#Western Suburban Projects

[determinate-negation]

What is important to understand about that moment was that Zionism was a political choice — not only by western imperial powers, but also by Jewish leadership. They could have fought more strenuously for Jewish immigration to the United States. And a lot of the Zionist leaders actually fought against immigration to the United States. There were a number of stories reported in the Jewish Communist press about how Zionists collaborated with the British and Americans to force Jews to go to Mandate Palestine, when they would have rather gone to the United States, or England. There’s a famous quote by Ernest Bevin, the British Foreign Secretary, who said the only reason the United States sent Jews to Palestine was ​“because they do not want too many more of them in New York.” And the Zionists agreed with this.

While this may seem like ancient history, it is important because it disrupts the common sense surrounding Israel’s formation. ​“Yes, maybe there could have been peace between Jews and Palestinians, but the Holocaust made all of that impossible.” And I would say that this debate after 1945 shows that there was a long moment in which there were other possibilities, and another future could have happened

[…]

Question: Who or what is responsible for the erasure of this history of Jewish, left anti-Zionism?

I wouldn’t blame the erasure solely on the Soviet Union or Zionism, because we also have to think of the Cold War and how the Cold War destroyed the old Jewish left, and really drove it underground and shattered its organizations. So I think we also have to see how the turn toward Zionism was understood as something that would normalize Jews in a post-war era.

With the execution of the Rosenbergs, the Red Scare of the late 1940s and ​’50s, and the virtual banning of the Communist Party, which had been throughout the 1930s and ​’40s half Jewish, for much of the Jewish establishment, aligning themselves with American imperialism was a way for Jews to normalize their presence in the United States. And hopefully that moment has to some degree passed. We can see the emptiness and barrenness of aligning ourselves with an American imperial project, with people like Bari Weiss and Jared Kushner. Why would someone like Bari Weiss, who describes herself as liberal, want to align herself with the most reactionary forces in American life?

It’s a bloody matrix of assimilation and whiteness that emerged out of the Cold War suburbanization of the 1950s. Israel was part of that devil’s bargain. Yes, you can become real Americans: You can go to good U.S. universities, you can join the suburbs, enter into the mainstream of American life, as long as you do this one little thing for us, which is back the American Empire. Hopefully, with the emergence of new grassroots organizations in the United States, among Jews and non-Jews who are questioning the U.S. role supporting Zionism, this calculus can begin to change. With the rise of Jewish Voice for Peace, IfNotNow, the Democratic Socialists of America and the Movement for Black Lives all taking a serious stance against U.S. support for Zionism, the common sense in the Jewish community has begun to move in a different direction, particularly among the younger generation. The battle is very far from over, but it makes me just a little optimistic about the future.”

- The Forgotten History of the Jewish Anti-Zionist Left

[hotdaemondtargaryen]

PHIA SABAN INTERVIEWED FOR CONTENTMODE MAGAZINE.

CONGRATULATIONS ON HOUSE OF THE DRAGON! HOW HAS THE PROCESS BEEN SO FAR?

"Thank you! It’s a cool thing."

"When we’re working on it we’re in our own little microcosm with each other and those characters, and now it’s coming out and we’re seeing it all link up and become something else."

"It’s very new to me."

"Acting on screen still feels very new to me."

"I am so lucky to get to work with this group of people, they are so clever and loving."

"Recently we’ve been promoting the show and have been asked for opinions and explanations about our characters and the story."

"I’ve found it a new and funny facet of the job, to be asked sometimes to represent myself and speak from the character and for the bigger picture."

"It can feel different from acting, where you engage with the contradictions and spend more time with the mystery and the magic than the answers."

"I guess I’m saying that I’ve found this process contains multitudes."

"And watching the show is surreal — there are all my pals in wigs!"

MANY DIE-HARD GAME OF THRONES FANS HAVE READ THE BOOK SERIES AND ANTICIPATE PLOT POINTS IN THE TELEVISION SERIES. HOW DO YOU PROVIDE A FRESH TAKE ON FAMILIAR MATERIAL?

"It’s major to be part of something that people already feel passionate about, but it’s also exciting to have the chance to subvert expectations."

"It’s fun to make up little secrets that only you know about."

"As a viewer, I always like to be surprised anyway."

"I think it’s important (and fun) to have some irreverence for the genre so that you’re not patronizing your audience."

"The hope is to be part of something that challenges people!"

YOU'VE FOUND SUCCESS IN THE FANTASY AND DRAMATIC GENRES. ARE THERE ANY OTHER GENRES YOU'D LIKE TO EXPLORE?

"Yes! I miss being in plays so much."

"I cannot wait to be in the theater again."

"I’ve never been in a film, I’d love to make an independent one."

"Oh! To be in something people call a ‘picture’!"

"Recently I’ve been fantasizing about learning motion-capture and playing some sort of animal or creature."

"I’d love to be part of a suburban coming-of-age film, like the ones I obsessed over growing up."

"I’d like to do a great limited series, an intense crime one."

"And I could narrowly avoid being eaten by a shark, or an alien."

"I have dreams of doing a time-spanning project."

"I’d like to be the voice of an animation!"

"I‘d love to have a go at the present day."

"And maybe a dystopian future."

"And a Western?"

"I always want to do something funny."

"And strange."

"There are so many TA and filmmakers I admire (I won’t list them but they’re always being lovingly scribbled in my notebook.)"

"I’ll learn Norwegian and French for them!"

"I’m excited to keep finding new people too."

"More than all these, there are so many more things I hope to do, if I’m lucky."

"Not that I give it much thought or anything…"

HAS YOUR REAL LIFE INSPIRED YOUR APPROACH TO YOUR CHARACTER IN ANY WAY?

"Sometimes a character can be an expansion pack for your real life, like a new way to see things."

"So maybe it’s more that the fantasy inspires your real life!"

"It’s been really fun to explore Helaena’s interests."

