s hard to argue with Harry when it comes to Reagan. “Our kid’s a genius.”

Charlie scoffs. The cube has one side completed in red, all four squares.

“Our kid’s two years old,” Charlie cocks her head, “but did she really do that?”

“Yep, we sat there for like an hour–”

“We?”

“Well her fingers aren’t the strongest.”

Charlie breathes out puffy laughter.

“Who did the cube?”

A pause. Tired eyes crinkling at the seams.

“Okay, so I physically did it, but she told me where to go!”

“Rae can say, like, five words, she did not.” Charlie loudly guffaws. Then she realises Harry’s been whispering this whole time, so she quickly clamps her mouth. “Is she asleep?”

“Yes,” Harry yawns, “took fuckin’ forever.”

“Hey! No swearing with Rae in the house.”

“She doesn’t know what they mean, Char.”

“And what happens when we send her to preschool with that in her vocabulary?”

“God, I don’t know. Do we go to jail?”

Charlie rolls her eyes, Harry cracks a lazy smile.

“How was it?”

“Oh, H, it was amazing. He was so good.”

“I’m sad to have missed it,” he yawns again, “I always knew he’d kill it solo.”

“Mm,” Charlie props her chin on her palm, “go to sleep baby.”

“Not tired.” Harry lies, his fringe tickling his lashes as he shakes his head.

“You just yawned three times in five minutes.”

“I want to stay up.” He nearly sounds like a sulking child.

“I’m not going to be back till gone midnight.”

A pause. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Charlie chuckles, “we’re nearly at Louis’ apartment and I promised I’d actually stay at this party.”

“Do you have to?”

“If ready-to-burst Amelia is, I hardly have an excuse.”

Harry softly laughs, and Charlie wants to wrap herself in that laugh. In fact, she’s wanted to go back to her husband and her daughter and their dog for hours, but she can’t hide away from yet another party.

“I’ll be back at 12:30.”

“Okay babe,” Harry yawns. Again. “Have fun. Give Louis my congratulations.”

“I will,” Charlie let’s her eyes drop over Harry for a minute. After three years of marriage, the sight of him in sweats and blankets and messy curls is no less sexy than when he’s in his silk shirts and his–

“You’re pulling that face.” Harry snaps her out of it.

“What?”

“Your eyes,” Harry shifts, Daisy’s fur visible in the corner of the screen as she clearly hogs her side of the bed, “you sure you don’t want to come back early?”

The door to the bunks open and Liam’s head peaks through, “Charlie, we’re here.”

“Okay, I’ll be one minute.” Charlie smiles, standing up.

“You alright, Harry?” Liam shouts.

“I’ll be one minute,” grits lilts, shooing Liam out with a smirk.

“I really need to go now,” Charlie’s attention reverts back to the screen, to Harry. “I love you. Stay up.”

“Always,” Harry has to have won some kind of world record for yawning at this point, “I love you.”

2 YEARS LATER

Thousands upon thousands await him, chanting and cheering for him as the final recognisable song from his (carefully curated) pre-show playlist slowly fades to a halt.

He should be jumping up and down on the spot, breathing short, sharp breaths and recounting the lyrics he always forgets (and probably will always forget). He should be hyping himself up to play his first ever stadium alone, he should be warming up or fuck, praying.

But no. He’s nowhere to be found.

He’s late.

“Fuckin’ unbelievable,” his manger, Jeff, paces over Ibrox’s backstage, about ready to quit, steam leaking from his ears - cartoon or not, his top client is always the one to make that happen.

Jeff could accept late six years ago. It was nerve wracking, opening a tour alone after a controversial departure from the band. Plus, he was well aware of his reputation, Jeff knew what he was signing on for.

But the man’s twenty-eight, for fuck’s sake. The man’s not some stupid early twenty-something who sees this whole thing as a fun little quest he gets to dictate. Over the years, and especially through the pandemic, he finally matured. He finally realised that being punctual is actually okay! And more than that, it doesn’t give your manager and crew kittens three minutes before Golden is supposed to blast to 50,000.

… except when it comes to pre-show blowjobs from his wife.

“Oh, my God, baby.”

Harry throws his head back, fingers taking turns in fisting the cushy sofa beneath him and raking through Charlie’s curls. Her tongue swirls his tip, her own insistence for punctuality urging her to make him finish as soon as possible. She looks up at him through long lashes, knowing eye contact while she mouths him like that will have him tipping over the edge in no time.

It was never even supposed to happen. She only went in his dressing room to wish him luck, see how he was doing, give him a chaste kiss if anything. And, if she was a little honest with herself, she wanted to see his outfit before the world did.

Catching him half-dressed with the hair that told her he’d been nervously messing with it for half an hour, well. Who wouldn’t drop to their knees and kiss their way to his cock in their mouth?

“Yeah, shit,” Harry pants, forcing his head to roll forward so he can watch her. “How do you just seem to get better at this?”

Charlie smiles around his prick, injecting butterflies into his stomach and–

“Harry, I’m going to ask one more time.”

“One minute!” Charlie surfaces, barely able to breathe as she shouts at Jeff this time. Jeff’s grumbles are audible from the other side of the door, as are the sound of feet shuffling away.

If there’s one person Jeff isn’t going to yell at, it’s Charlie.

Harry’s eyes widen, embarrassment heating his neck, but Charlie’s hand pumping his shaft silences him till he’s biting blood into his bottom lip and announcing,

“Baby, I’m gonna–” he doesn’t have to finish his sentence before her mouth is back on him, and he’s coming down the back of her wonderful throat.

The noises he makes as he finishes only spur her to suck him through his orgasm, all the way till he’s pulling her away and twitching with sensitivity.

“Okay, you need to go.”

Charlie stands, wiping her mouth and shanking his boxers and trousers up for him while he lays back, dazed the fuck out of his mind.

“Huh?” He barely understands a word she’s saying, let alone able to comprehend where he is and what he’s about to do.

“You have a show, H,” Charlie straddles his lap to fix his hair, styling it quickly in the way she knows he likes. Harry’s hands instinctively fly to her waist, grinning lazily as she fusses over his fucked-out appearance.

“That might’ve been your best work, sweetheart.”

“Shut up,” Charlie mumbles behind a smile. He pecks her swollen lips.

Standing up, she adjusts herself, too. Her hair that had been ragged at by a feral Harry, her lipstick that was practically cheekstick by now. Her top, that he’d messily yanked down during their initial make out session when he insisted he just had to bite at least one mark into her breasts.

“Okay, you have two minutes,” Charlie checks her phone, grabbing his white tank and jacket from his coat-rack. Coming round from the head, panic starts to set in.

“Shit,” he mutters under his breath, standing up. Charlie turns around, noticing that gone-off look in his eyes which tells her he’s either about to brush it off completely or melt into a panic attack. Neither are exactly great coping mechanisms, but Charlie really needs to prevent the latter right now.

“H, it’s nothing.”

She throws him the tank, waiting for him with the jacket. He glances at her, that postcoital glow long gone. Anxiety was starting to seep into those gaps she had managed to close just a few minutes ago, but were starting to crack at the seams.

“50,000 is not nothing.”

Charlie puts his jacket on for him, afraid he’d stand there forever if she didn’t.

“50,817.” She corrects. He scowls. “Sorry.”

“Look, of course it’s not nothing. It’s a huge deal. But I know you,” she grabs his face, forcing his eyes to still on something solid. A stray curl falls against his forehead, framing his furrowed brows. “You’re going to get on that stage, and you’re going to fucking kill it.”

Harry huffs a breath, unconvinced.

“Honey, you’ve done it before.” Charlie smiles softly, brushing away the strand.

“Yeah,” he mutters, “with you.” He nudges his nose against hers, and Charlie wants to cry at his vulnverability. It’s rare she sees a Harry like this. For as long as she’s known him, he’s remained stoic in the face of fear, and although he’s not as rigid as he used to be – he’s never one to panic so much.

Endearingly, Charlie can pinpoint when he became much more of a worrier to one day, one person.

“H,” Charlie firms up, “it’s just like that. You have your band, you have me and your friends and–”

Harry interrupts the beginning of Charlie’s pep talk by grabbing her face and kissing her, hard. As if he was pouring out all of his nerves into her mouth and something in her lips and her tongue managed to just kill them. He pulls away, pepping light kisses against her cheek and jaw, making Charlie chuckle softly as his hair tickles her face.

“Okay, okay,” she leans back, forcing him away from her skin, “round two after the show, yeah?”

