#best capital appreciation stocks | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

justforbooks · 7 months ago

Text

César Aira

He has published more than 100 novels, gives his work away, and his surrealist books have a massive cult following. Now Argentina’s favourite rule-breaker is tipped for the Nobel prize

Afew years ago when Patti Smith played at a cultural festival in Denmark, she told the crowd that she was happy to be playing in the presence of one of her favourite authors. It was said she had only agreed to play the festival because the author, César Aira, would be in the audience. Aira, although celebrated in his home country, Argentina, was little known outside Latin America until he was discovered in 2002 by the Berlin-based literary agent Michael Gaeb, who was enchanted by his unconventional, surrealist books, which shift atmosphere, and even genre, from one page to another.

At first it proved difficult to sell Aira’s novels to a wider audience. “The fundamental problem when promoting César’s work is that the editor always asks: ‘What is the novel about?’” Gaeb told me. “And in the case of César, it’s not easy to answer that question.”

Gaeb has since sold Aira’s books in 37 languages. At the start of October last year, the English betting site Nicer Odds named Aira as a favourite for the Nobel prize in literature, slightly ahead of candidates such as Haruki Murakami and Salman Rushdie, who have appeared more regularly on such lists.

“I already know that every October, until my death, I’m going to have to put up with that.” Said by any other writer, this would come across as a humble brag. But Aira doesn’t seem to be the kind of person who appreciates disrupting events. “Sometimes the candidacy is useful to me,” he said, laughing. “For instance, now we live in a more luxurious apartment, one a little beyond my circumstances. And they rent to me because they see that I am a candidate for the Nobel.”

His apartment is located just five blocks from his office, which in its turn was the house where he lived for more than 40 years with his two children and his wife, Liliana Ponce, a poet and a scholar of Japanese literature. The recent move took place because Ponce has an illness that affects her mobility, and the new building has an elevator.

Aira, who does not speak to the local press and whose interviews with foreign media are usually short and conducted via email, rarely leaves Flores, a lower-middle-class neighbourhood that’s best known today as a textile hub for the clothing stores in wealthier areas of the city. Early in his career, Aira developed a method called the fuga hacia adelante (something like “forward flight”), which consists of writing a few hours a day and never looking back to edit until he reaches the end of a tale. “I revise much more than I did before,” casually demystifying what is perhaps the fact most repeated about his work. “I think that I’ve become more demanding. Or else I’m writing worse than before.”

The novels were – and sometimes still are – written in neighbourhood bars, cafes and even fast-food joints, such as McDonald’s or Pumper Nic, a now-extinct Buenos Aires chain. “It began when my children were small,” he said. “If I had a bit of time, I escaped, and I went to write. But after the pandemic, the bars and cafes started to fill up a lot. And there’s the issue of the telephones. If at a neighbouring table two people are conversing, it’s possible to ignore them. But if there’s just one person talking on the phone, it’s as if they’re speaking with you. It’s horrible!”

Aira was born in Coronel Pringles, in a small town in the south of the province, 300 miles from the capital. “I was thinking just now of my first memories of childhood because they are of the revolution of 1955,” he said – the year Juan Perón was removed from power by a coup for the first time. There was only one cinema, and television had not yet caught on. But the town had two well-stocked public libraries. “When I was still a teenager, I was already reading Joyce, Proust and Kafka,” Aira said. His precocity was also stimulated by an amateur public education in which classes were taught not by specialised professors but by volunteers with gigantic private collections of books. There were doctors who taught philosophy classes (“in those days, doctors were humanists”) and lawyers who taught history. “I didn’t have that kind of bureaucratic education where the teacher knows more,” he said. “It was something a lot freer.”

When he was about 14 years old, Aira met Arturo Carrera, a friend who, like him, would become a nationally recognised writer. Aira dedicated himself to prose; Carrera, poetry. The friends tried to stay up to date with the literary world by getting hold of magazines that were based in the capital. One of those publications, Testigo (Witness), held a contest. Carrera sent a few poems, and Aira sent a story. They both came out winners.

At the time, the majority of promising secondary school students in Coronel Pringles continued their university studies in Bahía Blanca, a city 75 miles away. “Law was the only graduate course they didn’t have,” Aira said. He told his parents he was interested in a law degree and moved to the capital. “I wanted to come for the art galleries, the cinemas,” he said. For two years, he studied law at the University of Buenos Aires, and then he transferred to the department of literature.

Testigo folded before it could publish Aira’s winning story. But one of the judges of the award, the novelist Abelardo Arias, wrote to congratulate him. Aira and Arias began a correspondence, and soon Aira showed Arias a manuscript. Arias loved it and passed it on to the publisher Galerna, which agreed to print it.

“It was a big thing, even more so for a young person of that age,” Aira said.

One day, walking aimlessly through the streets of the city with a friend, he came across a building he knew. “Here, in this building, an editor wants to publish a novel of mine,” he told her. “Let’s go up.” When he arrived, he asked to speak with the person responsible for his book. Then he asked for the manuscript back: “I don’t want to publish it any more.” The editor was astonished.

I asked Aira why he’d acted like that. “Just because,” he said. He shrugged and laughed. “I wanted to impress her.”

To write all day long without revising until you reach the end of a story produces an obscene quantity of books. Nobody I met in Buenos Aires ventured to pin down exactly how many volumes Aira has published. César Aira, un catálogo (César Aira: A Catalogue), organised by the writer and lawyer Ricardo Strafacce, is the most notable effort to itemise his work. Launched in 2018 with the aim of helping the uninitiated, the catalogue reprints one page from each of Aira’s books. The catalogue was commissioned by his publisher in part to commemorate his 100th book (Aira likes round numbers), but in the time the catalogue took to reach the printer, Aira had already written two more.

When I sat with Strafacce in the Varela-Varelita bar in Buenos Aires at the end of a November afternoon, he was still indignant with the catalogue’s publisher, who he said had made changes without telling him. For instance, the publisher had edited the date of publication for the Aira story El hornero (The Ovenbird). “I’m furious,” he said. “You can talk to [the editor]. I don’t give a shit.” He complained about another small modification: in the biographical information for one of the titles, to his mention of Madrid, the editor had added “Spain”. In Strafacce’s eyes, the detail made him seem like an idiot, a “boludo”.

“Don’t writers get worked up about the most incredible minutiae?” said Francisco Garamona, the editor in question. With a cigarette in one hand and a glass of soda in the other, he explained that he’d merely used the version of El hornero that Aira himself had authorised, rather than the one in circulation, which was pirated. He was sitting on a sofa in La Internacional Argentina, his bookshop, where he also operates his publishing house, Mansalva. Today, Mansalva probably publishes the most titles by Aira. “There he is, and here are more, here’s another, and here,” Garamona said as he counted the shelves in the bookshop. “One, two, three … seven. Seven niches of just Aira.”

In a way, the decor reflected Garamona’s multifaceted career; in addition to being an editor and a bookshop owner, he is a musician, a film-maker, a poet and the former owner of an art gallery. Today he is also one of two editors whom Aira defined for me as “official”. The other is Damián Ríos, from the publisher Blatt & Ríos.

The honour of “official” editors must inspire some pride in Ríos and Garamona, because Aira has worked with more than a few. His extensive body of work is decentralised in dozens of editorial houses, the vast majority of them tiny, which makes him an author at once ubiquitous and elusive. In this context, it’s not difficult to understand how a controversy like the one with El hornero came about. Aira must be one of the few writers in the world, maybe the only one, to sell 25,000 copies of one title and at the same time launch other titles in much smaller print runs. He has never charged royalties or advances for the small publishing houses in Argentina. “That was the agreement I made with Michael [Gaeb],” Aira said. “I don’t meddle with the world. And he doesn’t meddle with Argentina. In Argentina, everything is free.”

Aira’s strong cultural presence today conceals the stuttering start of his career. “For many years, this was the only proof I was a writer,” he said, showing a handful of yellowing pages, the nucleus of a book without a cover. His voice shook, this time, emotion had truly moved him. In his hands was a copy of Moreira, considered by some to be his first published novel. In the background, an atmospheric combination of dissonant chords and piano notes faded away. “I only listen to Morton Feldman these days,” Aira said. He added that he’d recently made an exception to listen to Now and Then, a “new” song by the Beatles completed thanks to help from artificial intelligence.