"I’ve thought quite a lot about bugs."

"I get a huge kick out of investigating how her mind works and finding all the ways her’s overlaps with mine."

"I do lots of people-watching, which is great because now when I’m staring at people on the bus I can tell myself that I’m ‘working’."

WHILE FANTASY CAN SEEMS UNTETHERED FROM REALITY, DO YOU THINK IT CAN REFLECT THE REAL WORLD?

"Haha I hope so, otherwise that would be boring!"

"I suppose these stories are full of archetypes, which should mirror universal truths."

"But maybe that’s just good TV?"

WHAT TYPES OF NARRATIVED DO YOU FIND YOURSELF DRAWN TOWARDS WHEN READING SCRIPTS AND CHOOSING ROLES?

"Something surprising and honest that doesn’t tell me what to think!"

"And I love it when a script lets sad things be funny."

WHAT INSPIRES YOU AS AN ACTOR?

"Other actors, a lot."

"On a good day, almost everything can…"

"That might be one of the best things about being an actor."

[midi-wizard]

Conversation Pit

a GIF commission for Rhizome and GIPHY

Description: “This GIF is a ghost story, a void of failed Feng Shui. Like the mock-up renderings created by contractors when a new home or public space is being built; unnatural spills of light and perspectives make very little sense when human images are implemented. Structurally palatial architecture harking back to a vapid but inornate Rococo interior. You’re seeing just the smallest snippet of a labyrinthian, suburban American home; needlessly sprawling but spiritually claustrophobic. Inanimate objects working as sponges of extreme human emotion, fumbling to grasp at a sense of comfort and status via possessions and excess. An “if these walls could talk” scenario with the tension softened, reckoned with by digestible cartoon depictions of manmade sadness and profitable unease. One of the many Pyramids erected in the Pyramid Scheme of Western Exceptionalism, the ones getting emptier, decaying every day. All this is a vulnerable, subconscious projection, haunting not only what occupies the home, but how the home ultimately functions.”

(2023)

[runawaycarouselhorse]

"Arabs think of animals as mindless" is such a racist and stupid thing of you to say. You are just projecting your own thoughts about animals It has nothing to do with the Arab's view, you just think they're mindless that's why you couldn't name any. We love animals and they're not brainless or dumb. Stop making Arabs look bad!

I am Arab and if you actually study Arabic language, animals are غير عاقل literally “without mind.” It upset me a lot in school, but this is literally Arabic grammar.

It shows how you can’t back up your own statements because you cowardly hid behind anon.

I don’t think that at all!! I always loved animals and anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge animal lover, that’s why I got so upset and defended them to my kindergarten teacher.

It’s very, very common for Arabs to think of all animals as “dirty,” unfortunately, so many hate keeping pets, with sliiight exception for cats. Many Arab boys make a game of hitting animals with stones in the streets. It’s cruel and sad, but true.

Did you actually grow up in the Arabian Gulf/Khaleej like me or not?! Especially in more suburban or even rural areas.

Have you even gone to school here and not seen how many schoolgirls scatter in fear and disgust if a cat wanders near, breaking up morning assembly?

Also, owls are literally seen as creepy or associated with witches by Arabs, many even associate it with bad luck, the “wise owl” concept only reached via Greek/Roman mythology and western concepts.

You didn’t mention a single example that is used in any common phrase as a symbol of wisdom, because none exist traditionally.

Even the raven/crow which taught us to bury our dead in the Quran is traditionally hated and associated only with death, despite its great intelligence, sense of justice (they have courts and enact punishment on those who commit crimes!), visit its elderly parents, and is loyal to its mate life-long, most people do not know this.

[practically-an-x-man]

Talk Shop Tuesday for creating Quinn? (If you haven’t answered already!)

Thank you!!!

Talk Shop Tuesday, and a link to Quinn's OC bio here

Long ramble ahead... they're a fun one :D

I actually created Quinn while writing my other 6 Underground fic, Nom De Guerre. I enjoyed writing that story and that OC, AJ, but partway through I got to thinking about a character who, rather than meeting the Ghosts during a mission, knew one of the characters before they joined the Ghosts and had a reunion after the fact.

Naturally, this character had to be Billy. He's my favorite, and his backstory as a parkourist who fell in a botched mission was just too good to pass up.

The base idea for Quinn as a character was this: they both fell in the botched job, but Billy got lucky and she didn't.

As with most of my characters, the rest of the details came... well, not exactly at random, but I picked them based on what felt right and seemed interesting to explore. She's punk because that seemed like a fun character design, and it's rare that I see genuine hardcore punks represented in fiction. She's a non-op trans woman for the same reason - it gives depth to her story, and I've worked hard to convey it as accurately and respectfully as I can, but it began with the understanding that characters like Quinn rarely get the chance to be protagonists.

I tend to see a lot of "everyman" OCs, particularly in fanfiction, and that's just not my style. For one thing, that's just not interesting to read, let alone to write. And for another, that "everyman" idea is typically based on this super heteronormative, cis-normative, white Western-focused idea of what makes a "default" character, and that's ignorant if not outright damaging to the millions of people who don't fit that mold. I don't want to make a character that some blank-faced Western suburban audience can project onto, I want to make a character that compels the audience to their story. That's not specific to Quinn, but it is a lot of what went into her story.

Once I decided how Quinn's fall would affect her, I did a lot of research into the medical side of things in an effort to portray it as accurately as I could. I looked into the physical side of things, like the specific damage that occurred to her body, but I also looked into a lot of personal stories from people with similar disabilities. I found blogs talking about mobility issues, the proper ways to depict crutches, canes, and other mobility devices, and descriptions of the various types of hallucinations from people who experience them regularly.