Harry holds his pinkie out. Charlie rolls her eyes, and holds her pinkie out. They kiss their respective thumbs and Harry nods.

“You got this.” She scrunches her nose, and Harry swears he feels his heart drop out of his stomach, which, how? After all this time, how does she still manage to do that to him.

It needs to be studied.

As he leaves his dressing room, Charlie gives him a swift slap to the ass, laughing as he turns and playfully scowls (despite knowing full well he loves it). She says a silent prayer for her husband as she follows him toward the stage, the sound of thousands of impatient fans already deafening.

They round the corner to backstage, where the team and Jeff are minutes away from breaking down themselves. Jeff nearly drops to the floor in relief at the sight of Harry, but wastes no time in calling tech over to mic him up.

Charlie gratefully smiles at Sarah, taking a fussing Reagan from her arms. Harry turns to let the team thread his mic through his jacket, and finds his remaining anxiety instantly dissipating at the sight of his daughter wearing entirely too big headphones and fisting at Charlie’s t-shirt as she complains about said defenders.

“Hi, princess,” Harry coos, reaching out for Reagan to grab his finger with her little hand.

“Daddy, you look funny.” Reagan giggles, wiggling enough for Charlie to set her down.

“Heey,” Harry lilts, getting the go ahead from the tech man before bending to his four-year-old’s height. “You don’t think I look handsome?”

Reagan shakes her head, brown curls bouncing against her cheeks.

“You look like play-dough.”

Charlie snorts, because she kinda hit the nail on the head. Harry’s band are giggling, too, as they prepare to get on stage. Harry narrows his eyes at them all.

“Do I have to wear these?” Reagan bashes her fists against the headphones.

“Afraid so, Rae,” Harry adjusts them so they sit a little looser on her head, but she’s still unhappy. “Your ears are too little right now,” he tries to explain, but if he knows his daughter at all, he knows she’ll be upset throughout the whole show because her hairdo’s squashed.

That’s Auntie Amelia’s damning influence.

“I don’t want to interrupt, but–”

“Yeah, yeah,” Harry stands, not deaf to the chants for him outside.

He kisses Reagan’s head, then turns to his wife.

“How’s Daisy?”

“Daisy’s fine,” Charlie sighs around a smile. Of course Harry’s worried about their dog right now. “Lia and Niall texted, she’s passed out on the sofa.”

Harry nods, clearly trying to delay the inevitable. So Charlie hurries it along for him, knowing he could stand there and ask stupid questions all evening to avoid that initial opening.

“Don’t fuck it up.” She winks, pinching his chin. Harry breathes short laughter from his nose, his lips squashed as Charlie pulls him for one final good luck kiss. Reagan sticks her tongue out at the sight of her parents’ affection, to which Harry does the same back and earns a tinkling of giggles back.

Charlie lifts Raegen so she can blow a kiss to her dad, currently jumping up and down and getting a few final stretches in before the opening to Music For A Sushi Restaurant fills the stadium, the screams become deafening, and Charlie watches as her rockstar husband takes the same stage her rockstar self did last year.

@lilfreakjez @be-with-me-so-happily @sirtommyholland @tpwksm @b-reads-things @tiaamberxx @daphnesutton @mleestiles

[because-she-goes]

the garden

warnings: some swearing & angry nora. Enjoy!

Nora walked out of the grey, new york sky scraper and was immediately hit by the chill in the air, but blinded by the sun. A freezing cold March morning in Manhattan. However, Nora was acting like it was August. Positively beaming and walking down the busy sidewalk with a bounce in her step, she couldn’t wait to call Matty with the news. Nora, being the incredible woman she is, had just sold one of her more intricate pieces to a buyer from The Whitney Museum for just under $85,000. An absolutely ridiculous number for Nora to wrap her head around, but a minuscule number in comparison to the art world where her colleagues have sold pieces for $30 million before even having their morning coffee.

The Whitney being a place Nora has revered for years, making it a life-goal in college to have a piece in their modern art section one day. A true pinch me moment. The piece she had sold was quite bold and brash, which the buyer liked about it - needing something to stick out among their hundreds of dazzling works. She had painted it after Matty had told her about the band being invited to play SNL. She had been inspired by the longevity of the television program and the art it produced, New York and artists like Rothko, Pollack, Kline. Remembering her teachers using the term “Abstract Expressionism” to describe what she was going for. However, she remembered halfway through that abstract expressionism was more 50s-60s than the time period she was interested in. Leaning more into postmodernism (a word she taught Matty), she looked to the works of Baldessari where dots were placed on people’s face in photographs. She took the idea of the dots and ran with it, using her thickest brush and dipping it into contrasting colors, she placed huge dots in sections of the piece - covering some spots and leaving others blank or revealing the splatters underneath. An ode to the New York art scene with a dash of California. It had taken her weeks to figure everything out and research it all.

The work had been sitting in her studio, waiting to find a home for months. At this point, she was just waiting for the wire transfer to go through and be confirmed by her bank - then she’d celebrate and officially tell Matty the news, not wanting to get ahead of herself incase the deal fell through. Walking down W 15th and turning onto 10th, she makes her way to the Starbucks Reserve to get an 11am pick me up, she orders the hazelnut latte and gets Matty one of their specials, a whiskey-barrel aged coldbrew. Taking the two coffees to go and hailing a cab, she makes her way back uptown to her apartment in Hell’s Kitchen. One of the greatest financial decisions she has ever made was taking the money from her first sale and putting it towards buying a New York apartment back in 2016, before the price for everything sky rocketed. Not having to worry about rent anymore was a blessing in and of itself.

Swiping in to her building and saying hi to her doorman Bennie, she makes her way up to her home. Opening the door, she sees Matty at their kitchen table with his headphones blaring a demo George had sent him, she remembers that at this point its 6pm in London. Kissing the crown of his head and handing him the cold brew, she goes to check her bank account not expecting anything just yet. To her shock, there it is already. Talk about a new york minute! She excitedly runs out to Matty and rips the headphones off his head like a child wanting their parent’s attention immediately.

“Hey, I was working on something?-“

“And now you’re not! Guess what, baby!”

“What?” He asks almost begrudgingly.

“I sold that painting today! The SNL one I made way back in December is going to the Whitney, they just wired me the money!!” She is practically screaming at this point, not caring which of her neighbors hear her.

“Wait, baby you did? Oh my god thats fantastic, Muffin! I am so proud of you!” Exclaiming as he remembers when he first heard about her art from Adam at a party. He had shown up late to Carly’s birthday party after going out for drinks with Nora. Adam jokingly asked if he was on a date, Matty proudly said yes. Carly and Adam asked for her name and they nearly dropped dead when he said it. Adam had been a massive fan of Nora’s since way before she met Matty, astonished he was able to land someone like her - someone who may as well be his twin they were so alike.

“Thank You, Handsome! And guess what team is in town…”

“Oh brother, not the Knicks and Lakers again…”

“You are too good sometimes, ya know that?”

“Unfortunately.” He remarks blandly, he hates basketball. He never understood what was so interesting about guys running up and down a court putting a ball in a hoop, but he watched the Knicks since Nora loved them. She could rattle off any piece of their history without even hesitating. She had been to the garden more times than Matty could even count. Her father is a huge Knicks fan and when he found out he was having a daughter, he put a little pink Knicks ball in her nursery.

Quickly saving half her earnings and setting it aside before she forgot, she logged into her MSG account and got her usual. Floor seats, next to the home bench, in the corner. Best seats in the house. Matty still looking like someone had spilled hot soup on him, Nora decides to cheer him up a bit. She has a single connection at the garden and knows that Matty has always wanted to go in through the VIP entrance, not the performers one or the general admission lines. 5 hours until tip off, plenty of time to text Marco and see what strings he could pull.

“Baby, I’m gonna shower….” she says over her shoulder while walking to their en suite bathroom.

At that, Matty’s mood is totally turned around and the man is falling over himself to get to her before she shuts the door. “Right behind you, gorgeous!”

— 2 hours later —

In her Brunson jersey and a pair of Matty’s baggy jeans, she steps out of their bedroom. Taking a last look at her makeup, she applies a final coat of mascara and a swoosh of blush. Checking her teeth for lipstick and deciding she is ok, she waits for Matty.

In his Randle jersey she bought for him last year and sweatpants, he steps out. Fixing his hair and spraying on the cologne Nora loves. Lavender, mint and a little hint of smoke fills the air around him. She inhales and sighs, relaxing at just his scent.

“Ready to go, Handsome?” She asks, grabbing their house keys, her wallet and phone from the tray at the door.

