#Premier Financial Services

[manchestercapitalmanagement]

Guiding Legacies: Premier Family Office Services in New York

For those entrusted with significant wealth and the preservation of a lasting legacy, premier family office services become indispensable. In New York's dynamic financial center, where fortunes are forged and safeguarded, these services play a pivotal role in navigating complexities, preserving wealth across generations, and creating a lasting impact. Dive into this blog to discover the distinctive qualities that set New York's premier family office services apart and understand their integral role in guiding enduring legacies.

[imdnews1]

ICICI Bank शेतकऱ्यांसाठी: आर्थिक उन्नतीसाठी उपयुक्त योजना आणि सेवा

शेतकऱ्यांसाठी आर्थिक विकास साधण्याच्या उद्देशाने ICICI Bank ने विविध उपयुक्त योजना आणल्या आहेत. या योजनांमुळे शेतकऱ्यांना आर्थिक सहाय्य मिळते आणि त्यांच्या शेती व्यवसायात सुधारणा होते. या लेखात ICICI बँकेच्या योजनांची माहिती देऊन, त्याचा उपयोग ग्रामीण भागातील शेतकऱ्यांसाठी कसा होतो हे समजून घेऊ.

[aimeedaisies]

The Princess Royals Official Engagements in March 2025

03/03 Opened Minchinhampton Surgery in Minchinhampton near Stroud. 🩻👩‍⚕️

04/03 unofficial Sir Tim, as President of Kent Cricket Club, attended a memorial service at Canterbury Cathedral for former England spin bowler Derek Underwood. 🏏🤍

On behalf of The King, held an Investiture at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. 🎖️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Attended a Royal Warrant Holders Association Reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. 📜🍽️

05/03 unofficial The King was represented by Dame Sarah Troughton (His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire) at the Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Lieutenant General Sir Maurice Johnston (formerly Her late Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire), held at St John’s Church in Devizes. The Princess Royal was represented by Captain Sir Nicholas Wright RN. 🕊️

As Patron of Maritime UK, chaired a National Council Meeting at the offices of Gallagher, the Walbrook Building, in London. ⚓️💼

As Chancellor of the University of London, opened King’s College London’s new Engineering Building. 🦾🦿

As Patron of the Maritime Society and Sea Cadets, and Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, held a Reception at Buckingham Palace. ⚓️🫡

06/03 As President, this afternoon attended the National Equine Forum at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in London. 🐎

As Grand Master of the Royal Victorian Order, attended Evensong and a Reception at The King’s Chapel of the Savoy in London. ⛪️

07/03 As Admiral and Patron, this morning visited the Royal Naval Sailing Association in Gosport. ⛵️

Opened the new Emergency Department at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth. 🏥

As Patron of Maritime UK, attended a Coastal Powerhouse Summit Reception at Portsmouth International Port. 🔋

08/03 With Sir Tim As Patron of the Scottish Rugby Union, attended the International Rugby Match between Scotland and Wales at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏉

As Patron of Scottish Garden City Housing Society Limited, attended the 110th Anniversary Reception at Edinburgh Castle.🏡🥂

10/03 As Patron of the Canal Museum Trust, opened the “Building Britain’s Canals” Temporary Exhibition at the London Canal Museum. 💦🛶

Alongside The King and Queen, The Prince and Princess of Wales and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester attended the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration in Westminster Abbey. 🌍⛪️

11/03 As Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Butchers, attended the Annual City Food and Drink Lecture at Guildhall in London. 🍝🍷✍️

13/03 Unofficial Attended St Patrick’s Thursday of Cheltenham Races. ☘️🏇🏼

14/03 With Sir Tim Attended Gold Cup Friday of Cheltenham Races. 🏆🏇🏼

15/03 With Sir Tim As Patron of the Scottish Rugby Union, attended the International Rugby Match between France and Scotland at Stade de France, Paris. 🇫🇷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏉

17/03 As Patron of Save the Children UK, attended the 30th Anniversary International Financial Review Annual Awards Dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. 🍽️

Unofficial As Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, Sir Tim attended the Premiere of the Thinking Game and presented Science Museum Fellowship awards. 🎬🧬

18/03 Unofficial Departed from Heathrow Airport and arrived at Athens International Airport. 🇬🇧✈️🇬🇷

19/03 As Member of the International Olympic Committee, and Chairman of the Members Election Commission, attended day one of the International Olympic Committee Session at the Romanos in Costa Navarino, Greece. 🇬🇷

20/03 As Member of the International Olympic Committee, and Chairman of the Members Election Commission, attended day two of the International Olympic Committee Session at the Romanos in Costa Navarino, Greece. 🇬🇷

21/03 As Member of the International Olympic Committee, and Chairman of the International Olympic Committee Members Election Commission, attended day three of the International Olympic Committee Session at the House of Events, the Romanos Hotel in Costa Navarino, Greece. 🇬🇷

Unofficial Departed from Greece and arrived back at RAF Brize Norton. 🇬🇷✈️🇬🇧

24/03 As President of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, attended the President’s Panel Discussion and Dinner. 🍽️

25/03 Joined by the King, As Patron of the Butler Trust, held the Annual Awards Ceremony at St James’s Palace, followed by a Reception.

26/03 As Patron of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, attended the Spring Conference at Birmingham Repertory Theatre. 💊

As Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Corps of Signals, inspected 22 Signal Regiment on public duties at St James’s Palace. 🫡

With Sir Tim As President of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, attended a Presidential Dinner at Fishmongers’ Hall in London. 🎪🍽️

27/03 On behalf of The King, held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace. 🎖️

As Colonel of The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons), attended a Service of Thanksgiving for the new Organ at the Guards’ Chapel, Wellington Barracks, London. ⛪️🎹

As Patron of the British Quality Foundation, this attended the United Kingdom Awards Ceremony and Dinner at Wembley Stadium. 🏟️

28/03 On behalf of The King, held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace. 🎖️

Total official engagements for Anne in January: 34

2025 total: 97

Total official engagements accompanied/represented by Tim in January: 4

2025 total: 4

[artyphex]

Ah Watcher moving to a streaming service. I have some DEEPLY mixed feelings on this.

