#houses for sale in portugal

[lagoreal]

Contact Lago Real for Exclusive Vilamoura Property for Sale

Vilamoura, one of the Algarve's most prestigious resort destinations, is renowned for its beautiful marina, sandy beaches, and vibrant atmosphere. If you are considering purchasing property in this stunning area, Lago Real is here to help you find the perfect home.

We offer a variety of options, from contemporary villas to stylish apartments. Each property is designed to provide comfort and luxury, making it an ideal choice for both permanent residences and holiday homes. With its proximity to the beach and numerous amenities, Vilamoura is a sought-after location for discerning buyers.

We understand the allure of Vilamoura's lifestyle. Residents can enjoy a range of activities, from sailing and golfing to fine dining and shopping. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you explore the properties available in Vilamoura, ensuring that you find a home that perfectly fits your lifestyle.

If you're looking for Vilamoura property for sale, trust Lago Real to guide you in your search. Let us help you discover your dream home in this beautiful Algarve resort, where luxury and leisure come together seamlessly.

[compassproperty]

Portugal’s real estate market is thriving, making it an ideal destination for those interested in buying houses. With a favourable climate, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere, investing in Algarve Property here is a wise choice. At Compass Property Sales, we understand the complexities of the market and are dedicated to providing you with comprehensive support throughout the buying process. Our team is well-versed in the legalities and financial aspects of purchasing property in Portugal, ensuring a seamless experience. Let us help you explore the diverse neighbourhoods and hidden gems, so you can find a house that perfectly fits your vision for life in this beautiful country.

[livealgarve]

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a home in Europe, Portugal might just be the perfect place. Known for its stunning scenery, laid-back lifestyle, and year-round sunshine, it’s no wonder more and more people are choosing to invest in property here. At Live Algarve, we have a range of beautiful Villas for Sale in Portugal that suit all kinds of budgets and tastes, whether you’re simply buying a property in the Algarve or considering a full move to Portugal.

[eopederson]

"Vende-se - For Sale," Madeira, 2019.

[doyoulikethissong-poll]

Ariana Grande - Yes, And? 2024

"Yes, And?" is a song by American singer Ariana Grande, released on January 12, 2024, as the lead single from her upcoming seventh studio album Eternal Sunshine. Written and produced by Grande, Max Martin and Ilya Salmanzadeh, the song is a house and pop track with ballroom elements. A remix of the song with Mariah Carey was released on February 16, 2024.

The single debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Grande's sixth number-one debut and eighth overall number-one single, as well as her 21st top-ten on the chart. It additionally earned Grande her third number-one single on the Billboard Global 200 chart. "Yes, And?" earned Grande her seventh number one single in Canada. In the UK, it debuted at the runner-up position of the UK Singles Chart on January 19, 2024, marking Grande's 21st top-ten entry in the country. It was the most-streamed track in the UK that week according to the Official Charts Company, as well as being the top selling song of the week, prompting it to debut at number one across all UK singles sales charts. It peaked within the top-five of the singles charts in Ireland, Portugal, France, Norway, and Luxembourg. It debuted at number two on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart, and debuted at number three on the New Zealand Singles Chart. In Latin America, it reached the top-ten in Puerto Rico, Chile, El Salvador and Panama.

"Yes, And?" received a total of 37,9% yes votes.

[steddieas-shegoes]

Request: POLYGLOT STEVE??? WHO SPEAKS FLUENT FRENCH, ITALIAN, KOREAN, POLISH, SPANISH, ENGLISH AND PORTUGUESE??? EDDIE CONSTANTLY BEING FLUSTERED AS HELL HE FINDS IT REALLY HOT THAT STEVE SORAKS SO MANY LANGUAGES AND HE WILL CASUALLY USE THEM IN CONVERSATION????? WITHOUT MEANING TOO???? LIKE HE'LL FORGET A WORD IN ENGLISH & SAY IT ANOTHER LANGUAGE WITHOUT REALIZING????

MY LOVE! OKAY SO LET ME PREFACE BY SAYING I AM A LAZY PIECE OF SHIT WHO DID NOT WANT TO EVEN ATTEMPT GOOGLE TRANSLATE BECAUSE IT IS OFTEN WRONG ANYWAY OKAY. Also, English is my first and only language (damn Americans amirite) and while I did take a year of Spanish and two years of French in high school, my auditory processing is so shit, I can pretty much barely get through an introductory conversation in those languages. But I tried to still make this cute and fun! - Mickala ❤️

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

“Gówno!” Steve exclaimed from the kitchen.

“Everything okay?” Robin yelled from the couch.

Eddie looked at her with wide eyes.

“The fuck did he say?” he asked quietly, not wanting Steve to hear him.

“Shit.”