“I guess, do you want me to drive?”

“Sure.” They walk down to the parking deck hand in hand, her body buzzing like a live wire with anticipation of tip off.

She gets a text from Marco, “All set, Boss. Just wave your ID when you get there and I’ll walk you guys in.” She sends back the little smile emoji.

New York was surprisingly pretty empty tonight, everyone must be home watching she thinks. Matty pulls up the artists entrance without issue.

“Keep going, we are going a different way.” She instructs, pointing towards the next entrance by the corner - more secluded and less opportunity for paparazzi to get their picture.

“What have you done now, Gorgeous?”

“Me? Oh nothing, just nothing at all!” She can’t even look him in the eye, he’d know whats going on right away.

He pulls into the private area and shows security his and Nora’s ID, both having to provide birth date confirmation.

“April the 8th, 1989”

“June 16th, 1992”

They get the okay to enter, see Marco and they’re escorted up to the floor seats. Matty looking like a child seeing Disney for the first time. This entrance has a full bar, private club and even a small portrait gallery of all the celebrities who have been to the garden over the decades.

Tip off and the first quarter happens before Matty can even process everything. Nora however is on her feet, yelling and berating the Knicks bench to get a move on and “pass the damn ball!” He laughs, how could someone so sweet and unassuming as her be the person in front of him - geminis man! He shakes his head lightly.

Half time is a blur and before they can even scarf down their hot dogs and fries, it is the 4th quarter. Knicks are up by 5 with 6 minutes left. Matty and Nora now both being the most obnoxious ridiculous sports fans in the building, yelling and high-fiving people around them whenever another point is scored. Nora can’t believe the sight before her, thee Matty Healy yelling at RJ Barrett to get his shit together while his mouth is full of concession stand food and cracker jack. She has never loved him more, she thinks.

4 minutes left, tie game. They are fuming. Nora is practically in a trance watching the game, refusing to acknowledge anyone around her. Matty not even paying attention to the score, just fully enjoying seeing her so worked up over a silly basketball game.

He then gets an idea….

“Hey Sunflower… I’m a little thirsty. Do you mind grabbing me a Fanta?” He yells in her direction, eyes still glued to the game.

“What? Now? Theres not even 5 minutes left, Handsome, this’ll be over any second!” She promises, trying to appease him and get him to just be patient.

“Yeah, I want one before they close - for the ride home ya know? My throat feels like razors from all the salty food you Americans eat!”

“Oh for fucks sake, Matty! Fine, I’ll go!” Running up the stairs as quick as she can and bolting to the concession stand closest to her spot.

“One Fanta, ASAP pronto hurry!” She rushes out to the poor teenager working. Eyes watching the monitor above him.

Randle hits a 3, the Knicks up again!

She rejoices, still waiting impatiently for the damn soda. I mean my god how long does it take to hold a squirt gun to a cup!!

“That’ll be $2.75 ma’am…” the teenager turns back around to her holding the precious soda. She throws a $5 at the kid and sprints back to Matty.

“Here you go, honey!” She shoves it towards him. He takes one sip, looks at her and says one of the most enraging things she has ever heard…

“It’s Diet! Who orders a diet Fanta, this is vile holy shit!” He proclaims.

Smoke comes out of her ears. She grabs the cup roughly and marches back to the kid.

“Fucking diet Fanta, you moron! Who would want a diet Fanta!!” The poor kid looks at her and shrugs, grabbing another cup and different squirt gun filling the vessel with soda at a snail’s pace.

Nora checks the monitor again. 1 minute left. Tied. Brunson steals, goes towards the basket and just as he scores, the kid hands her the new soda. Forgetting to pay she turns to the seats and out rushes the crowd hooting and hollering. Defeated, she her shoulders and head drop. She sees Matty emerge, hands him the soda and they go back to the car in complete, deafening silence.

Trying to get back into her good graces, he pulls out a stuffed Knicks bear from behind him. It is adorable, impossibly cute. Softening, Nora wipes a tear inching down her cheek at his thoughtfulness and wraps her arms around his neck. Holding him tightly to her and never wanting to let go.

“Congratulations on the sale again, baby. Tomorrow we celebrate for real… fancy dinner, shopping, art museum the whole nine yards. Pulling out all the stops for you, my little artiste!” He says into her ear, voice dripping in pride.

She kisses his cheek in agreement and thanks, settling back in her seat with a rosy flush to her cheeks. Holding onto the bear, she doesn’t imagine another place where she’d rather be than with Matty celebrating.

[eggsinvest]

EggsInvest vs Zoopla: Your Top Property Portal Comparison

Real estate investment is a powerful tool for growing your wealth, offering opportunities to generate passive income and build long-term equity. EggsInvest vs Zoopla – Discover the perfect property portal for your UK real estate investment needs.

But while the real estate market offers immense potential for financial growth, navigating the landscape can be daunting, especially with the abundance of property portals vying for your attention.

EggsInvest: Your Gateway to Property Investment Success

Understanding Your Investment Needs

Investing in real estate requires a clear understanding of your objectives and preferences. Whether you’re looking for London sale apartments, suburban homes, or commercial properties, EggsInvest provides a comprehensive platform tailored to your needs.

Navigating the Property Portal Maze: EggsInvest vs Zoopla

When it comes to property investment portals in the UK, two names stand out: EggsInvest and Zoopla. Let’s delve into a comparative analysis to help you make an informed decision.

EggsInvest: Your Personalized Investment Portal

EggsInvest distinguishes itself by offering a personalized approach to property investment. Unlike larger portals like Zoopla, EggsInvest prioritizes quality over quantity, ensuring that your listings receive the attention they deserve.

Investment Focus: Quality Over Quantity

While Zoopla boasts a vast database of properties, EggsInvest takes a different approach. By curating listings and focusing on quality, EggsInvest ensures that every property showcased on its platform meets high standards, attracting serious investors and potential buyers.

Targeted Exposure for Maximum Impact

In the competitive landscape of real estate, exposure is key. EggsInvest understands the importance of targeted exposure, leveraging strategic marketing tactics to showcase your property to the right audience.

Local Expertise, Global Reach

EggsInvest combines local expertise with a global reach, offering unparalleled insights into the UK property market. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, EggsInvest provides the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions.

Your Property, Your Platform: EggsInvest Advantage

Exposing Your Property to a Larger Audience with EggsInvest

By choosing EggsInvest as your property listing portal, you gain access to a targeted audience of investors and buyers who are actively seeking properties like yours. With strategic marketing initiatives and personalized support, EggsInvest ensures that your property stands out in a competitive market.

Conclusion: EggsInvest – Your Partner in Property Investment

In the journey of real estate investment, the choice of property portal can make all the difference. With EggsInvest, you’re not just gaining access to a platform – you’re gaining a partner committed to your success. Experience the EggsInvest advantage and unlock the full potential of your property investments today.

[lindsaywesker]

Good morning! I hope you slept well and feel rested? Currently sitting at my desk, in my study, attired only in my blue towelling robe, enjoying my first cuppa of the day. Welcome to Too Much Information Tuesday.

There are 328 people in the US called Abcde.

Signs saying 'Beware Of Pickpockets' attract pickpockets.

In ancient Rome, women used tampons soaked in opium.

The best time of the day for hand-eye co-ordination is 8pm.

Fear of heights only begins six weeks after a baby learns to crawl.

Half the buyers of vinyl records in the US don’t own a record player.

The average Briton lies about how they really feel 11 times per week.

The happier a bird is, the jazzier and more free-form its singing will be.

Prisoners in California can reduce their sentences by opting to fight forest fires.

Red lipstick boosts waitresses' tips from male customer but not from female ones.

At a food safety conference in Baltimore in 2014, 100 attendees got food poisoning.

Hippos can retract their testicles over a foot into their body to stop rivals biting them.

Until the reign of Henry VIII, kitchen assistants in the Royal household worked naked.

A cyberchondriac is someone who scours the internet looking for details of their illnesses.

There is more toxic nitrogen dioxide in London's Oxford Street than anywhere else in the world.

As a teenager, Sean Paul was on the Jamaican national teams for both swimming and water polo.

Before the invention of colour TV, 75% of people reported dreaming in black and white. Today, only 12% do.

William The Conqueror banned capital punishment. Instead, criminals had their eyes or testicles removed.

Robert Mugabe's wife, Grace, received her PhD from the University of Zimbabwe two months after she enrolled.

King Harold didn't die at the battle of Hastings from an arrow in the eye: he was hacked apart by four Norman knights.