On one hand, they've presented themselves as "anti-capitalist members of the leftist club" for essentially their entire careers. Going as far as to push anti-capitalist ideas front and center in MANY episodes of their shows. I absolutely understand how the audience they built by doing that is feeling betrayed by them doing a very very obvious financially motivated choice! It feels scummy! It feels like you've been lied to.

But I also understand that Watcher is a business.

Not only is Watcher a business, it is an independently run business, trying to make money solely off of YouTube advertisments, merch, and patreon. Given the production value of the stuff it makes, that's hard. Because the reality is it is INCREDIBLY hard to make money in this way, you are essentially scraping together as many pennies as you can through as many means as you can to try and keep everything afloat. That's for creators trying to support just themselves and a few members of their family. A whole company? Not sustainable. Not with what they make.

If they wanted to keep expanding, or maybe even wanted to stay afloat at all, their options were: Better monetize their content (streaming) or get bought out. And I think they COULD have gotten bought out, but we saw what happened to Rooster Teeth. Indies getting bought does NOT always end well and puts you under a lot of restrictions as you now need to appeal to your parent company, which could shut you down at any moment if you aren't proving profitable enough for them.

So... I get why Watcher did this. Do I think they approached it in the best way? Honestly, I'm not sure, they're leaving all their videos up, and they're still posting premieres to YouTube, so there won't be NO free content at all, but this will alienate a large part of their audience.

It's a complicated situation, but I don't think we should treat it as "corporate greed" on the same level as giants like Disney and HBO. It's hard to be indie in this world, and who knows if this gamble will even pay off. We're going to have to wait and see

[mostlyinthemorning]

Around Schitt's Creek in 80 Days 5.04

5.04 The Dress

Johnny finds himself under financial pressure with the arrival of Moira’s high-priced red carpet gown for the Crows movie premiere. David is conned into taking a road trip with Stevie.

IMDB Rating: 7.7

Best line: I'm not going to the botanical gardens by myself! What, am I gonna walk around, and admire the cherry blossoms alone, like some pervert?!

Alexis's scary adventures: “I once passed off a mini horse and three guinea pigs as service animals, so anything is possible.”

Script:

Props:

David's clothes: Neil Barrett

Video:

Bonus content: The Dress Behind the Episode

Fic rec: Pop and Puffs by SoonerOrLater

David has a hangover, Patrick comes to help him out. He learns a bit more about Rose family history in the process.

Fun fact: I wrote my first fic as a coda for this episode.

See you tomorrow!

[theconstitutionisgayculture]

  It was an interaction with a Marine at another Wounded Warrior blacksmithing event not long after that that made him realize he had found not only his purpose but a way to help others struggling with depression and PTSD. ��       "We were just cutting up really hardcore together, and there was a girl crying in the corner. I was like, 'Oh, maybe that's his girlfriend or something.' I might've said something offensive," he explained.         So Hotz walked over to her and apologized if he had offended her. "She tells me she was his therapist and that he was in such bad shape, he couldn't go anywhere without her. She said she was crying because the interaction between him and me was the first time he had talked in two years, and there he was talking to me like nothing was wrong," he said.         Within short order, Hotz opened the Black Horse Forge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching the craft to those who serve and come back looking for purpose. He says he has seen firsthand the transformation the craft has given veterans and active-duty service members.

...

  The Baltimore native says he is thankful Facebook gave him the opportunity to do the 22-minute online show, equally grateful for the 100 "bloody do-gooders," as he jokingly calls them, who were nominated by the people. However, the loss of the show and the community that formed around it wasn't just felt by Rowe. It left a void in viewers who begged -- a lot -- for it to return.         So, after four years, he finally did something about it.         Rowe said that because "Returning the Favor" is owned by Facebook, he's not at liberty to simply reup the series under the same name. "However, celebrating people who have impact, gratitude, and find solutions to society's biggest problems is not owned by anyone in particular," he said, adding, "So we are back."         The new moniker is "People You Should Know," and it premiered last Friday on Rowe's YouTube channel.         Rowe is candid about not having the financial resources he had under the Facebook umbrella. So in terms of bells and whistles, the new show will be less grandiose. He is doing it on his own dime. But in truth, as an avid viewer of the show, the bells and whistles were nice, but they were never the reason I sat down to watch it. For most viewers and me, it was always about the heart and aspirations of fellow Americans.         The first six honorees include Hotz, and all are extraordinary and command attention. The first episode showcases a single mother who not only overcame her addiction but also found a way to keep her family together and her kids out of the foster care system. The production scale is spectacular, the people real and driven to a life that exists outside of self.

There is so much good in the world and it's so beyond great to see that being acknowledged.

[8flix]

Before you go. Any comments on byler? 🎤

Ah, yes. The byler predicament. Allow me to muddy the waters even more.

But first, a disclaimer: to be clear, I have no conclusive/confirmed information about season 5. What I know are inferences made from previous leaks, combined with what we now know as fact.

A little more on that before I get to Byler:

The leak came from outside of Netflix; a third-party private company that offers closed captioning services (as confirmed by Forbes, then eventually Netflix). The leaked videos of Heartstopper Se3 and Arcane Se2 are low resolution (640x266 / 640x480) encodes of unlocked edits (ie: edits that are subject to change at the network's discretion), and devoid of VFX. If you're a fan of either show, don't waste your time because it will only spoil the finished product.

That being said, I doubt that there is any video of ST5 episodes 1 through 3, as purported by the so-called "hacker" (I use that in "quotes" because any schlub with an email address could have accessed the server without restriction -- the login app had no restrictions to the inhouse videos).

So, aside from the fact that Netflix will aggressively pursue civil and criminal charges against the source (if they ever find the person) -- a threat that any legit hacker would certainly ignore (unauthorized access to a computer network is already a federal crime, regardless of whether or not something was "taken" and/or released publicly) -- I think there won't be any video of ST5 leaked because it doesn't exist.

A legit hacker would have released it already, defying both Netflix and the FBI, and in such away that would make tracking them down impossible. What is there to lose? Nothing for a legit "hacker." And let's be honest: this wasn't a "hack" of top-secret government documents. And the "hack" will not cause long-term financial damage to a publicly traded company like Netflix. In an election year, the Feds have more important cyber criminals to go after than a scriptkiddy looking for notoriety in the Fortnight Discord app.