“No, what did he say?” Eddie asked again.

Robin stared at him, annoyed.

“He said, ‘shit’ in Polish.”

“Steve knows Polish?!”

Robin rolled her eyes and got up to physically check on Steve.

Eddie sat and stewed in this new knowledge.

But this was only the first of many surprises.

—-------------------

“Mama, no.” Steve’s voice came from his bedroom as Eddie made his way up the stairs.

His mom was here?

And then Eddie heard Steve speaking in…Spanish? It was too fast to tell for sure, but it definitely wasn’t English.

He peeked his head through the door, relaxing slightly when he saw Steve was on the phone.

Steve gestured for him to come in while he spoke, so Eddie slipped his shoes off and sat down on the bed, getting comfortable.

But then it sounded like Steve started talking in another different language.

It was close to Spanish, but some of it sounded almost French?

Eddie blinked at him, his free hand gesturing wildly as his voice got louder.

Eventually, he sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. Eddie rubbed his back in a totally friendly, not loving, manner.

“Okay. See you then,” he sounded resigned, tired.

Eddie hated it.

When the phone was back on the hook, Steve sank back against Eddie and sighed again.

“My parents will be here next week for a couple days. They’re organizing the sale of the house, so they are packing what they want to move into a storage unit and having a cleaning company come get the rest to be donated. I have until the end of the month to be gone.”

Eddie looked down at Steve’s hand, how it was playing with the edge of Eddie’s shirt, how tense the rest of his body was even as Eddie played with his hair.

“You speak Spanish?”

That wasn’t really what he meant to say, but the shock hadn’t quite worn off from hearing him speaking in another language. Or two.

“I speak Spanish and Portuguese,” he replied.

“Oh. Well…why?”

Steve sat up and looked down at Eddie with a smirk.

“Because my mom’s family is mostly from Spain and Portugal and if I wanted to talk to my grandparents, that was my only option.”

“Oh. I…had no idea.”

Steve rested his head against his chest again, finally seeming to relax a bit.

“I really only speak it with her now. I took Spanish in high school for the easy A.”

“Makes sense.”

They remained quiet for a few minutes, Steve coming down from the stress of his phone call and impending parental visit.

“So you wanna live with me?” Eddie finally asked, casually.

They weren’t…well. They just weren’t. And that was okay. Eddie told himself that if all he was for Steve was a great friend who could hold him when he needed it, then that was enough.

But they also kind of…were.

It was very confusing and he was constantly balancing between pushing too far and not pushing enough.

“What? Like, in your trailer with you and Wayne?”

Eddie shrugged.

“Wayne wouldn’t mind. Long as you help clean up sometimes and maybe chip in for groceries.”

Wayne also was team Eddie-tell-Steve-you’re-in-love-with-him-before-I-do and would absolutely support this type of thing.

“But you guys only have two bedrooms.”

“You can share with me or like, we can work something out where we section off a part of the living room? I dunno. It’s not perfect, but I know you don’t have quite enough saved up for your own place yet.”

Steve hid his face in Eddie’s shirt for a moment before nodding.

“Yeah. Okay. I’ll share with you for a bit. But probably only for a few months, I swear. I have almost enough to get that house by Robin,” he said.

It was a house for sale in Robin’s neighborhood, and it wasn’t selling because it needed quite a bit of work done to the yard and bathrooms. But Steve knew he could do it, he just needed to make sure he had money for everything first.

He wouldn’t let anyone chip in, either.

“No rush. But, yeah, I’ll talk to Wayne about it tomorrow.”

—-------------------------------------

Steve moved in the next week after a long argument with his parents, who didn’t seem too thrilled about him becoming “trailer trash.”

Eddie thought about the last words Steve said to his parents before leaving: “I’d rather be trailer trash than your son.”

About how he’d spit them at them, poison from his lips.

About how he’d said it in French.

He probably didn’t think Eddie understood, probably didn’t realize that most of the reason Eddie had been so quiet on the ride to the trailer was because he was turning over Steve’s words in his head.

He still hadn’t quite come to a conclusion more than eight hours later, but he was busy helping Steve unpack the last of his things anyway.

“You seem quiet,” Steve said from where he was putting some of his tapes by Eddie’s boombox.

“Hm?” Eddie looked over at him, smiling to himself when he saw Steve putting Eddie’s tapes on top of his. “Oh. Just thinkin’.”

“Thinking about…?” Steve looked over at him.

“Just what you said earlier.”

Stev’s brows furrowed as he thought about what Eddie meant.

“You mean before we left?” Eddie nodded. “I said it in French though? You understood?”

“I’m not fluent, but I took it for three years in high school. One of the only classes I passed with flying colors.”

“Really?” Steve asked in French. “So I could say something in French right now and you would know what I’m saying?” he continued, still in French.