Astronomers at the Allen Telescope Array in California always keep champagne in their fridge in case they discover alien life.

George Orwell named '1984's torture chamber Room 101 after a BBC conference room where he endured countless, boring meetings.

When Stephen Hawking gave a lecture in Japan, he was asked not to mention the possible re-collapse of the universe in case it affected the stock market.

There is no strong evidence that having sex, going for a walk or eating spicy food helps to induce labour in pregnancy. Nipple stimulation, however, has been shown to work.

By the end of her life, Queen Victoria's bust measured seven inches more than her height (5’ 0”). Did the maths for you: 67 inches! Search “Norma Stitz” to see what that looks like!

The oldest known British joke dates from the 10th century. Found in a book of Anglo-Saxon poetry, it reads, "What hangs at a man’s thigh and wants to poke the hole that it’s often poked before? Answer: A key."

Your dreams get weirder during the night. Shortly after you fall asleep, your dreams are most likely to be about things you did or saw during the day, but as the night wears on they become increasingly detached from reality.

In 1923, a jockey named Frank Hayes won a race at Belmont Park in New York despite being dead. He suffered a heart attack mid-race, but his body stayed in the saddle until his horse crossed the line for a 20-1 outsider victory.

Aphrodite of Knidos was one of the first full-size female nude statues in Greek history. According to ancient Greek historian, Lucian of Samosata, it was so lifelike that a man broke into the temple where it was housed to attempt to have sex with it.

In 1978, Isaac Asimov judged a local limerick contest and deemed this entry to be the best out of 12,000: “The bustard’s an exquisite fowl, With minimal reason to growl, He escapes what would be, Illegitamacy, By grace of a fortunate vowel.”

In 1996, a Hong Kong gangster kidnapped the son of the richest man in Asia and demanded a $130 million ransom for his return. After receiving the money, the gangster later called the billionaire and asked him for advice on how he should invest the money.

French gangster Albert Spaggiari was arrested after his gang stole 60 million francs worth of valuables from a bank. At his trial, he distracted the judge, then leaped out of a window and fled on a motorcycle specially set up for him. He was never caught.

The single biggest expense in the Lego Universe video game was hiring a team of moderators to detect if anyone had built Lego penises. Lego Universe was supposed to be the Lego MMO to rule them all but the PC-exclusive title disappeared from existence not too long after its launch. Despite the team's best efforts, their dong detection software just couldn't keep up with the sheer amount of inappropriate player erections popping up everywhere.

Okay, that’s enough information for one day. Have a tremendous and tumultuous Tuesday! I love you all.

[ultimatenomi]

After going to see the London Newsies production (finally!!!) I may be back in my Newsies era...

and so I thought I’d dig out some artefacts from previous Newsies eras- first up: this is an article I wrote in high school like 4 years before the 2011 Papermill Playhouse Production (text under the cut)

NEWSIES! NEWSIES! READ ALL ABOUT IT! Many of you will have been, or will be, paper boys or girls.  Just think about every time you cursed your job- how horrible your job was, and for such a small wage!  Now consider that you got to return to a warm house, and you could conceive the option of quitting.  The boys and girls of New York in the turn of the 20th Century who lived and worked as newsboys and news girls, or ‘Newsies’ as they were referred to, didn’t always have that option.  Although many lived at home with their families, you can guarantee they would have been living in a cramped apartment, probably shared with another family or two.  

In the nineteenth century, America brought hope to people all over the world- a hope for safety and for freedom from persecution.  Because of this, immigrants flooded to the East coast of America, New York being the main entry point.  Most of the people coming off the ships had used their last pennies they had just to get to America, and those who hadn’t only had pennies left after the journey. This was the cause of the overcrowded city of immigrants.    

Consider now how old you have to be by law to work.  The average age range for a Newsie in New York in 1899 was 8 and 15, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t five year olds out on the streets ‘carrying the banner’, in those days, if you could walk, you could work, even if you couldn’t walk there was still a chance- many disabled or injured Newsies would use their ailment to its full potential to gain sympathy from sympathetic passersby to buy a paper, or tip generously.  Some kids even faked an injury or handicap for these reasons.   

The children living or working on the streets were not stupid as many at the time thought; they were street smart and knew every inch of their territories as a result of finding the best spots to sell at. They knew how to gamble, and they did, they gambled they smoked and they cursed their little mouths off.  The children knew exactly how to ‘improve the truth’ when there was a bad headline, ho to wheedle money out of those people on the street that had better fortune than they did; they would fumbled around in their pockets for a long time to find change so that the person buying the paper would grow impatient and leave before collecting change from a dime or nickel, or sometimes if a buyer was in a rush, they could sneak less change into their hand before they walked off.     

They had to be good at what they did, they were the main distributors of the news- before television, before radio- you wouldn’t know what was happening in the rest of the world or country unless you bought a newspaper and the newsies distributed 90% of them.  The children first decided which paper they wanted to sell, then purchased a particular amount of papers from a distribution office.

When the Spanish Civil War broke out the newspapers sent ‘foreign war correspondents’  out to see what was going on, and to make up for their money losses decided to raise the price of the papers for the distribution apparatus from 50 cents per hundred papers to 60 cents per hundred, and while the newsies were making good profits, when they had good headlines this was fine, but after the war ended and sales dropped considerably, they were struggling to make ends meet- they had to pay for lodging, food and for their daily papers, but when you’re making only 30 cents a day this becomes increasingly harder and you are forced to skip meals, or sleep on the streets.  When this happened the papers lowered their prices again to 50 cents per hundred papers- every newspaper that is- apart from the New York World and the Journal owned by Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst.  This, coupled with the knowledge of a strike of some trolley workers in New York City, led to one of the biggest strikes in history- the newsie strike of 1899.    

The most notable and famous newsies of the strike were Kid Blink- who supposedly led the strike, Race Track Higgins, who organized a rally at Irving Hall, a Vaudeville theater, and Spot Conlon, a known leader of Brooklyn, who is well know to have worn pink suspenders.   The strike itself ran from the 20th of July 1899 right through until partway into August and throughout this time the boys were known to fight with ‘scabs’ and rip up their forbidden newspapers (journal and world).  However while they were constantly making trouble for the everyday person with massive protest marches across the Brooklyn Bridge and their blow-out of a rally at Irving hall, the boys didn’t pick fights with ‘The Bulls’, or policemen as they are better known, choosing to leave them out of it- this didn’t mean they didn’t get arrested however; quite the opposite, not a day went by during the strike that at least one newsboy wasn’t arrested for ‘disturbing the peace’.  Another set of people who were free from violence were the news girls, the boys on strike refused to fight with the girls, and so they were free to sell the forbidden newspapers.     

The strike, although it didn’t achieve exactly what the newsies had hoped to achieve, was a success.  The boys, a girls, of New York beat the likes of Pulitzer and Hearst to their knees and forced them to give in.  They came to an arrangement that, although the price of the papers would remain at 60 cent per hundred, they would have the right to sell back any unsold papers for a full refund at the end of the day, this way the newsies had less concerns about eating the loss of any unsold papers, and so didn’t really have to worry about buying too many at the beginning.   

Kid Blink has been written about in story books and he along with Race Track, Spot and many other real-life newsies were portrayed in a Disney musical very loosely based on the strike, although not necessarily portrayed as just as important they were to the actual strike.

[somephilosophercat]

Changes

Oh I had to read what I wrote last so I know what to rumble about. Anyway too much things are happening and I have so little energy and motivation for anything. I have been on vacation days last two weeks but haven't done much at all. Organising little here and there but overall it's a mess around me. Not so much dirt, just too many stuff.

I had a whole panic with apartment I am renting because without landlord telling me he will sell it by the end of the year his daughter wanted to see apartment with her boyfriend. And I was like, hey why am I not the first buyer??? I am serious about it and I live here for 10 years now. It turns out he will offer me a price one of these days but I need to go to the bank to see how much of a credit can I get. Luckily I had increase in my salary lately so that will help. I looked different places in this area but everything is so awful and this place is nice enough. I should probably look apartments in another part of the city because my firm is moving anyway to the different end of the city but I just love living here. I think it's mostly a habit but there are not too much good things to buy anyway. But also I probably quit looking too soon.

Also I am traveling to London at the end of the month but my depression already ruled that out as being stupid and worthless and I am nothing and that I don't even know why I am trying. But I am going, to look after a cat that was my foster around 6 years ago and grow up with my Cob for a while. It's an amazing opportunity but I can't seem to be happy about. I was maybe for around two days. Why can't I just be happy?

