#amsterdam brewing company

[league-of-sam]

Part of the Family | Ghost x Reader

GhostxReaper Universe

Masterlist

Summary: Back in London, you and the rest of the 141 are taking refuge in the Price family home. It’s been five years since you’d been back, and you wanted nothing more than to introduce Ghost to your parents. t.w // angst, fluff, mention of death, bad language.

The 141 had been on the run from General Shepherd since November, hiding away in a private hotel safehouse in the middle of Amsterdam since.           

You’d all been feeling the mental toll of being stuck in the same place, and that’s why, after much begging and pleading, Laswell had agreed to a move.

So now, you were in London.

For the first time in five years, you were finally home, finally back in your childhood bedroom.

John hadn’t changed a single thing since you’d left for Special Ops. Everything was untouched, unmoved. The Price Residence was as it always had been, and the sense of familiarity it provided you gave you an unmeasurable amount of comfort and peace.

After everything, you were home.

You’d be lying if you said you didn’t grow up in some kind of luxury. Your parents were CEOs of a fortune-500 company in the capital city of England. Of course, you grew up in luxury.

A large house in a gated community; Five bedrooms, two offices, a living room, double kitchen…all for the four of you.

A large house that was incredibly lonely after you lost them.

But now, it was bustling again. It was full of life and love once more.

Soap had taken your parents old room, after much reassurance from you that it was okay. Alex had returned to Urzikstan with Farah, both of them keeping in touch regularly. Gaz took the spare room, and John had his room back too.

That left your room to you and the lieutenant.

Not that you hadn’t shared a room before – because you had, you’d not left each other’s side since everything happened – but something about having him in your childhood room made you nervous…shy.

It made you feel giddy, like a teenager bringing their first boyfriend home.

The only thing you wanted to do was run to your mother, giggle with her as you gushed about him.

But you couldn’t do that.

You’d never been able to do that.

Ghost had left you in bed that morning, wanting to go for a long run to release his frustrations. It was still early, so you weren’t surprised when you wondered downstairs and only John was there to greet you.

“Mornin’, little bug.” He said as he turned to you, handing you a cup of freshly brewed tea.

You hummed as you inhaled its scent, sipping slowly as you leaned on the counter next to him, the heat from his body warming you slightly.

“Y’alright?” He asked, nudging you.

“O’course,” You smiled, “Are you?”

He eyed you curiously, his moustache rustling as he frowned, “Are ya sure?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” You replied, now matching his expression, “I’m back home, finally. It’s been too long.”

“I know, but…you always find this day harder than most.”

This day?

Your brows furrowed, what was today?

It took you a few moments of staring at John, your mind whirring as the cogs turned, until it clicked, and your head whipped to the small television, the date displayed on the news.

“It’s the 23rd?” You spoke, voice small and quiet. “I didn’t even notice.”

“S’okay, little bug, we’ve had shit goin’ on, been more important things to worry about than this.” John tried to reassure you.

“Yeah, right.”

With your mood dampened, you stayed in the kitchen until you finished your tea, John trying to keep you distracted with random conversation until Soap and Gaz emerged, still half-dead from their slumber.

As usual, where Soap went, loudness and chaos ensued, so when he and Gaz started bickering over who got to make breakfast first and John engaged dad-mode in an attempt to wrangle his young sergeants, you slipped away.

And you were almost back to the safety of your room when something caught your eye.

An oakwood frame hung neatly on the wall, glass encasing the smiling faces of the Price family at Disneyland, some 20 years prior.

You couldn’t help but let a tear slip down your cheek.

What kind of daughter were you to have forgotten your own mother’s birthday?

Running into your room, you slipped on a pair of leggings and Ghost’s hoodie, almost falling over as you rushed to shove on some trainers, before grabbing your keys and creeping down the stairs, shutting the door silently behind you and climbing into your car with one destination in mind.

When Ghost got back, the kitchen was in chaos, and the three men he left in the house with you were in the living room, slumped on the sofa with their legs propped up, watching the football on the tv.

They mumbled a half-assed hello to him, too distracted to tear their eyes away.

Ghost chuckled, shaking his head before going to the kitchen, manoeuvring around the mess to chug down a glass of water.

“Good run, Lt?” Soap said, eyes not leaving the screen as Ghost walked back into the living room.

“As always, Johnny.” Ghost grunted back. “Ya should join me sometime.”

“Steamin’ jesus, Ghost, goin’ right soft, eh?”

Soap didn’t get an answer, just a swift slap to the head from behind followed by a bellowing laugh as Ghost’s footsteps banged on the staircase.

Pushing the door open as he pulled off his mask, Ghost smiled widely, ready for you to jump at him like you always did, but it didn’t come.

In fact, nothing did.

The room was in darkness, the bed not even made. That’s when dread crept into the pit of his stomach. You always made the bed; you couldn’t start the day without making the bed.

Yet, here he stood, staring at crumpled covers and closed curtains.

Running back downstairs, he picked up the remote, turning the screen black. Several rounds of yells and complaints came from the men, but quickly ceased when they saw the stone-cold expression of the lieutenant.

“Where’s (Y/N)?”

His voice was harsh and gravelly, hands balling into fists at his side.

“What ya mean, Lt? She’s in ‘er room.” Soap replied, the only one ballsy enough to answer the question.

“No, sergeant. She’s not.”

John looked around the room, taking in the boys’ faces. Soap and Gaz were confused, and that quickly shifted to worry once they reached the realisation that you weren’t in the house. And Simon…he looked on the verge of killing a man.

He let out a heavy sigh, hands slapping on his knees.

“If she’s not ‘ere, I know where she is.” He spoke, “All of you be in the car in five minutes.”

The Captain needn’t say more, and the boys sprung into action, piling into the car. None of them dared ask what was going on, but they trusted him enough to find you.

What they didn’t expect was to pull up to the cemetery, driving through the rows and rows of gravestones until they reached the top.

And there, your car sat alone.

Ghost was the first to jump out, calling your name as he ran to the vehicle, only to find it empty, your phone sat on the passenger seat.

The others followed, frantically looking around for you.

“Price, where is she?” Ghost said, turning to his superior.

He didn’t need the answer though, because right behind John’s head was the crest of a hill, a large tree at the top. Below the tree sat a bench, and at the base of the hill itself, two lone gravestones stood strong.

Sat in front of them, shoulders hunched and shuddering, was you.

He let out a breath, relieved to have found you, but even from there he could see the way your body shook from your sobs.

Soap and Gaz followed his eyeline, spotting you.

“What’s goin’ on, Captain?” Gaz asked, his eyes not leaving your frame.

“Mum’s birthday today, she takes it hard every year.”

Sympathy swelled between them. It wasn’t often you spoke about losing your parents so young, and you always seemed to handle it so graciously.

Soap stepped forward in an attempt to make his way to you, desperate to be your comfort – a role he’d taken on proudly – but Price placed his hand on his shoulder pulling him back with a shake of his head.

“Go, Simon.” Price said.

Silently, Ghost followed the orders, hands shoved in his pockets as he timidly trudged towards you. He was around 10 feet behind you when your voice started to flood his ears.

“I wish you could see how happy I am…have I done you proud, mummy? Would you be proud of me? Even after everything I’ve done? John says you would, but I’m scared this might be one of the times he’s wrong.”

Ghost stopped, staying still, his heart breaking with every word you squeezed out between jagged breaths.

“I’m sorry I forgot, mummy. I promise I won’t let you down again. I’ll do better.”

He turned, seeing the others watch from the car, and made eye contact with Price, who urged him forward with a nod of his head.

“I think you’d really like Simon, mum. He’s not as scary as everyone thinks he is…I think you’d be proud of me for picking him. God, I wish you could meet him.” You sobbed.

“I think you’d like him too, Dad. He can protect me, just like you always wanted. He does protect me…fucking hell, why can’t you be here to meet him?”

You weren’t able to say any more as a hand came down on your shoulder, and you turned with a jump.

In front of you was Ghost, holding his hand out, looking down at you with his soft, grey eyes. You wiped your eyes with the sleeve of the hoodie, before taking his hand, allowing him to pull you to your feet.

You opened your mouth to speak, but were silenced by his movements.

Ghost stepped past you, a light hand on your arm to move you out of his way, and stopped in front of the gravestones.

Bowing his head slightly, his mouth opened, “Lieutenant Simon Riley, sir,” He directed to your father’s headstone, “S’a pleasure t’meet you.”

You gasped as you felt your heart burst, tears welling once more.

Not at all did you ever expect that.

“And you, Mrs Price.” He moved to your mother’s gravestone, leaning in close, “Can see where she got ‘er good looks.”

You laughed, sobbing a little as you went.

How could he have been sweet enough to do this?

Ghost turned to you then, pulling you into his arms, locking them tightly around your waist. Yours went around his torso as you smushed your face into his chest, letting your emotions run free.

“I forgot, Si.”

“S’alright, boo. Ya here now. S’all that matters, she don’t love you any less.”

He held you there for a while, for as long as you needed to calm down, until he threw a gesture to the others, letting them know it was safe to join.