After going up to the office of the publishing house Galerna in 1969, in that half-impulsive gesture to ask for his manuscript back, some years went by before Aira had a chance to publish again. Moreira was supposed to come out in 1975, but was delayed. The editor of the book was Aira’s friend Horacio Achával, owner of the publishing house Achával Solo. In 1976, there was another military coup in Argentina. “Horacio was a political militant and had to go away,” Aira said. “He took off. He went to Uruguay.” The copies of Moreira, still without a cover, were left stranded in a warehouse. Years later, Achával returned to the country and finalised the cover. The book was officially launched in December 1981, just weeks after Ema, la cautiva (Ema, the Captive), which came out from another publishing house in November 1981 and today disputes with Moreira the title of Aira’s official debut.

Strafacce told a different story. “Moreira was printed in June 1975,” he said. “The money ran out, and there wasn’t enough to print the cover because in the same month, there was a financial crisis and a bank run here in Argentina.”

Aira published a few books in the 80s, but according to Sandra Contreras, who founded a small publishing house that published him throughout the 90s and 2000s, it was not until 1990’s Los fantasmas (Ghosts) that he accelerated his production. At the time, she said, he also spoke more explicitly of a new phase, “the beginning of the regular publication of his novelas and novelitas”. Aira was the first author to be published not only by Contreras’s publishing house but also by Mansalva and Blatt & Ríos in the early 00s.

In the 90s, small publishers like these were rare. Garamona said that this began to change in 2001, when after almost a decade of one-to-one parity between the Argentine peso and the US dollar, the local economy went through one of the worst recessions in Latin American history. Importing books became expensive. And so, after spending years favouring authors from Spain, local bookshop owners finally had eyes for Argentine literature.

When Gaeb first encountered Aira’s work in Guadalajara, in 2002, Aira had already begun to occupy his paradoxical central position at the margins of the culture. “He is a writer who exists in different fields, at different levels,” the fiction writer and critic Alan Pauls says, from his Berlin study, in a conversation over Zoom. “On the one hand, he has quite a lot of popularity. And on the other, he remains a niche writer, a cult writer. We still think of him as a writer of the avant garde, a manufacturer of very sophisticated objects. He’s someone who occupies the centre to his regret, not because he looked for it.”

To get hold of Moreira today isn’t easy – on the site Mercado Libre Argentina, in mid-December, there was a copy going for about $1,200 (£950). On the cover that for years remained unfinished, there is a monstrous, saturnine figure riding a yellow horse. Beneath the image, the first sentence of the novel prominently appears: Un día, de madrugada, por las lomas inmóviles del Pensamiento bajaba montado en potro amarillo un horrible gaucho (“One day at dawn, through the unmoving hills of Thought, mounted upon a yellow colt, there descended a horrible gaucho”).

In Spanish, El Pensamiento can refer to both the abstract noun, and the village close to where Aira was born and spent his childhood. The phrase gives a taste of the kind of mixture harboured within the novel. Evoking Juan Moreira, a folkloric knife-fighting hero of the Argentine Pampas, the book narrates a gaucho-esque pantomime, shot through with philosophical allusions and images from dreams. In Moreira, one can already recognise the multifaceted and frenetically imaginative style for which Aira would later be known. But the Airean machine still seems to just be getting started: there is a heavy self-consciousness that is absent from the books that follow. In these later works, his prose is limpid and inviting. Here is the start of El mago (The Magician), published almost exactly 20 years after Moreira:

In March this year, the Argentine magician Hans Chans (his real name was Pedro María Gregorini) participated in a convention of illusionists in Panamá; the event, just as the invitation and promotional leaflet described, was a regional meeting of prestigious professionals, a preparation for the great world congress the following year, which was celebrated every 10 years and this time would take place in Hong Kong. The previous one had been in Chicago, and he had not gone. Now he planned not only to participate, but also to establish himself as Best Magician in the World. The idea was not crazy or megalomaniacal. It had a foundation as reasonable as it was curious: Hans Chans was a genuine magician.

Aira takes this magical premise seriously, drawing from the dilemma a tale both comic and – in its exploration of the complex relations between being and seeming – densely philosophical. Hans Chans has the gift to be an illusionist, but not the vocation. He is too self-indulgent to dedicate himself to the profession. The narrator writes: “Maybe, paradoxically, the advantage he had played against him and condemned him to mediocrity.” Without patience for the theatre of magic, Chans limits himself to drawing handkerchiefs from wine glasses, and things of that sort.

It would not be unfair to read El mago as an allegory for the career of Aira himself: of someone who has the gift of writing but for whom the most deeply rooted conventions of the profession seem meaningless. Just like Hans Chans, the author is aware of his gift. Aira is affable and courteous, but he is far from being modest. (Modesty, faked or not, is another convention of the profession.) About the manuscript he asked to take back from Galerna in 1969, he said: “It was better than anything else that was published at the time.”

He has never been afraid to throw darts at other writers. When we spoke, he was disdainful of Roberto Bolaño, saying he had read only one novel by the Chilean author, which he found “terrible”. Aira also said that the great Argentine novelist Juan José Saer had once warmed to him, when he was young and starting out, but then became envious when Aira started getting more attention. In 1981, shortly before Moreira was finally published, Aira wrote an essay titled Novela argentina: nada más que una idea (The Argentine Novel: Nothing But an Idea), which mounts a general attack on literature of the period. The essay begins:

The current Argentine novel, beyond a doubt, is a stunted, ill-fated species. In general terms, what defines a poor novelistic product is the poor use, crude and opportunistic, of the available mythical-social material. In other words, the meanings that dictate how a society lives at a given historical moment. But the literary transposition of a reality demands the existence of a very exact passion: that of literature. And a rapid, provisional survey, not at all exhaustive, of Argentine novelists reveals that they have not read deeply, and show a complete absence of that passion along with its epiphenomenon, talent.

Aira, who had not even published a novel at that time, sticks his scalpel swiftly and mercilessly into a series of authors, most of whom have been more or less forgotten. The essay, though, is remembered these days for Aira’s attack on Ricardo Piglia, who, until his death in 2017, was a kind of public rival to Aira, at least in terms of the very different literary forms they espoused.

Pauls linked Aira’s attacks at the start of his career to his ambition to reconfigure the Argentine novel. “When he emerges in the literary environment, he knows perfectly well the writers he has to tussle with,” he said. For Pauls, Aira disturbed the paradigm of a certain progressive Argentinian literature, a literature of the left, very masculine and politically committed. “Something that literary school could not stand, for example, was a certain kind of work with frivolity, with the banal, with the superficial,” Pauls said.

Aira’s style crystallised very early on. Even if Moreira is not at the level of his next books, there is no clear sense of progression in Aira’s trajectory. Maybe for that reason, none of the readers could point to a favourite work.

Aira said he will have two new novelitas ready soon. He said he plans to give one to Ríos and the other to Garamona. “And now I’ve been thinking, because one of them came out better than the other, more imaginative – who will I give that one to?” he said, laughing.

Aira rejects great theorising about his decision to give away books free or publish the majority with small publishing houses. “His form of publishing is part of his poetics, his resistance to editorial capitalism, his punk attitude,” Gaeb said.

Contreras classified the hyperproduction of little books for small publishers as an aesthetic decision. “Something like: it’s enough for a tale to be imagined to make it necessary to publish,” she said. “There is also a fascination for the book as a unique object.”

Pauls said he interprets this decision as an avant garde way of thinking: “If the kind of literature I make is never going to have hundreds of thousands of readers, what happens if I inundate the market with books?”

When Aira was asked if he was edited nowadays, first he said that “nobody revises anything”. Then he conceded that Ríos sometimes makes one comment or another. Ríos corroborated this, but found it hard to define the exact nature of his comments, and he made it clear that they weren’t about anything structural. Contreras said that in her day, she at most corrected the odd typo.

Garamona laughed at the notion of editing or revising a text by Aira. “He has written since he was a teenager without stopping, and has such a mastery of form and content that in the end there isn’t much left to do,” he said. “You just have to pick it up, make a good cover with a pretty design, correct two or three errata.”