Eddie understood enough to nod.

“So if I told you that you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me and that I wish I could hold your hand right now, you’d say…”

Steve’s blush gave away some of what he was saying, though Eddie had to admit to himself, he hadn’t quite understood some of it.

Steve sounded so natural, was speaking so quickly, Eddie wasn’t sure how to respond.

“Um. I guess I’m not so good at it when someone as natural as you speaks it,” Eddie awkwardly said, turning back to the closet where he was moving some of his things so Steve would have room for his clothes that couldn’t be folded.

He felt Steve’s body heat behind him, knew he would be right there if he turned back around.

Steve said something in Italian (how many languages did he know?) and then something else in a language Eddie didn’t recognize.

He finally turned to see Steve blushing, looking down at the floor of his room.

“What was that one?” he asked, moving in a bit closer, barely leaving any space between them.

“Korean. My dad insisted on all of us learning it when he acquired a business in Korea.”

“So you know…how many languages?”

“Seven counting English, but I’m also learning Russian from Robin. Kind of a way to ‘own the trauma’ or whatever she tells me,” Steve rolled his eyes.

“You know seven languages?” Eddie squeaked.

“Oui,” Steve smirked up at him.

They were so close. He could almost feel Steve’s breath against his lips, closed his eyes and imagined how he would taste.

“Eds,” Steve breathed out.

“Hm?” Eddie felt high, or like there was a severe lack of oxygen in the room, maybe both.

“Can I kiss you? Please?”

Eddie’s eyes popped open, his jaw dropping in shock.

Steve asked again, this time in French.

Eddie groaned and threw his head back.

“You’re killing me.”

“...so that’s a yes?” Steve teased.

“Oui,” Eddie replied.

Steve’s lips were warm against his, surprisingly soft, though demanding.

His whole body was demanding, pushing Eddie backwards until his back hit the wall with a thump. Eddie had never been so glad that Wayne was at work.

His hands found Steve’s waist, squeezed until he was sure he left bruises, only tightening his grip more when Steve moaned against his mouth.

Steve’s body was flush against his now, their shirts rucking up just enough for the skin of their stomachs to rub together, sweat slicking between them.

Eddie couldn’t breathe, but he didn’t really want to, didn’t want to part from the closeness he’d been hoping for for so long.

Steve did pull away though, even if only enough to rest his forehead against Eddie’s.

He whispered something in Spanish, then opened his eyes.

Eddie was hot.

“It’s really fuckin’ hot when you do that,” he admitted.

“Do what?”

“Speak any of the 100 languages that you know.”

“Oh?” Steve kissed the corner of his mouth, then his chin, then his jaw.

He kept whispering things in different languages, right against Eddie’s skin, until he was practically ready to fall to his knees.

“Steeeeeeve. You’re killing me,” Eddie complained.

“I can stop,” Steve said against the curve of his neck and shoulder.

“No, please don’t,” he groaned out.

So, he didn’t.

Steve spent the next hour kissing, and teasing, and whispering things Eddie didn’t understand against his skin.

He didn’t stop until Wayne knocked on the bedroom door to let them know he was home and was cooking burgers on the grill.

Eddie smiled as Steve left the room to help Wayne with dinner as he’d been looking forward to doing.

He thought about how long they weren’t anything but friends who could have been more.

But now they were. Hopefully they always would be.

[majaloveschris]

Maja the Vermont home is up for sale. Now we know why we didn't get a snow frolic 3.0. Lots of fun hidden goodies in the real estate listing photos…🤭/// and some blog claims he is selling this house to buy one in Portugal Go Portugal 😂 😂 😂

I'm 100% sure he is buying the whole country for her. Maybe she is going to be the next president 😂

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Fake news: Harper Bazzar says that acquiring a house in Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club which is not true. by u/Human-Economics6894

Fake news: Harper Bazzar says that acquiring a house in Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club which is not true. I wasn't going to publish this, because it's fake news.But some might fall for it because it's published in Harper Bazzar, which is pro-MegsyThe link is for the Spanish versionhttps://https://ift.tt/NUqhyz0 couple has decided not to sever their ties with Europe by purchasing a house at Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club, a luxury complex of 300 seaside properties in Melides, south of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.It so happens that Jack Brooksbank, Princess Eugenie's husband, works in the complex's Marketing and Sales department, and his relationship with Meghan and Harry is close. In fact, Eugenia and Jack are the only ones in the family who have visited the couple in California and remain especially close to them.https://ift.tt/Wg7RtQq what the Portugal News says is something elseThe link is for the Spanish version.https://ift.tt/QedGmgI Harry and Meghan Markle have bought a house in Portugal, according to the British newspaper Daily Mail.If the news is true, then the youngest son of Charles III follows in the footsteps of his cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, who own a property in Melides.It is said that the house is in the Comporta area, but there is no concrete information about its location.In Portugal nobody knows anything about the matter. They are very clear that Paris Hilton bought in Comporta, and that Sharon Stone did, and it is very clear that the minimum price for a plot in the area is currently 3.4 million euros. But not a word from the Harkles.Be careful not to fall into the trap. Until now, the matter remains Eden gossip for which there is no evidence. post link: https://ift.tt/CdKRWX8 author: Human-Economics6894 submitted: October 17, 2024 at 06:48PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[lagoreal]

