#ic markets fees

[sexhaver]

if your reaction to Musk pushing for more H1B visas is "wow the hitler salute guy accidentally did something good, this will be good for immigrants who get these visas" and not "hm, the richest guy on earth wants to expand a program that lets companies like his (and also literally his company in particular) hire immigrants in a way that gives the companies all the leverage and effectively stops those workers from exercising any of their labor rights (or even just switching to a better job) under threat of deportation, and he's also part of a White House that has been super vocally anti-immigration. perhaps there is some ulterior motive to this announcement and his proposed changes to the program that will result in these H1B immigrants getting taken advantage of" then you need to, idk, read the news more? stop taking fascists at face value? think about why fascists would support immigration specifically in the labor sector while physically blocking it everywhere else?

my issue with Musk proposing an expansion of the H1B program has not, and has never been, "competition" from immigrants. this job market is already horrendous, H1Bs are a drop in the bucket in that regard and anyone seriously mad that an immigrant "stole their job" is either racist or falling for racist propaganda. my issue is the opposite: if i and an H1B holder both get hired for the exact same job, they will be making a fraction of my salary (because of their immigrant status) with none of the protections against labor violations or even the ability to just walk away and work somewhere else (again, because of their immigrant status). they're doing the same work as me (better, actually, to qualify for a green card) and yet they're getting paid less and treated worse because they're an immigrant.

and in theory you can counter this with "okay but it's worth it for them to put up with that because after a few years they'll be a citizen and able to make the big bucks with labor protections too", but here's the thing: a fascist White House talking out one side of their mouth about issuing more H1Bs and making them cheaper, while simultaneously ranting about "closing the border" and sending Fox News teams out on ICE raids the day after inauguration, is not a White House that has any intention of letting these visa holders become citizens. big companies are overwhelmingly going to use these new H1Bs as a way to hire people, string them along for a while while underpaying and overworking them, and then find some reason to not give them a green card at the end of the process. formerly the incentive for companies not to do that was all the overhead fees associated with the H1B itself, but oh look, Musk wants to reduce those too.

like, yeah, i get it, the process of becoming a US citizen is a nightmare designed to be hostile and let in as few people as possible. the solution to that is absolutely not to let ELON FUCKING MUSK, the RICHEST MAN ON EARTH, rework + expand H1Bs. do you really trust him to handle that in a way that results in anyone but him and his friends winning. do you expect the average H1B holder experience to end in citizenship under Trump's administration. do you really.

[literary-illuminati]

2024 Book Review #60 – Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World by Henry Grabar

This is a book I heard about because the cranky old communist who runs the local daily paper recommended it in some editorial I’ve long since forgotten the actual point of. Which is generally a very high-risk way to get book recommendations, but in this case it worked out! Though I came into this as the friendliest possible audience for the arguments Grabar is trying to make, so I’m genuinely not that sure how convincing a work it is for a less sympathetic reader. It is at least full of fun and somewhat memorable anecdotes.

The book is about, well, (almost) exactly what it says on the tin – the economics and politics and logistics of parking infrastructure in American cities. Specifically, how it is an all-consuming, economy-warping, environment-destroying, city-killing cancer that is the primary causes of decaying urban cores and the lack of affordable housing in gentrifying neighborhoods. The book is loosely organized, with each different chapter approaching the question of and ills caused by parking from a slightly different angle, or considering the history and psychology that has made it such a mighty force, or showing case studies of how different places have started fixing it.

The two main thrusts of the book are a) parking as an un- (which is to say privately-) regulated privilege and entitlement which the great mass of the American public expects to be provided for free (or for an at-most nominal fee) wherever they happen to want to go and b) parking as possibly the least efficient use of developed real estate in the world, and one that absolutely dominates most American cities.

The latter is a bit less interesting to me, just because it’s broadly things I either already knew or could have pretty quickly puzzled out from what I do. It’s still quite well-presented, and quite rage-inducing – the number of square miles of space set aside for the sole use of free parking on every urban street, the eye-watering amount of money cities spend and give up in revenue to subsidize driving and parking, the hundreds of thousands of units of housing whose economics don’t pencil out because of mandatory parking minimums or that are killed by neighbors and ‘community engagement’ out of (ostensible) concern over their effect on parking availability in the neighborhood, and so on. It’s all well-told, but none of it’s exactly groundbreaking (which Grabar is entirely forthright about, to be clear. A large chunk of the book is combination synopsis and advertisement for the older and more more rigorous The High Cost of Free Parking, also cited as one of the main reference texts).