The one thing I've found that didn't exactly line up about her story is that traumatic head wounds aren't known to cause lasting hallucinations like what she experiences, but the brain is a complicated machine and it's very possible that Quinn had a latent schizotypal disorder that was expressed after the head wound. Uncommon, but not impossible - and isn't that all you really need from fiction? It's more realistic than House MD, at least XD

Quinn's experience with her disabilities is an interesting one to write. In some ways, her experience is very different from my own - her physical injuries are more severe, she regularly uses mobility aids, and I've never experienced hallucinations like she does. But in other respects, I do pull from my own life when I write her - I have congenital joint problems that do cause me pain and difficulty and a lot of Quinn's emotional responses to those issues are reflections of my own, and I have experienced some small sensory disturbances from time to time (particularly when I'm sleep-deprived).

And like Quinn, I was a very active person (martial arts, American Ninja Warrior training, etc.) and I still struggle with the idea that I've already lost some physical mobility and will continue to lose more as time goes on. I'm still a very active person and I work hard to try and keep my body in good shape while I can, but there's only so much I can do and it's tough to come to terms with that.

Quinn as a character is a bit of a journal for me. Her being transgender and struggling to feel like she'll be known and accepted and loved by the people around her, her experiences with disability and trying to accept that she is limited, and her being punk and the social judgement that comes with that, all of that are things that I experience and I work through those feelings by writing them out in Quinn's story. It takes a different shape in her than it does myself, but the intent and emotion behind it is the same, and it ends in some of the most raw and emotional scenes I've written.

Thank you so much for the ask!! I really appreciate you asking about my different OCs, and Quinn's story especially is one of my favorites!

[sunblonderealtors]

Top Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Mumbai

As We Know South Mumbai Is Know For The Epitome of Posh Living, Neighbourhoods Like Central Of Mumbai i.e Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Kurla & Chembur are gaining popularity, with Thane and Mulund emerging as a prime spot for affordable property sales. Here We are Sorted Key Factors For Upcoming Emerging Zones Of Mumbai.

Areas that are expected to see significant growth in the coming years

Ghatkopar emerges as a thriving location, primarily due to the introduction of metro lines.

Santacruz West is a suburban neighborhood in the heart of Mumbai that offers great investment opportunities in real estate. It's close to important commercial hubs like Bandra-Kurla Complex & Andheri and has easy access to the Western Express Highway.

superior connectivity and sound infrastructure, the properties in Thane & Mulund have also shown a steady increase in the past few years.

Why these areas are becoming popular

Malabar Hill Nestled atop Mumbai’s southern tip, Malabar Hill reigns supreme as India’s most exclusive residential address. With sprawling mansions, opulent condos, and panoramic sea views, this enclave exudes sophistication at every turn.

Cuffe Parade Home to Mumbai’s elite, this waterfront enclave boasts upscale boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and stunning waterfront promenades. Stroll along the historic Colaba Causeway, unwind at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace, and experience the pulse of Mumbai’s cultural heart.

Worli Worli offers a seamless blend of luxury living and urban convenience. Indulge in world-class shopping at Palladium Mall, dine at acclaimed restaurants overlooking the Arabian Sea, and experience the cosmopolitan vibe of this vibrant enclave.

The types of properties available in these areas

Residential Properties Primarily designed as living spaces, In Mumbai We Can See Luxury To Affordable Segments Of Residential Projects With Convenience to Carpet area as We Wish.

Commercial Properties Used For Businesses To Investments Purpose, Mumai Commercial Property's Demand Touching Sky Level For Current Time.

The potential for investment in these areas

As We Think Of Investment We Start To Calculate Higher Returns On Investment. From Worli To End Of South Mumbai & Growing Suburbs Like Ghatkopar To Kurla has potential projects & Supply Of Services Which Can Show Green Line Of Stonks In Your Investment Chart.

[max1461]

I've talked about this in bits and pieces before, but my relationship to American culture is that I grew up in SoCal-but-not-LA, a place where little cultural survivals from the Old West seem to abound. There's a distinctly cowboy spirit to much of Southern California that I think non-Californians and even northerners tend to not to be aware of. I mean it's not like it's surprising: the population descends, largely, from Gold Rush prospectors, Okies, and northern Mexicans—three groups of people known for embodying particularly Western sensibilities.

Even LA, really, is kind of Western. It's not like the Bay Area, where everyone has a Project, a Grand Vision For Society. Where everybody wants to Change The World. In LA, people are out to look cool and make money. It's a distinctly different vibe.

I think there's a sense in which SoCal doesn't really have "high society". I mean there are rich people, obviously, tons of them. But there's no such thing as Old Money, here, nor is there a cult of progress, nor is there a protestant work ethic. There's, maybe, a "rugged suburbanism" for what used to be rugged individualism, and a whole lot of wheeling-and-dealing. Plenty of flim-flam men, and the local authorities will often be seen in a cowboy hat. I don't know.

I like it here though.

[mossy-covered-bones]

I absolutely cannot contribute my fair share to an architecture discussion as I know 0 about it but I would be 100% happy to listen

No thats totally fine i spent almost two hours rambling w my mom abt sociopolitical associations of some styles and she isnt too familiar either

But uh. I have many opinions i would love to share. On roofs and silhouettes. Gods i have so many thoughts about roofs

I will say the passion projects ive done have focused on the us and the western influences so my familiarity w architecture is very eurocentric but alas

First off: im generally a fan of gabled roofs. I like the triangles. Around 20 degrees is probably ideal

Also like. Look at this house its beautiful. Italianate fucks so hard, look at those windows! The tower!