The five of you spent time at the spot on top of the hill, overlooking the city below and sharing stories of the times your parents brought you there.

As you all began descending to the cars, you pulled Ghost back.

“I can’t tell you how much what you did meant to me, Simon.” You whispered, “Finally feels like your part of the family.”

“It’s nothin’.”

But it was, and he knew that.

He knew how much it meant for you to introduce him, so he did what he felt was right.

Standing on your tiptoes, you pushed up the mask, and placed a light kiss to his lips, “I love you.”

“I love y’too, boo.”

“Enough of that and get to the bloody car!” John yelled, “It’s fuckin’ freezing!”

You rolled your eyes, hurling insults to your brother as you challenged him, betting you’d beat him to the car like you used to all those years ago.

And with that, you were leaping from Ghost’s arms, flying down the hill.

Preoccupied with racing John down the hill, just as you did as children, you missed the way Ghost had faltered, returning to your parents’ gravestones, placing his hand atop them.

“I’ll look after her,” He whispered, “I promise.”

[daaedoodles]

master list of wildies things (in progress)

1. mia massaging elizabeth’s wrists and hands after a long day of surgeries, bonus points if she uses her homemade lavender and chamomile oil

2. elizabeth and mia going to the new amsterdam annual fundraiser gala together

3. mia deliberately cooking extra and packing lunches for elizabeth because she knows she won’t stop work to eat otherwise

4. elizabeth brushing mia’s hair back whenever it falls into her face

5. mia sitting through horror movies/tv shows for elizabeth even though they really freak her out because they’re elizabeth’s favourite

6. mia helping elizabeth put on a necklace because she struggles with clasps from her carpal tunnel

7. elizabeth bringing mia to see a drag show which mia really gets into

8. elizabeth showing mia the signs for words she doesn’t know and manipulating her hands into the right shapes

9. mia thinking bedhead elizabeth is really pretty especially because of her natural curls

10. elizabeth trying to help mia cook but she has the culinary skills of a 10 year old and needs to be supervised

11. mia and elizabeth collecting and drying flowers from mia’s garden to make tea

12. mia bringing elizabeth to the farmers market she gets all her things from and elizabeth being shocked by the prices, but mia says it goes to the farmers instead of big companies so she doesn’t mind

13. lavender becoming elizabeth’s favourite smell because mia’s body wash is lavender

14. mia gifting elizabeth an assortment of crystals to aid her healing journey after her carpal tunnel surgery and elizabeth puts them on her windowsill

15. mia teaching elizabeth to slow down and take her time with things by having her raise houseplants during her recovery

16. elizabeth teaching mia to how to play pool and obviously letting her win even though she’s insanely good at it and happily beating everyone else

17. mia buying a coffee machine and specifically learning how to brew coffee so she can make elizabeth homemade macchiatos because if she’s going to drink coffee she might aswell make it for her

18. elizabeth watching mia approach a dog owner on the street and ask to pet their dog and being convinced right then and there to adopt mia one someday

19. mia taking elizabeth to the pier in long island city for a late night walk

20. elizabeth pulling her own scarf from around her neck to wrap mia up in because she always gets cold

21. mia and elizabeth baking chocolate chip peanut butter oat cookies together, it’s the only thing she trusts elizabeth to cook because it doesn’t involve knives or fire

22. mia is always stunned by how pretty elizabeth is, all “oh my gosh. you look… wow.” and all elizabeth does is smile and say, “i know.”

23. elizabeth noticing whenever mia is anxious and giving her words of reassurance, holding her hand, or placing a hand on her arm to comfort her

24. mia borrowing an AAC device from iggy so that elizabeth can use it to communicate after her carpal tunnel surgery so she doesn’t have to use her voice until her hands are feeling better

25. mia wearing elizabeth’s clothes which she thinks look incredibly strange on her because button downs are completely not her style but elizabeth thinks she’s never looked prettier

[peakwealth]

DOWNHILL

Do I need to remind myself that in the word FIAT the letter "f" stands for fabbrica and the letter "t" for Torino? So long has been the association between the two that it comes as a shock to learn that the vast fabbrica in Mirafiori, in the south of Turin, has been at a standstill for much of 2024.

Cars have (or had) been made in Mirafiori since it was inaugurated in 1939 (with Mussolini in attendance). But production has dwindled because Fiat cars aren't selling, not even the little cinquecento, the 500 which was revived in 2007 as a nostalgia item. It was the retro 500 that kept the Fiat brand afloat for all those years. Millions were sold - many of them built not in Italy but in cheaper Poland - but lately fashion has shifted and enthusiasm has waned.

Wooden production mockup for the original FIAT Cinquecento (1957) on display at the old Lingotto Fiat factory, now a museum, in Turin.

The trouble at Fiat is hardly new. It has been brewing for decades and has recently infected the other brands under the same corporate umbrella of (the awkwardly named) Stellantis: Chrysler, Jeep, Citroën, Peugeot, Opel, Alfa Romeo, Maserati. How much hope can there be for any of them, long traditions and industrial pride notwithstanding?

Don't be surprised if the only Italian car maker to survive might be Ferrari. (The company was unhitched from Fiat back in 2015 with shares traded on the New York and Milan stock exchanges.)

All of this hurts on several levels. First for the business dynasty of the Agnelli family (who co-founded FIAT at the very end of the 19th century), so emblematic of Italy's industrious and industrial north. Stellantis may now be headquartered in a faceless business park near the Amsterdam airport, but it is still ruled by the Agnelli family via its EXOR holding company.

Secondly, more importantly, brands like Fiat, Citroën, Volkswagen or BMW are intertwined with European identity. Long before they started to build cars, Peugeot (founded in 1810) and Opel (founded in 1862) were family businesses with deep roots in the early industrial age. The brilliant engineering and quirkiness of Citroën's postwar models defined Frenchness. They were as Gallic as baguettes and camembert or Bordeaux wine. They also pushed the company to brink of bankruptcy - more than once.

To this day Mercedes-Benz and BMW embody Germany know-how and prestige around the world. For decades an S-Class Mercedes limousine, in glossy black, has been a must-have of the global plutocratic order.

But the bad vibe in Europe's car industry has shifted to Germany where Volkswagen has announced plans to close factories and lay off workers. Even the glittering brands of BMW and Porsche are not doing as well as they did. They are being squeezed by China, by slowing sales, the high cost of manufacturing in Europe, sticker-shock prices and fluctuating demand for EVs.

In itself, having fewer cars around should not be a bad thing, but politics don't work that way, especially when thirteen million good European jobs hang in the balance. The spectre of industrial wipe-out - what happened when production of consumer electronics and appliances was offshored to Asia and then just abandoned - is now hanging over many European car makers.

* * *

Parked Audis outside a government office in Guanzhou, Guandong Province, China. (Undated)

As I remember it, in feverishly post-Maoist China, three or four decades ago, public rank and privilege came with a symbol: a dark blue Audi limo. It may not have been quite the pinnacle of hierarchical achievement, but it sent a clear message of success. You were a person of importance in the People's Republic. Like its corporate parent, Volkswagen, Audi had become part of everyday life in China. Volkswagen had been the partner of choice right from the beginning of China's modern car manufacturing. Its tentacular web of manufacturing arrangements started with FAW (First Automobile Works) which made the coveted Audis.

Later Volkswagen also partnered with Shanghai Automotive, becoming China's biggest car maker. They too made Audis. (In fact there are six factories producing Audis in China.) But those were pre-EV days.

By contrast, BYD never had anything to do with Volkswagen. Founded in 1995, it was a battery maker first, and a car manufacturer later. Build Your Dreams had attracted attention in 2008 because Warren Buffet had invested in it, and also because BYD let it be known that it wanted to be become the biggest car maker in the world.

Eyebrows were no doubt raised, but little more.

The switch to EV has changed the rules of the game. And that transition is happening more quickly in China than elsewhere. With the thermal engines gone (an expensive legacy from the 19th century), designing and manufacturing cars has become cheaper and easier - batteries excepted. The engineering the bar has been lowered. (*)

Today, BYD is the biggest plug-in EV maker anywhere and it is conquering the world with its cars and city buses. It isn't alone. Other Chinese brands, some owned by Shanghai Automotive (MG) or by Geely (Volvo's main owner) - are inundating European markets. And they are selling on price.

Get yours before the price goes up. (Málaga, November 2024)

There is a good reason for that. The Chinese car market, the biggest in the world, isn't doing so well either. With an annual combined production of around 30 million cars (in 2023), Chinese manufacturers now find themselves with a lot of cars on their hands.

The glut of unsold cars is the result of another glut: the millions of vacant or unfinished housing units that have plagued the Chinese economy for twenty years. When that speculative bubble finally started to pop three years ago, the entire economy, already hurt by Beijing's mismanagement of the pandemic, went into a stall.

As Chinese consumers bought fewer cars, a solution was urgently needed to keep the factories going: export more of them, taking advantage of China's lead in EV technology, or, if need be, sell at giveaway prices. Beijing simply could not afford to have another pillar of its modern economy crumble. After the real estate disaster, it was a serious case of too big to fail. While it may have been difficult to export housing construction, cars were a different story.