The former is much more interesting reading for me, just because (as a lifelong and involuntary non-driver) the psychology of it is just a bit foreign to me. The sheer fact that so much parking is both free and unregulated means that instead of market pricing or government permitting all manner of fascinatingly dysfunctional private systems to allocate and ration it out develop instead. Fist fights and murders over stolen parking spots, the self-proclaimed vigilantes patrolling condo parking lots for anyone overstaying their welcome, outright criminal conspiracies and organized violence between ice cream truck companies over poaching each others most lucrative routes – many less morbid and attention-getting things too, to be fair, but it’s still all just fascinating. And if ‘explains the world’ is a bit much, does function as an excellent window into a great many neuroses and dysfunctions of American public life.

One of the points the book repeatedly hammers home is that ‘parking shortages’ are, except in a few extremely select neighborhoods, basically a myth. The parking is almost always there – the average American city has more free or subsidized parking spaces and lots than are filled (at least) 360 days of the year. Drivers just expect parking that is simultaneously no more than a couple blocks from their destination, available the moment they pull up, and (almost) free. Garages go half empty while thousands of road-miles are driven every month circling blocks looking for free spots – terrible for the climate, for the roads being driven on, and for traffic and the utility of driving through the city in the first place. Reducing or eliminating free curbside parking (either charging market-clearing rates, or using the real estate for loading zones or patio seating or any of a thousand other things that serve more people in a period than the same amount of parking) thus often makes traffic better, not worse.

This is very much a book written by a journalist rather than an academic, for both good and ill – not that it doesn’t seem densely researched or well-cited (the endnotes run north of 50 pages), but there’s definitely a prioritization of being approachable and readable over being detailed or rigorous. Hence every chapter having at least one and usually several interviews or deeply characterized anecdotes there to be case studies and examples. Sometimes this anecdotes are incredibly interesting and something I’d probably read a book entirely devoted to – the above mentioned New York City ice cream truck feuds, or the fascinatingly blatant and eye-popping amount of corruption around parking ticketing and violations also in NYC, or how the city of Chicago sold the right to operate all its parking meters through the end of the century to Morgan Stanley – but just as (if not more) often it’s just a few pages sketching a sympathetic portrait and life story of someone suffering the travails of some aspect of parking infrastructure so the reader will have someone to empathize with as the problem is described. A trick that does start t get old the more often it’s repeated.

The book’s long digressions into history were (perhaps unsurprisingly) more interesting for me than the contemporary anecdotes. Partially just because the evolution of things like the car garage and how public streets are conceived of is always interesting to learn more about, and partially because of just how long we have at this point known about things like ‘induced demand’ and the various morbid inefficiencies of car-first, -only and -always culture. Literally generations! It's bleak.

Though having said that, this was funnily enough one of the only works of nonfiction I can remember reading in a long, long time that ended on a positive note in a way that didn’t sound like transparent cope. As is mandatory in all works of pop-sociology, -economics or -poli-sci, this one also ends in a chapter or two of examples of Doing It Right and ways society can fix itself going forward. Grabar just actually weaves together a narrative through most of the book of a slowly-increasing pushback and growing political coalitions who are (in the book’s framing) more interested in cheaper housing and more usable public space than traffic jams and parking lots. The COVID lockdowns and sudden need for as much outdoor space as possible – leading to parking lots being repurposed as church pews, curbside parking as patio seating, and a dozen other things – serve as a case in point. The book ends reiterating the point that the USA’s most desirable and expensive neighbourhoods are very often the ones that are dense and walkable enough (and/or sufficiently well-served by public transit) to comfortably live in without owning a car, and the confident belief that such neighbourhoods are only going to grow more common.

All that said, Grabar’s actually much more sympathetic to the pro-car, pro-parking viewpoint than most authors or pundits I have seen make similar points are. Sometimes to a mildly cringe-inducing ‘no don’t run, I promise I’m normal like you!’ way, being entirely honest. But then, one can at least hope that it helps the book actually function as a persuasive text instead of so much elegant preaching to the choir.

[aboodmush]

AFTER REACHING 70% OF MY CAMPAIGN, THE GERMAN BANK BLOCKED ACCESS TO THE FUNDS AND IS DEMANDING A 48% TAX, PLUS A 2.5% SITE COMMISSION, TRANSFER FEES, AND EXCHANGE RATE DIFFERENCES. HERE IS THE LINK TO MY NEW TAX-FREE CAMPAIGN.

[hyenaswine]

Abood has been forced to raise his goal to €30,000 due to taxes, platform commission, & transfer fees. Here is his update from October 13.

I hope this message finds you well. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible support during these challenging times. Your generosity has been a beacon of hope for our family.

As many of you know, the situation in Gaza has worsened with the closure of the border crossing to Egypt. This has forced us to shift our focus from relocating to ensuring our survival amidst rising costs of basic necessities.

I reach out today with a heartfelt plea: your contributions are a lifeline that helps us secure food, shelter, and essential resources. Every euro you give directly impacts our ability to stay safe and maintain some normalcy.