Italianate actually tends towards really shallow hipped roofs, which i really love. Im not a huge fan of hipped roofs but the low angles + floor variation really sells it

Places hipped roofs do NOT look cool are the steeper angles in more uniform roofs, like in the classic ranch style shapes. Look at them. Wheres the flavor. These guys never even have covered porches, just garages too big for the building theyre attached to. I have mixed feelings abt ranch style

Like look how much flavor suburban houses add to their roofs. Yes suburbs objectively suck and only the street side looks good but the street side looks Very Good. All the gables and the intersections between the two different directions and that nice shaped dormer on the left. Huge fan of gabled dormers, the slanted roofed ones just dont hit the same

Also, and dont hate me for this, but i dont like craftsman style houses. Look at them. Their roofs arent as steep as suburban houses, w the 35-45 degree roofs necessary to provide enough variation between the many sections. Theyre just less interesting and so overdone—its like every western states upper middle class nuclear family ever, yknow? The style and colors have so little variation. You can do better, more inspired styles with those large wooden beams

Okay but back to silhouettes—one thing that never fails to improve a building are towers. Just look at the square italianate towers above, and look at the romantic area ~ideal fantasy castle~

(Fun fact the second picture is schloss newschwannstein. Ive been there its awesome and they really lean in ti the romantic aesthetic)

Like they add these nice little variations in form and height, rounded areas in seas of rectangles, and theyve got those awesome pointed roofs. Whats not to love, towers never lose. Also i just really love romantic architecture

Plus like. Scottish baronial style? Its romantic AND victorian inspired. Doesnt get any sexier than that

Look at the roof lines, the formers, the shapes. And those little tower protrusions on the right one, the tourelles? Those look so cool and theyve VERY typical to this style i love it. I love all the little variations of romanticism, especially the quainter Arts and Crafts style the gardens are always so beautiful

I am unfortunately out of image space so uh. Please feel free to ask me follow up questions! I love talking abt this shit and i have SO many opinions. And i love talking in general

Im trying ti get better at identifying styles rn too so lotsa wikipedia and photos its great

[rebeccakeyte]

Textual Analysis: “True Blue” music video by Boygenius

Still from the music video for ”True Blue’ by Boygenius, 2023, directed by Kristen Stewart 

The above still shows three adult women, Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus and Phoebe Bridgers, the three members of Boygenius. They are stood in a living room in what appears to be a pleasantly decorated, middle class, suburban home, that however has deep blue paint messily splattered all over the walls, floor and furniture. The three women are all wearing white t shirts, with Baker and Dacus both wearing black formal looking trousers and Bridgers wearing blue boxer shorts. Their clothes, hands, faces and hair are also stained with splotches of the blue paint, as they all gaze off into different directions. 

The colour blue traditionally holds masculine connotations in western culture, as does the concept of DIY or home decoration, particularly seen as a man or husbands duty in the house in a typical American Dream-esque nuclear family. The clothing of the three women further convey traditionally masculine themes; formal suit trousers and boxer shorts, typically items that would be seen worn by men. This illustrates challenging gender role stereotypes.

Additionally, the fact that the wall painting project appears to be done in a messy and unpolished manner is also unconventional, as we are used to seeing walls painted neatly and professionally, especially walls inside well kept, family homes. Paint, as an object signifies creativity or art, therefore the messy way in which it has been used could represent risk taking and unusual elements to a creative process or piece of art. The women all looking off into different directions tells us that they are individuals with different perspectives, however also similar and unified by their similar clothing and shared stained blue paint covering them. 

Bex Keyte 

[xtruss]

Photo Booth: A Double View of the World From Inside Mosques! — In Marwan Bassiouni’s “New Western Views,” the Windows of Muslim Houses of Worship Provide an Unfamiliar Framing For Ordinary Sights.

— By M. Z. Adnan | February 27, 2023

Photographs by Marwan Bassiouni

Marwan Bassiouni’s Photographs in “New Western Views” capture two places at once. Each picture in the series was taken inside a mosque, with the camera pointing toward the windows to reveal the buildings or landscapes beyond. But the pictures give equal weight to the interiors of the mosques themselves, which might be colorful or muted, ornate or spare. Bassiouni began the series in the Netherlands, in 2018, touring the country to visit some seventy mosques while attending art school in the Hague. (A book of those images, “New Dutch Views,” was published in 2019.) Two years ago, he expanded his travels to the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Bassiouni told me recently that he sees the project as an act of portraiture. “I’m photographing spaces that, in a way, have a soul,” he said.

Bassiouni was born in Switzerland, in 1985, to an Egyptian father and an American mother. The nearest mosque was about thirty minutes away, in Geneva—he visited twice a year during Eid and for the occasional Friday prayers. He was not a practicing Muslim until the age of twenty-four, around the time that his interest in photography began. He was working in a restaurant at a ski resort, in the Swiss Alps, and living on its premises. Left alone each evening at the top of the mountain after the other employees left, he began photographing the view with his three-megapixel phone camera. Later, he assisted a commercial photographer on fashion shoots, and then worked as a documentary filmmaker for a human-rights organization focussed on the Middle East, a gig that coincided with the Arab Spring. In making photographs that simultaneously depict both the inside of mosques and their outside environments, he was interested in engaging with popular perceptions of Islam. In the easily suggestible Western imagination, the mosque has often been cast as a site of sinister machinations. Bassiouni’s images offer an alternative gaze from within, with the windows of the prayer rooms providing an unfamiliar framing for ordinary sights: a row of suburban houses; the parking lot of a supermarket, flanked by a red bus in London; looming apartment towers; a sports pitch; a highway; a church.

Bassiouni’s approach is informed by the aesthetic values of Islamic art, such as the importance ascribed to geometry, and the notion of euphony with regard to the poetics of the Quran. Every photograph is made with natural lighting and with two exposures, one for the inside and one for the outside space. The images are then combined digitally to produce a scene that corresponds as closely as possible to what appears in reality. “From the Islamic perspective, you’re trying to respect the way things are created,” he said. “So you wouldn’t want to change things, and you wouldn’t be able to do it better. There’s a natural balance and harmony.” Some of the images bring to mind the precision of Indo-Persian miniature paintings, in which elaborate scenes are encased within intricate borders.