BYD seems to have figured all of this out and has ordered its own fleet of giant car carrying ships to export its vehicles.

They have arrived, at a dealership near you and at a price you can't ignore.

BYD car carrier No. 1 and many more to come (Company photograph, screenshot).

-----------------------

(*) See also, on the subject of EV batteries: https://peakwealth.tumblr.com/post/741312674803204096/a-hesitant-introduction-to-swappable-batteries

[goblogger]

8 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam this Summer

Amsterdam, a city known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades, is a popular summer destination. The vibrant city offers a variety of activities that cater to all interests, from art and history to outdoor adventures. Here are the top 8 best things to do in Amsterdam this summer, including tips on how to get tickets for each activity.

1. Explore the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam's most famous museums, home to an extensive collection of Dutch art and history. This summer, visitors can enjoy masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh, among others.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the Rijksmuseum can be purchased online in advance. It's recommended to book your tickets early, especially during the summer months when the museum can get crowded. The general admission fee for adults is €20, while children under 18 can enter for free. Tickets include access to the permanent collection and most temporary exhibitions.

2. Visit the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a poignant museum dedicated to the Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. Visitors can tour the secret annex where Anne and her family hid during World War II.

Ticket Information

Due to its popularity, it’s essential to book your tickets in advance. Tickets can only be purchased online, and they sell out quickly. The standard admission fee is €14 for adults, €7 for children aged 10-17, and €1 for children aged 0-9. There is also an option to book a 30-minute introductory program for an additional €5.

3. Wander through the Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings and drawings in the world. This museum provides a fascinating insight into the life and work of the Dutch artist.

Ticket Information

Tickets to the Van Gogh Museum should be purchased online to guarantee entry. The standard adult ticket costs €19, while children under 18 enter for free. The museum also offers a multimedia guide for an additional €5, enhancing the visitor experience with detailed information about the exhibits.

4. Discover Modern Art at the Stedelijk Museum

The Stedelijk Museum is Amsterdam's premier museum for modern and contemporary art and design. Its collection includes works by artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and de Kooning.

Ticket Information

To avoid long lines, it’s advisable to buy your Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam tickets online. The standard entry fee is €20 for adults, while visitors under 18 can enter for free. The museum also provides a free app with audio tours and information about the artworks on display.

5. Tour the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace on Dam Square is one of the three palaces in the Netherlands available for use by the Dutch monarch. Visitors can explore the opulent rooms and learn about the history and functions of the palace.

Ticket Information

The Royal Palace Amsterdam tickets can be purchased online or at the palace entrance. The admission fee is €12.50 for adults, €10 for students, and free for children under 18. Guided tours are available for an additional fee, providing a more in-depth experience of the palace’s history and architecture.

6. Enjoy the Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is an interactive tour through the world of Heineken, located in the company’s original brewery. Visitors can learn about the brewing process, the history of the brand, and enjoy a tasting session.

Ticket Information

It is highly recommended to book tickets for the Heineken Experience in advance. The standard ticket price is €21, which includes two drinks and access to all interactive exhibits. Children aged 12-17 can enter for €14, and the experience is free for children under 12.

7. Take a Canal Cruise

Amsterdam’s canals are iconic, and there’s no better way to see the city than from the water. Various companies offer canal cruises that provide a unique perspective on Amsterdam’s architecture and history.

Ticket Information

Tickets for canal cruises can be purchased online or at various locations throughout the city. Prices vary depending on the duration and type of cruise. Standard one-hour cruises typically cost around €15-€20 for adults and €8-€10 for children. It’s advisable to book in advance during the summer months to secure your preferred time slot.

8. Relax in Vondelpark

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest and most popular park, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, biking, or simply relaxing in the lush green surroundings.

Ticket Information

There is no admission fee to enter Vondelpark. However, if you wish to rent a bike to explore the park, rental prices start at around €10 per day. Additionally, free concerts and performances are often held in the park’s open-air theatre during the summer, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Conclusion

Amsterdam is a city that has something for everyone, and summer is the perfect time to explore its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or just looking to enjoy the outdoors, these top 8 activities will ensure you have an unforgettable experience. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to make the most of your trip and avoid any disappointments. Enjoy your summer in Amsterdam!

[fandbtrends]

Global Beer Market Outlooks 2020: Industry Analysis, Market Demand, Cost Structures, Growth rate and Market Forecasts to 2027

Overview

The Global BEER MARKET is estimated to be USD 630759.39 Mn in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 818849.70 Mn by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.84%.

The beer which is a popular alcoholic beverage that is consumed worldwide, almost everywhere. It is a combination of hops, water, and cereal grains like wheat, rice, corn, and rye and the mixture is fermented with yeast.

Market Drivers

One of the key factors that drive the market is the quick increase in the number of breweries and microbreweries all over the world. Also, the use of beer as a cocktail ingredient in distilleries is boosting the market growth.

Furthermore, it is gaining substantial popularity amongst millennials and Gen Z because of its varied formulations, flavours, and flavour offerings. Moreover, tailored beer bottles as gifts are also gaining popularity.

Market Restraints

The major restraining factor that hampers the market growth is the rise in anti-alcohol initiatives. Additionally, the increasing risks of health-related issues brought on by long drinking of fruit beer is also hindering the market growth.

Market Segmentation

The Beer Market is segmented into 4 major categories. Based on Product Type, the market is segmented into Lager, Ale, Other. Based on the Distribution Channel, the market is divided into On-trade Channels and Off-trade Channels. Based on the packaging, the market is segmented into bottles, cans, others. Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East.

Regional Analysis

The Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the global market owing to urbanization, increasing disposable incomes and changing lifestyles of customers in countries like China, India, and Japan. Also, there are more than 1,000 breweries in Asia, producing a varied variety of beers.

Europe is also likely to witness lucrative growth because the European country is one of the key beer-producing regions worldwide and additionally, Beer plays a significant role in all European countries and is also an essential part of the culture, nutrition, and heritage.

Market Key Players

· Anheuser-Busch InBev

· Heineken

· Carlsberg Breweries A/S

· Molson Coors Beverage Company

· Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd.

· Diageo

· Sierra Nevada Brewing Co

· United Breweries Ltd.

· Oettinger Brauerei

· China Resources Beer (Holdings) Company Limited.

In 2022, Vicky Chamoy, a chamoy-flavored beer with undertones of sour, salty, spicy, and sweet flavours, was released to the United States by VictoriaTM in October. A 24-ounce single-serve can of this Mexican-flavored beer that was imported from Mexico is available.

In 2022, Heineken Silver, a member of the Heineken group of brands with its headquarters in Amsterdam, will be released in September, according to Heineken Group, United Breweries. Experienced master brewers employed natural ingredients such as A-yeast and pure malt to create Heineken Silver.

In 2022, Anheuser-Busch InBev released Seven Rivers, a brand-new beer, in the Indian market. The brands Budweiser, Corona Extra, and Hoegaarden are all equivalent to this one. The new product is initially exclusively offered in select regions of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

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[metamoonshots]

[ad_1] From the very first days of Bitcoin, the neighborhood was its key driving drive. Much more: it was the one one.With none advertising or PR, it was the neighborhood that helped rework the nameless 9-page whitepaper from an obscure cypherpunk checklist into the useful Bitcoin software program we use right now. It was the neighborhood that propelled Bitcoin throughout the globe, spreading the information and interesting all types of individuals and companies that acknowledge the necessity for higher cash.Bitcoin is a world phenomenon now, however its neighborhood remains to be the gravity heart fostering technological growth and adoption. It additionally represents one thing else: an elusive, but treasured high quality that binds very completely different individuals from all walks of life, political preferences, age, occupation...Certainly, the Bitcoin neighborhood shares not solely the love for memes, but in addition a novel mixture of libertarian ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and readiness to vary the world.Bitcoin occasions have performed a vital function in brewing this explicit mix of values and increasing the neighborhood throughout the globe. To attempt to outline this magic sauce that holds Bitcoiners collectively, I've gathered testimonials from a number of individuals attending eight European Bitcoin-only gatherings, each large and small.From the city pavilions of a ten,000-people Bitcoin Amsterdam to the forest tents of a 100-people BEF in Brittany, these experiences couldn't have been extra completely different. Nevertheless, they have been additionally by some means related, and typically – even complementary.The LargeBTC Prague and Bitcoin Amsterdam stand out as the largest Bitcoin occasions in Europe, drawing hundreds of attendees, main Bitcoin-related corporations, and naturally a powerful speaker lineup. The latter may also embrace individuals outdoors of the strict Bitcoin circle, usually that includes freedom fighters and companies working within the broader crypto spectrum.On a smaller scale with a whole bunch of attendees, Surfing Bitcoin within the French Biarritz shared the identical ethos, though this 12 months’s version was marked by quite a few troubles.For probably the most ardent Bitcoin maxis, Baltic Honeybadger in Riga might be probably the most OG Bitcoin occasion, fiercely defending its Bitcoin-only stance.The bulk of people that attend these occasions are already orange-pilled and well-versed within the intricacies of Bitcoin. One can cross miners, cypherpunks, builders, economists, freedom fighters, buyers, and a lot of influencers of all types.These occasions characterize a possibility to advertise a pockets, a mining rig, a cost answer, an affiliation… or your self. This industrial dimension, despite the fact that not explicitly put ahead, is certainly one of many essential elements of massive Bitcoin conferences, along with the intensive alternatives for networking.The IntimateOn the other vary, quite a lot of small – even intimate – Bitcoin occasions are popping up everywhere in the world. Nevertheless, don’t get fooled by their measurement. These close-knit gatherings, which frequently don't exceed 100 individuals, carry collectively a few of the most lively Bitcoin neighborhood members, each identified and unknown by the bigger public.Such occasions not often promote and sometimes ban any on-site recordings to guard the attendees’ privateness. The Chatham Home rule is utilized, which means that anybody who involves a gathering is free to make use of data from the dialogue, however is just not allowed to disclose who made any explicit remark.Past the sheer measurement, privateness guidelines, and the abundance of beer, such occasions usually embrace communal dwelling and distinctive experiences.BTC Azores featured scenic hikes throughout this stunning Portuguese archipelago. It was additionally marked by the absence of a pre-determined agenda: the attendees created the schedule themselves, submitting the subjects they want to focus on.