Also I started another form of therapy a few weeks ago, body oriented and the therapist also works part of the time with horses so I jumped into that. But T is leaving for the summer at the end of the month so that part also sucks. I don't want her to go. It will be 4-5 months of online therapy and some chunk of it will be her vacation. My heart is hurting. I can't go through all of this without her.

Dance recital is going somehow but I don't actually want to do it but it's too late to quit. I do like to belong to the group but hate this feeling that I am just waiting for this to pass so I don't have to force myself to training for a while.

I hate myself. That for sure hasn't change.

[realeatateagentslondon]

The Top Neighborhoods in London: Where to Buy, Rent, and Invest with Real Estate Agents London

London’s diverse neighborhoods offer a plethora of opportunities for buyers, renters, and investors alike. From bustling urban hubs to tranquil residential enclaves, each area has its own unique charm and appeal. In this comprehensive guide, Real Estate Agents London will highlight the top neighborhoods in London, including Canning Town, Newham, Stratford, West Ham, and East Ham. Whether you’re looking to buy, rent, or invest, these neighborhoods offer something for everyone.

Canning Town

Located in the heart of East London, Canning Town has undergone significant regeneration in recent years, making it a sought-after destination for buyers and renters.

With its proximity to Canary Wharf and the City of London, Canning Town offers excellent transport links, making it ideal for commuters.

Real Estate Agents London can help you find properties in Canning Town that offer modern amenities, convenient access to transportation, and vibrant community living.

Newham

Newham is a diverse borough with a rich cultural heritage and a wide range of housing options to suit different budgets and lifestyles.

From the iconic Olympic Park in Stratford to the bustling markets of East Ham, Newham offers a variety of attractions and amenities for residents.

Real Estate Agents London specializes in Newham properties, providing expert guidance and personalized service to help you find your ideal home or investment opportunity.

Stratford

As the host of the 2012 Olympic Games, Stratford has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming one of London’s most vibrant and dynamic neighborhoods.

Home to world-class shopping destinations like Westfield Stratford City and cultural attractions such as the Theatre Royal, Stratford offers a lively and diverse community.

Whether you’re interested in buying a luxury apartment overlooking the Olympic Park or renting a stylish loft in East Village, Real Estate Agents London can assist you every step of the way.

West Ham

West Ham is a historic neighbourhood with a strong sense of community and a rich architectural heritage.

From Victorian terraced houses to modern apartment complexes, West Ham offers a range of housing options for buyers and renters alike.

Real Estate Agents London has extensive experience in the West Ham property market and can help you find the perfect home or investment property to suit your needs.

East Ham

East Ham is known for its diverse population, vibrant high street, and excellent transport links to central London.

With its affordable housing options and a strong sense of community, East Ham is an attractive destination for first-time buyers and families.

Real Estate Agents London can provide expert advice and guidance on navigating the East Ham property market, ensuring you find the right property at the right price.

Conclusion

From the urban energy of Canning Town to the cultural diversity of Newham and the excitement of Stratford, London’s top neighborhoods offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to buy, rent, or invest, Real Estate Agents London is here to help you navigate the London property market with confidence and expertise. Contact us today to explore the opportunities available in these dynamic neighborhoods and find your perfect home or investment property.

[empirechase1]

Properties for Sale in Harrow: Your Guide by Empire Chase

Harrow, a charming borough in North West London, has become a sought-after destination for homebuyers and investors alike. With its vibrant community, excellent transport links, and diverse housing options, it offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. This article explores the current landscape of properties for sale in Harrow, showcasing the opportunities available through Empire Chase.

Exploring the Harrow Property Market

The Properties Sale In Harrow is dynamic and competitive, characterized by a range of housing options that cater to various needs and budgets. From modern apartments to spacious family homes, there is something for everyone. The area’s affordability compared to other parts of London makes it particularly attractive to first-time buyers and families looking for a more spacious living environment.

Key Features of Properties for Sale in Harrow

Diverse Property Types: Harrow offers a wide variety of properties, including flats, terraced houses, semi-detached homes, and new developments. This diversity ensures that buyers can find a home that suits their lifestyle and preferences.

Affordability: Properties in Harrow are generally more affordable than those in central London, making it an ideal location for first-time buyers and families seeking value for their investment.

Green Spaces: Harrow is known for its parks and open spaces, such as Harrow on the Hill and Canons Park. These areas provide residents with opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Why Buy in Harrow?

Buying a property in Harrow comes with several advantages:

Excellent Transport Links: Harrow boasts multiple transport options, including the Metropolitan line and national rail services, providing easy access to central London and beyond. This connectivity is essential for commuters and enhances the appeal of the area for potential buyers.

Strong Community: Harrow has a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community, making it a welcoming place for families and individuals alike. The borough hosts various events and activities that foster community spirit and engagement.

Growing Investment Potential: As more people discover the benefits of living in Harrow, property values are expected to rise, presenting an excellent opportunity for long-term investment.

Why Choose Empire Chase?

Empire Chase is dedicated to helping clients navigate the Harrow property market. Our expertise and personalized service set us apart:

Local Knowledge: Our team possesses in-depth knowledge of the Harrow area, ensuring that clients receive the best advice and insights into market trends.

Tailored Support: We understand that every buyer has unique needs, and we strive to provide personalized support throughout the buying process.

Comprehensive Listings: Empire Chase offers a wide selection of properties for sale in Harrow, making it easier for you to find your dream home.

Conclusion

The properties for sale in Harrow present a fantastic opportunity for homebuyers and investors. With its affordability, excellent transport links, and strong community spirit, Harrow is an ideal location for those seeking a balance of suburban life and urban convenience. Trust Empire Chase to guide you through the buying process, ensuring you find the perfect property that meets your needs. Contact us today to explore the exciting options available in Harrow!

[dancuny]

Purma Special Camera

As I was cleaning out a box of cameras, looking for the next camera to shoot with and use for my next camera blog, I grabbed a brown case that I had put in the box a long time ago. As I turned the case around, I saw the name Purma on the front of the case and thought to myself, This will be my next camera to discuss or talk about in my blog.

 The Purma Special is a camera I purchased well over 20 years ago. I remember it was early in my collecting and when I was buying and selling on eBay. I started on eBay as a seller and buyer back in early 1997. When you engaged with eBay then, you didn't have your name as an ID, but they assigned you a number you'd use to log in and for sales purposes. I remember my number was 1032 before changing it to my current name, "Clix."

 At that time on eBay, there were no photos on the site, and it was similar to a message board where people would describe what they had for sale, what you were asking for, etc., Very similar to what Craigslist was before photos. Having McKeown's guide for cameras and thumbing through it daily, I was intrigued by cameras from other countries, and the Purma Special was one that I desired at the time due to its odd diamond shape and the fact that it was made in England.

Because the Purma Special camera is, in my opinion, a camera oddity due to the design of the camera, the shutter used, and the somewhat popularity of the camera, it's been reviewed and discussed by several of my camera blog friends like Peggy of Go Camera Go and Mike Eckman. Still, I wanted to make sure people were aware of my odd and unusual take on cameras from yesteryear, so this is more like Peggy's post about my thoughts on using the camera and the overall take on what a camera gem this is.

The Company:

Purma Cameras Ltd. was founded in 1935 in London. The name Purma is a combination of the two owners of the company: Tom Purvis, a well-known artist and lithographer who worked for LNER (London and North East Railway) from 1923 to 43, producing beautiful and popular advertising posters. 

 The other partner in the company was inventor Alfred Croger Mayo, who, along with Joseph Terrett, invented the unusual and very simple gravity-controlled focal plane shutter used in the Purma cameras. I believe this is Purma's real claim to fame and set them apart from other camera companies of the time. They also had financial backing from David Brock of Brock Fireworks, a company that started in 1698 and is the oldest British fireworks manufacturer.

Purma introduced its first camera in 1936, the Purma Speed. It was an enameled metal and chrome camera with a pop-up viewfinder. The Purma Speed camera had six shutter speeds and looked like a more traditional rounded-corner, rectangular camera.

 With the introduction of the Purma Special camera in 1937, the company turned to an all Bakelite camera, along with a flatted diamond shape design with an art deco appeal to the camera due to the thin ridges built into the camera, which extend all around the camera. The Purma Special only had three shutter speeds but has a classic sleek design, and one that was the camera that set them apart design-wise from other cameras. The unique diamond shape and the use of Bakelite, a revolutionary material at the time, gave the Purma Special a distinct look and feel, setting it apart from its contemporaries. 