Los hombrecitos con sobretodo (The Little Men in Overcoats) is the title of the novel Aira defined as the most imaginative of the two he recently finished. “What happens is that here in the neighbourhood, two blocks away, where the fire station is located, men pop out at night,” he said. “At midnight they come popping out of the ceiling. Little men suddenly appear like that, really tiny men, they all wear overcoats. And at night, I go and watch them.”

He spoke as if he were beginning a fairytale. The low, tremulous voice transiting between fine irony and rapture; the sense of humour; the erudition; the sedentary life in a dark house in the neighbourhood where he’d lived for decades, from which he generates cosmopolitan, compact stories full of metafictional layers – all of it reminds us a bit of Jorge Luis Borges.

For an Argentinian, to say a great local writer seems like or is influenced by Borges must sound absurdly lazy. But both authors start their brief, densely packed books with literary anecdotes or memories written in crisp prose. In the works of both, there are frequent essayistic digressions. Both persistently turn to the literary technique of ekphrasis. There are metafictional and metaliterary games, references to other works.

The main difference is perhaps in the intensity and direction of the narrative swerves, and Aira’s greater comfort with pop culture and genre literature. Whereas a story by Borges might take up a lost 19th-century Persian manuscript, a novel by Aira might locate it behind the balcony of a McDonald’s in Flores, pored over by an adolescent with an acne problem.

Borges was almost infantile in his complete dedication as a reader, distant from the mundane hustle and bustle of the world. Nobody had anything substantial to say about Aira’s private life either. “He likes to drink coffee and talk about literature,” Ríos said. Gaeb said that Aira sometimes seems to get along better with children. (In fact, the person about whom Aira spoke with the greatest passion, albeit briefly, was Arturito, his only grandson.)

Strafacce, his friend for more than 20 years, said he found it easier to explain what Aira doesn’t talk about. “We’re used to not speaking about politics because I’m Trotskyist,” he said. “And César is not.”

It was the week of the second round of the presidential election. A few days later, the Peronist Sergio Massa, a member of the centre-left governing coalition at the time, would be defeated by the far-right Javier Milei. “Milei is worse than Bolsonaro,” said Aira, in his only comment about politics.

That day, before going to the cafe, Aira passed through the Museo Barrio de Flores. Earlier, he had been irritated at a package from one of his foreign publishers: a box containing copies of one of his novels in Dutch translation. “They keep sending me those here,” he complained, as if sending books to the author himself were a kind of gaffe. Aira handles books with the avidity of a collector. He was mesmerised for a good while that afternoon by an edition of the French author Raymond Roussel, one of his surrealist idols, and he showed us a little purple box the size of a pack of cigarettes: a tiny special edition the Biblioteca Nacional had made of El ilustre mago (The Famous Magician), another novel of his. But for some reason, he wanted to rid himself of the box with the Dutch edition.

The Museo Barrio de Flores does exactly what its name suggests, displaying all kinds of memorabilia – old calculators and radios, paintings, newspaper clippings, political propaganda – related in some way to famous inhabitants of the neighbourhood. The definition of “famous” is broad, ranging from Perón – who lived there with his first wife – to the two preteen nieces of the museum’s director, who created a children’s library during the pandemic and appeared on the front page of the newspaper Clarín. Aira seemed at ease there. His name occupies one of the steps on the staircase by the front door. On the step above is the name of the great writer Roberto Arlt; on the one below, an advertisement for a real-estate broker.

Aira left the box of books with an employee and continued through the museum. At one point he dwelt on a framed letter written by Pope Francis, another former inhabitant of the neighbourhood. “Did you see how pretty the pope’s handwriting is? They don’t teach that in school any more, no.” He went to another room, where there was a showcase with some of Aira’s books.

When he opened the door, there was a group of ladies sitting around a big table. A class was in session. They all smiled pleasantly, focusing their attention on the author. Only the instructor of the course seemed to be younger than 65.

“What is the name of the little plane that flies near the ground?” one of the ladies asked.

“The what?” said Aira.

“The little plane,” the lady repeated, with a certain impatience, lowering her open palm toward the floor. “The one that flies near the ground.”

For a while, everyone stared at Aira, waiting for an answer. “An unexpected question,” joked the instructor awkwardly.

Aira shrugged, and we went to the corner to look at his showcase.

✔ This is an edited version of César Aira’s Magic, published in the Dial. The article originally appeared in the Brazilian magazine Piauí

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

#just for books #César Aira #Portrait

7 notes · View notes

foster-the-world · 7 months ago

Text

Funny baby boy things

Baby boy loves learning Spanish words. I dont know Spanish so often look up words on my phone. This morning he was in my room while I was getting dressed. He says “Mom how do you say boobies in Spanish. Ask your phone.” Then proceeds to take my phone and ask Siri.

Last night at the schools monthly literacy night dinner they had Harlem Magic Masters - a DJ and three basketball players who do tricks and entertain the crowd. They were very good. The kids loved them. At the beginning they did a dance contest. Baby boy went up by himself and the crowd went wild because he’s perfect. If anyone ever questioned if he has ADHD (they don’t) his dancing would prove it. It’s rapid fire movement with some break dancing thrown in. When announcing the winners they called one older girl up to give her a hat. Quincy then walks himself right up there, stands in front of him and puts his hand up. So freakin cute. Not sure who the real winner was but they couldn’t really say no. He was very happy with his baseball hat. The third winner was his little best friend who was also thrilled beyond believe. Rebel also won a ball catching contest - along with her sweet classmate. Bee was not happy to be the only non winner but all of the kids got free books from scholastic book fair stock so she was appeased. She chose one of the Harry Potter books we haven’t gotten to, yet.

Need to get through PTA meeting tonight and then finish packing for our early flight to London.

Managed to secure 75 free chick-fil- meals for teacher appreciation week. Our local restaurant does not have any homophobic policies and we aren’t actually giving them any money - so I figure it’s okay. Also got about $250 in gift cards to stack a dessert/drink snack cart we will deliver to each class. And a local bagel shop gives 75 bagels every year. Starbucks donated coffee - so we will have a nice breakfast.

Yesterday the Principals friend told her about a 70k capital improvement grant due tmrw. At first I said I couldn’t get it together. Then started thinking about how we could make our family room/meeting classroom so much better. I managed to get the whole application done at work today. My husband checked for grammar and said you could not tell it was done in only 1-2 hours. It certainly wasn’t perfect but I’m glad I took the time. I felt kind of bad but did not have the time/energy to send around to other exec team members for feedback. I figure it was worse to ask for advice and then ignore it then to just not ask. I didn’t want it hanging over my head tonight. I did tell the other members I was applying. Now it’s submitted- worse they can do is say no.

14 notes · View notes

rosavulpes · 9 months ago

Text

It had been quite some time since he'd first disembarked from Captain Beidou's ship , and set foot on Inazuma's shores .

When he had initially left Liyue for Inazuma he'd done so with the sole intention of only going for the sake of better understanding what products he could obtain through Inazuma that could help benefit his patients in Liyue before he'd commit to placing large delivery orders through the Adventurer's commission for stock going forwards .

He'd only expected to remain in the island nation for about a month or so at the very most .

He'd gone intending to only be a tourist , nothing more than that ... and yet fate had something else in store for him . It had seen Shuichi actively take part in a war , and conflict that he initially had little regard for . Forced to , none other by the island's reigning deity . The Raiden Shogun , the Electro Archon herself .

Even face her in battle .

With a smile as he thought back to how her voice , when he'd first been brought before her had been laced with a combination of stern authority , and electrifying power was now reading daintily a storybook to a group of children ? He had to stifle a chuckle .

Smiling instead he as closed his eyes to listen to her speak .

The day was bright , cloudy but still sunny . The horizon , ever visible from the nations capital looking clear . The smell of the sea always so close by , and as Ei finished reading her storybook ? Shuichi would be the first to begin clapping in appreciation , the children all following soon afterwards with the rest of the adults .

He wondered if she'd be upset that he'd tricked her into coming here to read to the children ? Or rather , tricking the Shogun into fetching Ei for him as he knew that it would be best for Ei to read to them , as the Shogun would more than likely not understand the emotional reasoning for him wanting Ei to be the one to do it .