The BEF (Bitcoin Financial Discussion board) introduced French bitcoiners right into a deep forest in Brittany for a collection of discussions, talks, and barbecues.The upcoming B-Only within the Annecy area of France will unfold within the majestic Alpine setting, encouraging fireplace conversations over a tartiflette. Scheduled for November 3-5, it will likely be one of many newest additions to the sort of Bitcoin gatherings, and likewise one of many final ones this 12 months.These small-scale occasions look extra like a family and friends retreat than an expert convention, and in a roundabout way, they're. Human connections develop significantly sturdy via new experiences, widespread tables, and shared dwelling.Bitcoin remains to be on the coronary heart of the occasion, however the ambiance and targets change noticeably in comparison with the normal conferences. Persons are way more accessible, and discussions extra inclusive, which is especially conducive to brainstorming and introducing new concepts.The Institutional-PleasantThere's one other sort of Bitcoin occasion – the one which focuses on integrating Bitcoin into the native communities.This idea is just not potential all over the place on the earth. In most locations, Bitcoin nonetheless encounters resistance from authorities officers, and plenty of private and non-private corporations are cautious of its adverse picture that mainstream media has so totally crafted.Switzerland stands out on this regard as one of the crypto-friendly international locations, and it's seen in its Bitcoin conferences, that are extra institutionalized than elsewhere.Paradigme Bitcoin, a comparatively small occasion organized within the Swiss canton of Neuchatel, makes some extent of inviting not solely Bitcoiners but in addition municipality and business leaders. Collectively, they focus on the methods of utilizing Bitcoin within the area’s watch-making business, College curriculum, and different native endeavors.Plan B is one other exceptional initiative. For a few years already, town of Lugano within the Swiss canton of Ticino has been educating and inspiring town’s retailers to begin accepting Bitcoin as cost. The Plan B convention is part of this effort, however in the very best Swiss traditions, the standard set of Bitcoin proponents right here has been accomplished by bankers, officers, legal professionals, and monetary regulators from completely different components of the world. Whereas strictly talking not a Bitcoin-only convention, Plan B helps Lugano to share its expertise with hundreds of attendees.The TendenciesFrom the Portuguese Azores islands to the Latvian metropolis of Riga, European Bitcoin occasions are as diversified as Europe itself. From a tent deep in a French forest to the financial institution of a Swiss lake, they'll exude very completely different vibes, however at their core, they're the identical.In actual fact, they're even complementary. I witnessed situations the place a brand new technological answer was conceived and brainstormed at BTC Azores after which discovered funding and assist at BTC Prague.By taking a better take a look at these occasions, we will additionally discern the traits which are marking the neighborhood.To begin with – no “to the moon” talks. In actual fact, BTC value, which is one the most well-liked Bitcoin-related matter in most media, is rarely talked about. And for a superb motive: Bitcoin denomination in dollars and euros is secondary to its function of impartial cash.Private freedom remains to be an enormous matter, and Nostr is now often highlighted at Bitcoin occasions. Whereas not precisely a Bitcoin know-how, its decentralized and censorship-resistance mission aligns completely with the Bitcoiners’ worldview, making it more and more well-liked throughout the neighborhood.On the technological entrance, this 12 months was marked by heated debates between the proponents of the Ordinals and the supporters of a extra conservative method to Bitcoin.

Lastly, household is coming into focus, each in figurative and literal sense. Whereas ‘fam’ has already change into a standard deal with time period throughout the neighborhood, the true household is changing into more and more seen in conferences, because the attendees carry their shut ones. There have been youngsters notably at Honeybadger and BTC Prague, the latter additionally that includes a complete speak by a 12-year Bitcoiner. The subsequent era is right here, and it's no stranger to Bitcoin.General, whereas giant Bitcoin conferences are nonetheless indispensable for creating enterprise and networking, some extent may be made that the neighborhood can be changing into stronger by decentralizing its occasions and by constructing stronger connections with the native communities.A particular thanks to Aurore Galves Orjol from Leonod, Franck Pralas from D.Heart, and Cyrille Coppéré from B-only for his or her testimonials.It is a visitor put up by Marie Poteriaieva. Opinions expressed are completely their very own and don't essentially mirror these of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Journal. [ad_2]

[europeas20]

Hostel CityHub in Amsterdam for €35 night

Going on holiday and staying in a hostel can be an exciting and budget-friendly way to explore a new destination. One of the great things about staying in a hostel is the opportunity to meet other travelers from around the world. Take advantage of common areas and organized activities to socialize and make new friends. Be open-minded and respectful of different cultures and backgrounds. Stay flexible and open to new experiences: Hostels are dynamic environments, and you may encounter different situations and people during your stay. Embrace the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, learn from others, and have memorable experiences. Remember, each hostel is unique, so it's essential to adapt these tips based on the specific hostel you choose. Have a fantastic holiday and enjoy your hostel experience!

More about CityHub CityHub is a brand new type of hotel. At CityHub, it is more than enough ways to mingle and your very own, private cabin. These are called cabins Hubs. Each Hub has a giant, double bed, wifi, app-controlled lighting and a personal audio streaming system. Comfy, indeed.

The Hostel is located right next to Amsterdam’s De Hallen, one of the most hot and happening places in Amsterdam. Our CityHost are here 24/7 to help you discover the beauty of the city as much as you can. Not just the touristy spots, but genuine Amsterdam as it is happening right here, right now. Where to book CityHub Visit Amsterdam Amsterdam offers a wide range of attractions and sights to explore. Here are some of the must-see places in Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum: Discover the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, including his famous paintings like "Sunflowers" and "The Bedroom."  Rijksmuseum: Explore the Dutch national museum, showcasing a vast collection of art and historical artifacts, including Rembrandt's "The Night Watch."

Jordaan: Wander through the picturesque streets of this charming neighborhood, filled with art galleries, boutiques, cozy cafes, and local markets.  Vondelpark: Relax in Amsterdam's largest and most popular park. Enjoy the greenery, walk or bike along the paths, and maybe catch a performance at the open-air theater. 6. Canal Belt: Take a walk or a canal boat tour to admire Amsterdam's famous canals, lined with beautiful canal houses and picturesque bridges. The canal belt is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Dam Square: Visit the historic center of Amsterdam. Explore the Royal Palace, go shopping in the surrounding streets, or watch street performers in the square. Heineken Experience: Dive into the world of Dutch beer at this interactive museum. Learn about the brewing process, enjoy tastings, and immerse yourself in the Heineken brand.

Remember that Amsterdam has much more to offer, including numerous museums, galleries, markets, and cultural events. Take the time to explore the city's neighborhoods, try local cuisine, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that makes Amsterdam so special. Find more Hostels in Amsterdam: View Here Tours and excursions WeGoTrip is an online service for booking audio excursions and tours on 35+ countries on different languages (mostly english). Travelers can take audio excursions created by professional tour guides and local experts.    Tiqets’ innovative technology ensures that travelers can book tickets on their phone at the last minute, receive their tickets directly in a digital form, and show their mobile phones in place of physical tickets to museums, places of interest, and attractions. Offers available passes in Europe and the US.

Car Rental You can find the best car rental prices at QEEQ.COM. QEEQ.COM serves road trip travellers from different countries by working with car rental companies all over the world. The company offers its customers the widest set of car rental options and always strives to offer the most competitive price. Read the full article

[officialstandardhumans]

SH79: Democratising Democracy 2: Exploring the Best Voting Systems Around the World

How can we build a more fair and representative electoral system for all Canadians? One idea is to look beyond the usual countries we compare ourselves with (the United States and the United Kingdom) and see the methods other countries use to create more representative democracies. From inclusive proportional representation to the well-known and loved ranked-choice voting, in this episode, the humans highlight the standout features, real-world successes, and transformative impact of the best voting systems used around the globe. Gain insights into the principles, mechanics, and democratic implications of these systems, as they unravel the most important lessons for shaping a more fair and representative future for Canadians.