Realistically, it's doubtful more than a cease-and-desist letter from Netflix to that Twitter influencer dude, and perhaps firing the IT guy who forgot to flick the privacy toggle on the login app at the closed-captioning company, will come to fruition. And like I said, a legit hacker has zero fucks to give, so threats of a civil lawsuit or prison time would mean nothing to them because their OPSEC would be 100%.

Also, it's my belief that no videos of ST5 will come out because of how TV series are made. Principal photography of ST5 is around 12 months (December 2023 - December 2024). That's a 5-day work week, 16-hours per day. Not including holidays, reshoots, and unforeseen delays, about 48 - 50 weeks in total -- so, about 250 - 300 days of shooting (a movie is often 30 - 120 shooting days). Post production -- which includes editing, music, VFX rendering, ADR, etc. -- will take at least 6 months. For a $200 million series like ST5, 4 - 6 weeks of per-episode-editing is not unheard of. Stranger Things is arguably a Netflix legacy. It's not only going to be protected, but perfected.

Season 5 is being released in two-parts. Part 2 will likely still be in post-production when Part 1 is released. To give you an idea of how close producers come to hard deadlines for series: I watched (legit) screeners of Locke & Key Se2 -- the final two episodes -- before they were complete -- 2 weeks before the world premiere. It's that close.

ST5 shoots chronologically, with some exceptions. Meaning, they film in order of episode. (Movies, on the other hand, film according to scene and schedule -- scenes that take place in the same location, but spread throughout the movie and take place on different days, are shot consecutively). The leak happened in late June (apparently), which would mean that episodes 1 through 3 would have been shot and edited by May. That's not realistic. Like, at all. If I were a betting man, I'd say that episode 1 is still being edited as I write this. There is still 4 months of principal photography remaining.

My expectation is to see trailer #1 during the Super Bowl in February. And October 31, 2025 as a release date for Part 1.

My expectation is a December release for Part 2.

Hardcore hype and teasing for 10 months.

This is my guess; based on personal experience with shows and movies that are not Netflix properties.

Okay, so, Byler...

If you believe the 2022 "definitely not leaked Se4 scripts" are definitely real... then Will is "fully resigned to knowing that he’s just ripped off the Band-Aid." #Byler, as we know it, will never come to be and #Mileven is endgame.

Or, if you believe the "definitely not leaked Se4 scripts" are definitely cap, then Byler is, in fact, the real endgame.

Given the circumstances, I am obviously the former. And, as much as I hate to say it, Will and Mike will never be a couple. 99% confident about that one.

Whichever side you take, in the words of Dr. Emmet Brown, "You're not thinking fourth dimensionally." (hint)

Will Will find love? No. There are bigger plans for Will. Conversely, there are plans for El that go way beyond teenage love. Again, if you believe the fake scripts to be real, then it will become apparent in ST5 that Will and El share a unique connection. My inference is that they are related. If not in the current timeline, then in the alternate timeline and reality (that will be revealed in Se5). "Young versions" of "Will, El, Mike, and the others," have already been cast to appear in Se5. But, IMAO, they're not the "young versions," but the alternate timeline/reality versions. Back to the Future, and Terminator are huge influences. As is the JJ Abrams movie "Super 8" (watch the movie, there are so many similarities with it, and Stranger Things).

I'll also add that there were scenes filmed in 2020/2021 that were meant to be included in season 5. I think -- if memory serves -- it's in or at a church and touches on the theme of "occult murders". So, I wouldn't be surprised if Eddie Munson makes an appearance.

In my professional opinion as a writer (excluding what I may or may not know about ST5): regardless of what scripts you've read -- official, unofficial, fake, real -- the series endgame has already been revealed on screen. I'll explain:

In general terms, for any television series with a definitive finale, and a pre-determined ending, writers follow a blueprint: specific plot points that must revealed along the way so that the story makes sense to viewers -- even to those with conflicting opinions.

If the writing is done correctly, then (for example) when something is revealed in episode 25, viewers will experience a lightbulb moment: "Oh yeah, I remember the references during episodes 2, 5, and 15."

So, using the Byler vs Mileven plotlines, it's plausible that either outcome is still possible. That's the brilliance of Stranger Things' writers' room (I say that sincerely).

Clues have been dropping since episode 101. Spoken dialogue, secondary dialogue, music selection (read the lyrics), character names, specific dates, shooting locations, pop culture references, carefully choreographed shots and scenes, numbers, dates, background props... Everything contains a piece of a puzzle that reinforces what is already known, and reveal what will soon become obvious.

Seriously, I don't know the ending of ST. And honestly, in my experience, it's more likely than not that only the Duffers and a small handful of Netflix/21 Laps execs know the real ending. For a series as big as Stranger Things (with an estimated season 5 budget surpassing $200 million), don't be surprised if more than one ending is filmed. Certainly, more than one has been written. It's not uncommon to leak misleading (but highly plausible) information on purpose. Netflix marketing peeps are top in their field, and outside-the-box thinkers.

What I do know is that the endgame -- be it canonical or other -- will completely blow you away and go down in history as Netflix's most watched finale.

Or, it will be the biggest let down since The Sopranos ending -- the first one AND the do-over.

[avery-st-m]

You’re in your home when you hear a familiar, rhythmic tapping on your window. Standing outside on the sill is a raven, staring at you with beady, knowing eyes. You can see a familiar strip of paper wrapped around the bird’s leg. The details of your new mission are written inside. You’re to gather intelligence on certain members of the Du Bois organization: the private, in-house accountants for both The Clarion Network and The Coronado Current. Your objective is to search for possible financial proof that they had something to do with either the death of the Premier or the disappearance of the Vice Premier.

The Shibata call to action is about as pretentious as the rest of the family ��� a raven, of all things, peering at Avery through her kitchen window like the ominous little death omen it is. Not an omen for her, though. An omen for the rest of the city.

“Come here,” she mutters under her breath after pushing the window open, the raven first hopping away before it finally lets her unspool the thin piece of paper from its leg. Hand on hip, she stares at the bird as it stares at her. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

Zero response. It’s like talking to her siblings.