Together, we can overcome these challenges and emerge stronger. Your support lights the way for our family and many others, ensuring that we not only survive but thrive despite the odds. ✨

Thank you for being our champions. Your kindness inspires us to keep pushing forward, and we are forever grateful for your unwavering support. ❤️

[thegloweringcastle]

A Million Lifetimes

Happy holidays to @sideralwriting!! My dear, I appreciate your patience with me as I navigated life (& the gift swap) this holiday season. It has been SUCH a delight getting to know you these past few weeks and I look forward to hopefully staying in touch after the swap! I'm sorry this isn't my best work, but I hope you like it nonetheless. I tried my best to add small little details you might appreciate, and I know it's not great but I hope it may bring you some joy. <3

And the absolute biggest hug and thank you to @acotargiftexchange for being so patient with me - I'm sorry I had to be *That Person* this year. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart<3<3<3<3<3

No warnings to be found! Just silly feysand fluff and shenanigans.

_~_~_~_~_~_~_

Many people use the holidays as a time to reflect on all which has changed. Some measure how much they’ve grown as individuals, others use it as a way to mark the end of a long, grueling year - seeing the short break as a way to signify a year’s worth of change and prompt improvement for the months between the next holiday.

Feyre and Rhys, on a similar note, liked to use it as a way to track how many times they have found each other, over and over again.

***

This time the wind blew gently; not hard enough to urge people inside, but not so gentle that it went unnoticed. In the crowded holiday market of Velaris, two people huddled closer together, sharing heat and smiles.

“I’m just saying,” Feyre’s words formed between them as frosty clouds. “I still think that the winter we spent in Greenland was better than the one in London.”

“But Feyre darling,” Rhysand’s words were not as clear as Feyre’s, thanks to the scarf he kept tight around his face. “London!” 

“Yes, London, but it was early nineteenth century London and we had just run into each other - quite literally - from slipping and sliding through sewage.”

“Oh, darling, you forget how I so smoothly saved us from certain doom.” He tugged the scarf away from his face, rewinding it around both of them.

“You didn’t save my shoes, that’s for certain.” She huffed. “All I’m saying is I believe you’re looking at it through rose-colored lenses.”

He chuckled. “I’m not going to win, am I?”

“No, my love. You’re not.” She offered him a pat on the cheek - a consolation.

They wandered between stalls of vendors, watching the holiday lights and decorations in quiet awe. Feyre itched to blend the colors together on canvas, perhaps make a mashup of every holiday she’d ever spent with Rhys. There would be golds and reds from the market they currently walked through, but there would also be greys and browns and greens. Light and shade, with a fair share of tears to balance out the smiles. It would be… chaotic. And perfect. A strange, haphazard image that perfectly depicted their lives. 

She tugged on his hand, drawing them to a stop in front of a Bavarian craftsman.

“What about that christmas in Germany?”

“That was a pretty good year. Bloody cold though.” He shivered, as if just the thought of it sent chills down his spine. “I think it’s still one of my favorites of our firsts. It was refreshing to see you so at ease. Remember how simple it was that year?”

Yes, Feyre remembered that life well. It was among her favorites, she supposed; one of their cozier lives.

***

Feyre could feel the cold seeping through the window of the train even on the farthest side of her bench. Her lace gloves didn’t do much other than look pretty, and not for the first time she grew irked at women’s fashions for being so terribly impractical. Sure, petticoats galore were plenty warm in such low temperatures, but not very easy to maneuver; and narrow-heeled boots weren’t especially stable in slush and ice.

Nonetheless, she was enjoying her travels. Watching the world blur past the window was meditative - reassuring. There may not have been much left for her to escape, but being on the move was the only way to ensure peace and quiet - and the only way for her to feel less adrift in her search for… whatever it was she thought was missing.

The train drew to a halt, wheels screeching against the tracks as it stopped for a station in Munich. The hustle and bustle of people unboarding began immediately, luggage being jostled down the aisle and people rushing past. It was a wonder Feyre even noticed the booklet which tumbled to the floor - she wouldn’t have, if it hadn’t fallen from the pocket of a man with violet eyes.

She leaned over, snatching it during a break in the crowd while trying to keep track of her stranger. Right before he stepped off, his gaze found hers.

Her heart tugged, and before she knew it, Feyre was out of her seat - belongings snagged at the last minute - and braving the crowd to follow the man with violet eyes. The notebook couldn’t have been more than thirty pages or so, yet it sat heavy in her hand as she navigated the crowded station, ducking between people and dodging around suitcases. Feyre realized that she had lost sight of her stranger, but there was a sense of urgency she couldn’t shake. It wasn’t until she was panting for air and had almost certainly gone in circles that she slumped onto a bench, setting her things down with a clatter and letting the book fall open on her lap.

She knew it was rude to look, but it was unlikely that she would find the owner to return it. One peek couldn’t hurt; if it was a grocery list - well, nothing terribly personal there. If it was notes, or perhaps a novel in the making… She was an artist too. It would be fine.