Elsewhere, the interior spaces are palimpsests, bearing the quiet traces of previous tenants. In the United Kingdom, Bassiouni has photographed mosques that were formerly cinemas, churches, pubs, night clubs, gentlemen’s clubs, working men’s clubs—their floors now replaced with plush carpets in sapphire or crimson, walls adorned with minarets and Quranic verses. Clues of these past lives are mostly long buried, but occasionally one can identify an old radiator or wood panelling. A wall painted in lime green evokes the possibility of psychedelic forebears.

To view the photographs is to be engulfed in these mysteries. For exhibitions the images are presented at large scale to approximate the experience of being inside the spaces peering out, allowing viewers to imagine that they, too, are standing among the congregants in the room. Ultimately, Bassiouni hopes that audiences will forget that they are looking at a photo. Perhaps they might also forget that there is a separation between the two elements of each photograph, and see that the mosque is as much a part of the landscape as the church or grocery store it looks out on, enmeshed in the mélange of the architecture beyond and the lives that are led there. Bassiouni recalled a recent visit to a mosque in the Swiss canton of Valais at sunset, during the Maghrib prayer. The space was housed in a multipurpose industrial building, whose other rooms were rented out to various businesses. As the prayer concluded, the sound of upbeat music could be distantly heard. In another room, an aerobics class was beginning.

[wongmsrailgallery]

Thursday 17 October 2024 - Alstom Comeng 625M arrives into Moreland on a down Batman service. Terminating short due to delays from a signal failure at North Melbourne. Plus 227 more new photos in the Metro Trains Melbourne - Northern group, Commercialising commuters, Metro Tunnel works at CBD North, Yarra Trams - Melbourne CBD and Docklands, Melbourne Underground Rail Loop Upgrade Project, City Circle Tram, Melbourne Art Trams 2024, Melbourne tram tracks, La Trobe Street tram works, 2023, Odyssey Travel, Transit Systems Victoria, Metro Tunnel works at Parkville, Moreland Bus, Dysons Bus Services, Bus stops and infrastructure in Victoria, Yarra Trams - Melbourne's northern suburbs, Yarra Trams - Melbourne's north-western suburbs, Railway advertising and promotions, CDC Melbourne, Oakleigh, Kinetic Melbourne, Yarra Trams - Melbourne's southern suburbs, Melbourne tram stops, Skylight Buslines, Gull Airport Service, Flinders Street Viaduct, Yarra Trams road fleet, V/Line at Southern Cross Station, Metro Trains Melbourne - inner suburban, Authorised Officers, Failing infrastructure at Southern Cross Station, Bikes at Melbourne stations, The lighter side of..., Southern Cross Station, Melbourne suburban passenger information displays, Melbourne stations and infrastructure, Metro Tunnel works at Arden, Melbourne stanchions and overhead line electrification, Brunswick Depot, Bell to Moreland level crossing removal, Level crossings, Poor service from Metro Trains Melbourne, Vandals and scroats and Melbourne rail replacement bus signage albums https://buff.ly/4f9aRBY

[self-instructive-tendencies]

Prometheus.stl

Time since last login: 2,897 days

A lot's changed in the world since. Makerspaces were a lot more common in the world - and a lot more toothless. A lot less disruptive. A lot of the places she's helped her friends build since -the spaces full of creative minds that wanted to change the world with her own two hands, the spaces she considered comrades - have become nothing more than products. Workshop spaces for rent at a monthly membership rate, where people went to have a small amount of chit-chat with their fellow "Creatives" and then put their head down while they sawed at their next woodworking project. That wasn't a bad thing to have in the universe, but... it lacked sauce immensely. They were still cool alternatives to working in your backyard shed, but they lacked the drive to provide an alternative to oppressive systems. What happened to the anti-student lectures? What happened to the hit lists of corporate and political IP addresses taped to the walls? What happened to the good stuff?

It wasn't quite as bad, but it reminded her of watching many of her brethren in the tech industry fall from grace, becoming the system they once rebelled against. Friends she worked side-by-side with on cracking AACS encryption becoming crypto bros and AI shills. People she used to have late-night chats with on a TOR-protected IRC going on to build social media algorithms that pushed rage bait and fascist agendas to your feed. It felt like watching another part of the Wild West of the internet mutate into Western Exceptionalism. Self-Instructive Tendencies wasn't the only true hackerspace left, but it was definitely one of the last few. Her and her people didn't just work on projects, they worked on change. Last year she helped one of her cohorts gain access to a copy of Unova's No Fly List. She had a team of people who went out of their way to coordinate with local protestors in Hoenn, watching unsecured traffic cams to track police movement and feed activists information that would help prevent kettling. She was proud of all of them, and she was elated to have a small little workshop of people who understood the way she did.

Her personal projects have always been about corporate disruption, though, and she had recently hit the motherload. After months of poking and prodding, she managed to yank open a backdoor into Silph Co.'s servers, and find schematics for the Master Ball. She spent another month learning how pokeballs worked, researching what gives different types of pokeballs different strengths and resistances to different situations, and how the original Apricot Balls were built. Armed with that knowledge, she started dissecting the stolen schematics she had, and realized that it was actually really simple - The Master Ball had 100% resistance to pokemon struggling against capture because it worked on principles similar to a Focus Sash or a Shedinja's Wonder Guard. And, funny that, she just happened to have a Shedinja who could help her build this within arms reach.

And with that knowledge, that meant she could replicate it. That she could modify it for DIY. Soon people would be making these pokeballs in their garages with crap they bought from their local electronics stores, and knowledge and power that should have always belonged to the people would no longer live behind a paywall.

Her heart was racing. Most people haven't even seen a Master Ball in their lives, and the moment she hit upload on these schematics, Joe Schmoes from Suburban Littleroot were going to be pumping them out by the dozen. This was going to change the world. This is what it must have felt like, right? When Prometheus stole fire from the gods, and gifted it to mankind?