Beautiful Portuguese Homes for Sale in Stunning Locations

Welcome to the Golden Triangle, the heart of the Algarve and a fantastic spot for luxurious living. Here, you'll discover a variety of stunning properties, from elegant villas to charming townhouses, all designed to embrace the beauty of Mediterranean life. Imagine waking up to breathtaking ocean views, relaxing in your lush garden, and enjoying sunny afternoons on spacious terraces—just a stone's throw from the Algarve’s gorgeous beaches.

In this exclusive area, which includes Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, and Almancil, you’ll enjoy the perfect mix of privacy and luxury. You’ll have access to world-class golf courses, fabulous dining options, and chic shops, all while soaking in the vibrant community atmosphere. If you're looking for Portuguese homes for sale, the nearby countryside offers beautiful homes surrounded by nature, providing the tranquillity you crave.

[compassproperty]

Discover Your Dream Property to Buy in Algarve

The eastern Algarve, with its unspoiled coastline, historic towns, and year-round sunshine, is an idyllic destination for anyone looking for property to buy in Algarve. Known for its tranquil landscapes, welcoming communities, and relaxed way of life, this part of Portugal is ideal for both those seeking a permanent home and those looking for a holiday retreat. Across Tavira, Moncarapacho, Loulé, and Santa Bárbara, you’ll discover a diverse range of properties suited to various tastes and lifestyles.

Imagine stepping out onto your terrace to panoramic views of the lush hills around Moncarapacho, or perhaps owning a classic Portuguese villa surrounded by orange groves near Santa Bárbara. The eastern Algarve offers a unique blend of contemporary and traditional homes, from stylish apartments to rustic farmhouses, each with its charm. Whatever your vision of the perfect home, there’s a property here to match.

An outdoor lifestyle is central to life in the eastern Algarve. With Tavira’s cobbled streets and relaxed riverfront, the scenic beauty of Santa Bárbara, and the peaceful countryside around Moncarapacho, you’ll have every opportunity to savor nature. Here, residents enjoy beachside strolls, hiking trails, golf courses, and relaxed evenings dining al fresco on fresh local seafood. Each town has a close-knit, welcoming community that makes it easy to feel at home.

To find the ideal property, it’s invaluable to immerse yourself in the unique character of each area. Tavira, with its historic charm and scenic views, offers a glimpse of traditional Algarve life. Just a short drive away, Moncarapacho provides a quieter, more rural setting, while Loulé is a vibrant town with lively markets and cultural events. Spending time in each of these places will help you understand the lifestyle each offers.

Navigating the eastern Algarve’s property market is straightforward with the right guidance. Based in Tavira, Compass Property Sales offers in-depth local knowledge, working closely with clients to understand their preferences and offer insight into the local market. We’re here to make the journey from property viewings to purchase smooth and rewarding.

If you’re considering rental income potential, owning property in the eastern Algarve presents a sound opportunity. The area attracts many visitors each year, making it ideal for holiday rentals – allowing you to enjoy your investment while generating returns.

Owning a property in the eastern Algarve is about more than a transaction; it’s about joining a community and embracing a lifestyle filled with beauty and warmth. At Compass Property Sales, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, helping you find the perfect home in this captivating corner of the world. Discover the eastern Algarve, and open the door to your new life in Portugal.

[gogmstuff]

Spanish ladies by Federico de Madrazo y Kuntz at the Prado from their Web site (from top to bottom) -

1846 Sabina Seupham Spalding by Federico de Madrazo y Kunz (Prado). From their Web site 1256X1899.

1852-1854 Josefa del Águila y Ceballos, later Marchioness of Espeja by Federico de Madrazo y Kuntz (Prado). From their Web site; fixed spots w Pshop 1135X1909.

1855 María Dolores Aldama, Marchioness of Montelo by Federico de Madrazo y Kuntz (Prado). From their Web site 1396X1879.

1855 Josefa Coello de Portugal by Federico de Madarzo y Kuntz (Prado). From their Web site 1173X1865.

Not at the Prado 1855 Francisca de Sales Portocarrero y Palafox, Duquesa de Alba by  by Federico de Madrazo y Kuntz (Palacio de las Dueñas - Sevilla, Andalucía, Spain). From Wikimedia 1000X1548. The location is the Alba family house. Her sister Eugenia married Napoleon III to become Empress Eugénie.