Still, she wasn’t quite prepared for what she found on that random, worn page.

In that icy chill

Of those depthless blue eyes

I see only warmth

I wonder

How might it feel

To succumb to you

Adrift in your blue

“There you are,” A voice deep as night stood out over the din of the train station. “From the train. I’ve been looking for you.”

Feyre snapped the book shut with a resounding thwack and stood abruptly, only to be pinned in place by a pair of violet eyes. 

“I’ve been looking for you too. For a while, I think.” She held out the journal. “This is yours?”

“Indeed. Thank you for finding it for me.” Their hands overlapped, making it impossible for Feyre to let go.

“This may sound odd, but for quite some time I’ve been looking for something I think I lost. You seem to be good at finding things,” She could listen to his voice forever. “Perhaps you could help me once more?”

Even as he asked, the pieces began to fall into place. Sounds of past lives ringing through to the present, urging her to hang onto him. Memories returned to both of them, and his grip moved from the journal to her hand. 

“Of course.” She smiled, watching carefully for a crinkle around his eyes. “I would love to.”

***

“I have to admit, all those skirts were warm, but they sure were a pain to deal with when nature called.”

Rhys’ laugh boomed between the aisles of vendors. “And it made it much more challenging to undress y-”

“That’s enough!” She clapped a hand over his mouth before he could say anything too filthy. “We are in public, Rhys!”

He smirked. “I wasn’t going to say anything.”

“Yeah, sure you weren’t.”

“I think it’s you who let her dirty mind get carried away.” His grin was impish.

“If I have a dirty mind it’s only because you’ve rubbed off on me.”

He put his hands up, surrendering. “Whatever you say, love.”

They wandered some more between vendors, debating over their favorite holidays together and which first-meeting was their best.

“I thought it was funny when your friend introduced us,” It was a memory that Feyre often thought of, no matter how plain it might have been. “Not sure if it was the best, but it was… normal.” Out of everything, that had to count for something, right?

Rhys laughed loudly, grabbing her hand even tighter. “And he kept meddling in our business no matter how clear we made it that we were together.”

“It was flattering to know he thought we went well together, at least.” She wagged a finger at him, laughing slightly. “At least it was better than the one where you saved me from being burned at the stake. That was pretty horrid, wasn't it?”

He pulled her close, teasing and hinting at a kiss. “At least I got to play hero for you.”

“Oh,” She dragged it out. “That’s right, because we were early in the game and I was, at the time, still half convinced you were a complete prick. Yes, you did need those extra points.”

He hummed, half in amusement and half in agreement. “What about that one we spent at that inn? That was one hell of a time.”

“The place with the armadillos?” She shivered. “Unfortunately, I do remember that.”

***

Feyre did not like the high desert for two reasons. Reason one: The air was too dry, it hurt her skin and chapped the inside of her nose. Reason two: there were too many creepy crawling critters that wanted either to kill her, to eat her, or to steal her body heat.

It didn’t matter if it was winter and most animals had either migrated or gone into hibernation underground. She did not. Like. The. desert.

“Almost there, darlin’.” Rhys encouraged, ignoring the fact that she had just chewed him out in an hour-long tangent for “dragging her into the middle of nowhere for a single, stupid job in the blasted desert during a snowstorm”.

“I thought the desert didn’t get snow.” Feyre was pouting. She knew she was pouting. Unfortunately, she was too uncomfortable to care.

“This is the high desert, love. It’s a bit more dramatic than what we’re used to.”

“Rhys,” She pulled their horses to a stop and faced him. It was getting harder to see as the snowfall grew heavier. “Please tell me we’re close. I don’t want to cut this life short, I especially don’t want to cut this life short because of one stupid decision.”

“I promise you, darlin’, we’re not far.” He turned to face forward, pulling out his compass. “There’s a small town just around this bend. We’ll stay there ‘till this weather clears up.”

Feyre didn’t waste her energy responding - she wanted a hot drink and soft bed now. 

Sure enough, Rhys hadn’t been lying. There was a town - small and rundown though it was, Feyre was just grateful they wouldn’t freeze to death in the most miserable place on earth.

Rhys held the door for her, the two of them stepping into an inn and stomping the snow from their boots and shaking the ice from their scarves and coats. 

“Howdy there and welcome, I’m Shirley and I sure am happy to see you. What can I do for you lovely folks tonight?”

Feyre looked up from where she was struggling to undo her buttons, ready to charm the lovely owner for a room, before letting out a startled gasp.

The woman - Shirley - held an armadillo to her chest as one might hold a cat or puppy. A snake rested coiled on the hearth, another few armadillos trundled between tables at the restaurant. Other patrons sat at the bar normally, seemingly unconcerned with the lizards crawling around the counters.