---"Prometheus" wasn't a bad project name, actually. Had a punch, had some zing. Something that would turn heads, make people click links, get them through the door long enough to see that she was offering something real and not just snake oil.

And while she was on that train of thought... She had to be able to prove it was real, right? That her shitty-ass Master Ball, made out of cheap 3D printed plastic and scrap components, was just as good as the real thing. Maybe she could film herself capturing a pokemon with it. Not just like, a diglett or something. Something grand. Something you could only catch with a Master Ball.

...Stealing fire from the gods, huh?

Kitty hit ctrl+s in her circuit board designer, and spun around in her swivel chair to address her baby Cubone.

"Hey Annabella, do you want to take a vacation to Sinnoh and go catch God?"

[hua-hin-property-search]

Forecasting Thailand's Real Estate Market: 2024 and Beyond

Thailand’s real estate market is poised for significant changes and growth in 2024 and beyond, driven by shifting buyer preferences, rising costs, and increasing demand for both high-end and low-rise properties. Investors looking into this market can benefit from understanding the emerging trends and challenges. Hua Hin Property Search brings you the ultimate Thailand real estate forecast for the year 2024 & beyond that will help you to consider your investment options in Thailand.

1. Rising Construction Costs and Supply Constraints

Thailand’s real estate developers face increased construction costs, influenced by global supply chain disruptions and higher material prices. These rising costs are putting pressure on developers to adjust pricing strategies, potentially leading to increased property prices across various segments. While high costs may discourage some new developments, they are expected to bolster the value of existing properties, especially in prime urban areas. This trend is likely to persist, making it essential for developers to prioritize cost-effective projects or focus on upscale segments that offer higher profit margins.

2. Growing Demand for Low-Rise Housing

In the post-pandemic landscape, preferences have shifted significantly towards low-rise housing. Buyers increasingly value space and privacy, fueling demand for homes in suburban areas around Bangkok and other major cities. Low-rise developments, offering more space and privacy, appeal especially to families and professionals who work remotely or are willing to commute. Developers are responding by focusing on low-rise projects in suburban areas, catering to those who prefer a balanced lifestyle between city and suburb. This demand for suburban homes is supported by ongoing urbanization and the expansion of middle-class purchasing power, making low-rise housing a key sector for future investment.

3. High-End and Luxury Villas: A Booming Segment

Thailand’s luxury villa market is expected to see significant growth, particularly in tourist-heavy locations like Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. Affluent buyers from around the world are drawn to Thailand’s tropical lifestyle, with Phuket and Pattaya emerging as top choices for vacation homes and high-end properties. Factors driving this demand include Thailand’s relaxed ownership laws for foreigners (particularly in designated zones), favorable weather, and the country’s relatively affordable luxury market compared to Western countries. Additionally, as Thailand welcomes more affluent tourists and expatriates, the luxury villa market is likely to see further expansion, making it a promising area for investors seeking high returns.

4. Influence of Economic Fluctuations and Foreign Investment

The economic climate, both globally and domestically, will play a crucial role in shaping Thailand’s real estate market. Foreign investment, especially from China, Russia, and Western countries, has been increasing steadily, bolstered by favorable ownership policies for condominiums and certain types of property. A strong tourism industry also draws foreign investors interested in rental income from vacation homes, particularly in areas like Bangkok and Phuket. However, economic uncertainties, including potential recessions in other regions, could temper demand from international buyers. Investors may need to stay informed about global economic trends, as these will influence the purchasing power and interest of foreign buyers in Thailand’s market.

5. Anticipated Market Shifts and a Roadmap for Investors

Looking ahead, Thailand’s real estate market is anticipated to grow in diverse directions, and investor strategies must adapt to these shifts:

Urban Areas: Bangkok and its vicinity will continue to experience high demand, especially for residential and mixed-use developments. Upcoming infrastructure projects, like mass transit expansions, will enhance accessibility and could drive property value appreciation.

Retirement and Healthcare Properties: With an aging population, both domestically and among foreign retirees, demand for retirement communities, healthcare facilities, and senior-friendly properties in peaceful locations like Chiang Mai is expected to grow. This demographic shift opens new avenues for developers focusing on age-targeted properties.

Sustainable and Smart Homes: Increasingly, both Thai and international buyers are showing interest in eco-friendly and technology-integrated homes. As sustainability becomes a priority, developers who embrace green building practices could attract a broader buyer base, especially in urban markets.

For investors, aligning strategies with these evolving trends can help maximize returns. Understanding Thailand’s diverse buyer segments and focusing on locations with strong growth potential, such as suburban Bangkok, tourist hotspots, and retirement areas, will be essential. Additionally, staying informed on policies affecting foreign ownership and building projects could offer investors an edge in a competitive market.

Thailand's real estate market holds significant promise for those who are prepared to navigate its complexities. By monitoring trends like rising costs, low-rise housing demand, luxury villa growth, and economic fluctuations, investors can gain insights to make informed decisions in this dynamic market environment.

[sunalimerchant123]

1 BHK in Goregaon West Near Station: Perfect for Working Professionals

Goregaon West, a bustling suburb in Mumbai, has become a preferred residential hub for many working professionals. With the ever-growing demands of the city’s corporate sector and a lifestyle that requires convenience, finding a home near your workplace or public transportation has become a priority. Among the various housing options available, a 1 BHK in Goregaon West Near Station stands out as the ideal choice for professionals who are looking for accessibility, affordability, and a vibrant lifestyle.

Why Goregaon West is an Ideal Location for Professionals

Goregaon West offers an excellent blend of residential comfort and commercial convenience. Being home to several corporate offices, IT parks, and entertainment hubs, this locality attracts working professionals from various industries. The proximity to Goregaon Railway Station plays a key role in reducing commute times and providing easy access to other parts of Mumbai.