Show Notes:

Strengthening Democracy In Canada: Principles, Process And Public Engagement For Electoral Reform - Final report from the 2016 committee looking into changing the federal Canadian voting system

SH78: Democratising Democracy: The Case for Voting Reform

Voting satisfaction by country

Ashton Brewing Company

Amsterdam Brewery

Democracy Index 2020: In sickness and in health? - Economist Intelligence Unit

Example Dutch ballot (Proportional Representation)

Example Australian ballot (Instant Runoff Voting)

1912 United States presidential election

Two-round voting system

Example Irish ballot (Single Transferable Vote)

Single non-transferable vote

Abie Philbin Bowman – Crash course in the Irish voting system | The Conference 2019

Gallagher index

Example German ballot (Mixed-Member Proportional)

[heineken2023]

Heinekens Heritage

- Established 1864 - Based in Amsterdam - Served in 192 countries around the world - 25 million served each day

Founded by Gerard Adriaan Heineken who purchased his first brewery in Amsterdam in 1864. He embraced the latest brewing innovations and was the first brewer to introduce a quality control lab. He is also said to have done a lot for the city of Amsterdam.

In 1873 he opened a small brewery in the city centre of Amsterdam, which grew fast as the city did. But what mattered most was staying true to being a family owned brewery who put the purity and excellence of their beer first.

Heineken won numerous awards in the last 19th century, most notably the prestigious Grand Prix at the Paris Expo in 1889.

Heineken owes its distinct taste to their unique A yeast which they discovered in 1886, they say this is responsible for the characteristic taste balance and subtle fruity notes, and that this is the flavour they will always stay true to. 

In 1917 Henry Pierre Heineken took over from his father as president of the Heineken brand. Notably he lead the company through economic depression, he also increased production and made bottling possible, therefore making expanding abroad possible without compromising quality. 

Heineken made it’s name in America in 1933 after the end of the 11 year probation where no beer was available, making them the first import beer available. 

https://www.heineken.com/global/en/our-story

- Molly

[the-firebird69]

There were several successful breweries in the United States but they all left and there are a few commercial ones that left too there's one successful one that's still around and he hit on it a couple times and Amstdel it was spelled like that and it's about Amsterdam because the first breweries United States that made a lot of beer and sold widely or from Amsterdam and they're made in Manhattan Southern Manhattan Island in New York City and we're going to open our company shortly and we're going to call it a New Amsterdam and it's brewed by the Amsdel company which we own. Is it terrific idea into Incorporated it into Amstel because we have the distribution and the power and people know it's a trusted beer and we will start selling it shortly and it goes hand in hand with American eagle motorcycles and we're going to do commercials with the beer in it and it shows me know our stuff

Frankcastle hardcastle

I'm going to go ahead and get some of this beer and do a commercial with the bike I'm going to be the first one I'm going to put it on YouTube

Duke Nukem Blockbuster and I have permission from Hera and Zeus and I'm seeking it from Thor Freya and Olympus and they're granting it

We proceed now with the next phase of our operation

Thor Freya

Olympus

[fantasticstoryteller]

New Amsterdam Chapter 40

“Runaways Unite?” asked Wade as Peter fixed them both coffee. The boy may have had trouble cooking, but no one brewed a better pot of coffee. “What about those nut-jobs?” Wade asked warily as Peter sat next to him on the couch, handing him a cup.

The two of them were in Peter’s apartment (Wade’s was not fit for company by any stretch of the imagination). Wade had caught up with Peter as he was headed home—from an odd direction that was not from the Bugle, Stark Industries, or Oscorp. Peter had begun by telling him about telling off his boss—

{Which is hot.}

[Not the point! He could have gotten fired!]

{…Stark’s paying us an insane amount to make sure Petey accepts his own lab. Why would he fire him just for having a backbone?}

[…My God. You have a point.]

—then his tracking of a couple of Snipers—

[We’ve got to make sure he knows that’s not okay. Those people are dangerous.]

{Maybe we should follow him? Make sure he’s safe anyway?}

—and his meeting with Kingpin.

[Definitely dangerous—but the man is a businessman first.]

{Who hired Peter!}

Peter curled up next to Wade, pressing their sides together. With his eyes heavy like this, curled like this, he reminded Wade of a satisfied cat. “Kingpin says he knows something I can use to take them down,” Peter said with satisfaction.

Wade sat silently, blowing on his coffee to cool it down for a moment. The room was dim, out of deference to Wade’s own preferences, and was only lit by a single small lamp—that was on the other side of the room. The two of them were sitting in shadow.

{Perfect for making out in.}

[Uh—no. We don’t want him feeling our skin and running away at the strange texture.]

“Why do you want to take them down so badly?” asked Wade, curiously.

Peter sighed as he set his cup down on the coffee table in front of them. “Because of the street kids they’re taking,” he said as he curled back up next to Wade and rested his head on the broader man’s shoulder.

Cautiously, ready to pull back if Peter made any move to indicate the touch wasn’t welcome, Wade put an arm around him. “What about them?” he asked, keeping most of his weight to himself, barely resting it on Peter. Sure they were dating. Sure Peter seemed extra cuddly tonight—but that didn’t necessarily mean it would be okay. He had to go slow.

{Coward!}

[Seriously. You drape yourself all over him in public—why are you nervous about putting your arm around him now?]

Because in public he still had a mask to hide behind. Here, behind closed doors, in the comforting shadows where it was just the two of them, he felt as though he were unmasked—which, agreed, was a stupid feeling since he was still covered head to toe in his leather/Kevlar suit.

[It really is stupid.]

“No one knows where they go,” Peter said answering the question. “They’re not put into the system, they don’t get taken back home, Runaways Unite has nothing like an orphanage—so where do they go?” Peter sighed and pressed harder against Wade’s side. “Plus,” he added wearily, “Norman donated almost a million dollars to them.”

“Stark donated a hundred thousand,” Wade felt obligated to point out.

Peter sighed. “Tony Stark,” he said firmly, “has a computer program that donates one hundred thousand dollars to every non-profit in the county.” Peter began lightly drawing on Wade’s suit with his finger. Despite him not pressing hard, Wade could feel every stroke. “I could hack into the program and make it stop donating to Runaways Unite—but that would mean admitting I know about the program and I’m capable.”

[Earth to Idiot. Peter is flirting.]

{Let’s kiss him!}

[Sure. Let’s kiss our super hot boyfriend who likes us enough to confront his boss and let him feel the horrorscape that is our face so he can run away from us. Brilliant idea.]

{What do we do?}

[We make excuses like the cowards we are and run home hoping he still wants to talk to us in the morning.]

Wade did not. He stayed perfectly still. Peter? Flirting? It didn’t seem possible. Wade gently wiggled his shoulder to get Peter’s attention. “Want to watch a movie?” he asked.

[You idiot. You’re going to regret this in the morning.]

Peter gave him a lazy smile. “Sure,” he said amiable before rising from the couch and ambling over to a pile of DVDs on the floor beneath the TV. (Not a great TV; Peter’s apartment could use a few more—touches.)

{Peter could use a few more touches.}

[He does have a cute ass.]

“He does indeed.”

“I do what?” asked Peter absently.

Wade froze. Had he ever told Peter about the boxes? He—he couldn't remember. If he hadn’t—would Peter run? But—but Peter was waiting for an answer, half-turned and watching with those half-lidded eyes. Wade swallowed hard. “The boxes in my head,” he said softly. “They—they think you’re cute.”

Peter stood straight and turned completely to face Wade. “Your boxes think I’m cute?” he asked. He sounded flattered.

“Oh, Baby Boy, you are the cutest thing ever! Hasn’t anyone told you?”

Peter made a habitual movement to push the glasses he wasn’t currently wearing up with his wrist. “No,” he said, his voice an odd mixture of emotions.

Wade set his coffee down and opened his arms. “Come here,” he said. Peter obediently climbed onto Wade’s lap.

{Can we let Little Wade out to play?}

[This is not the time!]

“You listen to me,” Wade said firmly. “You are the most wonderful, adorable, and cute thing that I have ever met.”

Peter snorted. “You’re the only one who would say that,” he said.

{I think we need to find out who made him think so bad of himself and unalive those fuckers.}

[I agree.]

“Then they’re blind,” said Wade firmly. His hand came up. “Boop.” He gently bopped Peter’s nose. Which twitched.

“Wade,” protested Peter. He leaned forward and rested his head against Wade’s chest. The two of them sat there for a moment, just listening to each other’s breathing.

At least until Wade noticed that Peter’s breathing was getting deep and regular. “Peter?” he asked.

“Hmm?”

“Peter, you need to go to bed.”

“Um-hmm.” It was clear that he was too tired to even move his lips to talk. “Hmm um um.”

Wade smiled. How could the younger man not realize he was adorable? “Up you go,” he said as he heaved himself up to his feet and went down the hall to the bedroom.