[ya-world-challenge]

🎊 2-Year Anniversary! 🪅

I started the World Challenge around April 2022, so here's my little 2-year celebratory post with a bunch of stats that no one cares about!!

The stats:

Books read: 70

Countries completed: 66

Total pages read: 23,918

Average rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.9 stars

Average publication year: 2015

Average page count per book: 341

Native authors: 74%

Queer books: 24%

YA or MG genre: 68%

As you can see from the number above, it can be hard to find queer books for certain countries. I have also somehow managed to generally pick books that I like, as the ratings show!

Top Genres:

Sources:

Total spent: $41.39

Most of the spent is 2 months of Scribd, and some Kindle sale books. The "Other" is, ahem, when there were no affordable options, and thankfully that was low! Otherwise I managed well with libraries and free trials! (all digital)

Time Periods:

I've also spent the majority of time in the modern world.

Keep reading for the full list of books I've read so far:

🇦🇫 Afghanistan - One Half from the East, Nadia Hashimi

🇦🇷 Argentina - Furia, Yamile Saied Méndez

🇦🇺 Australia - Ghost Bird, Lisa Fuller

🇦🇿 Azerbaijan - The Orphan Sky, Ella Leya

🇧🇸 Bahamas - Facing the Sun, Janice Lynn Mathers

🇧🇴 Bolivia - Woven in Moonlight, Isabel Ibañez

🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina - The Cat I Never Named, Amra Sabic-El-Rayess

🇧🇼 Botswana - Entwined, Cheryl S. Ntumy

🇧🇬 Bulgaria - Wunderkind, Nikolai Grozni

🇨🇦 Canada - This House is Not a Home, Katłıà

🇨🇫 Central African Republic - Beasts of Prey, Ayana Gray*

🇹🇩 Chad - Told by Starlight in Chad, Joseph Brahim Seid

🇨🇳 China - Daughter of the Moon Goddess, Sue Lynn Tan

🇨🇺 Cuba - A Tall Dark Trouble - Vanessa Montalban

🇨🇿 Czech Republic - Torch, Lyn Miller-Lachmann

🇩🇰 Denmark - The Shamer's Daughter, Lene Kaaberbøl

🇪🇪 Estonia - The Man Who Spoke Snakish, Andrus Kivirähk

🇫🇯 Fiji - The Wild Ones, Nafiza Azad

🇫🇷 France - Kiffe Kiffe Tomorrow, Faïza Guène

🇬🇪 Georgia - Giorgland Fables, Tamuna Tsertsvadze

🇬🇷 Greece - Threads That Bind, Kika Hatzopoulou

🇬🇱 Greenland - Last Night in Nuuk, Niviaq Korneliussen

🇬🇩 Grenada - Sugar Money, Jane Harris

🇮🇳 India - Lioness of Punjab, Anita Jari Kharbanda

🇮🇩 Indonesia - The Songbird and the Ramubutan Tree - Lucille Abendanon

🇮🇷 Iran - Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi

🇮🇶 Iraq - Yazidi!, Aurélien Ducoudray & Mini Ludvin

🇮🇪 Ireland - All Our Hidden Gifts, Caroline O'Donoghue

🇯🇵 Japan - Lonely Castle in the Mirror, Mizuki Tsujimura

🇯🇴 Jordan - West of the Jordan, Laila Halaby

🇱🇹 Lithuania - Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepatys

🇱🇺 Luxembourg - The Elf of Luxembourg, Tom Weston

🇲🇾 Malaysia - The Weight of Our Sky, Hanna Alkaf

🇲🇹 Malta - The Maltese Dreamer, Catherine Veritas

🇲🇽 Mexico - Secret of the Moon Conch, David Bowles; Guadalupe García McCall

🇲🇦 Morocco - Thorn, Intisar Khanani*

🇳🇵 Nepal - What Elephants Know - Eric Dinerstein

🇳🇱 Netherlands - On the Edge of Gone, Corrine Duyvis

🇳🇬 Nigeria - An Ordinary Wonder, Buki Papillon

🇲🇰 North Macedonia - A Spare Life, Lidija Dimkovska

🇵🇸 Palestine - Travellers Along the Way, Aminah Mae Safi

🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea - Tales from Faif, Baka Barakove Bina; Emily Sekepe Bina