 The Purma Special was imported to many different countries, including the United States. According to an ad I found from 1939, the camera sold in the US for $14.95. It's my understanding that this was their most popular camera, although I cannot find sales records to prove these claims, as it's just from what I see for sale and the quantity of Purma Special cameras available today. The Purma Special was a popular choice among amateur photographers and was widely available in the market, contributing to its popularity and the large number of units still in circulation today.

There are a couple of unique features of the Purma camera. One is the 'pop out' lens, which is concealed by a thread in the lens cap, a clever design that protects the lens when not in use. When you screw the lens cap back onto the camera, it also locks the shutter. Unfortunately, these lens caps get lost, and many of the used Purma cameras are sold without the lens cap. The second is the use of plastics in the viewfinder. Purma was the first to do this, a pioneering move that made the camera lighter and more durable. These innovative features were ahead of their time and contributed to the Purma Special's appeal among photographers.

Purma also introduced the Purma Plus in 1951, which had an aluminum body and sold for £12.00 at the time. Production for the Purma Plus lasted until 1959. I cannot find why the company stopped producing its camera, so I assume it closed around 1960.

 The Camera:

My Purma Special camera measures 6 3/4" wide by 2 3/4" tall by 2 1/4" deep with the lens cap on the camera, and the camera weighs 12 oz without the fitted leather case.  The camera has a Beck 2 1/4"  F6.3  lens with a fixed focus from 12' to infinity. Purma did sell a series of close-up and portrait attachment lenses that allowed for focus from 3.5 to 5' but were sold separately. These are items I do not have.

The Purma cameras use 127-size roll film and produce 16-1 1/4" square images on the negative. The Purma special doesn't have a locking mechanism to keep the back attached to the front of the camera. They are held together just by friction, but the back of the camera fits tightly to the front. The friction held back doesn't prevent it from accidentally opening if something were to happen. To open the back of the camera, there is a tiny thumb notch where you put your fingernail in and pull the back from the front.

The camera utilizes two red windows on the back of the camera, so you get 16 frames on the film; the photographer winds the film to the #1 exposure on the left window, then after taking the photo, winds the film so the #1 exposure shows up on the right side window utilizing the same frame number for both the left and right red window on the back of the camera. Once you shoot frame #1 on the right red window, the photographer winds to frame #2 on the left side window, and so on.

The Purma Special has a curved film track that holds the film flat against the shutter with a two-sided pressure plate attached to the camera's back door. The shutter system only has three shutter speeds. The shutter uses a series of different size slits in the metal curtain along with a brass weight within the camera to determine what shutter speed is used. The camera also depends on how you hold it, which would set the shutter speeds used. Remember, the negative is square, so having the camera in either vertical position doesn't change the image in the frame. It will only change the orientation of how the image is captured on the negative.

When you hold the camera in the usual horizontal position, the shutter would shoot, and the medium shutter speed would be 1/150th second. Turning the camera so the advance lever was at the bottom, or the "slow" speed, the shutter, the camera shutter is set to 1/25th sec. When you turn the camera in the other direction, with the film advance lever at the top, which puts the shutter in the "fast" position, the shutter speed is set to 1/450 sec.

To take a photo, the photographer needs to cock the shutter. To do this, you turn the circular wheel on the top of the camera in the direction of the arrow. There is a small piece of bakelite sticking out to turn the wheel fairly easily. Once you turn the wheel in the counterclockwise position, the wheel will stop, and you'll hear a click which means the shutter is cocked and ready to make the exposure. You can do this with the lens cap on, but the shutter won't release until the lens cap is off. 

 The shutter release is on the top and left side of the camera. Simply press the shutter release to trip the shutter. BUT REMEMBER. Turn the camera as needed to change the shutter speed, especially since the camera has a fixed aperture lens. Wind the film to the next frame, then repeat until. It was odd for me to use this camera as I'm not used to having the shutter release on the camera's left side.

For those interested, here’s the original instruction manual for the Purma Special Camera

My Results:

I did have some outdated Film for Classics 127 film in my drawer, so I loaded up the camera and went to a local waterfall to take photos on an overcast Sunday afternoon. Go figure a cloudy day when living near Portland, Oregon. That will be my life for the next four months or so. The results were OK, but I was mildly disappointed when I looked at what Peggy and Mike did with the camera.

 It may also have been the fact that the film I processed was processed in a different tank than I'm used to using for 127 film, and I messed up putting it on the developing reel, so that was my fault. I have noticed whenever I use the Film From Classics film, the imprint from the paper backing seems to bleed onto the negatives, and I'm unsure if that's due to the film's age and being out of date by a year or two or something else.

 Here's what I salvaged from the messed-up developing roll I put through the Purma Special camera. It's nowhere near as lovely as Peggy or Mike's photos, but overall, it yielded decent results.

My Conclusion:

It was a fun camera to shoot with. Turn the camera to set the speed, point at your subject, and shoot the camera (with your left hand). Wash, rinse, and repeat. I hoped for better results but tried a different reel to process the film.

 Thank you for reading the blog post on the Purma Special camera. I'll definitely use it in the future due to its simplicity and unique shutter system.

 Until next week, please be safe.

[sealyestatesblog]

Estate Agents Palmers Green: Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Property

Living in a place is more than just a transaction; it marks the moment when your life shifts for better to worse. If you are looking to move to Palmers Green, getting the right estate agent can be the difference between selling for the best price. Palmers Green offers a great sense of community, plenty of travel options, and property choices. In this blog post, with information, we will cover why your property journey is something that you should be engaging estate agents in Palmers Green.

Why Choose Palmers Green?

Palmers Green is a fantastic little North London suburb with a great environment and wonderful community feel. With an array of local amenities, parks, and schools, the weekend hot-spot is a popular residence for families and young professional couples. With superb commuting from the London overground and a multitude of bus links, the area offers quick commutes into Central London.

Before you set off on a move, it is important to consider the current property trend. This is where it really does pay to call upon the services of estate agents Palmers Green.

The Importance of Estate Agents in Palmers Green:

Estate agents or real estate dealers are the ones who will guide you through the property market. For them, these are not just transactions, and they want you to have a successful home search, perhaps even as much as they want to make their commission. Here’s how they can help you:

Expert Local Knowledge:

Palmers Green estate agents know the area extremely well and have a wide range of property experience from previous sales in your sector. This knowledge assists them in offering you niche advice for the kind of house that falls into your requirements as well as budget.

Comprehensive Property Listings:

There are properties which never get publicly advertised and a range of other properties listed with local estate agents for you to access. Whether you want a cozy flat, a generous family home, or something modern like an apartment, they do the work to locate properties that match your wish list.

Negotiation Skills:

Negotiating a good deal is what most buyers or renters struggle with during the property purchase process. Professional estate agents are well-versed negotiators; they will act on your behalf to secure you the best value.Their intimate knowledge of the local pricing ecosystem will prevent you from being misled in terms of what a fair price is.

Streamlined Process:

House-hunting entails several milestones from documents to viewings and negotiations. Property professionals in Palmers Green will be able to facilitate a more efficient process from start to finish. They take care of the logistics, leaving you free to worry about actually moving.

Choosing the Right Estate Agent:

Estate agents are not created equally. Here are the tips to help you choose the best one for your requirements.

Research and Reviews:

Research estate agents only in Palmers Green and then expand the search as necessary. Check online reviews and testimonials from previous customers. An established agent will have good feedback and a history of completed deals.

Specialization:

Some agents might only work with a particular type of property or serve certain niches, e.g., first-time buyers or luxury real estate. Make sure the agent you intend to select is experienced as per your requirements.

Communication:

Communication is the key to a successful relationship with your estate agent. Select a person who listens to your needs and reaches back out.

Making the Move:

When you have found the right estate agent in Palmers Green, it is now time to move. They will help you on the property viewings and with your offers. Make sure you know what your red lines are, whether it be the number of bedrooms, schools, or transport links.

The Joy of New Beginnings:

Coming to Palmers Green will mark the beginning of an awesome new stage in your life. Partner up with a top-performing estate agency, and you should be on your way to finding your greatest home. Whether you’re moving solo, as a couple, or with children, the good neighbors and clean environment in Palmers Green will provide the perfect support network for a happy relocation.

Conclusion

The ideal estate agents in Palmers Green can make a massive difference in your property search. Their local area knowledge, negotiation skills, and commitment to client satisfaction will help you find your dream home. To start your venture in Palmers Green, get in touch with our professional staff at Sealy Estates. Allow us to help turn your property dreams into reality!