Living near the station means quick and easy connections to the Western Line of Mumbai’s local trains, which are the lifeline of the city. Whether you’re heading to business districts like Andheri, Bandra, or South Mumbai, a 1 BHK in Goregaon West Near Station makes daily commuting seamless. For professionals working late or traveling frequently, the ability to reach home quickly from the station is a great relief.

Affordability and Lifestyle Balance

One of the most appealing aspects of investing in a 1 BHK in Goregaon West Near Station is the affordability factor. Mumbai’s real estate prices are famously high, but Goregaon West offers a range of housing options that fit different budgets. A 1 BHK here is often more affordable compared to other western suburbs like Andheri or Bandra, making it a wise choice for young professionals and first-time homebuyers.

Despite the affordability, Goregaon West offers a thriving lifestyle. Malls, cafes, parks, and cinemas are within close proximity, providing ample entertainment options after a long day at work. Whether you want to catch a movie at Inorbit Mall, dine out with friends, or take a relaxing stroll in the local parks, everything is accessible without the hassle of long travel.

Convenience of Connectivity

For any working professional, time is money. Being located near the railway station, a 1 BHK in Goregaon West Near Station provides unmatched connectivity. Apart from the suburban train network, there are numerous bus routes, autos, and taxi services available throughout the day. Additionally, the upcoming Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project is expected to further improve road connectivity, making it even easier for professionals to reach other parts of the city.

For those working in nearby corporate hubs like Mindspace Malad, Nesco IT Park, or Lotus Business Park, having a home in Goregaon West reduces daily travel stress significantly. This convenience helps maintain a work-life balance, allowing more time to relax and focus on personal pursuits after work.

Modern 1 BHK Apartments for a Comfortable Lifestyle

When it comes to 1 BHK in Goregaon West Near Station, the options are plenty. Developers have recognized the growing demand for modern, compact living spaces, and many projects cater specifically to professionals. These apartments are designed to maximize space efficiency while providing all the necessary amenities for a comfortable lifestyle.

Contemporary 1 BHK flats in Goregaon West come with features such as modular kitchens, stylish interiors, and access to society amenities like gyms, swimming pools, and community halls. Moreover, being part of a gated community offers additional safety, a crucial aspect for professionals who often work late or travel.

The neighborhoods surrounding Goregaon Station are also known for being peaceful yet lively. Essential services like grocery stores, pharmacies, and clinics are just a stone's throw away, making it a highly convenient place to live.

Investment Potential of 1 BHK in Goregaon West Near Station

From an investment perspective, buying a 1 BHK in Goregaon West Near Station is a smart move. The real estate market in this area has shown consistent appreciation over the years, thanks to its growing infrastructure and demand. Whether you’re buying a property to live in or as an investment, a 1 BHK here ensures good returns, both in terms of rental income and resale value.

Given the growing number of professionals migrating to Mumbai and the demand for convenient living spaces, rental demand for 1 BHK apartments in Goregaon West remains strong. Many young professionals prefer renting these compact spaces due to their affordability and proximity to workspaces, ensuring landlords a steady rental income.

Conclusion

For working professionals in Mumbai, finding a balance between work and lifestyle is crucial, and living in a 1 BHK in Goregaon West Near Station provides the perfect solution. The location offers easy connectivity, affordability, and a vibrant neighborhood, making it an ideal place to call home. Whether you’re looking for convenience, comfort, or long-term investment potential, Goregaon West ticks all the right boxes.

[rjzimmerman]

Solar farms versus burrowing owls (LA Times)

Excerpt from an article written by Sammy Roth, climate reporter for the LA Times:

If you don’t love burrowing owls, you’ve probably never seen a burrowing owl.

They’re 7 to 10 inches tall, with bright yellow eyes and long, skinny legs. The western variety doesn’t even dig its own underground burrows. It depends on other critters, such as ground squirrels and desert tortoises.

Building solar projects in spots where burrowing owls are struggling to survive would be a terrible idea, right?

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: If only the world were so simple.

As my L.A. Times colleague Lila Seidman reports, the California Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously last week to make the bird a candidate for protection under the state’s Endangered Species Act. In practice, that means burrowing owls will be protected under the law for the next 12 to 18 months, while state wildlife officials study whether the adorable bird deserves permanent status as a “threatened” or ���endangered” species.

Two decades ago, there were as many as 10,500 breeding pairs of burrowing owls in the Golden State, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Now there are just 6,500 pairs, the department estimates.

Suburban sprawl was the biggest culprit, conservation groups say, with residential and commercial development tearing up owl habitat across the state and giving the funky little birds precious little space to nest and breed.

But other industries contributed to habitat fragmentation and destruction too — including renewable energy.

Not many wind farms are being built in California these days, at least on the shore; the windiest spots have long been taken. But lots of massive solar farms are being planned and built to replace planet-wrecking fossil fuels.

Conservation activists want state officials to impose new requirements on energy companies looking to build in burrowing owl habitat — requiring them to pay for the permanent protection of breeding grounds, for instance. Activists also hope state officials will block construction of solar projects in the best spots for burrowing owls.

“We can have abundant burrowing owls and abundant solar development,” said Jeff Miller, a senior conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. “I don’t think the [protections] will slow solar development.”

I hope he’s right. But I’m a little anxious.

It’s not just burrowing owl advocates who are concerned about the the consequences of solar sprawl. It’s desert tortoise advocates and Joshua tree advocates. It’s rural residents who don’t want solar in the backyards, and farmers who don’t want solar projects taking away cropland — even when they don’t have enough water for all their crops.

If only we could put all the solar panels we need to replace fossil fuels on rooftops, warehouses and parking lots, this problem would be easy to solve. Alas, even optimistic researchers say we wouldn’t come anywhere close.

There are also valuable opportunities to build solar in “low-harm” spots — abandoned farmlands, former mines, contaminated Superfund sites, oil and gas fields, landfills, even strips of land along highways. A report released this month by the Roosevelt Institute and the Climate and Community Institute estimated that the United States has nearly 226 million acres of such land — an order of magnitude more land than we’ll ever need for solar.