He'd arranged for this to happen through the local schools , who'd been struggling as of late to accommodate the children that they'd been entrusted to take in .

These last few years , had been about steadily rebuilding Inazuma .

The Shogun of course , had been excellently assisting Ei in carrying out that thus far . Politics , economics , international relations . From observing how the Shogun operated , he could tell that it had no difficulties with such tasks . However ... when it came to helping rebuild the nation's wounded heart , it's spirit ? That was something only Ei could do .

While there were certain topics he'd been gradually , and appropriately conversing with her as well such as convincing her to repeal the Sakoku Decree . Despite the strides they'd made thus far, he hoped that such progress would continue

As the children all rose to follow their teacher , he'd motion for them to follow one of the soldiers stationed by to join them for lunch inside of the Tenshukaku .

He'd have to remember to send a few servings of fried tofu to Ms. Miko as his way of showing thanks in regards to hinting at what he needed to say to convince the Shogun . Hopefully those serving would keep her in a good mood when he'd propose his idea of taking the children up to see the sacred sakura tree as a field trip .

" You truly do have such a lovely voice . I'm grateful you took the time out of your busy schedule today for this , Lady Ei . I'm certain that the children appreciated being able to hear it just as much as I did "

He was teasing a bit there no different than what he'd seen Ms. Miko do , but as he opened his eyes to greet hers he would offer a genuine smile , and bow of his head in thanks .

" ... Even if they seem small . Acts such as this help reaffirm the people's commitment to you . Especially , when the children , those that come after us , are able to see the real you . Not just hear of you as the Deity of Inazuma . Speaking of which ... would you happen to have some free time later on tonight . I'd like to talk to you about something in private "

@grislyintentions

#ooc. this isn't overtly a valentine's day thing #ooc. but something I wanted to do in the spirit of it !#ic. shuichi minamino #ooc. it probably won't be long

11 notes · View notes

kaleidoscopek9 · 2 years ago

Note

I have been excitedly reading through all the punk AU content I am in love with the world and story you've been creating~!

in hopes of balancing out some of the angst of Moon and Sun being locked in capitalism, I come offering thoughts of my tour bus driver Y/N. despite being under management's thumb, they do try their best to make sure the punk stars have some comfort in their traveling lives~ picking up plushies during restocks and playing old timey record music while on the road for Moon, has gotten Sun a couple different fidget toys plus some succulent rescues from gas stations

but also whenever talking over walkie talkie, they have just. a collection of code phrases decided on with Sun and Moon linked to previous experiences but mean nothing out of context. e.g.,: code waffle iron = flat tyre on the tour bus; code paint hazard = winding and icy road ahead; code hidey hole = spotted a fan that's close with the boys trying to sneak on the bus, leaving it open to Sun/Moon what they want done (they probably stock part of the bus with extra food and water on the rare chance of giving someone a lift somewhere) - @clxckwork-sun-n-moon

Oh my gosh the boys would be very appreciative of all the little things y/n would get them. I’d love to imagine Moon straight up denying that he likes plushies when y/n would hold out one they’d bought for him, but later y/n would find it tucked up on one of the cushions of the beat-up couches on the bus, right next to Moon’s bass.

And omg Sun would abuse the hell out of that secret code system. He would try to come up with a combination of words every chance he’d get, to the point where he would sound like he’d have a screw loose when he would try stringing them together into a sentence, lol. Just a total mish-mash of words that would make zero sense to anyone but him. And then look offended when Moon or y/n would ask him what it all meant, because “omg, OBVIOUSLY it means: “

#I’m sure this y/n would make the punk’s lives a whole lot less miserable #they’d probably want to take breaks in the bus rather than in the stage’s studio rooms #punk! sun & moon #ask k9

60 notes · View notes

inundatae · 1 year ago

Note

in truth, kaveh had been in fontaine some time before he makes it to the capital.

once the waters abated and it was safe to traverse there he was, terrified to have lost yet another parent to circumstances far beyond his control (beyond simple encouragement to pursue a dream, the weight of which no different to him than had he killed them with his own two hands). faranak had managed to get word to him well before he reached the city that she was fine, her husband was fine, and so were his two young half-sisters.

so instead of rushing ahead, he backtracked.. still intent on reaching them, but no longer wearing blinders.

assisting with rescue efforts and taking stock of the wreckage. the larger settlements were fine - though the death toll was nothing to sneeze at. poisson and the fortress had acted fast, but in a divine flood - no one is fast enough to save everyone.

the best they could do was honor the dead and rebuild. and so he did, working in the coastal towns to help where he could. mehrak could scarcely keep up with the plans he was throwing out, feverishly drafting the most comforting structures he could when he knew they had to house so many. materials were lacking and it wasn't as if he were ever flush with mora, but soon enough the people had something resembling a home. shelter to sleep in. something to cook on. temporary, at least, with the promise he'd be back. they wouldn't be forgotten.

by the time the missive comes from the iudex himself (communicated by lesser lord kusanali in his dreams) he is nearly at the city. he is tired, bruised, and feels nearing a limit even he hadn't realized he'd had - but the words are reinvigorating.

now a week and change later, here they are. watching the people come together to repair their home... he had been right there with them up until a few days ago, when a piece of particularly unstable ground gave way and he'd ended up with fractures in several different places.

so now he plays foreman rather than jack of all trades. it's different to appreciate the view here, and it warms his tired soul.

the heavy footsteps of the nation's new leader briefly pull his attention away. kaveh glances at him with a smile, then returns his gaze to the construction. noble and peasant alike, working together.

"you know..." his expression is soft, as though there were no greater joy to be found.

"it's beautiful what can be set aside in the face of disaster. i think... humanity is at its best in moments like this. which may be kind of tragic, but i think... i think it's beautiful. what strength can be found in others, how you can pool what little you have left to give with each other, suddenly finding there's more than enough to go around now... somehow making it all work when all else fails."

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚��𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 if only in the most perfunctory sense. For all that Neuvillette has never needed to consider the mending of flesh and the convalescence required to recover one's health, he has at least witnessed the various maladies that have afflicted the mortal children of Egeria. It is a testament to their will, how quickly they recover when given enough time, how close to recovery they achieve as well.

How could such fragile creatures carry such strength within their hearts?

He takes this strength for granted as he does with much with the human world. It is only in the aftermath of his nation’s recovery efforts that he begins to realize their resilience. A prophecy come and gone, the realization of a fate ordained to be their end and yet they’d survived for the love of a goddess had been all consuming, all sacrificing. Her belief in her people so unwavering. He’s known for a long time now that the people of Fontaine will continue on, that Focalors’ sacrifice will not be for nothing.

Rebuilding a nation is not unlike the mending of a body. While his knowledge of healing is textbook, gleaned between the pages of medical journals and the like, he sees the theory in practice in real time, with every shattered stone replaced, every water-damaged support torn down and rebuilt. Human resilience, he marvels as he walks through streets still in the midst of reconstruction. With so many hands busy at work and others who’ve adapted a policy to return to a state as near normal as they can by reopening Fontaine’s familiar shops and venues, he finds himself half caught between and world that is familiar and one that is forming into something entirely new.

Much of the change that is slowly starting to take form can be attributed to the youth he spies down the street, seemingly too engrossed with whatever plans he has spread across a makeshift table to notice his presence. Until he speaks. Neuvillette masks his surprise with ease, but finds himself rearranging his impression of the young man already.

“It is one way to view matters.” Beauty in the face of tragedy. Focalors may have promised her people a new beginning and he himself had blessed the people of Fontaine with rebirth, but in the end, was it not through the united efforts of humanity to prove themselves? His judgement has been rendered, but the passage of time can only ever promise more trials in the future. What they work together for now is but proof of such. “There are those who view themselves separate from humans who have little faith in their ability. And perhaps the more cynical of your kind would view that it should be unnecessary that it should take tragedy for long standing hatreds and resentments to be put aside. I would daresay that it would only take a handful of months before such rivalries resume again. But… I admit, there is something that is inspiring in all this.”