Avery gestures the bird away with a wave of her hand. “Shoo, before you shit on my windowsill.” The bird shoos, a flurry of dark feathers that quickly melts into the night.

Avery is much the same when she leaves her apartment via the fire escape a mere thirty minutes later, kitted out for intel rather than for assassination; there’s a utilitarian bag strapped to her thigh with basic infiltration tools, and a belt with smaller, sleeker weapons. Her ceremonial blade stays where it lives, affixed to the underside of her bed. Its services won’t be necessary this time.

The nights are still cold this time of spring, the kind of weather that has you dressed in three layers when you leave and regretting your sweater by the time the sun hits its apex. Avery skims from rooftop to rooftop without much care for the cold, hair in a high ponytail and a black mask wrapped over the bottom half of her face to keep the soft clouds of steam from her breath in.

The city is still alive below her at this late hour, oblivious to the black-clad specter leaping nimbly from one gutter to the next, catching the railing of a rusty fire escape without so much as a creak of metal. As she runs, Avery thinks about the task at hand; it’s not worth reading into, the fact that feels like a milk run compared to missions she’s received in the past. Fumiko’s words are in the back of her mind, but only briefly: “If you’re genuinely interested in contributing beyond courier assignments…”

She’s not.

Avery genuinely considered refusing this assignment, or at least pretending she was too drunk to hear the tapping of the bird at her window. And yet here she still is: falling into line like an obedient dog, but more like a fighting dog brought to heel than one that enjoys its work.

Clarion News is both the logical and most dangerous place to start; she’s well aware the tall glass castle keep of a building is staffed twenty-four-seven, which doesn’t stop Avery but it does put her on a higher alert than it might otherwise. Even so, it’s easy enough to find a window devoid of light just a few stories up, as well as an unlocked window – because who would be crazy enough to try to get into the building this way?

Cameras are easily avoided with a keen enough eye, and Avery slips from shadow to shadow with nary an audible footfall on the ugly brown carpeting. It takes a couple of attempts before she manages to find the office of someone worth ransacking; on the corner, naturally, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the city. Avery pays the view no mind as she picks through stacks of files and folders, leaving everything as neat as she found it. There isn’t much here, which shouldn’t be surprising. The books are tidy to the point of sanitization, suspicious only in their lack of suspicion. Avery doesn’t have it in her to be frustrated. She only files those thoughts away for her report and moves on to the next place.

The Current is much less glamorous and far easier to infiltrate, with a lax scattering of cameras and a skeleton security crew. The corner office Avery finds here is also much less organized, which is actually reassuring – she can only hope these books won’t be as bleached clean.

Combing through the mess is annoying and methodical, with her leaving every file folder as askew as she found it. Fast food wrappers are moved gingerly from desk to chair and then back again, and a moldy half-cup of coffee is left untouched for more than one reason. This search is starting to look like it’ll come up as empty as the last before Avery sets her sights on a squat filing cabinet in the corner, barely concealed behind a chair stacked with archival paper prints. She moves it carefully and soundlessly out of the way, willing the teetering stacks not to fall, and crouches to unroll the belt of tools at her hip. She probably could’ve picked the lock with a paperclip and a hairpin, meaning her far more professional set of tools makes embarrassingly quick work of the budget lock.

The only sound Avery has let out so far escapes as a quiet hum of approval; these files have clearly been gone through time and time again, the edges worn and discolored by oily fingerprints and smudged ink.

Taking a half-step back, Avery spreads a couple of the files out on the floor in front of her, eyes rapidly scanning the lines and lines of figures even in the dim light. Once again, the damning evidence is in the omission; money poured into properties without clear use, addresses in districts neither business nor residential. It isn’t what she’s looking for – there’s still no clear evidence the Du Bois had anything to do with the assassination or the disappearance of the heads of office – but the carefully laid out addresses of a few family safehouses is a decent enough consolation prize.

So Avery hopes, anyway. As much as she’s never cared about being a good little soldier, she does have some pride, and that pride tells her it’d be embarrassing to come up empty when the stakes of this mission already feel so low.

Unfortunately, it’s the brief flashes of her compact camera taking snapshots of the evidence that alert the passing security. Beyond that, he’ll have no idea what hit him – a smear of shadow darting up from the corner, indistinguishable, finding exactly the right point at his neck to pinch and wait until two-hundred some odd pounds of muscle turn to putty. Avery manhandles him into the desk chair with an unceremonious grunt. He’s unlikely to have seen enough of her even to get a bead on her height, so she leaves him slumped over the desk as if in the throes of an unfortunate nap.

In another time she might’ve done more to discredit him – sprinkled him with the smell of whiskey, or put one of the rummaged, damning files in his hands while he was still passed out. Not tonight, though. This man is just putting food on the table; she doesn’t know the life he leads, how many kids he might have. She’s not here to penalize anyone for doing their job in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hopefully he’ll just wake up wondering what the fuck hit him, and go back to his beat too embarrassed to bring it up to anyone when he doesn't clock anything missing.

After a few more minutes of careful picture-taking, Avery replaces everything exactly where it was found, locks the file cabinet, and slides the precariously balanced chair of papers back into the divots the legs have left in the carpet.

As she slips out of the building the way she came and escapes back up to the rooftops, Avery heads for the designated drop point and idly wonders if the Shibata will be disappointed with her intel. She wonders if she would’ve brought them the useful stuff even if she’d found it. She wonders if they’ll think she’s withholding it even if she isn’t, even if she thought about it. That would probably be the worst, she thinks: that they’d assume she’s being disobedient, even when she wasn’t. Not that she hadn’t given them plenty of reason to assume that, anyway – it’d only be annoying in that she wouldn’t have the satisfaction of actual disobedience.

None of that really matters, at the end of the night. Avery leaves two rolls of film tucked where she knows they’ll only be discovered by the right hands and heads homeward, to a dark apartment that feels like her only refuge anymore.

That bird better not have shit on her windowsill.