[eliteproperty01]

Discover Coventry: The Hottest Properties for Sale Right Now

Coventry, a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural heritage, is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after locations for homebuyers in the UK. With its blend of urban amenities and picturesque surroundings, it’s no wonder that many are looking to invest in Coventry properties for sale. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a growing family, or an investor, Coventry has something to offer everyone. In this article, we will explore the current property market trends, highlight some of the hottest properties for sale, and provide insights into why now is the perfect time to consider buying in Coventry.

The Appeal of Coventry

Coventry is steeped in history, from its medieval cathedral to its modern architecture. The city has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, making it an attractive option for prospective homeowners. With excellent transport links, proximity to major cities like Birmingham and London, and a thriving local economy, Coventry provides a perfect blend of convenience and charm.

A Growing Economy

The economy of Coventry continues to flourish, driven by various sectors, including manufacturing, education, and technology. The presence of several universities attracts a youthful demographic, contributing to a dynamic housing market. As businesses expand and new developments emerge, demand for housing is on the rise. This trend is reflected in the variety of Coventry properties for sale catering to diverse tastes and budgets.

Rich Cultural Scene

Coventry boasts a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. The city is also known for its music and festivals, drawing visitors from far and wide. The vibrant community life, coupled with excellent educational institutions, makes it an ideal place for families. As a result, properties in family-friendly neighborhoods are particularly popular, drawing attention from buyers looking to settle down.

Current Property Market Trends

As of 2024, the property market in Coventry is experiencing a surge in interest. This is largely due to the city’s ongoing regeneration projects, which enhance its appeal as a residential destination. The average property prices in Coventry have seen a steady increase, indicating a healthy market for both buyers and sellers.

Types of Properties Available

From contemporary apartments in the city center to charming family homes in the suburbs, the variety of Coventry properties for sale is extensive. Buyers can find:

New Developments: Many developers are investing in Coventry, creating modern living spaces with state-of-the-art amenities. These properties are perfect for first-time buyers and professionals looking for a contemporary lifestyle.

Victorian and Edwardian Homes: The city is rich in period properties that offer character and charm. These homes are often located in desirable neighborhoods and provide ample space for families.

Investment Opportunities: With the influx of students and young professionals, buy-to-let properties are a solid investment choice. Many landlords are capitalizing on the demand for rental properties, making Coventry a lucrative market for investors.

Hottest Properties for Sale in Coventry

To give you an idea of what’s currently on the market, let’s look at some of the hottest Coventry properties for sale right now. These listings represent a range of styles and price points, appealing to various buyers.

1. Modern Apartment in the City Center

Located just minutes from Coventry’s vibrant city center, this two-bedroom apartment boasts modern design and convenience. With open-plan living spaces, a fully equipped kitchen, and large windows that flood the rooms with natural light, this property is ideal for professionals or couples. Priced at , it offers a perfect blend of urban living and comfort.

2. Family Home in Coundon

This spacious three-bedroom semi-detached house in Coundon is perfect for families seeking a friendly neighborhood. Featuring a large garden, modern kitchen, and generous living areas, this home is priced at . Its proximity to local schools and parks makes it an attractive option for those with children, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for family life.

3. Character Property in Earlsdon

For those who appreciate traditional architecture, this beautifully maintained Victorian terraced house in Earlsdon is a must-see. With original features, high ceilings, and a charming garden, this property exudes character. Priced at , it is ideal for buyers looking for a unique home with historical charm while being close to local amenities.

4. New Development in Stoke Heath

This new development in Stoke Heath offers modern living at its finest. With a selection of two and three-bedroom homes available, these properties are designed for energy efficiency and contemporary living. Prices start at making it an enticing option for first-time buyers looking to step onto the property ladder.

5. Investment Opportunity in Hillfields

For savvy investors, this four-bedroom buy-to-let property in Hillfields presents an exciting opportunity. Currently generating a steady rental income, this property is priced at . Its location near universities makes it a popular choice among students, ensuring consistent demand for rental properties.

The Future of Coventry's Property Market

As Coventry continues to grow and evolve, the property market is poised for further development. The city’s ambitious plans for regeneration, infrastructure improvement, and community enhancement will only increase its appeal. Buyers can expect to see an even greater variety of Coventry properties for sale in the coming years, making it an exciting time to invest in the area.

Investing in Coventry

Investing in Coventry isn’t just about purchasing a property; it’s about becoming part of a thriving community. The city is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents, offering various initiatives focused on sustainability, education, and health. As such, property values are likely to rise, making it a smart choice for those looking to invest for the long term.

Conclusion: Seize the Opportunity in Coventry

With its robust economy, rich cultural heritage, and diverse property offerings, Coventry is an ideal location for homebuyers looking for their next investment. The current array of Coventry properties for sale presents an opportunity that shouldn’t be overlooked. From modern apartments to charming family homes, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.As you consider your next move, remember to work with a knowledgeable estate agent who understands the local market, like Elite Property. Their expertise can guide you through the buying process, ensuring you find the perfect property that meets your needs. Don’t miss out on the chance to own a piece of Coventry—explore the hottest properties for sale today and embark on your journey to homeownership in this remarkable city.

[teslaproperties]

Top Dubai Real Estate Investment Opportunities for Maximum Returns

Dubai has long been a hotspot for property investors, thanks to its futuristic skyline, tax-free environment, and booming economy. With a strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa, the city continues to attract global businesses and expats, driving demand for real estate. For those looking to make a profitable move in the Dubai real estate investment market, there are countless opportunities. Whether you're a first-time investor or an experienced buyer, this guide will help you identify the top Dubai real estate investment opportunities, areas and strategies to maximize your returns.

Why Invest in Dubai Real Estate?

Before diving into specific opportunities, let’s explore why property investment in Dubai is so appealing:

High Rental Yields: With rental rates ranging from 5% to 10%, Dubai offers some of the highest returns when compared to locations like London and New York.

Tax-Free Environment: One of the biggest advantages for investors is the absence of property taxes and capital gains tax, allowing you to keep more of your returns.

Strong Economic Growth: Dubai’s diversified economy, driven by sectors like tourism, finance, and technology, ensures a steady demand for real estate.

Residency Incentives: Foreign investors who buy property in Dubai above a certain value are eligible for long-term residency visas, making it a great option for expats.

World-Class Infrastructure: Dubai’s infrastructure, including its transportation, healthcare, and education systems, adds significant value to properties in Dubai, making them more attractive to both residents and investors.

Now, let's look at the top Dubai real estate investment opportunities that promise maximum returns.

1. Luxury Apartments in Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai, which is home to well-known buildings like the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, is one of the most sought-after real estate areas in the city. Investing in luxury apartments here can be a smart move due to the area’s appeal to high-net-worth individuals, business professionals, and tourists. The constant demand for short-term rentals and the prestige of owning property in such a high-profile location ensures strong rental yields and property appreciation over time.

Many buyers work with a trusted real estate company in Dubai like Tesla Properties to secure these high-demand units, ensuring they get access to exclusive listings and competitive pricing.

2. Waterfront Villas on Palm Jumeirah

Waterfront villas at Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai's most renowned and sought-after addresses, are fantastic investments. The man-made island is home to high-end residential properties, luxury hotels, and resorts, attracting wealthy buyers from around the globe. Villas on Palm Jumeirah not only deliver strong rental yields but also offer significant capital appreciation due to the limited supply and growing demand.

Working with the best real estate company in Dubai can help you navigate the complexities of purchasing such exclusive properties and ensure you get the best deal.

3. Dubai Marina: High Demand for Apartments

Dubai Marina is a waterfront town renowned for its vibrant neighbourhood and lofty towers.This area is ideal for investors looking for smaller apartments with high rental demand, particularly from young professionals and expatriates. With its proximity to business hubs like Media City and Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai Marina apartments offer excellent rental yields and a strong long-term growth potential.

The Dubai real estate market here remains dynamic, and working with a reputable real estate agency in Dubai like Tesla Properties can help investors identify the best apartments for both short-term and long-term investments.

4. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC): Affordable Investments with High ROI

If you’re looking for affordable real estate investment opportunities in Dubai with strong returns, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) is a fantastic option. This family-friendly area has become increasingly popular due to its affordable properties in Dubai, excellent community facilities, and easy access to key business districts. Apartments and villas in JVC offer high rental yields while being significantly more affordable than properties in central locations like Downtown or Marina.

Investors who buy real estate in Dubai at JVC can expect good ROI, particularly as the area continues to develop and grow in popularity. Consulting with an expert real estate agency in Dubai will help you find hidden gems in this up-and-coming area.