🇵🇱 Poland - When the Angels Left the Old Country, Sacha Lamb

🇵🇹 Portugal - Mariana, Katherine Vaz

🇵🇷 Puerto Rico - The Wicked Bargain, Gabe Cole Novoa

🇷🇴 Romania - And I Darken, Kiersten White

🇷🇺 Russia - Night Watch, Sergei Lukyanenko

🇷🇼 Rwanda - Our Lady of the Nile, Scholastique Mukasonga

🇱🇨 St. Lucia - 'Til I Find You, Greta Bondieumaitre

🇼🇸 Samoa - Telesā: The Covenant Keeper, Lani Wendt Young

🇸🇲 San Marino - The Gladiator, Harry Turtledove

🇸🇹 São Tomé & Príncipe - The Exiles of Crocodile Island, Henye Meyer

🇬🇧 Scotland - The Library of the Dead, T.L. Huchu

🇸🇳 Senegal - No Heaven for Good Boys, Keisha Bush

🇸🇬 Singapore - Sofia and the Utopia Machine, Judith Huang

🇸🇰 Slovakia - Impossible Escape, Steve Sheinkin

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka - I Am Kavi, Thushanthi Ponweera

🇸🇩 Sudan - Home is Not a Country, Safia Elhillo

🇸🇪 Sweden - The Circle, Sara Elfgren; Mats Strandberg

🇹🇹 Trinidad & Tobago - When the Vibe is Right, Sarah Dass

🇹🇳 Tunisia - Other Names, Other Places, Ola Mustapha

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates - Alif the Unseen, G. Willow Wilson*

🇺🇸 United States - Elatsoe, Darcie Little Badger

🇻🇪 Venezuela - The Sun and the Void, Gabriela Romero Lacruz

🇾🇪 Yemen - When a Bulbul Sings, Hawaa Ayoub

🇿🇼 Zimbabwe - All That It Ever Meant, Blessing Musariri

*inspired fantasy world

[thelonesomequeen]

How many houses does Chris have?

At the moment, three that we know of for sure. Four if you count Vermont (it’s up for sale). Possibly a home in Portugal. 🧜🏻‍♀️

[cobrastrikes421]

My final Christmas 2023 art

Snow train - train, a type of train used to clear snow from rail lines. The snow plow was built as a tender and converted to a wedge-shaped plow in 1953.

Toys - Preserves, jams, jellies, candies, needlework, plants, and doilies were common gifts in the late 1800s, Winans-Bagnall said. Many children discovered a newly popular teddy bear under their Christmas tree in 1900. The early personal, hand-held camera by Kodak was another popular gift during the first decade of the new century.

Wreath - A wreath is an assortment of flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs, or various materials that is constructed to form a ring shape. In English-speaking countries, wreaths are used typically as household ornaments, most commonly as an Advent and Christmas decoration.

Yule log - A Yule log or bûche de Noël is a traditional Christmas cake, often served as a dessert near Christmas, especially in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Lebanon, Switzerland, Vietnam, and Quebec, Canada. Variants are also served in the United States, United Kingdom, Cambodia, Scandinavia, Portugal, Spain, and Japan.

Family - Christmas can be a time of connection with the people we love, a time of meaning and to think about others. It is a time of new beginnings, an opportunity to start afresh and to grow from our learnings, to become more whole and connected.

Green - For Christians evergreens symbolised eternal life and the promise of the return of life in the spring. We know that private homes would also have been dressed in greenery at this time of year.

North Pole - Unlike Antarctica, there's no land at the North Pole. Instead it's all ice that's floating on top of the Arctic Ocean. Over the past four decades, scientists have seen a steep decline in both the amount and thickness of Arctic sea ice during the summer and winter months.

List - A wish list, wishlist or want list is an itemization of goods or services that a person or organization desires. The author may distribute copies of their list to family, friends, and other stakeholders who are likely to purchase gifts for the would-be recipient or to offer some of the listed items for sale.

Carolers - A Christmas carol is a carol on the theme of Christmas, traditionally sung at Christmas itself or during the surrounding Christmas holiday season. The term noel has sometimes been used, especially for carols of French origin. Christmas carols may be regarded as a subset of the broader category of Christmas music.

Mari lwyd - You see the silhouette – a horse's head. Mari Lwyd is here. Mari Lwyd is the name given to a wassailing folk custom that involves a giant horse's skull carried from house to house. It takes place in parts of Wales during the festive season.

[newstfionline]

Thursday, November 9, 2023

October obliterated temperature records, virtually guaranteeing 2023 will be hottest year on record (AP) This October was the hottest on record globally, 1.7 degrees Celsius (3.1 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than the pre-industrial average for the month—and the fifth straight month with such a mark in what will now almost certainly be the warmest year ever recorded. October was a whopping 0.4 degrees Celsius (0.7 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than the previous record for the month in 2019, surprising even Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the European climate agency. “The amount that we’re smashing records by is shocking,” Burgess said. After the cumulative warming of these past several months, it’s virtually guaranteed that 2023 will be the hottest year on record, according to Copernicus.