[myrebelancestorsdiedforme]

Life Spa Resort, under the inspired leadership of African American founders Allen and Melissa Brown, proudly announces the launch of a fundraising campaign to raise $12 million to open the Poconos' first Black-owned hotel spa resort. With a proven track record as successful entrepreneurs holding nearly $2 million in commercial real estate assets since 2021, the Browns are poised to transform the Poconos into a premier destination for health and relaxation.

Embarking on a Groundbreaking Journey

Allen and Melissa are currently in contract and looking to close the acquisition of the resort property by mid-September. Development will commence immediately thereafter, including the installation of state-of-the-art social wellness hydrotherapy pools that can accommodate 200-300 people at a time.

Transforming Wellness in the Poconos

The focus of Life Spa Resort is to establish a hydrotherapy and spa facility that is unparalleled in the region. Hydrotherapy, known for its significant health benefits, will be the cornerstone of their offerings. The resort will cater to up to 200 guests daily, providing treatments that promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and healing in a serene setting.

Support from Early Backers

Life Spa Resort invites early backers to join this transformative project by contributing as little as $10. Backers can gain lifetime memberships and enjoy benefits including spa treatments at discounts of up to 80%. This unique opportunity allows individuals to be part of a pioneering wellness community from the ground up. Moreover, lifetime early backers will be able to use their benefits at any and all locations that Life Spa Resort opens in the future, ensuring enduring value across a growing network of wellness destinations.

Investor Opportunity

Accredited investors are sought for this venture under Regulation D, Rule 506(c), which allows public solicitation of a private offering to those who meet the SEC's criteria for accreditation. The Private Placement Memorandum, available for detailed review on Life Spa Resort's website, presents a compelling investment opportunity. Investors can expect projected returns of 12-15% annually, emphasizing the robust financial model and growth potential of Life Spa Resort. The Memorandum includes clear investment terms and extensive plans for facilities such as hydrotherapy pools, specialized sauna rooms, and a comprehensive suite of wellness services.

About the Owners

Allen and Melissa Brown have been pivotal figures in the hospitality and real estate sectors since 2021, managing multiple successful properties and building a strong financial foundation. Their commitment to creating a legacy of health, relaxation, and financial prosperity through innovative projects like Life Spa Resort is poised to redefine industry standards. They have also maintained Airbnb Super-host status for three years, further highlighting their commitment to excellence in hospitality and guest services. Visit LifeSpaResort.com for more information.

Also, be sure to follow the resort on Facebook and Instagram.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, one of the world’s leading climate science agencies, has been ordered to identify grants related to global warming and other topics targeted by President Trump’s executive orders, raising fears that those grants are at risk of being canceled.

The instructions were issued on Thursday at the direction of the Commerce Department, which includes NOAA, according to a copy of the document viewed by The New York Times. NOAA staff members were given a list of all “active financial assistant awards” at NOAA and told to identify which of those grants could be “potentially impacted” by one of Mr. Trump’s orders.

One of the directives in question, signed by Mr. Trump the day he took office, is aimed at demolishing federal government programs that address climate change. Based on that order, NOAA staff members have been told to search their existing grants for terms that include “climate science,” “climate crisis,” “clean energy,” “environmental quality” and “pollution.”

The executive orders do not specifically mention NOAA. But Project 2025, the policy blueprint created by the Heritage Foundation that is reflected in many of the actions taken by the Trump administration so far, calls NOAA “one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry.” The document urges that NOAA be dismantled and some of its programs terminated. And it calls for the privatization of the National Weather Service, a division of NOAA. Project 2025 was written by many people who now hold senior roles in the administration.

[liminalweirdo]

So according to this article, the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford wants to end the wastewater surveillance program.

Having no information on the spread or prevalence of COVID 19 significantly impacts disabled, immunocompromised, and COVID-vulnerable people, including the elderly, those who have undergone organ transplants, people with intellectual and/or neurological disabilities, asthma, heart conditions, and those with autoimmune conditions, as well as BIPOC, trans and queer people, the homeless population, as well as people who are struggling financially or are in public-facing jobs with high customer overturn such as food services and sales.

Please spread this message or contact the Premier of Ontario here or email him at Premier@ontario.ca

The phone number is 416-325-1941 and TTY is 1-800-387-5559

[onlydylanobrien]

Dylan O’Brien Sets ‘Twinless’ With James Sweeney Directing & Starring; Republic Pictures Takes Global On Three Point Capital & David Permut Production

EXCLUSIVE: Dylan O’Brien is set to headline in James Sweeney‘s dark comedy Twinless, which the latter wrote and will also star in. Republic Pictures has taken global rights to the movie. Cameras are currently rolling on the movie in Portland, OR. O’Brien will executive produce.

The pic follows two young men who meet in a twin bereavement support group. An unlikely bromance develops between them. Twinless follow Sweeney’s directorial debut, Straight Up, which notched the filmmaker a Best First Screenplay nom at the 2021 Independent Spirit Awards.

Three Point Capital is financing the film with Ali Jazayeri, David Gendron and Liz Destro also serving as EPs.

Twinless is produced by Academy Award nominated producer David Permut and Permut Presentations (Hacksaw Ridge, Face/Off) whose most recent Netflix movie, Rustin, garnered Colman Domingo a Best Actor Oscar nomination.

Miky Lee (Parasite) Vice Chairwoman of CJ and who most recently executive produced the Oscar nominated film Past Lives, serves as EP.

Permut Presentations Director Of Development Alex Astrachan co-produces.

Permut said, “I was absolutely knocked out by James’ first film Straight Up and was determined to work with him. I immediately responded to the originality and provocative concept of Twinless. The dark comedy depicts complex characters in such an irreverent, emotional and hysterical way. The chemistry between Dylan, who portrays the role of identical twin brothers, opposite James’ character is absolutely combustible.”

O’Brien’s most recent film is the independent feature Ponyboi, in which he plays a villainous pimp and small-time drug dealer, recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He will next be seen in the upcoming films SNL 1975 (from director Jason Reitman) as Dan Aykroyd, Caddo Lake (from the writing-directing team of Logan George and Celine Held, and producer M. Night Shyamalan), and Anniversary (a thriller co-starring Diane Lane, Kyle Chandler, Zoey Deutch and Phoebe Dynevor). The $1.7 billion grossing star is well-known to audiences from his work in The Maze Runner franchise, as well as the hit MTV series Teen Wolf.