He stands with both hands wrapped around his cane as he examines the youth, an expert in architecture come all the way from Sumeru. How providential it’d been to learn that this Kaveh was already within the borders of Fontaine when he’d sent the request to their neighbouring nation. But his mouth tugs into an almost imperceptible frown now that he has settled next to young man. “You are injured.” / @polychromae

#polychromae #❛ㅤ⚜ㅤㅤㅤ✦ㅤ:ㅤrise from the soundless deepㅤㅤ◟ㅤmainㅤ◝#❛ㅤ⚜ㅤㅤㅤ✦ㅤ:ㅤunto a serene seaㅤㅤ◟ㅤicㅤ◝#long post

4 notes · View notes

nameless-brand · 2 years ago

Text

Pinned Post:

Sato / 18 / she/her. I have moved on past an MS paint icon to a photo of myself.

Owner of an enterprise originating from New Jersey trying to get said company settled into where the Nameless City used to be, now called Gotham.

First thing that greeted me was some ugly Gothic tower from a big-shot company planted right where I died.

Rude.

Anyway, it's been an utter pain in the butt.

----

OOC:

Sato finally gets her own Tunglr blog. Only took the timeline to break to do so. This is the "A Lilium At the End of the World " timeline!

She's the only one that remembers the "Dream's Descent" timeline, given her identity as < Myriad Lights >.

The Dream doesn't exist here because in their first confrontation / the Dream's betrayal, Sato sacrifices her Spark of Godhood to banish it for good. She dies afterwards but not before she manages to set up contingences.

As a result, there's quite a few changes in the new timeline.

No gods, no masters.

-------

Law

No password.

Common decency applies. Don’t do something that you wouldn’t appreciate being done to yourself. We’re all here to have fun.

No sexual NSFW things here or any of my other blogs. Not really my thing.

Multi-fandom and crossover friendly. OC Friendly.

I am Hika / Lilac. I am an adult!

If you need things tagged, please tell me so I can do so. I will try to preemptively tag for common triggers, but I can’t account for everything.

Given this is an in-character blog, most posts will be short. However, face-to-face will likely be multi-para length.

As I'm double-downing on the Gotham setting, Sato will not know Bruce Wayne is Batman and in fact will be highly resistant to the idea. To her, it's like hearing Elon Musk declaring he's Batman (not to mention other rich people claiming to know or assist the superhero). She doesn't particularly care about supervillainry and superheroism beyond it hurting her bottom line as she's a mostly normal person now.

------

Name: Sato

Moniker: koi, Myriad Lights

Age: 18

Pronouns: She/her

Personality: Determined, she's always been determined. Sure, she's a bit of a ditz and a blabbermouth - okay, more than a bit, but she's always been sincere. Her desires, her dealings with people, her affection.

She still thinks people can be better and be happy, so long as they have the environment to do so.

Problem is she's living in a world in late-stage capitalism, where companies, now giant insatiable organisms of their own, try and grow uncontrollably with no one to check and balance them out. It was like that in the prior world too, but it was so much worse here.

Of course, she already has a lot going on like trying to find her friend who is off god knows where, not to mention the others who are probably living very different lives in this new timeline. And now she has to tackle an enormous societal problem that encompasses the world?

Well, she'd know Levant would want her to do it. And the other factor is that she maaaaay have accidentally blown herself up in a fit of fury against the Dream, so she isn't really a Goddess anymore. But she could still accumulate Faith - and with it, she'll be able to do something to help save Levant when the opportunity reveals itself.

Furthermore, she needs to find the rest of the Nameless Church somehow. Find Lillian - or is it Chi again - especially - Lev would want that. She suspects Mirielle and Sasha escaped the timeline. Well, she knows. She had to literally push Mirielle out of the timeline before she strained it further trying to save her.

In any case, the best way to achieve her goals was to make a massive company on her own - money and resources to find the Nameless Church and Faith to gain the power to find Levant. She knows what major stocks will get big - she also knows all the market trends like Crypto and NFTs - and knows what to avoid too like Mt. Gox and Enron. And while she's at it, she'll be doing something about that rampant capitalism destroying people's lives thing.

If she can't kill it from the outside (without inciting mass deaths anyway), she could try to do it from the inside instead. No, she doesn't have a plan. She doesn't even know how to run a company, but she can learn.

What better way to gather Faith is to have a whole bunch of people grateful to you for providing a decent livelihood in this world?

Appearance:

#my only picture of sato is a sketch of her in Levant's jacket asffaf #Visibly Lawful Good #More Chaotic Neutral with a side of breaking society and watching it go out in a controlled burn.

8 notes · View notes

dakota-lynn · 2 years ago

Video

youtube

Best Gold Investment Organizations To Consider

Gold is becoming one of the most sought after investments because of its properties giving a place of refuge to your reserve funds in a non-monetary cordial market climate. Gold likewise gives adequate confirmation to the future since it is viewed as a steady investment by market experts and financial specialists. Gold is one of the more appealing investments in the valuable metals classification. Gold is viewed as one of the more essential investments in valuable metals for its oxidation resistant properties and warming safeguard. Many investing learn more organizations permit you to buy common finances that exclusively incorporate gold. Whether you are thinking about buying bars, coins, ETFs, ETNs, gold stock or one more kind of investment, here are the absolute best gold investment organizations to consider while choosing whether the gleaming component ought to enhance your portfolio.

1. Blanchard - one of the most regarded gold investment organizations in the US, Blanchard furnishes clients with the investing apparatuses needed in the valuable metal commercial center. Blanchard is an innovator in valuable metals news, counseling for bullion coins, rarities and pattern examination as well as a demonstrated record of giving investors magnificent gold investments that convey beneficial and monetarily sound returns.

2. Tocqueville - one of the gold investment organizations with a goal and an enthusiasm for long haul capital appreciation, Tocqueville accepts its gold asset in any portfolio will forestall and balance gambles with that might happen. With more than 80% of its resources in gold, the Tocqueville Gold Asset, known as TGLDX, makes an extraordinary retirement fund during unfavorable economic situations and safeguards portfolios against a hurricane of expansion and money depreciation.

3. First Hawk - a forerunner in quite a while, this investment organization gives one of the most mind-blowing gold investment reserves known as SGGDX, zeroing in its resolved to gold explicitly. Holding significant measures of bullion inside, the Primary Falcon Gold Asset is intended for the gold investors and is one of the immense qualities of this investment organization. First Hawk's only liability is to guarantee that the gold inside the common assets is of high worth, as they search out gold in the bear stage.

4. Gamco - having some expertise in various assets, Gamco is headed to broaden the investor's portfolio with their gold asset, which offers remarkable benefit over the long haul. In the beyond 15 years, the Gamco gold asset has consistently kept a consistent yearly return of 9.31%. With the Gamco gold asset, expansion is the great key to productivity and excellent portfolio detailing.

5. Franklin Templeton - offering a tremendous measure of common assets, including the Franklin Gold and Valuable Metals Asset, Franklin Templeton accepts clients will acquire from their reputation, counseling expertise and interesting organization viewpoint. The Franklin Gold and Valuable Metals Asset places its solidarity in 80% of gold and valuable metals working organizations and companies. A non-enhanced reserve, the Franklin Gold and Valuable Metals Asset, frequently will invest in organizations notwithstanding market capitalization.

#youtube

10 notes · View notes

anotherannoyingfeminist · 2 years ago

Video

How to Select the Gold Fund

Gold funds are fund of funds scheme that invest in gold exchange traded funds. Their hidden scheme invests in gold ETFs and depend on investments straightforwardly connected to gold costs. Putting resources into an asset without click here purchasing it in its physical form is useful. As the fundamental asset is held as physical gold, its worth is straightforwardly dependent on the cost of gold.

Gold shared funds are unconditional investments; the units offered depend on the units offered by the gold Exchange Traded Fund.

In India, the basic role of gold funds is to diversification of portfolio and assist in reducing with marketing risk.

To select the best gold funds, an investor ought to consider the accompanying:

Taxability:

Investments in gold common funds for over 3 years are viewed as long-term. The LTCG on gold is charged at a 20% rate with indexation benefit (plus overcharge, if any, and cess), while momentary capital increases (STCG) are charged at the proper the section rate relevant to the investor.