5. Business Bay: Prime Location for Corporate Tenants

Business Bay, Dubai’s commercial hub, offers high-rise office spaces and modern residential properties, making it a prime location for corporate tenants. This makes it an attractive option for investors looking to target professionals working in the nearby DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and Downtown. Business Bay is known for offering a combination of high rental yields and property appreciation, making it a lucrative investment area.

Partnering with a real estate company in Dubai that has deep market knowledge, like Tesla Properties, will ensure you identify the right investment opportunities in Business Bay.

6. Off-Plan Properties: High Returns with Early Investment

One of the most exciting opportunities for investors in the Dubai real estate market is off-plan properties. These are properties that are sold before construction is finished, frequently for far less than what finished properties would fetch. Investors can benefit from the appreciation of the property’s value once it is completed, leading to substantial capital gains. Many developers also offer attractive payment plans, reducing the financial burden for investors.

Off-plan properties are available in many of Dubai’s most popular areas, including Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. Working with a trusted real estate agency in Dubai, such as Tesla Properties, will help you identify reliable developers and secure the best deals.

7. Commercial Real Estate: A Growing Market

For investors looking to diversify their holdings, Dubai's burgeoning commercial real estate market provides substantial profits. Due to Dubai's status as a major international business centre, office spaces, retail spaces, and warehouse spaces all are in great demand. Commercial investments are particularly common in areas like Business Bay and DIFC. Purchasing commercial real estate can result in long-term revenue production and property appreciation as firms continue to swarm Dubai.

Speak with a real estate firm in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to learn more about the top commercial investment options in the area.

8. Short-Term Rentals and Holiday Homes

In Dubai, one of the most visited cities in the world, there is an increasing demand for short-term rentals. Destinations like as Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina are ideal for short-term investments and holiday rentals due to their year-round traffic. Properties in these locations typically provide greater rental returns than long-term rentals, especially during the heaviest tourism seasons.

Investing in short-term rentals may be very profitable if done with the help of an experienced real estate business in Dubai that is familiar with the regulations and market dynamics around short-term leasing.

Conclusion: Why Tesla Properties is the Best Partner for Dubai Real Estate Investments

Both domestic and foreign purchasers can still find a variety of investment options in the Dubai real estate market. Dubai is still a popular choice for real estate investors seeking for big profits, offering everything from off-plan constructions to luxurious waterfront homes, as well as highly sought-after apartments and commercial spaces.

Working with the best real estate company in Dubai is essential while considering your next investment. Tesla Properties is a leading name in the market, known for its deep industry knowledge, expert advice, and a wide range of investment opportunities. Whether you're looking to invest in commercial real estate, buy a house in Dubai, or investigate off-plan homes, Tesla Properties can assist you every step of the way and ensure the highest returns on your money. With Tesla Properties, you can begin investigating Dubai real estate investment opportunities right now and reserve your spot in one of the most dynamic real estate markets globally.

[simplyshine1]

Enhance Curb Appeal: The Importance of Exterior and Graffiti Cleaning in London

From pollution to vandalism, the outside of buildings in a city as energetic and crowded as London sometimes suffers severe environmental conditions. Businesses, homes, and public areas all depend on keeping a polished and clean outside. Services like graffiti cleaning London and exterior cleaning London guarantee that these spaces stay appealing to inhabitants, guests, and possible customers as well as safe and presentable.

Why Exterior Cleaning is Essential in London

For guests, clients, and even renters, the outside of any building makes a first impression. Dirt, filth, and pollutants build up on building facades over time, therefore diminishing their visual attractiveness and maybe causing long-term damage. By stopping destructive elements like mold and algae from forming on walls and other surfaces, regular Exterior Cleaning London services help to preserve the structural integrity of buildings. Maintaining a clean façade is very important for companies since it immediately influences consumer impression of the brand. A well-kept structure exudes professionalism and attention to detail; a neglected front may turn off possible customers. Whether it's a residential block, office, or storefront, exterior cleaning London increases curb appeal and helps to preserve property value.

Protecting Property Value with Regular Cleaning

Apart from maintaining the appearance of freshness, regular outside cleaning preserves the value of structures. Untreated environmental contaminants can degrade building materials such as paint, concrete, or brick. By means of comprehensive outside cleaning London, property owners can avoid expensive repairs brought about by carelessness. Expert cleaners remove difficult stains and trash without compromising the structure by utilizing environmentally friendly cleaning products and specialist tools. Attracting potential tenants or buyers as well as improving property value depends on well-kept exteriors in London's competitive real estate market.

The Role of Graffiti Cleaning in London

Apart from keeping the look of freshness, frequent outdoor cleaning helps to preserve the value of buildings. Untreated environmental pollutants can destroy brick, concrete, or paint used in construction. By means of thorough outside Graffiti cleaning London, property owners can prevent costly repairs resulting from negligence. Using ecologically friendly cleaning chemicals and specific techniques, expert cleaners remove tough stains and rubbish without sacrificing the construction. In London's competitive real estate market, well-kept exteriors determine both attraction to possible tenants or buyers and property value enhancement.

How Graffiti Cleaning Benefits Businesses and Public Spaces

Graffiti removal for companies is about preserving professionalism and security as much as it is about looks. Walls free of graffiti send a message of care and attention that might help to improve client impression. Graffiti cleaning in London also helps public areas, including parks, monuments, and transportation hubs, since it maintains the space free from vandalism and welcome. Many times, graffiti removal services use specific approaches to guarantee that the underlying surfaces are not harmed during the cleaning process. Professional graffiti cleaning guarantees that the property is returned to its former condition, whether the walls are painted, glass, or brick.

Conclusion

Maintaining the appearance and worth of buildings in London depends on both graffiti cleaning London and exterior cleaning to keep exteriors neat and tidy. Simplyshine.co.uk is the website for professional cleaning services catered to your requirements.

[empirechase]

Properties for Sale in Harrow: A Growing Market

Harrow, located in northwest London, has become a highly desirable location for property buyers. With its excellent transport links, top-rated schools, and diverse community, it’s no surprise that more people are looking for properties for sale in Harrow. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an investor, understanding the market trends in Harrow will help you make informed decisions.

Why Buy Property in Harrow?

Harrow offers the perfect balance between suburban living and city accessibility. For buyers looking to escape the hustle of central London, Harrow provides a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.

Here are some key reasons why Harrow is an ideal place to invest in property:

Excellent Transport Links: Harrow is serviced by the Metropolitan and Bakerloo lines, as well as National Rail, providing quick access to central London. This makes it a great location for commuters.

Reputable Schools: Harrow is home to prestigious schools, including the world-renowned Harrow School, which adds significant appeal for families.

Green Spaces: Harrow offers numerous parks and outdoor spaces, such as Harrow Recreation Ground and Pinner Memorial Park, ideal for nature lovers.

Trends in the Harrow Property Market

The properties for sale in Harrow cater to a wide range of buyers, from young professionals to growing families. Here are some current trends shaping the market:

Increasing Demand for Family Homes: Family-sized properties, especially three- and four-bedroom houses, are highly sought after in Harrow. The area’s excellent schools and community atmosphere make it a prime location for families.

Modern Apartments on the Rise: Younger buyers and professionals are gravitating towards stylish apartments in Harrow on the Hill, taking advantage of the area’s vibrant social scene and convenient transport links.

Steady Growth in Property Prices: Like much of Greater London, Harrow has seen consistent growth in property prices, making it a sound investment for the future. However, compared to central London, Harrow still offers relative affordability.

Buying with Empire Chase

When looking for properties for sale in Harrow, Empire Chase is the partner you need. With years of experience in the Harrow property market, Empire Chase provides expert guidance and personalized services to help you find the perfect home or investment.

Their services include:

Tailored Property Searches: Empire Chase takes the time to understand your needs and preferences, ensuring you find the ideal property.

Local Expertise: Their deep knowledge of the Harrow property market means they can provide valuable insights on pricing, locations, and future growth areas.

Support Throughout the Buying Process: From viewing properties to finalizing legal contracts, Empire Chase is there every step of the way to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Why Harrow is the Right Choice

Harrow’s property market continues to attract a diverse range of buyers due to its affordability compared to central London, excellent transport connections, and family-friendly environment. Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment or a spacious family home, Harrow offers something for everyone.

Conclusion

The properties for sale in Harrow present excellent opportunities for buyers looking to invest in a thriving and well-connected part of London. With Empire Chase by your side, finding the perfect property in Harrow has never been easier. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, Harrow offers a promising future for all property seekers.