U.S. service members’ data is easy and cheap to purchase online, study finds (NBC News) Duke University published a study on Monday about how easy and affordable it is to obtain personal information about active-duty U.S. service members—and the answer is “very.” Researchers bought nearly 50,000 service members’ records for a little over $10,000 throughout the course of the study. In fact, researchers say they purchased everything from names, phone numbers, and addresses to names of service members’ children, marital status, net worth, and credit ratings for as little as 12 cents per person. The study has shed light on a concern that not properly regulating data brokers has, essentially, led to a national security risk.

Panama’s deadly protests (Washington Post) On the surface, the protests that have shaken Panama the past two weeks are about a government contract that allows a Canadian company to expand its copper mining operations here. But what’s at stake, all sides say, is a much larger question: What kind of country is this Central American isthmus going to be—one that preserves its natural riches or develops them? And if the answer is development, another question: Should a country that owes its existence to U.S. exploitation—Theodore Roosevelt broke it off from Colombia in 1903 so the United States could finish and control the Panama Canal—continue in 2023 to surrender its natural advantages to foreign investors? Two more protesters were killed on Tuesday, police said, bringing the total during the demonstrations to at least four.

Portugal’s prime minister resigns as his government is involved in a corruption investigation (AP) Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa resigned Tuesday after his government was involved in a widespread corruption probe, sending a shock wave through the normally tranquil politics of the European Union member. The 62-year-old Costa, Portugal’s Socialist leader since 2015, asserted his innocence but said in a nationally televised address that “in these circumstances, obviously, I have presented my resignation to the president of the republic.” The announcement came hours after police arrested his chief of staff while raiding several public buildings and other properties as part of the probe.

In Switzerland, Most People Rent for Life (NYT) In any other country, Philip Skiba, a well-paid analyst working in the finance industry, might not hesitate to buy a home. But in the town where he lives, on the outskirts of Zurich, even the ugly houses, as he describes them, go for millions. Last year, a simple, beige stucco home in his neighborhood went up for sale. The price: 7.5 million Swiss francs, or about $8.3 million. Buying a single-family home anywhere near Zurich is not just a luxury. “It’s beyond luxury,” Mr. Skiba said. “Two kids, a house, a garden, two cars—I don’t know anybody who has that.” Switzerland’s nine million residents are some of the wealthiest people on the planet—and they are mostly renters. The average price for a studio apartment in Zurich is $1.1 million. On a square-foot basis, Zurich is about 80 percent more expensive than Paris. Switzerland offers the world a glimpse of a post-ownership society. Around 36 percent of the Swiss own their homes or apartments, the lowest rate in the West and well below the 70 percent average in the European Union, and the 67 percent in the United States. In the United States and many other countries, homeownership is generally considered a rite of passage. In Switzerland, where the terrain is 70 percent mountains and expensive real estate on limited buildable land has been the reality for generations, a lifetime of renting is not considered a personal failure or a shortcoming of the system.

What’s Up With Ukraine? (Politico/Guardian) While all eyes have been on Gaza, the war in Ukraine has heated up. Over the weekend, the two sides traded strikes, trying to eke out victories as winter threatens to slow down larger military operations. Mykola Oleshchuk, commander of the Ukrainian Air Forces, claimed that his country had destroyed a Russian Kalibr missile carrier docked at a port in Russian-held Crimea on Saturday. He hinted that Ukraine had used French SCALP cruise missiles in the attack. Russia confirmed in a statement that the carrier had been damaged, but it’s unclear if it was fully destroyed. In response, Russia attacked the Odesa region on Sunday, causing damage to an art museum and port infrastructure with a combination of suicide drones and missiles. On the diplomatic front, a Ukrainian deputy prime minister promised that the country would complete the reforms necessary for it to join the European Union within two years.

Jailed Iranian Nobel laureate begins hunger strike (BBC) Jailed Iranian human right activist Narges Mohammadi has begun a hunger strike, a month after she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, her family says. The 51-year-old is protesting against Iran’s denial of medical care to her and other inmates and its mandatory hijab law, according to a statement. She needs treatment for heart and lung conditions but a prosecutor is blocking her transfer to hospital, it says. Last week, her family said that was because she refused to cover her hair. The chairwoman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee—which awarded Ms Mohammadi the peace prize for “her fight against the oppression of women in Iran”—said it was deeply concerned. “The requirement that female inmates must wear a hijab in order to be hospitalised is inhumane and morally unacceptable.”