Adaptable investment sum: In India, Gold funds offer greater convenience than physical gold as it permits investors to purchase any sum according to their necessity. An investor can invest either through a singular amount sum or through a Taste according to her/his convenience. Consequently, consider your investment goals before making the investment.

Comparison with comparative funds: To invest in the best gold fund, an investor ought to look at the profits that the gold shared fund has offered as compared to physical gold.

Additionally, one ought to compare the typical returns and cost proportions of other gold common funds because the low cost proportion will get you more significant yields. Survey the consistency of fund execution to select a gold fund in 2021.

Liquidity: Gold ETFs in India appreciate high liquidity and can be effortlessly traded in the stock exchange at the overarching cost.

Diversify investment portfolio: Starting around 2021, Gold shared funds in India are a wise investment choice to diversify one's investment portfolio and reduce generally speaking market risk.

#youtube

14 notes · View notes

amgarden · 1 year ago

Text

Plots For Sale in Lahore

Financing in real estate is a lucrative experience, and Lahore, Pakistan’s vibrant cultural capital, offers excellent property investment opportunities. Among the options available, plots for sale in Lahore stand out as a popular choice for investors seeking long-term growth and high returns. This article will delve into the essential aspects of buying plots in Lahore, exploring the benefits, factors to consider, best areas, and valuable tips for successful real estate investments.

Plots for Sale in Lahore 2023

Plots for sale refer to vacant land areas for purchase to develop residential or commercial properties. Lahore, a major economic and cultural hub, presents many options for potential buyers looking to invest in such land.

Plots for Sale in AM Garden Lahore

Are you looking to invest in real estate in Lahore? Look no further than AM Garden, where you can find a range of plots for sale to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for 3-Marla or 5-Marla plots, AM Garden has options that meet your requirements. With its excellent location and outstanding amenities, this residential project is the perfect choice for those seeking a balanced mix of modern living and affordability.

The 3 Marla plots offer the right space for smaller families or individuals who prefer a compact living arrangement. These plots are designed considering the needs of urban dwellers who desire comfort and functionality within a limited area. With well-planned layouts and efficient space utilization, these plots provide ample room to build your dream home without compromising quality or style.

The Benefits of Investing in Plots

Long-Term Investment

Investing in plots offers the advantage of being a long-term investment. While property prices may experience fluctuations, the value of land tends to appreciate over time, ensuring a stable and profitable investment in the future.

Flexibility in Construction

Buyers can design and construct buildings according to their preferences and needs when purchasing a plot. This flexibility allows for personalized constructions that cater to the target market’s demands.

Potential for High Returns

Lahore’s real estate market has witnessed significant growth over the years, and plots have shown the potential for delivering high returns on investment. As the city continues to develop, the value of well-located plots tends to increase substantially.

Diversification of Portfolio

Including plots in an investment portfolio helps diversify risk. Real estate investments, especially in Lahore, have historically demonstrated a lower correlation with traditional stock markets, making them an ideal addition to a well-balanced investment strategy.

Factors to Consider When Buying Plots in Lahore

Location

The area of the plot plays a vital role in determining its future value and demand. Plots in prime areas with easy access to essential amenities and business centers tend to have higher appreciation potential.

Infrastructure Development

Infrastructure development, such as roads, schools, hospitals, and shopping centers, significantly impacts the value of a plot. Areas with ongoing or planned infrastructure projects will likely attract more buyers and experience rapid growth.

Legal Documentation

Before making a purchase, verifying the plot’s legal documents is imperative. Buyers must ensure the plot is free from legal disputes and has clear ownership rights.

Surrounding Amenities

Proximity to amenities like parks, recreational areas, and public transportation adds value to the plot and makes it more attractive to potential buyers or tenants.

Future Growth Prospects

Researching the future growth prospects of the area is vital. Plots in developing or upcoming regions hold a higher potential for appreciation than already saturated areas.

Tips for a Successful Real Estate Investment

Conduct Thorough Research

Knowledge is key in real estate investment. Conduct extensive research on the market, prevailing property rates, and future growth prospects.

Set a Budget

Establish a clear budget and stick to it. Avoid overspending or getting lured into unaffordable investments.

Consult with Real Estate Agents

Seek advice from experienced real estate agents who thoroughly understand the local market.

Check Legalities Carefully

Always verify the legal status of the plot and associated documentation to avoid any legal complications later.

Monitor Market Trends

Stay updated on the latest market trends and make informed decisions accordingly.

Be Patient and Don’t Rush

Real estate investments may take time to yield significant returns. Be patient and avoid hasty decisions.

Conclusion

Investing in plots for sale in Lahore offers a promising opportunity for individuals seeking secure and rewarding long-term investments. With its diverse localities and growing economy, Lahore attracts investors from all walks of life. Investors can make wise choices and benefit from the city’s thriving real estate market by considering essential factors such as location, infrastructure, and prospects.

FAQs

Are plots a good investment option in Lahore?

Plots are a favorable investment option in Lahore due to their potential for long-term appreciation and diversification benefits.

What is the average cost of plots in Lahore?

The cost of plots in Lahore varies depending on the location, size, and surrounding amenities. Generally, prices range from affordable to high-end, catering to many investors.

Can foreigners buy plots in Lahore?

Nonresident foreigners can buy plots in Lahore, subject to certain regulations and restrictions.

How can I verify the legality of the plot’s documents?

To verify the legality of the plot’s documents, consult a reputable lawyer or legal expert who can thoroughly examine the paperwork and ensure its authenticity.8.5. Is Lahore a safe city for real estate investment?

Lahore is considered a relatively safe city for real estate investment. Still, like any investment, it is essential to conduct due diligence and choose the location wisely. Always consult with professionals before making any investment decisions.

#property #plots for sale #property investment #realestate #low cost housng society

2 notes · View notes

coeursetcolores · 1 year ago

Text

Tressa, the Merchant: Chapter 2

WARNING! Spoilers ahead for Chapter 2 of Tressa’s story in Octopath Traveler!

Okay, time to get down to business! Literally!

We’re lookin’ for gold! ...Or anything else that could sell! Not picky! Our girl Tressa can sell anything!

Following the diary, we ended up in Quarrycrest, a mining town going through a gold rush. Instead of gold, however, we found ourselves a rival. Who needs to think of a different nickname. Don’t get upset Tress, your hat is way better than his.

Aaaaaaand there’s a rich person, so we know who the bad guy is.

It’s really cool to watch Tressa work outside of path actions. Watching her set up shop and sell her stock really shows off how good she is at her job. Knowing she’s only going to get better really gives me something to look forward to.

For my thoughts on Quarrycrest, refer to the previous review.

I also appreciate the rivalry between Tressa and Ali: it’s good-natured and neither one of them do anything really bad to the other to get ahead. Ali doesn’t really do anything uncommon in the marketing world and just understands how to get people to buy things better than Tressa does right now. He’s manipulative, but in a way that’s just basic sales tactic. Sorry honey, this is the world of business. You gotta be ready to go up against sweet talkers who work against your prices.

Ali’s a pretty good rival character: teasing, but not too arrogant. Him and Tressa have a common ground and can hold a civil conversation outside of work. And they share an appreciation for their customers and want to help save them from getting swindled. Unfortunately, if you’re all talk, you’re not gonna last long.

Ali can sell, but Tressa can fight and sell. Point to her. Thankfully she’s nice enough to rescue him (You’d think an experienced traveler in a world populated by monsters and evil scumbags would bring some kind of a weapon).

And time for the true enemy of this game...big business.

I know I’ll probably fight some sort of interdimensional, larval, sexual, tentacled, appeared-out-of-nowhere deity thing at the end, but this seems like the bigger threat to the people here.

What kind of mercenary looks over their employer’s leaf supply? Is Omar getting paid to do that too?

And why did they take Ali with them? They weren’t thinking about selling him before they grabbed him, so why did they need to kidnap him to give him a job offer? They could have just left him or run him out of town, what was the point of taking him hostage? I don’t think kidnapping is a good way to convince people to work for you.

Morlock is everything you expect in a rich villain: greedy, underpays people and loves kicking the dog. He does have a point though: he does own the land. Of course, if he ran the original owner out instead of buying it fairly...

Man, monopolies are evil.