“W-we um-”

“Howdy ma'am.” He stuck his hand out, not once looking at the armadillo the lady held. “The name’s Rhysand, this here’s my lovely wife Feyre. We got caught in the snow and were hoping you might be able to spare a room for the two of us?”

“Of course! I hope you two don’t mind cacti too much. Any concerns? You know what, doesn’t matter. I’ll grab a key and show you two on up!”

“That’s perfect. Thank you, ma’am.” 

Not even thirty minutes later they had gotten a room and were getting ready for bed. Or, Rhys was getting ready for bed. 

“Rhysand, you know I love animals. I adore animals. I do not, however, adore snakes. Or any desert dwelling creatures. They're gross, and dusty, and out to get you. Remember that Christmas in Australia? Boiling hot and everything was trying to kill us.”

“But darling, that’s Australia.”

“That’s irrelevant!” She huffed. “My point is, I want to celebrate our first christmas in this life somewhere other than an Inn filled with wild animals.”

He grabbed her hands, stopping her pacing and making her meet his gaze. “We will. I promise.” 

Sure enough, the storm had passed by the time they woke in the morning. They were up and at’em in a hurry, Rhys’ compass taking them to the next town over in time for a holiday spent indoors, together, and most importantly away from wild animals. 

***

“I think I still have that compass, somehow. I remember finding it again in an antique shop in that area a few lives ago, then I tucked it away for safekeeping - and the future. Sort of like you do with our rings.”

At the mere mention, Feyre brought hers up to the light. It glimmered beneath the street lamps, scratched and nicked from centuries of wear. Some people may have been bothered if their wedding rings had been so damaged, but Feyre just saw it as lives well lived and loved.

She shrugged. “So that may not have been my favorite, but it wasn’t the worst. In hindsight, it was a more entertaining year, so I can’t hate it.”

Rhys’ shit-eating grin dimmed, shade by shade. “I know which one was my least favorite.”

It was Feyre’s too.

They both sobered and held one another a little bit closer.

*** 

In all of their lifetimes, through dozens of centuries, it was the longest they had been apart; the loneliest they had ever been, too. 

War had a tendency to do that.

In this particular life Feyre had been teaching art classes at an elementary school, biding her time while waiting for something. Someone. There was a pain in her heart amplified by a holiday season spent alone. It felt like every day the rain would just fall and fall and fall, unbroken by sunshine or snow. Even ice would have been welcome - anything to cut through the long, unending shadows. 

She sat in a late night diner, avoiding returning to an empty apartment while sipping burnt coffee over a half-finished portrait of a man with raven hair and violet eyes. Something familiar, someone unknown. Behind the counter a server switched the radio to a news channel broadcasting the latest updates from overseas. 

Had she known that her next life would be so much fuller, she might not have been so hopeless. Had she known that, a lifetime from then, memories would come rushing back and the stranger in her painting would not be so strange, she might have been less disturbed by the sheer number of renditions she had made of the same man.

Alas, she did not know these things. She didn’t even know the cruel twist of the universe - the war? -  taking from her the man she didn’t know she waited for. And so for many many more nights she sat in silence with a tepid, burnt coffee (she preferred hot chocolate) and endless half-finished portraits, always hoping for the rain to stop.

***

Children rushed past them, dodging around holiday shoppers and festival booths with shocking agility. Silence hung between them like a clock’s pendulum at its peak, ready to come falling down at any second.

He squeezed her hand. “It made our next-first-meeting even better, I would say.”

Sparkling lights of all different colors turned to smudges in the background as Feyre focused her gaze on Rhys; on his violet eyes. Some things about him had changed, especially after the war, but his eyes stayed the same. The way he smiled with his entire being remained the same. Reliable. Constant.

“I think I would have to agree.”

***

With time their memories would fade. They would begin again, growing into new lives and apart from each other, but they were inevitably always nudged back together. And each time, they remembered one another a bit more easily.

So when Rhys settled in after the war and his new neighbor felt like home, all he needed was a light push in the right direction.

That day in particular had been windy and icy. Roads were closed, businesses were shut down, students were off of school. The universe handed Rhys an excuse to seek out his neighbor on a silver platter: the power went out, and Rhys knew his apartment was the only one with a classic wood-burning fireplace.

She answered after only the first knock.

“I have hot chocolate at my apartment and a working fireplace - if you need. Hot water too.”

Her gaze was soft, and she didn’t hesitate before agreeing.

They kept that year simple, soft, easy. It’s what they needed - something comforting. She stayed even many hours after the power had gone back on and the world had returned to operating in full-swing. They fell into easy company as years long since passed came rushing back, and a new promise was made to never be separated for that long.

***

They still had yet to break their promises.

“I thought that was very domestic, even for you.” Feyre grinned, exchanging a few coins for a small cone of roasted chestnuts.. “But I wonder if maybe we’d earned it. So many different adventures and lifetimes… maybe it’s good that we finally have the time for things like hot chocolate and wood fires. And roasted chestnuts.”