Permut also recently produced the Paramount+ series hit, Lawman: Bass Reeves from Taylor Sheridan, which stars SAG nominee David Oyelowo. His upcoming high priority slate includes Being Heumann written and directed by Academy Award winner Sian Heder (CODA) at Apple, Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris’ (Little Miss Sunshine) film The Invite, and Face/Off II at Paramount, the sequel to Permut’s 1997 hit film, to be directed by Adam Wingard.

Sweeney is repped by UTA, 2AM and Brecheen Feldman Breimer Silver and Thompson. O’Brien is repped by WME, Principal Entertainment, and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Feldman, Rogal, Shikora & Clark and Permut is repped by John Tishbi at Pearlman & Tishbi.

Three Point Capital, established in 2009, is a financier and service provider in the film, television, and commercial industries. They have financed over 400 films, including The Butler, Clerks III and the Oscar-winning Manchester by the Sea. They most recently provided funding for the upcoming Michael Keaton starrers Know Goes Away and Goodrich, the Nicholas Cage starrer Longlegs, the Tina Fey/Jon Hamm comedy Maggie Moore(s) and the recent Sundance premiere Rob Peace.

Paramount Global Content Distribution is revitalizing the former Republic Pictures label, originally founded in 1935. The newly branded acquisition label will leverage Paramount Global’s vast worldwide distribution channels, across home entertainment and third-party distribution platforms to distribute a wide range of acquired films. Republic Pictures is an acquisition-only label under Paramount Pictures.

Source: deadline.com

[exnori]

About Exnori

Hello, I am Exnori.com, a premier cryptocurrency exchange dedicated to revolutionizing the way you trade digital assets. I am here to offer a secure, efficient, and user-friendly platform that caters to both beginners and seasoned traders alike. Let me take you through the various aspects of my services and why I am the go-to choice for cryptocurrency trading.

Mission and Vision

At my core, my mission is to create a transparent, secure, and seamless trading environment. I strive to empower my users with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the volatile world of cryptocurrencies confidently. My vision is to become a cornerstone of the cryptocurrency ecosystem, where traders can thrive and reach their financial goals.

Robust Security Protocols

Security is my utmost priority. I employ state-of-the-art encryption techniques, robust multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring to protect your assets and personal information. My security infrastructure is designed to be resilient against cyber threats, ensuring that your investments are safe with me.

User-Centric Design

I am designed with the user in mind. My platform boasts a clean, intuitive interface that simplifies the trading process. Whether you are accessing me via desktop or mobile, you will find a consistent and user-friendly experience that makes trading easy and accessible, no matter where you are.

Extensive Cryptocurrency Selection

I offer a vast selection of cryptocurrencies for trading. From established giants like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple to promising new altcoins, my diverse range of assets ensures that you can find the right opportunities to diversify your portfolio and maximize your trading potential.

Competitive and Transparent Fee Structure

I believe in providing value to my users. My fee structure is transparent and competitive, allowing you to understand exactly what you are paying for each transaction. By keeping fees low, I help you maximize your returns and make the most out of your trading activities.

Comprehensive Educational Resources

Knowledge is power, especially in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency. I offer a wealth of educational resources, including in-depth articles, video tutorials, and live webinars. These resources are tailored to help you understand market trends, develop effective trading strategies, and make informed decisions.

Advanced Trading Tools

For the more experienced traders, I provide a suite of advanced trading tools. These include detailed charting capabilities, technical indicators, and algorithmic trading support through my API. Whether you are a day trader or a long-term investor, my tools are designed to enhance your trading strategy and performance.

Community and Customer Support

I pride myself on fostering a vibrant community of traders. My platform encourages interaction and the exchange of ideas among users, creating a collaborative environment. Additionally, my customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any issues or questions you may have, ensuring a smooth and supportive trading experience.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

The cryptocurrency market is constantly evolving, and so am I. I am committed to continuous innovation and regularly update my platform with new features and improvements. This dedication to staying ahead of the curve ensures that I can provide you with the best tools and technologies for successful trading.

Conclusion

Choosing Exnori.com means partnering with a platform that is dedicated to your success. With my robust security measures, user-centric design, extensive asset selection, competitive fees, and unwavering support, I am here to help you achieve your trading goals. Join me at Exnori.com and experience the future of cryptocurrency trading.

By joining Exnori.com, you are becoming part of a dynamic and forward-thinking community. Let's trade smarter, safer, and more effectively together. Welcome to Exnori.com, where your trading journey begins!

[orlaogden]

Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton supporting SAG-AFTRA strike

Jim Carter: I’m here today as an Equity member of 50-odd years to stand behind SAG-AFTRA. I fully support it. Most Equity members do, because their fight is our fight. What they’re doing is absolutely right and I applaud them.

Jim Carter: We’re not being paid properly for our work. Streaming services take our work and we have no control over where it’s shown or how many people see it. They’re not open about how many people see things so we don’t get properly recompensed for it. That’s ridiculous. Our performance isn’t just for the premiere and opening night; it’s for as long as it lasts, and we should be fairly recompensed for that.

Imelda Staunton: SAG-AFTRA strike isn’t an American problem, or an English problem but rather a global problem. [The] streaming services seem to be paying themselves and not the creatives. The issue of AI is here. We need to talk about how it’s going to affect people’s financial circumstances. Most actors and most writers and performers seem to be at the bottom of the pile when the pay packet is issued, so I think that needs sorting out as soon as possible.

Source

+Bonus:

[diginawin]

Wealth Associates – Your Trusted Property Consultant

At Wealth Associates, we understand that real estate is not just about buying or selling properties—it’s about building a future, creating generational wealth, and achieving financial freedom. As a trusted and experienced property consultancy, we serve as a strategic partner to individuals, families, and businesses looking to navigate the complexities of the real estate market with confidence and clarity.

Who We Are

Wealth Associates is a premier property consultancy firm dedicated to providing professional, insightful, and result-oriented real estate advisory services. Our team is composed of seasoned experts in property acquisition, investment analysis, asset management, development planning, and market research. With years of combined industry experience, we bring a wealth of knowledge and a personal touch to every client interaction.