Again, if only the world were so simple.

Conservationists have been touting low-conflict solar sites for a long time; there have been optimistic reports like this one before. Yet so far, there have been only a handful of projects built in truly low-conflict spots, such as a set of solar panels over a canal that were switched on this month by Arizona’s Gila River Indian Community.

There are lots of reasons for the dearth of progress. In some cases, the low-harm spots aren’t near electric lines, which are needed to send power to customers; in others, developers aren’t willing to take on the financial liability of building on a toxic Superfund site. Some private landowners aren’t willing to sell — not currently a problem on federal lands, where the Biden administration has made renewable energy development a top priority.

[tridelcondos]

Exploring Etobicoke's Pre-Construction Condo Market: What Buyers Should Know

Etobicoke, a vibrant community on the western edge of Toronto, has become a hotbed for real estate development, particularly in the pre-construction condo market. With its proximity to downtown Toronto, access to transit, and rapidly evolving neighborhoods, more buyers are looking to invest in pre-construction condos in Etobicoke. If you're considering entering this growing market, here’s what you need to know before making your move.

Why Choose a Pre-Construction Condo in Etobicoke?

Pre-construction condos offer several advantages that attract a wide range of buyers. From first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors, the benefits of purchasing a condo before it’s built are compelling.

Lower Initial Costs: One of the most appealing aspects of pre-construction condos is that buyers typically pay a deposit over time, rather than a lump sum. This makes it easier for buyers to manage their finances. Additionally, pre-construction prices are often lower than the cost of a completed unit, allowing you to lock in a better deal before property values increase.

Customization: Buying a condo before it's built allows you to select certain finishes, layouts, and upgrades that suit your preferences. From choosing flooring materials to kitchen designs, you can personalize your space to make it feel like home.

Long-Term Investment Potential: Etobicoke's rapid growth and development mean that the value of pre-construction condos is likely to increase over time. By the time the condo is completed, its market value may have risen, giving you the opportunity for significant returns on your investment.

Key Areas for Pre-Construction Condos in Etobicoke

Several neighborhoods in Etobicoke are seeing a surge in pre-construction developments, each offering unique benefits in terms of location, lifestyle, and convenience.

1. Humber Bay Shores

Located along the waterfront, Humber Bay Shores is one of Etobicoke’s most desirable areas for new condo developments. With its scenic views of Lake Ontario and proximity to downtown Toronto, it's a top choice for those seeking a blend of urban living and natural beauty. This area boasts plenty of green space, parks, and walking trails, making it ideal for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

2. Islington City Centre

This bustling urban hub is a favorite for buyers looking for easy access to public transit, shopping, and dining. The upcoming pre-construction condos in Islington City Centre promise modern designs and state-of-the-art amenities, all while being steps away from the Islington subway station, which connects directly to downtown Toronto.

3. The Queensway

Known for its vibrant community atmosphere, The Queensway has seen a rise in pre-construction developments that cater to families and young professionals. This area offers excellent schools, family-friendly parks, and a thriving local business scene, making it an attractive option for those who want both city convenience and a suburban feel.

What Buyers Should Consider Before Purchasing

While the benefits of pre-construction condos in Etobicoke are enticing, there are several factors that every buyer should carefully evaluate.

1. Developer Reputation

Before committing to a pre-construction condo, it's crucial to research the developer. Look for reviews of previous projects, visit completed developments, and assess their reputation in terms of construction quality, project timelines, and customer satisfaction. Working with a well-established, reliable developer can reduce the risk of unexpected delays or issues.

2. Deposit Structure

Most pre-construction condos require a deposit that is paid in installments, typically ranging from 15% to 25% of the purchase price. Ensure that you understand the deposit schedule and have the financial flexibility to meet the payment deadlines. You may also want to discuss the deposit structure with a real estate lawyer to ensure there are no surprises.

3. Occupancy and Closing Costs

When you buy a pre-construction condo, the occupancy date (when you can move in) and the final closing date (when the property officially becomes yours) can be months or even years apart. During the occupancy period, you may need to pay interim occupancy fees, which are similar to rent but do not go toward your mortgage. Additionally, closing costs such as land transfer taxes, legal fees, and development charges can add up, so be sure to budget accordingly.

4. Market Conditions

It’s important to consider the current real estate market in Etobicoke and Toronto as a whole. While the long-term outlook for Etobicoke remains positive, short-term market fluctuations can impact property values and resale potential. Consulting with a real estate expert who is knowledgeable about the local market can help you make an informed decision.

The Condo Amenities and Lifestyle Appeal

One of the main attractions of modern pre-construction condos is the variety of amenities they offer. Many new developments in Etobicoke feature state-of-the-art fitness centers, rooftop terraces, concierge services, swimming pools, and co-working spaces. These amenities add a sense of luxury and convenience to daily living, making condo life particularly appealing to young professionals, retirees, and small families.

Moreover, Etobicoke's proximity to some of Toronto's best parks, golf courses, and cultural attractions further enhances the appeal of living in this community. Whether you're looking for a condo with stunning lake views or easy access to public transportation, the diversity of Etobicoke's condo developments caters to various lifestyles.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice in Etobicoke’s Pre-Construction Condo Market

Etobicoke’s pre-construction condo market offers exciting opportunities for buyers looking to invest in a thriving and rapidly evolving community. From the waterfront views of Humber Bay Shores to the urban conveniences of Islington City Centre, there is something for everyone in this dynamic neighborhood.

However, it’s essential to do thorough research, work with reputable developers, and understand the financial commitments involved in purchasing a pre-construction property. By staying informed and considering both the short- and long-term benefits, you can confidently navigate the process and make a sound investment in one of Toronto’s most promising markets.

If you’re ready to explore pre-construction condos in Etobicoke, now is the perfect time to dive into the market and secure your place in this vibrant community.