“Um hmm hmm,” Peter complained.

“I have no idea what you just said,” Wade admitted as he opened the bedroom door and slipped Peter into the bed.

Peter opened two soft, brown eyes blearily. “I love you,” he said sleepily.

Wade’s heart constricted. It felt good and painful at the same time. “I love you too,” he said softly as he pressed a masked kiss to Peter’s cheek.

[a-froger-epic]

NASTALLY'S ❇️Q U E E N❇️ FIC

📝 = (semi-)regular updates

❓= will update eventually

🧊 = on ice

✅ = complete

Freddie Mercury/Roger Taylor

Froger - Love & Sex (18+):

Dawn of Aquarius [the epic] ✅ - Roger and Freddie meet in 1969 and change each other's lives. (romance, sexual awakening, coming of age, YA drama, period-typical homophobia, family drama, realism)

Good Company ✅ - collab with @quirkysubject The Queen boys accidentally on purpose watch porn together. (friends to... still friends but with interesting wanking habits, internalised homophobia, pining, humour)

Dreams of Tomorrow 📝- collab with @tikiniki A mad, medieval fantasy adventure with the Queen boys. (troubadour AU, adventure, fantasy, friendship, magic, origin stories, vikings, battles, a donkey called Tootsie)

Dawn of the Living Dead ❓ - It's the zombie apocalypse in 1971. (horror, dark comedy, blood & gore, insanity, friendship)

The Miracle ❓ - A slightly different take on the A/B/O trope. (mpreg, friends to lovers, kid!fic, parenthood, emotional realism, discrimination)

the eye of the beholder ✅ - Roger buys a video camera. (established relationship, script format, humour, light-hearted)

Time Waits for No One ✅ - collab with @bisexualroger Freddie and Roger's relationship through the years. (Christmas themed, sad, life has no happy endings, grief, acceptance, breakup, lovers to friends, death)

Sehnsucht 🧊 - Roger visits Freddie in Munich. They have a past. (Inspired by Dawn of Aquarius, pining, friendship, life has no happy endings, hurt/comfort, but mostly hurt)

Froger - Love:

A Kind of Magical Adventure (and the Spider from Mars) ❓ - collab with @plainxte​ The Doctor Who/Queen crossover nobody asked for! (friends to lovers, there was only one bed, fluffy Christmas space adventure)

The Only Exception ✅ - On a night out, something is rekindled between Roger and Freddie. (drug use, pining, past relationship, the one that got away, some humour)

Foxey ✅ - Freddie gives Roger an impromptu lapdance. (Dawn of Aquarius missing scene, fluff, humour, established relationship)

Secret ✅ - Brian is a good secret keeper. (Inspired by Dawn of Aquarius, handholding, angst and fluff, mostly fluff)

I put a spell on you (because you’re mine) ✅ - A Halloween special. (Dawn of Aquarius missing scene, breakup, angst, humour)

Incidentally Homosexual  ✅ - Roger wants to talk to Freddie about the Kinsey scale and sexuality.  (Dawn of Aquarius missing scene, internalised homophobia, pure fluff, soft boyfriends)

It’s Grim Up North (But There’s Light Up Ahead) ✅ - collab with @pumpkinlilyao3​ One time Roger saves Freddie, and one time Freddie saves Roger. (Friends to lovers, violence, slurs, angst, happy ending)

Promise ✅ - Roger and Freddie prepare for a special event in 2015. (Inspired by Dawn of Aquarius, Freddie lives, growing old together, pure fluff)

Tootsie’s Story ✅ - How Roger rescued a donkey. (Dreams of Tomorrow prequel, fantasy, adventure, troubadour AU, established relationship)

Ooh Love, ooh Loverboy… ✅ - Freddie through Roger's eyes. (established relationship, internal monologue, tooth-rotting fluff)

Romantic Drabbles ❓ - A mixed bag of Froger romance.

Froger - Porn Without Plot (18+):

A is for Amsterdam ✅ - Roger and Freddie walk into a sex shop. (Established relationship, bdsm, sex toys, dom!Roger, sub! Freddie, a bit of fluff and humour too)

B is for Bound ✅ - There's something Freddie would like to do. (Established relationship, bdsm, non-con play, dom!Roger, sub!Freddie)

C is for Control ✅ - There's something Roger would like to do. (Established relationship, mild bdsm dynamics, switching, top!Freddie, fluff)

D is for Discipline ✅ - Freddie turns a game into something a little more serious. (Spanking, bdsm, power dynamics, subspace, referenced cheating, guilt, dom drop)

Right until the ends of the Earth ✅ - Romantic piano sex. (Inspired by Dawn of Aquarius, mild bdsm dynamics, romance)

Tight Squeeze  ✅ - collab with @bambirexwrites fem!Queen; Regina and Freddie go shopping for shorts. Regina has some trouble fitting into them. Freddie helps her feel better. (Established relationship, body worship, semi-public sex)

One Fine Morning  ✅ - Freddie is trapped between two primal urges. (Established relationship, mild omorashi, morning sex)

Smutty Drabbles ❓- A mixed bag of Froger sexytimes.

Froger - Gen/shippy Gen:

Good Times (Better Times) ✅ - How Freddie met Roger, a Dawn of Aquarius prequel. (internal monologue, the Kensington pub, art student Freddie)

that special brew ✅ - That time Freddie accidentally drank marrijuana tea. (humour, Roger being a very sweet friend, light-hearted)

a joke nobody tells ✅ - Newly formed Queen dynamics or: not even Roger knows what is going on in Freddie's head. (group dynamics, insecurities, fear of failure, hurt/comfort)

Ghosts ✅ - Freddie’s arrival in Australia awakens some memories he would rather forget. (angst, referenced past sexual assault, friendship, hurt/comfort)

Including Love ✅ - Freddie and Roger love each other. But perhaps, not in that way. Or do they? (Roger-centric, character study, period-typical attitudes, male friendship, bromance)

Freddie Mercury

that which is good ❓ - Freddie meets Kenny. Two gay men struggling to find themselves, find comfort in each other’s friendship. (Angst, internalised homophobia, male friendship, hurt/comfort) 

Moments ❓ - A collection of moments in Freddie’s life. (Vignettes, angst, fluff, death, life, everything)

with my trust like a child ❓ - collab with @aboutnothingness A look at several of Freddie’s birthdays throughout his life (Hurt/no comfort, hurt/comfort, internal monologue, implied underage, heavy angst)

The God Abandons Antony [Freddie Mercury/Joe Fanelli] 🧊 - collab with @freddieofhearts​ On tour in the US, Freddie meets somebody new. (Internal monologue, angst, euphoria, new love, romance, cheating)

Rapture and Solace ✅ - 1991. (Internal monologue, fear of death, terminal illness, acceptance, background Jimercury)

to the bone (18+) ✅ - A police officer lets Freddie off the hook, in exchange for a favour. (Period-typical homophobia, abuse of power, sexual assault, hurt/no comfort)

Ménage à Deux  ✅ - An exploration of Freddie’s friendship with Barbara Valentin. (Dubcon, recreational drug use)

Naughty ✅ - Freddie's mind wanders while he poses nude for a life drawing class. (Internal monologue, some humour, internalised homophobia)

Don’t You (Walk Away) [Freddie Mercury/Winnie Kirchberger] ✅ - After a fight with Winnie, Freddie contemplates his life in Munich. (Hurt/No Comfort, toxic relationships, angst)

Freddie Love ❓ - Freddie-centric drabble collection.

Freddie Mercury/Brian May

As it Began ✅ - Freddie goes to write his dissertation at Brian's house. (Smile Era, boys with a crush, friendship, first kiss, angst, hurt/comfort)

Blacklight in Zero Gravity (18+)  ❓ - It's 2029, Freddie Mercury is working as a stripper and one night, the mysterious Brian May walks into his life. (Modern AU, sex & drugs, pining, humour, angst, fluff, romance, morally grey characters, smut)

Click! ✅ - Freddie meets a guy he just can’t get off his mind at work. (Modern AU, photographer!Freddie, model!Brian, social media, humour, meet cute)

the sun and moon and stars are you ✅ - Freddie and Brian are expecting, and getting ready for a Halloween party. (trans!Freddie AU, pregnancy, humour, fluff)

The Sound of Your Fear ✅ - Brian and Freddie stay in a very creepy hotel. (Ghost story, terror, haunted house, platonic/pre-slash Maycury)

Dreams of Tomorrow (18+) [Maycury, Froger, Joger] 📝 - collab with @tikiniki​ A mad, medieval fantasy adventure with the Queen boys. (troubadour AU, adventure, fantasy, friendship, magic, origin stories, vikings, battles, a donkey called Tootsie)

Freddie Mercury/Jim Hutton

Maybe I’m Amazed ✅ - Freddie is upset about an argument with Jim, who surprises him. (Angst, hurt/comfort, romance and fluff)

Interlude ✅ - Freddie has a great time at his 39th birthday party - for the most part. (Angst, non-consentual drug use, hopeful ending)

Sticks and Stones ✅ - Freddie reads a headline she wishes she hadn’t seen. (Fem!Jimercury, body image, fluff, happy ending)

Other Ships

Dawn of the Living Dead (18+) [Poly!Queen & Froger] ❓ - It's the zombie apocalypse in 1971. (horror, dark comedy, blood & gore, insanity, friendship, smut)

Kneel Down by Your Side and Pray [Maylor & Johnica] 🧊 - collab with @quirkysubject @tikiniki and @plainxte In a dystopian world where slavery is the norm, four young men struggle with their circumstances. (Dystopian AU, violence, blood & gore, sexual abuse, angst, friendship, hurt/no comfort, pining)

Sacrifice (18+) [Maylor] ✅ - Roger is being sacrificed to the God of Fertility. (Fantasy AU, humour, Monty Python-esque, technically non-con but not angsty, satire)

Colour Me Surprised [Joger] ✅ - Roger helps John with his make-up. (Yearning, gay panic)

a bona cackle [OMC/OMC, background Froger] ✅ - Dawn of Aquarius spin-off ficlet. A phone conversation in Polari. (Period-typical attitudes, queer history)

Gen

and the rest is history ✅ - The day John Deacon auditioned for Queen. 

lazing on a sunny afternoon  ✅ - A short, sweet fem!Queen ficlet.