His lips turned up, the creases around his eyes softened. “Maybe you’re right.”

When it inevitably grew too cold outside and even their shared scarf and intertwined hands weren’t enough to keep them warm, the couple navigated through the crowded streets towards their shared townhouse. 

Cozy, small, but most importantly - theirs. 

He took her jacket, she put away his hat. He put the kettle on, she got their mugs and measured out the tea. They moved fluidly together, silently; familiar over so many different lives spent together. It wasn’t until they had settled in together on the couch, warmed pumpkin beside steaming tea on the coffee table, that Feyre spoke again.

“I still don’t know which of our holidays is my favorite. Maybe I don’t have one.”

Rhys reached out to tuck a lock of her hair behind one ear, cupping her face with the movement. “My favorite one is the one with you.”

“That’s most of them - I don’t think that counts as any single one, as romantic as it is.” She placed a kiss on his cheek. “But you sure are a sweet talker.”

“Then it’s this one, right here, right now, with you. When we can finally have forever.”

***

In every one of their meetings and partings, Rhys and Feyre fell together into one single life. Whether it grew from eye contact across a supermarket, a quick handshake in a business meeting, or simply bumping shoulders on a crowded sidewalk, and no matter how it ended, there was another life waiting for them. Homes to be lived in and loved, holidays to be spent bundled up together in a bubble outside of time.

It was the general consensus between the two of them: The best lives were the ones spent together.

[luminarai]

hello! Im visiting Copenhagen in January and was wondering if you have any recommendations of things to do or like cafes/stores/etc to visit?

Hi nonnie! So sorry for the delayed answer, I was down with the flu/plague/?? most of december so I've only just gotten back to my inbox.

I've tried to make a compilation of the recommendations for places to see, eat, and shop that aren't just the usual touristy stuff. I hope you enjoy your trip and the weather won't be too Copenhagen-in-January!

Where to eat (especially bakeries)

Sct. Peders Bageri – The oldest bakery in Denmark! They have a wonderful selection of traditional Danish baked goods but their seasonal varieties are also incredible.

BUKA – They have a few bakeries in town now and some of the best croissants and pastries.

Cakery Copenhagen – The best eclairs in town, hands down. Always a bunch of fun seasonal varieties and mini versions.

Bertels Salon – They do cheesecakes. And they’re amazing. They have 10+ fresh varieties every day (!) and turned me into a cheesecake lover.

La Glace – They do traditional Danish layer cakes and fancy patisseries as well as hot chocolate ad libitum. Very atmospheric and historic. A bit more expensive all in all but not insanely so.

Torvehallerne – Two large greenhouses full of delicious food and other food/drink related stores. Coffee Collective for coffee, Rørt for Danish smørrebrød, Granny’s House for pastries and Ma Poule for their famous duck sandwich.

Broens Gadekøkken – A small street food market right by the bridge across from Nyhavn. Depending on when you’re here, there’s also an ice skating rink set up during winter.

Mahalle - Lebanese fusion kitchen at affordable prices. You might want to book a table just in case.

Jagger - Burgers! Not the most hyggelige surroundings (a bit too industrial chic) but you can't argue with the food. Highly recommend the milkshakes!

What to see

Glyptoteket – Absolutely gorgeous museum. Free entrance on the last Wednesday of the month.

Thorvaldsens Museum – Also stunning, focused on statues. Free entrance all Wednesdays.

Nationalmuseet – Bog bodies! Their seasonal exhibitions are usually very good.

David’s samling – Smaller museum with free entrance. Classical European and Islamic art.

Kronborg – AKA Hamlet’s castle. Technically outside Copenhagen but you can easily take the train the whole way. I highly recommend doing one of the daily guided tours (no additional cost to the entrance fee).

Rundetårn – A fun look into the old astrology tower with a lovely view of the city. The majority of the inside is one big ramp with some narrow stairs at the end so keep that in mind if you have trouble walking.

Assistentens Kirkegård digital guided tour – If the weather is with you, you can go for a digitally guided tour in the old graveyard, located in a park in the middle of the city. Here’s a link for the app.

Other nice parks in case it's not raining the whole time (Danes love going for a walk, what can I say) include the Botanical Garden, Frederiksberg Have (where you can peek into the elephant enclosure in the zoo) and Kongens Have.

To shop

Vintage shopping: There’s a bunch of good quality vintage stores on Studiestræde and Larsbjørnsensstræde. Also worth a mention is Audrey Vintage on Hyskenstræde, run by a woman who handpicks all the items from all around Europe.

Strøget is the place for high street shopping but I definitely recommend having a look around the inner city’s side streets and down Frederiksborggade (check out the home goods store Maduro here) over the lakes to Nørrebro where you’ll also find some more offbeat stores and great bars and restaurants.