And he didn’t even have the decency to fight me himself. At least he paid to give Omar backup (stupid summon bosses).

Then the coward just folds. Pathetic. Kinda satisfying to see a rich old man and his beefy bodyguard whimpering at the feet of a college-age girl (probably fulfilled a lot of frustrated millennials’ fantasies).

Wait, is the town really just going to let Tressa pick the mayor? I get that she threw Morlock and Omar out, but she’s basically been there for a few hours, I don’t know if she’s qualified to make that kind of decision.

This chapter really sets up what the rest of Tressa’s story’s going to be like. She’s going to learn that while she has her code, others have different ones and she’s going to have to do her best to compete. Honesty is a great policy, but you have to find a way to stand out and make people want to buy from you.

Now let’s see how our other adventurers viewed the cutthroat world of the marketplace.

H’aanit: Local entrepreneur explains capitalism to environmental preservationist, more at 11:00. I’m glad Tressa was able to explain her view of mercantilism to H’aanit so well, I don’t think our fair lady cares that much for people only in it for money.

Cyrus: He is just so good at praising people, I see why he was such a popular teacher! And he’s interested in watching her work, which is perfectly in character for someone who just loves to learn. Even if it’s not his field of interest, he wants to see her process and recognizes she’s a prodigy that deserves his attention.

Primrose: Aww, Big Sister Prim! These two are on complete opposites of the spectrum when it comes to story tone, but they still get along just fine. And I guess if anyone can talk about determination, it’s the woman who’s devoted what’s probably over ten years of her life to avenging her father. Get back on your feet, Tress!

Ophilia: Come on Phili, help her out! It’s just a little pretend! And don’t let him get to you so much, Tressa! Ophilia’s still supporting you! You’ve got the power of the Flame and anime on your side!

Olberic: Did you really think he was gonna stop you? No! Team Dad’s got your back! He just doesn’t want you to go without backup! Let’s go take down a rich guy!

Therion: Dang boy, cold-blooded! And Tressa, don’t insult the entire profession! Thieves are just as capable of being good people as merchants are capable of being bad. Not all of them have your ethics, remember the boss for this chapter? Glad Theri didn’t take it personally, he even gave her a compliment...not that he’ll tell her. Tsunderes.

Alfyn: Oh Alfyn, you simple country boy and your homegrown wisdom...I don’t think you’ll be convincing her anytime soon. Just let her stew a bit, she’ll come around. Maybe if Ali tones down the teasing there might be a chance.

And we’ve got a concluding point for our journey, The Merchant’s Fair! But to get there, we have to find something to sell! Probably wouldn’t look good to try and find something when we get there.

Wonder what we’ll find in Victor’s Hollow? Old championship belt? Antique weapons? More skystones?

Guess we better get to work!

#Octopath Rambler #Tressa Colzione #Chapter Two #Review #Octopath Traveler

2 notes · View notes

stockdog · 2 years ago

Text

A Beginner's Guide to the Stock Market: Demystifying the Basics

Introduction:

Welcome to the exciting world of the stock market! Investing in stocks can be a rewarding venture, but for beginners, it can also be overwhelming. This blog post aims to provide you with a solid foundation and demystify the basics of the stock market, so you can embark on your investment journey with confidence.

What is the Stock Market?

The stock market is a platform where individuals and institutions buy and sell shares of publicly traded companies. It serves as a marketplace for investors to trade stocks and other securities.

Understanding Stocks:

Stocks represent ownership in a company. When you purchase shares of a company's stock, you become a partial owner of that company and may have the right to vote on certain matters and receive dividends.

Types of Stocks:

There are different types of stocks, including common stocks and preferred stocks. Common stocks offer voting rights and the potential for capital appreciation, while preferred stocks provide fixed dividends but limited voting rights.

Setting Investment Goals:

Before diving into the stock market, it's crucial to establish your investment goals. Determine your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial objectives. This will help shape your investment strategy.

Conducting Research:

Thorough research is essential before investing in stocks. Analyze company financials, industry trends, and market conditions. Utilize fundamental analysis to assess a company's performance and technical analysis to study price patterns.

Diversification:

Diversification is a key principle to mitigate risk. Spread your investments across various sectors, industries, and even geographic locations. This helps reduce the impact of individual stock volatility on your overall portfolio.

Investment Vehicles:

There are different ways to invest in stocks, such as individual stock picking, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio, while ETFs are passively managed funds that track specific indices.

Risk Management:

Understand that investing in the stock market involves risks. Educate yourself on risk management techniques such as setting stop-loss orders, understanding market volatility, and staying informed about your investments.

Long-Term Approach:

Stock market investing is best suited for the long term. Avoid making hasty decisions based on short-term market fluctuations. Adopt a patient approach and focus on the underlying fundamentals of the companies you invest in.

Learn from Mistakes:

Investing is a continuous learning process. Embrace the fact that mistakes may happen, but use them as opportunities to learn and refine your investment strategy. Seek knowledge from experienced investors and financial resources.

Conclusion:

As a beginner in the stock market, remember that education and patience are your allies. By understanding the fundamentals, conducting research, diversifying your portfolio, and managing risks, you can embark on a successful investment journey. Stay disciplined, stay informed, and enjoy the rewards of long-term investing in the dynamic world of the stock market.

#beginners #stock management #stockmarket #passiveseinkommen #income #financial markets and investing #investment #maximum #bitcoin news #bitcoin

3 notes · View notes

notfinancialadvice · 3 months ago

Text

Tremendously easy

and fucking dangerous

to forget that economics is attempting to resolve infinite desires with finite resources

(which is to say, if everyone had access to unlimited everything, then we would not have an economy -- everyone would be 100% self sufficient, like actually self sufficient, not "I am cosplaying self sufficiency.")

An economy is regularly displayed by comparing:

Land

Labor

Capital

Which nicely inserts the worker in the middle of utilizing the land and the capital to Produce Something. Every market (stock to grocery) is based on this.

"No one wants to work anymore" is a fantastic way of showing one's entire ass, "I don't appreciate the third leg of an economy."

Every excuse -- "this job is for teenagers, get a roommate" -- etc. is adding a bullshit whine about no longer having more power with two of the above dishes (land, capital) than the third (labor).

"No one wants to work anymore" no one with land and/or capital wants to appreciate the fucking basic rules of economics.

Why is it "no one wants to work anymore"

and not

"my suppliers, an external factor to my employees but still a critical factor to my business, don't want to offer me deep discounts."

Not as short and catchy I guess?

These tawdry penny arcade mother fuckers think they are Henry Frick and are singing Bonnie Tyler's "I Need A Hero" and hoping the Pinkertons rise up, guns blazing.

"I can't afford to pay people more"

Then your business dies

it sucks for you -- I won't take that away from anyone -- it sucks, it objectively sucks.

With gritted teeth I'll shake hands with you on "this can be a challenging funding environment compared to just a few years ago, with interest rates significantly higher than they have been for many, many years"

but that's not the same as

"no one wants to work anymore."

Here's the hard lesson business folks. How the fuck you do not know this is beyond me, but here we are: Being the boss sucks forever on some basic level. The rewards of being the boss must exceed the horrors because if they don't then you would stop being the boss.

which coincidentally

you can do, literally, at any time

and "I don't want to do this, the rewards are not in align with the labor and risk" is the EXACT FUCKING THING YOUR ALLEGED LAZY EMPLOYEES / APPLICANTS ARE SAYING

FIGURE IT THE FUCK OUT OR GO OUT OF BUSINESS AND THEN GET IN LINE WITH EVERYONE ELSE LOOKING FOR A JOB

THIS ISN'T ROCKET SURGERY

"FIGURE IT THE FUCK OUT" IS YOUR CHIEF RESPONSIBILITY AS A BOSS

THIS ISN'T NEWS

THIS IS YOUR LITERAL JOB DESCRIPTION AS THE BOSS

And now

I'm going to go read monster erotica for an hour

and then prepare for a late night client meeting

in which

I must tell someone the above

in softer language, maybe

i am considering just sending them this post

To close out this post, here is one of the best renditions of aforementioned I Need a Hero

youtube

I feel like a good shorthand for a lot of economics arguments is "if you want people to work minimum wage jobs in your city, you need to allow minimum wage apartments for them to live in."