Under Scrutiny Over Gaza, Israel Points to Civilian Toll of U.S. Wars (NYT) Falluja. Mosul. Hiroshima. Facing global criticism over a bloody military campaign in Gaza that has killed thousands of civilians, Israeli officials have turned to history in their defense. And the names of several infamous sites of death and destruction have been on their lips. In public statements and private diplomatic conversations, the officials have cited past Western military actions in urban areas dating from World War II to the post-9/11 wars against terrorism. Their goal is to help justify a campaign against Hamas that is claiming thousands of Palestinian lives. In those earlier conflicts, innocent civilians paid the price for the defeat of enemies. In Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as many as 200,000 civilians perished after the United States dropped atomic bombs to force Japan’s surrender. In Iraq, hundreds of civilians were killed in Falluja as U.S. forces fought Iraqi insurgents, and thousands died in Mosul in Iraqi and American battles against the Islamic State. Israel insists that it is trying to limit civilian casualties in a war against a terrorist enemy, which began when Hamas killed 1,400 people on Oct. 7 in southern Israel, most of them civilians. Human rights advocates and many governments in Europe and the Middle East scoff at that. They accuse Israel of committing war crimes in the weeks of airstrikes that have leveled entire city blocks in Gaza, destroying schools, mosques and other seemingly nonmilitary targets.

Netanyahu faces rising anger from within Israel (CBS News) While Israel’s government continues to wage its war against Hamas, public support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in freefall. According to a recent poll by an Israeli news station, 76% of respondents say that Netanyahu should resign. The main cause of this backlash is his government’s failure to preemptively stop the October 7 attacks by Hamas. Officials from both the U.S. and Egypt claim that Egypt had warned Israel of the attacks before they happened, but the country ignored the warning. Israel has said that those claims are “absolutely false.” The opposition to Netanyahu is nothing new, though. Prior to the October 7 attacks, he was already facing massive political backlash for his attempts to erode the power of Israel’s Supreme Court.

Jordan’s Queen Rania says being pro-Palestinian does not equal being ‘antisemitic’ (CNN) Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan has called for a ceasefire in Israel’s war against Hamas, saying that supporting the protection of Palestinian lives does not equal being antisemitic or pro-terrorism. “Let me be very, very clear. Being pro-Palestinian is not being antisemitic, being pro-Palestinian does not mean you’re pro-Hamas or pro-terrorism,” Rania told CNN’s Becky Anderson on Sunday. “What we’ve seen in recent years is the charge of antisemitism being weaponized in order to silence any criticism of Israel,” she said. “I want to absolutely and wholeheartedly condemn antisemitism and Islamophobia…but I also want to remind everyone that Israel does not represent all the Jewish people around the world. Israel is a state and it alone is responsible for its own crimes.”

Why There’s No End in Sight For the Israel-Hamas War (Slate) One month has passed since the Israel-Hamas war began, and no end seems to be in sight. There are three reasons why. First, both sides have maximalist goals: Hamas, to wipe the state of Israel off the map; Israel, to destroy Hamas as a political force that rules Gaza and as a military force that can threaten Israel ever again. Neither goal is achievable. Israel isn’t going anywhere, and even if the Israeli army kills every Hamas commander, others will rise to take their place. Second, neither side’s leaders are inclined to compromise. Israelis view Hamas as an existential threat. Its Oct. 7 attack killed 1,400 people—more Jews killed in one day than at any time since the Holocaust. Hamas’ commanders, having achieved what they see as a glorious success, which has roused global support for Palestinians on a scale never before seen, may see the conflict as the last chance to strike a big blow. Third, only outside pressure can moderate the two combatants’ goals, much less stop the fighting, but there are limits on what outsiders can—or want to—do. The United States, which is fast becoming Israel’s only powerful ally, has held back Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his unity wartime Cabinet to some degree, but just some. Meanwhile, the neighboring Arab nations make grand declarations of support for Palestinians, but they aren’t doing very much to help them, and never have. Egypt has blockaded Gaza’s southern border as fervently, and for as long, as Israel has blockaded from the north. Its leaders have no interest in hosting Gazan refugees from Israel’s bombing. Neither do the rulers of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, or the others.

Chaos as Optus outage disconnects half of Australia (Reuters) For millions of Australians who could not pay for goods, book rides, get medical care or even make phone calls, a nine-hour near-total service blackout from the company which provides 40% of the country's internet became a lesson in the risks of a society that has moved almost entirely online. In the three years to 2022, Australian cash transactions halved to 16% as pandemic restrictions sped up a longer-term trend toward so-called contactless payments, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia. One-quarter of the country's doctor appointments are online or by phone, government data shows. Optus gave no explanation for the outage except to say it was investigating it. Most of its services were restored by the afternoon. Until then, even taking a walk became more difficult, at least for people who needed directions. "I'm looking for a bank, and when you can't go onto your phone and Google pretty much you are lost," said Angela Ican, a security officer in Sydney's central business district.