The largest bookstore is Arnold Busck on Købmagergade for books in both Danish and English. Fiolstræde close by has the independent book café Brøg that I highly recommend both for books and for a quick cake + coffee. On Fiolstræde you’ll also find some used bookstores with a variety of options and other smaller shops and cafés.

[forex-brokers-review]

The Ultimate Forex Brokers Comparison for South African Traders

Introduction:

The forex market in South Africa is one of the fastest-growing financial sectors, and selecting the right broker can make all the difference. In this Forex Brokers Comparison in South Africa, we will explore the best options available for traders in 2025. Whether you're just getting started or are looking for a more advanced trading experience, this guide will help you navigate your choices and make an informed decision.

Why Forex Trading in South Africa is Thriving:

Forex trading in South Africa has seen a steady rise in popularity over the past few years. This growth can be attributed to the country's stable financial regulations, mainly governed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). With a secure regulatory framework, traders are assured of a safe trading environment. In addition, many brokers now offer dedicated services tailored for South African traders, including local deposit methods and customer support in native languages.

Key Features to Look for in a Forex Broker in South Africa:

When choosing a forex broker, several key factors should guide your decision:

Security and Regulation: Ensure your broker is regulated by the FSCA for a secure trading environment.

Trading Platforms: Popular platforms such as MT4 and MT5 offer robust features, but many brokers now offer proprietary platforms as well.

Low Spreads and Fees: Low trading costs are crucial to maximizing profits.

Customer Support: 24/7 support in the South African time zone can enhance your trading experience.

Account Types: Brokers offering diverse account types with local payment options can cater to a wide range of traders.

Top Forex Brokers for South African Traders in 2025:

Eightcap: Known for its low spreads, quick deposits, and intuitive platform, Eightcap is perfect for both beginners and seasoned traders.

IC Markets: With low spreads and fast execution, IC Markets is ideal for scalpers and day traders.

FP Markets: Offering excellent customer support and a user-friendly platform, FP Markets provides an outstanding trading experience.

Octa: Specializing in accounts suitable for South African traders, Octa stands out for its commitment to local customers.

BlackBull: If you're after low-cost trading with access to a wide range of assets, BlackBull is a top contender.

XM: XM’s global reach and local support make it a solid choice for traders looking for both global opportunities and local assistance.

FXPro: Known for its top-tier services and robust tools, FXPro is ideal for traders seeking a complete package.

FBS: FBS’s user-friendly interface and attractive promotions make it an appealing option for beginners.

Comparing Forex Brokers in South Africa: Which One is Right for You?

Choosing the right broker depends on your trading needs. For beginner traders, brokers with easy-to-use platforms and strong customer support, like FBS and Eightcap, might be the best fit. Experienced traders, however, may benefit from IC Markets or FP Markets, which offer advanced tools and low-cost trading. If you're focused on low spreads, BlackBull and Octa are excellent options.

The Future of Forex Trading in South Africa:

As we look toward 2025, the future of forex trading in South Africa appears promising. Technological advancements, such as AI-based trading tools and faster transaction systems, are set to make trading more efficient. Moreover, evolving regulations may offer even greater protection for traders. Staying informed about the latest trends and innovations will help traders maintain a competitive edge.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, choosing the right forex broker is critical for successful trading in South Africa. With the Forex Brokers Comparison in South Africa above, you are equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision. Visit Top Forex Brokers Review for more in-depth insights and to explore detailed broker reviews

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

ANJL president warns illegal competition could force betting licensees out of Brazil

Plínio Lemos Jorge, president of the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), believes legal operators could end up exiting Brazil if the illegal market isn’t effectively tackled.

Last week Regis Dudena, the leader of the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) in Brazil, revealed 71 operators have had their licence applications approved. Already 16 betting companies have paid the BRL30 million (£3.9 million/€4.7 million/$4.9 million) concession fee.

The legal market is due to launch on 1 January 2025, but with that go-live date now just over two weeks away, the threat of illegal operators is still lingering.

The ANJL previously revealed over 2,000 illegal sites are still operating in Brazil. Carlos Baigorri, the president of the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) has warned its attempts to block these operators are like “mopping up ice”.

If Brazil doesn’t find a more effective way to clamp down on the black market, Lemos Jorge feels legal operators may turn their back on offering bets in Brazil. This would further illegal competitors, he warned.

“This risk does exist if the illegal market is not effectively combatted,” Lemos Jorge told UOL Apostas. “If investors assess that the market scenario is not favourable to the expected returns, those who are already here may certainly leave the country.”

Continue reading.

[merrock]

It's the holiday season! And Merrock is one of the very best places to be to celebrate all things winter, festive holidays, and joy and love. Let this post be your guide to happenings during the holiday season, places to visit, things to see and do, and much more!

Hop under the cut to fill your holiday season with even more joy and love (and plots).

EVENTS IN MERROCK:

December 2 -- winter fun party!