"These jobs are just for teenagers on the weekends." Okay, so you'll use minimum wage services only on the weekends and after school. No McDonald's or Starbucks on your lunch break.

"They can get a roommate." For a one bedroom? A roommate for a one bedroom? Or a studio? Do you have a roommate to get a middle-wage apartment for your middle-wage job? No? Why should they?

"They can live farther from city center and just commute." Are there ways for them to commute that don't equate to that rent? Living in an outer borough might work in NYC, where public transport is a flat rate, but a city in Texas requires a car. Does the money saved in rent equal the money spent on the car loan, the insurance, the gas? Remember, if you want people to take the bus or a bike, the bus needs to be reliable and the bike lanes survivable.

If you want minimum wage workers to be around for you to rely on, then those minimum wage workers need a place to stay.

You either raise the minimum wage, or you drop the rent. There's only so long you can keep rents high and wages low before your workforce leaves for cheaper pastures.

"Nobody wants to work anymore" doesn't hold water if the reason nobody applies is because the commute is impossible at the wage you provide.

#Youtube

112K notes · View notes

instantbundle · 4 days ago

Text

Best Income-Producing Investments for Long-Term Growth

Introduction: Understanding Income-Producing Investments When it comes to building wealth, one of the most crucial factors is finding the best income-producing investments. These investments provide regular returns in the form of dividends, interest, or rental income, allowing investors to generate passive income while growing their wealth over time.

Best Income-Producing Investments Whether you are a seasoned investor looking to diversify your portfolio or someone just beginning to explore investment opportunities, understanding the right income-generating options is essential. This article will explore some of the best income-producing investments, highlighting their benefits and how they can fit into different financial strategies. 1. Dividend Stocks: Building Wealth with Regular Payouts One of the most popular income-producing investments is dividend stocks. These are shares of companies that regularly distribute a portion of their profits to shareholders. The dividend yield is often expressed as a percentage of the stock’s price, making it an easy way to assess potential returns. Investing in dividend stocks offers multiple benefits: - Steady income: Dividends are typically paid quarterly, providing a predictable stream of cash flow. - Potential for capital appreciation: Many dividend stocks also experience price appreciation, allowing you to benefit from both dividends and stock price growth. - Tax advantages: In some cases, qualified dividends are taxed at a lower rate than regular income. Some top dividend stocks come from stable, well-established companies in sectors like utilities, consumer goods, and healthcare. Investors should aim to focus on dividend aristocrats, which are companies with a track record of increasing their dividends for 25 years or more. 2. Real Estate: Earn Passive Income through Property Real estate has long been considered one of the best income-producing investments. By owning rental properties, investors can generate consistent monthly rental income and potentially enjoy property value appreciation. There are several ways to invest in real estate, each offering unique benefits. a) Direct Real Estate Investment This involves purchasing physical properties such as residential homes, apartment buildings, or commercial spaces. As a property owner, you collect rent from tenants, which becomes your monthly passive income. The key benefits of this type of investment include: - Steady cash flow: Regular rental income is typically reliable, especially in high-demand areas. - Appreciation: Over time, property values can rise, giving you the potential for a significant return on investment (ROI) when you sell. However, owning property directly comes with certain challenges, such as maintenance costs, property taxes, and the need for tenant management. b) Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) If owning physical property isn’t your thing, REITs provide a more hands-off alternative. REITs are companies that own, operate, or finance real estate that produces income. These entities pool capital from investors and use it to invest in a diversified portfolio of real estate. The main advantage of REITs is that they offer liquidity (since they are traded on major exchanges) and typically pay attractive dividends. REITs allow you to invest in real estate without having to manage properties directly, making them ideal for investors who want passive income but lack the time or expertise to manage real estate directly. 3. Bonds: A Safe Way to Earn Fixed Income Bonds are debt securities that allow investors to lend money to corporations or governments in exchange for interest payments. While bonds may not offer the same high returns as stocks or real estate, they are considered low-risk income-producing investments that are perfect for conservative investors. There are several types of bonds to consider, including: - Corporate bonds: Issued by companies to raise capital. - Municipal bonds: Issued by local or state governments, often providing tax-free interest income. - Government bonds: Issued by federal governments, offering a stable income with minimal risk. The main benefit of bonds is the regular interest payments, typically made semi-annually, providing a predictable stream of income. Bonds are also considered safer than stocks, especially government bonds, which makes them attractive to risk-averse investors. 4. Peer-to-Peer Lending: Earning Interest by Lending to Others Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending is a relatively new form of income-producing investment that allows individuals to lend money to other individuals or businesses through online platforms. In return, investors earn interest on the money they lend. Some of the most popular P2P lending platforms include: - LendingClub - Prosper - Funding Circle The appeal of P2P lending is the potential for high interest rates (typically higher than what traditional savings accounts or bonds offer). However, it’s important to note that P2P lending comes with higher risk, as borrowers may default on their loans. To minimize risk, many investors diversify across multiple loans. 5. Rental Income from Vacation Properties Investing in vacation properties has become an increasingly popular option for generating passive income. With platforms like Airbnb, homeowners can rent out their properties to travelers, earning significant income in the process. The benefits of owning a vacation rental property include: - High rental yields: Vacation properties in desirable locations often command higher rental rates compared to traditional rental properties. - Personal use: If the property is located in a destination you enjoy, you can also use it for personal vacations. However, this type of investment requires significant initial capital and involves managing bookings, cleaning, and maintaining the property. Additionally, vacation rentals may face seasonal fluctuations in demand. 6. High-Yield Savings Accounts: Earning Interest with Low Risk A high-yield savings account is a safe and straightforward option for generating passive income. These accounts typically offer much higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, making them ideal for conservative investors looking for low-risk, income-generating opportunities. While the returns are modest, high-yield savings accounts are FDIC-insured, meaning your deposits are protected up to a certain amount. The major advantage of these accounts is the liquidity—you can access your money whenever you need it without penalties. 7. Annuities: Guaranteed Income for the Long Term An annuity is a financial product that provides a guaranteed income stream for a specific period or the rest of your life. Annuities can be particularly useful for retirees who want to ensure they have consistent income during their retirement years. There are different types of annuities to choose from: - Fixed annuities: Provide guaranteed payments at a fixed rate. - Variable annuities: Payments depend on the performance of underlying investments. While annuities provide stability and peace of mind, they can come with fees and terms that may not be suitable for all investors. It’s essential to carefully evaluate the terms before committing to an annuity. 8. Royalties from Intellectual Property If you own intellectual property, such as patents, copyrights, or trademarks, you can earn royalties by licensing your assets to others. This type of income is highly passive, as you collect payments without having to perform much work. For example, musicians, authors, and inventors can earn royalties each time their work is used, sold, or licensed. Investors who own the rights to intellectual property can create long-term passive income streams by leveraging these assets. 9. Farmland: Investing in Agriculture Investing in farmland has become an increasingly attractive way to generate income, especially for those interested in sustainable or agricultural investments. Farmland generates income through both crop sales and land appreciation over time. Investors can purchase farmland directly or invest in agricultural Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) that focus on farmland. The main advantage of farmland is its relatively stable returns, especially if you invest in high-demand crops. However, it also requires significant capital to purchase and maintain. 10. Precious Metals: Hedging Against Inflation Investing in precious metals, like gold, silver, and platinum, can also generate income by offering price appreciation over time. While precious metals don’t offer direct income in the form of dividends or interest, they can be a good hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Some investors generate income from precious metals by selling them at a higher price than they initially paid. Additionally, certain precious metals mining stocks pay dividends, offering income while giving you exposure to metals. Conclusion: Choosing the Best Income-Producing Investment for Your Needs Choosing the best income-producing investments depends on several factors, including your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment timeline. Whether you choose dividend stocks, real estate, bonds, or any of the other options discussed here, the key is to focus on building a diversified portfolio that generates consistent, passive income. As you explore these investment opportunities, remember to conduct thorough research, stay informed about market trends, and align your choices with your long-term financial goals. With the right strategy, you can create a steady stream of income that helps you achieve financial freedom and stability. Start investing today, and enjoy the benefits of passive income for years to come! Read the full article

#income #investments

0 notes