Our name reflects our core values—Wealth signifies the long-term value we help clients create, and Associates represents our commitment to relationships built on trust, transparency, and shared success.

What We Do

Whether you're looking to acquire your first home, expand your investment portfolio, or explore commercial real estate opportunities, Wealth Associates provides the tools, expertise, and market intelligence to help you achieve your goals. Our services include:

Property Advisory & Investment Planning We offer strategic investment advice backed by data analytics, risk assessment, and market trend forecasting to help clients make high-yield, future-ready decisions.

Residential & Commercial Sales and Leasing From premium residential homes to high-performing commercial spaces, we connect clients with the right property to meet both personal and business objectives.

Real Estate Portfolio Management We manage and optimize property portfolios to maximize returns, mitigate risks, and ensure long-term growth and sustainability.

Market Research & Feasibility Studies With in-depth research and feasibility assessments, we help developers and investors assess the viability of projects before committing capital.

Legal and Regulatory Support Real estate transactions come with legal intricacies. Our in-house experts and legal partners ensure all compliance matters are professionally handled, providing you with peace of mind.

After-Sales & End-to-End Client Support Our commitment doesn’t end at closing a deal. We continue to support clients with property management services, resale strategy, tenant sourcing, and more.

Why Choose Wealth Associates?

✅ Client-Centric Approach – We prioritize your interests, preferences, and financial goals above all. Every solution is custom-tailored to suit your unique situation.

✅ Market Expertise – With our pulse on the market, we offer real-time, actionable insights that help you stay ahead of the curve.

✅ Transparent Communication – Integrity and honesty are at the core of our service. You’ll always receive clear, upfront, and professional advice.

✅ 360° Services – We cover the full property lifecycle, making us your one-stop consultancy for everything real estate.

✅ Long-Term Relationships – We aim to be your lifetime property partner, not just a one-time consultant. Your success is our success.

Our Vision

To become the most trusted and respected property consultancy in the region, known for transforming real estate ambitions into tangible, lasting wealth.

Our Mission

To empower clients with expert property advice, innovative solutions, and unwavering support—helping them make smarter decisions, grow wealth, and secure their future through real estate.

[thebusylilbee]

Homard bleu et macaron rose, décor royal et meilleurs vins pour plus de 150 invité·es : les images de la réception majestueuse de Charles III, en septembre 2023 au château de Versailles, avaient immédiatement alimenté la question. Combien d’euros la présidence de la République avait-elle déboursé pour organiser un tel événement ? La réponse est désormais disponible : 474 851 euros, d’après la Cour des comptes.

Dans leur rapport annuel sur les comptes de la présidence de la République, publié lundi 29 juillet, les magistrats financiers alertent sur la forte augmentation des dépenses du chef de l’État, notamment en ce qui concerne les frais de déplacement et réception, en 2023. L’Élysée a bouclé cette année-là son exercice en déficit (8,3 millions d’euros sur 117,2 millions de résultat), ce qui n���était pas le cas de l’exercice précédent (excédentaire de 300 000 euros).

« Si plusieurs facteurs externes expliquent ce niveau de dépenses non anticipé (inflation, activité présidentielle conditionnée par le contexte international) », la Cour des comptes alerte aussi sur une nécessaire « vigilance accrue » face aux « facteurs internes » qui ont conduit à ce dérapage. À la fin de l’année, les dépenses de la direction chargée de l’organisation des événements, des déplacements et de l’intendance ont été supérieures de 7 millions d’euros par rapport au budget prévisionnel.

Le choix d’organiser le « dîner d’État » en l’honneur de Charles III au château de Versailles a fortement pesé dans la balance, la présidence de la République ayant dû externaliser de nombreuses prestations : traiteur extérieur (et non cuisines de l’Élysée) pour 166 193 euros, « extras » embauchés pour le service pour 100 428 euros, scénographie et montage pour 42 720 euros, ou encore 42 515 euros de vins, champagne et autres boissons. 

Le coût total de la soirée (474 851 euros) ne prend pas en compte les autres dépenses liées à la « visite d’État » – le plus haut rang protocolaire – organisée pour la venue pendant trois jours du souverain britannique en France, ni les frais d’annulation (80 000 euros) de la première visite, repoussée en raison des mobilisations contre la réforme des retraites. « La France entretient des relations diplomatiques soutenues avec de très nombreux pays qui organisent des événements équivalents lorsqu’ils reçoivent le chef de l’État », se défend la présidence de la République.

Des déplacements de plus en plus onéreux

Un autre « dîner d’État » a coûté près d’un demi-million d’euros : celui en l’honneur du premier ministre indien Narendra Modi, le 14 juillet 2023, au musée du Louvre. Là encore, le choix de la présidence d’organiser le repas en dehors du palais de l’Élysée – à l’inverse des réceptions du président américain Joe Biden ou de l’émir du Qatar en 2024 – a coûté cher : près de 173 000 euros de traiteur, 72 000 euros d’« extras », etc. Pour une note globale de 412 366 euros.

À titre de comparaison, deux autres réceptions organisées à l’Élysée – le dîner d’État pour le président mongol et celui pour le Forum de Paris sur la paix – ont coûté 62 000 et 67 000 euros. « Cette comparaison entre les dîners souligne le rôle majeur du choix du lieu dans le coût total de chaque événement », relève la Cour dans son rapport.

Plus encore que les réceptions, ce sont les déplacements d’Emmanuel Macron qui grèvent le budget. Dans son rapport, la Cour des comptes interroge un paradoxe : le président de la République ne se déplace pas beaucoup plus qu’avant mais ses déplacements coûtent de plus en plus cher au contribuable. À titre d’exemple, le coût moyen des déplacements nationaux du chef de l’État a quasiment doublé depuis 2018, culminant l’année dernière à 60 462 euros.

À une échelle plus large, l’évolution des dépenses donne même le vertige. En 2016, pour la dernière année pleine de son quinquennat, François Hollande s’est déplacé 142 fois, pour un budget global de 17,7 millions d’euros. En 2023, Emmanuel Macron a effectué 112 déplacements qui ont coûté 23,2 millions d’euros. Autrement dit, le coût moyen d’un déplacement présidentiel est passé de 125 000 à 207 000 euros en sept ans.