The Sound and the Fury ✅ - collab with @quirkysubject​ Roger is struggling when the past catches up with him. Brian is a good friend. (hurt/comfort, friendship, angst)

Not Like Other Groups ✅ - Queen escape from an angry gang of skinheads by means of a car chase. (humour, friendship, action)

Maple Leaves ✅ - John struggles with Freddie’s illness. (heavy angst, death, grief)

Non-Fiction

Interview With A Queen “Groupie” - I interviewed a lady who knew the Queen boys back when she was at Ealing Art School. Yes, really.

[heycatsblog]

Bar or Beach? Just Grab a Beer

With Coronas, what you see is what you get. Coronas were sold in authentic Mexican form, brewed in Mexico with a simple and glass packaging. Because coronas came from Mexico, a non-traditionally beer company, they advertised the beer with “drinkability”. Associating the beach and sun, with corona’s yellow and blue label for a light fun beer to drink. 

Heineken came from Amsterdam, and this Dutch beer came with a green bottle and red star. Heineken’s two largest marketing strategies, regionalization and Heineken nights, led for associations with bars, mingling with friends, and a night out. Heineken came off as a “premium” beer, something that you could drink around the world and was meant to be drank when you’re out and about. 

In both, we can see how the advertising played a huge part in both of these two very different beer brands. Both essentially taste somewhat light and airy, and are stored in glass bottles. But beyond that, their entire brand and image is different. Corona’s play on their Mexican authenticity, and make you want a beer to relax and unwind. Meanwhile, Heineken plays on the exact opposite, pushing you to want to head to the nearest bar with your friends for a night out.

Both evoke a type of emotion where you WANT a beer, but in incredibly different scenarios. The brand made the beer, and now the glass and the logo have determined more than the actual beer itself.  

[goblogger]

Top 8 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades. It's a city that effortlessly blends its rich history with a vibrant, contemporary culture. From world-class museums to picturesque walks along the canals, here are the top eight things you must do when visiting Amsterdam, complete with details on tickets and passes to help you plan your visit.

1. Visit the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is a must-visit for art lovers. Home to a vast collection of Dutch masterpieces, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh, the museum offers a comprehensive view of Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages to the present.

Tickets:

Adults: €20

Under 18: Free

Museumkaart holders: Free

It is advisable to book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. The museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

2. Explore the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a poignant and moving museum dedicated to Anne Frank, the Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis during World War II. The museum is located in the actual house where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary.

Tickets:

Adults: €14

Youth (10-17): €7

Children (0-9): Free

Tickets must be purchased online, as they are not available at the museum entrance. Time slots fill up quickly, so book well in advance.

3. Take a Canal Cruise

A canal cruise is a quintessential Amsterdam experience. These cruises offer a unique perspective of the city’s architecture and are available in various forms, including daytime tours, evening cruises, and even dining cruises.

Tickets:

Standard 1-hour cruise: €15-€20

Evening cruise: €25-€30

Dinner cruise: €80-€100

You can purchase tickets at the docks or online. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.

4. Discover the Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, offering insights into his life and artistic development. This museum is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts and a deeply moving experience.

Tickets:

Adults: €20

Under 18: Free

Museumkaart holders: Free

Online booking is essential as the museum uses time-slot entry to manage crowds. It’s open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.

5. Enjoy the Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is an interactive tour through the history and brewing process of Heineken beer, housed in the company's original brewery. The tour includes multimedia exhibits, historical artifacts, and, of course, a beer tasting.

Tickets:

Adults: €21

Youth (12-17): €14.50

Tickets are available online and at the entrance, but purchasing them online will often save you a few euros and guarantee your preferred time slot. The experience is open daily from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

6. Visit Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam offers a fun-filled experience where you can see lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and sports stars. It’s a great place for family entertainment and photo opportunities.

Tickets:

Adults: €23.50 (online), €25.50 (at the door)

Children (5-15): €18.50 (online), €20.50 (at the door)

Children under 5: Free

Booking ticket to Madame Tussaud Amsterdam online is cheaper and allows you to skip the line. The attraction is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM.

7. Take a Walking Tour of Amsterdam

A walking tour is one of the best ways to get to know Amsterdam. Whether you choose a historical tour, a food tour, or a street art tour, walking tours offer an intimate glimpse into the city's culture and history.

Tickets:

Prices vary depending on the tour operator and type of tour. Free walking tours are available, but tipping the guide is customary (€10-€20 per person).

Paid tours range from €15 to €30 per person.

Booking Walking Tour Amsterdam in advance is recommended, especially for specialized tours. Many operators offer online booking.

8. Experience the A'DAM Lookout

For a breathtaking view of Amsterdam, visit the A'DAM Lookout, an observation deck with panoramic views of the city. The highlight is the “Over the Edge” swing, which swings you out over the edge of the building at 100 meters high.

Tickets:

Adults: €14.50

Children (4-12): €8.50

Swing experience: Additional €5

Tickets are available online and at the entrance. Booking in advance is recommended to avoid waiting times.

Tips for Getting Around Amsterdam

Public Transport: Amsterdam has an efficient public transport system consisting of trams, buses, and metro lines. The OV-chipkaart is a rechargeable card that can be used on all public transport.

Bike Rentals: Amsterdam is a bike-friendly city, and renting a bike is a popular way to explore. Rental prices range from €10 to €15 per day.

Amsterdam City Card: The I amsterdam City Card offers unlimited access to public transport, free entry to many museums and attractions, and discounts on others. Prices range from €65 (24 hours) to €135 (120 hours).

Conclusion

Amsterdam is a city that offers something for everyone, from art and history to modern attractions and vibrant nightlife. Whether you're wandering through its picturesque streets, cruising its canals, or immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage, Amsterdam promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to plan your visits and book tickets in advance to make the most of your trip. Enjoy your adventure in this beautiful and dynamic city!

[newyorksportstours]

NYC Public Library - Favorite NYC History Books

The NYPL Milstein Division of United States History, Local History & Genealogy recommends our favorite, most readable, most memorable New York City nonfiction. These are the true stories of New York that engaged us, that intrigued us, and that we thought you might like to read as well.

97 Orchard: An Edible History Of Five Immigrant Families In One New York Tenement

Jane Ziegelman

Explores the culinary life that was the heart and soul of New York’s Lower East Side around the turn of the twentieth century—a city within a city, where Germans, Irish, Italians, and Eastern European Jews attempted to forge a new life. Through the experiences of five families, all of them residents of 97 Orchard Street, she takes readers on a vivid and unforgettable tour, from impossibly cramped tenement apartments down dimly lit stairwells where children played and neighbors socialized, beyond the front stoops where immigrant housewives found respite and company, and out into the hubbub of the dirty, teeming streets.

Staff says: “Food history and New York seamlessly woven together in a easy-to-read yet meticulously well researched book. I learned not only about the foods that certain immigrants ate, but how this changed over time, how Americans viewed ‘foreign’ cuisines over many different eras, and how this was a description of New York history and not just a reflection of imported appetites.”

American Passage: The History Of Ellis Island

Vincent J. Cannato

A chronicle of the landmark port of entry’s history documents its role as an execution site, immigration post, and deportation center that was profoundly shaped by evolving politics and ideologies.

Staff says: “The history of the island and the immigration station, and also of immigration policies in NY and the US. This book is well researched, scholarly and a very easy read. If you only read one book on Ellis Island, then this is it!”

The Battle For New York: The City At The Heart Of The American Revolution

Barnet Schecter

Provides a dramatic account of the seminal role played by New York City during the American Revolution, from its September 1776 fall to the British under General William Howe, through years of occupation, and beyond, interweaving illuminating profiles of the individuals on both sides of the conflict with a study of the cultural, political, social, and economic events of the eighteenth century.