Comment expliquer une telle hausse ? Sans nier le poids de l’inflation sur certaines lignes de dépense, l’institution de la rue Cambon charge lourdement le fonctionnement de l’Élysée, soulignant « le nombre de déplacements, l’évolution de leur structure et la taille des délégations », mais aussi « des problèmes d’organisation interne ».

L’explosion des frais de déplacement résulte directement des choix politiques opérés à l’époque par Emmanuel Macron. Après un premier trimestre passé cloîtré à l’Élysée, en proie à un mouvement social massif contre la réforme des retraites, le chef de l’État avait fait de sa capacité à occuper l’espace un enjeu politique central : il s’agissait de montrer qu’il n’était pas empêché, malgré l’impopularité de sa réforme, et de reprendre la main d’un quinquennat considérablement embourbé.

Une tournée en Océanie à 3 millions d’euros

« Je dois me réengager dans le débat public », avait-il prévenu fin avril. La suite avait été à l’avenant : en quelques semaines, le président de la République était allé discuter déserts médicaux dans le Loir-et-Cher, lycée professionnel en Charente-Maritime, reconquête industrielle dans le Nord, attractivité de la France dans les Yvelines, souveraineté industrielle en Ardèche ou encore transport aérien en Seine-et-Marne.

Fin juin, il avait tenu à passer trois jours à Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône) pour balayer les dossiers de la cité phocéenne. Le déplacement a coûté 342 828 euros à l’État, un budget « particulièrement onéreux » selon la Cour des comptes.

Laquelle critique également le prix excessif de deux autres visites officielles, en Corse en septembre (278 209 euros) et à Toulouse (Haute-Garonne) en décembre, pour visiter le siège d’Airbus (205 022 euros). La tournée en Océanie (Nouvelle-Calédonie, Vanuatu, Papouasi), au cœur de l’été, bat des records (3,1 millions d’euros), talonnée par celle en Afrique (1,9 million) au printemps.

En plus de leur nombre, c’est le faste et la dimension des déplacements que l’institution place dans son viseur. Pour la visite d’État d’Emmanuel Macron en Chine, en avril 2023, l’Élysée a affrété deux avions A330 pour transporter une délégation pléthorique, où figuraient notamment l’ancien premier ministre Jean-Pierre Raffarin, grand ami de la Chine, ou l’ancien ministre socialiste Jean-Marie Le Guen, membre du conseil d’administration de l’entreprise Huawei. À l’arrivée, en plus de la voiture présidentielle transportée sur place, cinquante véhicules avaient été loués pour déplacer le convoi présidentiel.

Avec le transport et l’hébergement, plusieurs frais annexes sont venus alourdir la facture de cette visite, à l’instar des prestations audiovisuelles confiées à des sociétés privées (55 084 euros). Au total, l’escapade chinoise a coûté 1,8 million d’euros, révèle la Cour des comptes, qui pointe au passage le décalage entre le budget prévisionnel et le coût réel du voyage. Une hausse de 40 %, selon l’instance, traduite par un surcoût imprévu de 520 000 euros. 

Une différence loin d’être anecdotique, aux dires de l’institution administrative. Le rapport pointe ainsi à plusieurs reprises les « problèmes d’organisation interne » à l’Élysée, évoquant par exemple les multiples annulations et reprogrammations de dernière minute. « Bien qu’il existe des contraintes spécifiques à l’activité présidentielle, il ressort que les arbitrages à différents niveaux sont souvent rendus tardivement, ce qui ne permet pas de respecter le processus défini et contraint à un fonctionnement dans l’urgence », souligne la Cour des comptes.

Annulations et reprogrammations

La multiplication des annulations n’est pas que le fait du président de la République : elle découle aussi, pour l’année 2023, de son impopularité. Le mouvement social contre la réforme des retraites a poussé l’Élysée à annuler plusieurs déplacements et voyages prévus. Elle ne saurait toutefois être résumée à ce contexte. Depuis son élection en 2017, Emmanuel Macron a habitué ses interlocuteurs, partenaires et collaborateurs à une instabilité permanente. Plusieurs ministres ont ainsi raconté à Mediapart, ces dernières années, leur lassitude face aux contre-ordres de dernière minute venus de l’Élysée.

En tout, douze déplacements ont été annulés en 2023, un record si l’on excepte l’année 2020 rendue exceptionnelle par le contexte sanitaire. Sans entrer dans ces considérations, la Cour des comptes rappelle un fait : ce fonctionnement a un coût pour le contribuable, 832 328 euros de pertes pour l’année 2023. À elle seule, l’annulation du voyage prévu en Allemagne en juillet 2023 a coûté 429 100 euros à l’État, celle de la visite en Suède en février, 180 150 euros.

En guise de préconisations pour l’avenir, la Cour des comptes suggère à l’Élysée, entre autres, de mieux anticiper l’agenda présidentiel et de plafonner la taille des délégations. Elle encourage aussi la présidence à modérer le recours aux missions préparatoires, ces voyages de collaborateurs d’Emmanuel Macron destinés à « tâter le terrain » et à préparer sa venue.

Car ces missions coûtent cher, soulève le rapport. Avant de se rendre au Brésil, cette année, Emmanuel Macron a envoyé quatre équipes différentes préparer les quatre étapes de son périple. Trop souvent décidées au dernier moment, ces missions préparatoires ont un prix, encore plus lorsque les conseillers présidentiels décident de prendre l’avion pour gagner du temps.

Ainsi de celle censée préparer l’hommage rendu à Roubaix (Nord), en mai 2023, à trois policiers tués par un automobiliste. « En dépit d’une règle édictée d’effectuer en train les trajets inférieurs à quatre heures », l’équipe d’Emmanuel Macron a pris un vol commercial pour atteindre la ville nordiste. La présidence « tiendra compte des remarques de la Cour pour améliorer son organisation et ses dispositifs internes », a répondu l’Élysée, assurant être « mobilisée pour gérer avec efficacité son budget dans un contexte d’une part inflationniste et d’autre part géopolitique et politique qui influence l’agenda de l’exécutif ».

Ilyes Ramdani et Antton Rouget