Staff says:“It sticks in the mind, especially for the quality of the research and the tour of today’s New York in light of the events of history.”

The Big Oyster: History On The Half Shell

Mark Kurlansky

For centuries New York was famous for its oysters, which until the early 1900s played such a dominant a role in the city’s economy, gastronomy, and ecology that the abundant bivalves were Gotham’s most celebrated export, a staple food for the wealthy, the poor, and tourists alike, and the primary natural defense against pollution for the city’s congested waterways.

Staff says: “Lots of good NYC history in there along with the fascinating world of food history and bivalve science.”

Dark Harbor: The War For The New York Waterfront

Nathan Ward

Traces the historical influence of the Mafia on New York’s waterfront, drawing on the investigative series of New York Sun reporter Malcolm “Mike” Johnson into the region’s racketeering, violent territorial disputes, and union corruption.

Staff says: “The real story behind the film On the Waterfront. I also get annoyed when films are historically inaccurate for the sake of plot, ending, etc when the truth is probably just as exciting: see Bridge On The River Kwai. Well researched, and exciting.”

The Great Bridge: The Epic Story Of The Building Of The Brooklyn Bridge

David McCullough

Evaluates the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge as the greatest engineering triumph of its time, citing the pivotal contributions of chief engineer Washington Roebling and the technical problems and political corruption that challenged the project.

Staff says: “A favorite that everyone knows for good reason!”

Eat The City: A Tale Of The Fishers, Trappers, Hunters, Foragers, Slaughterers, Butchers, Farmers, Poultry Minders, Sugar Refiners, Cane Cutters, Beekeepers, Winemakers, And Brewers Who Built New York

Robin Shulman

Traces the experiences of New Yorkers who grow and produce food in bustling city environments, placing urban food production in a context of hundreds of years of history to explain the changing abilities of cities to feed people.

Staff says: “This interesting collection of micro histories tells the story of such New York food industries as beekeeping, fishing, urban farming, brewing, winemaking, and butchering. The author profiles people currently involved in each industry and then traces the origin, rise, usual fall, and then resurgence of that field. It was fascinating to learn about the methods of the different food industries within the unique environment of New York City.”

Five Points: The 19th-Century New York City Neighborhood That Invented Tap Dance, Stole Elections, And Became The World’s Most Notorious Slum

Tyler Anbinder

Details the notorious neighborhood that was once filled with gaming dens, bordellos, dirty streets, and tenements, that welcomed such visitors as Charles Dickens and Abraham Lincoln, and brings to light the hidden world that existed beneath the squalor—a world that invented tap dancing and hosted the prize-fight of the century.

Staff says: “An accessible and broad work looking at the notorious downtown slum’s population and sociology.”

The Island at the Center of the World: the Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony that Shaped America

Russell Shorto

A history of the Dutch role in the establishment of Manhattan discusses the rivalry between England and the Dutch Republic, focusing on the power struggle between Holland governor Peter Stuyvesant and politician Adriaen van der Donck that shaped New York’s culture and social freedoms.

Staff says: “The book is well-researched, the stories are well-told, and it will flesh out that point of history that most people only remember as song lyrics: 'Even old New York was once New Amsterdam…’”

Just Kids

Patti Smith

In this memoir, singer-songwriter Patti Smith shares tales of New York City: the denizens of Max’s Kansas City, the Hotel Chelsea, Scribner’s, Brentano’s and Strand bookstores and her new life in Brooklyn with a young man named Robert Mapplethorpe—the man who changed her life with his love, friendship, and genius.

Staff says: “I rather enjoyed the descriptions of Patti and Robert are discovering New York, especially Brooklyn, together. She writes prose like a poet, with detail and care and without an overabundance of imprecise words.”

Ladies And Gentlemen, The Bronx Is Burning: 1977, Baseball, Politics, And The Battle For The Soul Of A City

Jonathan Mahler

A kaleidoscopic portrait of New York City in 1977, The Bronx Is Burning is the story of two epic battles: the fight between Yankee Reggie Jackson and team manager Billy Martin, and the battle between Mario Cuomo and Ed Koch for the city’s mayorship. Buried beneath these parallel conflicts—one for the soul of baseball, the other for the soul of the city—was the subtext of race.

Staff says: “During the 1977 World Series, Howard Cosell really did say "Ladies and Gentlemen, the Bronx is burning” as flames licked up in the distance from Yankee Stadium. 1977 was the crux of the “bad ol’ days” of New York City—white flight had taken its toll; unemployment was outrageous for everyone, but close to 80% for young blacks and hispanics; infrastructure was in disrepair; crime was outrageous. This was the New York that inspired movies like “Death Wish” and “The Warriors.” NYC had bottomed out in 1977 and this is the history of that fateful year.“

Low Life: Lures and Snares of Old New York

Luc Sante

Luc Sante’s Low Life is a portrait of America’s greatest city, the riotous and anarchic breeding ground of modernity. This is not the familiar saga of mansions, avenues, and robber barons, but the messy, turbulent, often murderous story of the city’s slums; the teeming streets—scene of innumerable cons and crimes whose cramped and overcrowded housing is still a prominent feature of the cityscape.

Staff says: "This book sparked an interest in shady urban histories for me. Now that I know a lot more about the city and the context of the time frame, I even read it again. Fun, even if sensationalistic.”

Native New Yorkers: The Legacy of the Algonquin people of New York

Evan T. Pritchard

A comprehensive and fascinating account of the graceful Algonquin civilization that once flourished in the area that is now New York.

Staff says: “New York history from the Native point of view, and it will make you confront every sentimental myth you may have heard before. Everyone should read it.”

The Poisoner’s Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York

Deborah Blum

The story of how poison rocked Jazz Age New York City. A pair of forensic scientists began their trailblazing chemical detective work, fighting to end an era when untraceable poisons offered an easy path to the perfect crime.

Staff says: “Absolutely fascinating. I was surprised when I found myself at the end already. Unlike a modern forensic science drama on TV, the chemistry is all there—yet still readable and interesting. The era (late 1910s-mid 1930s) and setting are both equally captivating. So many times I thought I knew something that I clearly didn"t. This book taught me tons and still read quickly like a mystery novel, only the mysteries were all actual cases and hence more interesting than usual literary invention.”

Up in the Old Hotel

Joseph Mitchell

Saloon-keepers and street preachers, gypsies and steel-walking Mohawks, a bearded lady and a 93-year-old “seafoodetarian” who believes his specialized diet will keep him alive for another two decades. These are among the people that Joseph Mitchell immortalized in his reportage for The New Yorker and in four books—McSorley’s Wonderful Saloon, Old Mr. Flood, The Bottom of the Harbor, and Joe Gould’s Secret—that are still renowned for their precise, respectful observation, their graveyard humor, and their offhand perfection of style.

Staff says: “Mitchell, in an incredibly vivid writing style, tells the tales of some of the people he met in NYC in the '20s - '50s. The people are the history of New York.”

Source: NYPL’s Favorite NYC History Books

[naturenocturne]

@rozequvrtz​ - Saria

The full moon’s pull on Viktor was near unbearable, the longer the party dragged on. It wasn’t in his nature, to actively reject its call, but the timing of the gala itself had made it impossible for him to plan a visit away from the city, to address the base needs that his bestial form craved. The Valentinas had always heeded the call of their instincts, but so far away from his home forest, with his pack scattered across the club or stuck back in Russia, the pakhan was reluctant to let loose. And yet, his blood continued to burn, screaming at him to show dominance, to rut with someone, anyone who could help to ease the agony. 

It was at times like these that he wished he had been born a beta.

He had retreated into the Sloth rooms for just a moment, hoping for some measure of peace and quiet while he wrestled with not shifting. Breaths came out in shaking huffs as the large man stalked through the halls, hoping to find an empty room where he could collect himself and continue on with his true mission of the evening. But even in the tamer section of the gala, the scent of other wolves, and other creatures lost in their own evening lust was potent and disorienting for the Russian. Viktor wanted so badly, it was making it hard for him to focus on where he was going, or who he was tracking, until he saw her.

Saria Young, the woman he had saved from the freezing waters not even a week ago, drew his full attention; a rabbit that had presented herself before a starving wolf. Her scent, the one that had haunted him when she left, that still lingered in his flat, was even more intoxicating in person than he had last remembered. Viktor didn’t question why she was there, among the worst company in Amsterdam. The only thing that mattered was that she was here, and she was so tantalizingly within reach that to deny himself this would have truly destroyed all semblance of reason he had left.

Viktor made his way across the hall, a territorial growl brewing low in his throat as he saw the way that others looked at her. Faster than he could register it, he cornered her against one of the suite doors, strong arms trapping her into place as lust and possession hazed his thinking. He could still remember her bare skin pressed against his, how perfectly she had fit against him, how right it had felt. “Solnyshko...” Little sun; a term most fitting for her. His sharpened teeth grazed against the delicate skin of her throat in his near-drunken fervor, pressing her further into the door and hiding her away from prying eyes. “Saria, I...” God, he wanted to devour her whole, and it was driving him mad. “I need you. I can’t think of anything else. Please.”