December 17-23 -- holiday market!

December 31 -- new year's eve party!

January 1 -- polar plunge!

January 20 -- winter gala!

HOLIDAYS / FUN DAYS AROUND TOWN

November 23 -- Thanksgiving!

November 24 -- Black Friday!

November 25 -- Small Business Saturday!

December 7 - 15 -- Hanukkah!

December 21 -- First Day of Winter!

December 25 -- Christmas!

December 26 - January 1 -- Kwanzaa!

December 31 -- New Year's Eve!

January 1 -- New Year's Day!

January 21 -- World Snow Day!

PLACES TO VISIT / THINGS TO DO

The Brownstone Inne (downtown) -- help Brownstone decorate their windows on the first floor!

Cityview Park (downtown) -- stroll through the park for a look at their many light and decoration displays, lit up from December 1 - 31 (help set up before!).

Merrock Railway (downtown) -- every weekend from now until the end of the year, catch a train ride through Merrock to look at community decorations at night!

The Mirage (downtown) -- Friday night karaoke night with all of your favorite holiday staples, every Friday night!

Stubs (downtown) -- along with the Christmas movies, the theater will be playing 8 Crazy Nights during Hanukkah!

Azure Spa & Salon (coastal) -- come get pampered with their holiday special treatments! and book your spa time before events!

From Brush to Canvas (coastal) -- a beautiful exhibit of snowy, festive paintings and pieces of art has been put out for the month of December, and decorated up!

Cassidy's Candies (coastal) -- make sure to stop in and grab some Hanukkah Gelt, if you're looking for something special to share.

Santa's Hut (suburbs) -- stop in any afternoon from 3PM until 7PM to visit with Santa! If he's not there, leave a letter in his mailbox. We promise he'll get it!

Children's Museum (suburbs) -- daily Christmas movies and activities held for children after school hours.

Community Center (suburbs) -- games and movies held in the common room every evening for kids and adults alke, as well as free food and warmth for those who need it.

Flour Co. -- is having a class on how to make a traditional Sufganiyot, and will be selling them, as well! they will also have cookie making classes, and gingerbread house making events every weekend.

Cul-de-Sac Diner (suburbs) -- have added latkes to the menu for the holiday season, as well as a few other favorites!

Animal Sanctuary (countryside) -- visit with and have pictures taken alongside some of Santa's reindeer if you bring a donation for the sanctuary!

Blades (countryside) -- perfect for time out sledding, skiing, snowboarding, building snowmen and, of course, doing a little ice skating! Opens December 2nd!

Harmony Ranch (countryside) -- take pictures with our festive, holiday animals, and see the Harmony Healers do their holiday program on December 16th!

Lavender Lane (countryside) -- stop by for wreaths and swags, pick out a Christmas tree from the lot, or cut your own from the farm in the fields beyond!

North Shore (countryside) -- volunteer some time to the elderly in the community, helping them with Christmas crafts and decorating their rooms.

Paradise Gardens (countryside) -- stop by to enjoy some beautifully decorated indoor garden space for the holidays!

State Park (countryside) -- take a hike on one of the many trails around the state park! Just be careful and avoid closed trails that might be dangerous for novice hikers.

HOLIDAY MOVIES AT STUBS

Stubs will be showing holiday movies every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the season (unless an event is taking place!), with Tuesdays thrown in for fun. With a flat fee of $10, you will get admission to the movie, a large drink, and two snacks. Kids are $5. On Christmas Eve, the movie is free with the donation of a toy for a child. Come enjoy with us!

November 24 -- Christmas Vacation

November 25 -- How the Grinch Stole Christmas

November 26 -- Home Alone

November 28 -- A Christmas Story

December 1 -- The Polar Express

December 3 -- A Charlie Brown Christmas (meet Snoopy!)

December 5 -- Miracle on 34th Street

December 8 -- White Christmas

December 9 -- Holiday Inn

December 10 -- Elf

December 12 -- The Muppets Christmas Carol

December 16 -- Rankin Bass Christmas movie marathon night (Rudolph, Frosty, Santa Claus is Coming to Town).

December 24 -- It's a Wonderful Life

STOP BY TO SHOP

HIDEAWAY MARKET -- stop by to do some shopping in Hideaway, whether you're looking for handmade goods at Collabs, custom furniture from Creekside, new crystals from Universal Rocks, or want to do some painting or eating, we have something for everyone.

DOWNTOWN -- Bookends, The Vinyl Hub, Wild at Hart Florals.

COASTAL AREA -- Bella's Boutique, Cassidy's Candies, Malibu & Co.

SUBURBS -- Jack in the Box, Little Corner Market, Sprouts, The Supply Shack, Treasure Chest.

COUNTRYSIDE -- Farmer's Market, Great Outdoors, Pet Haven, Polished Brass Market, Rocky Ridge Hardware

FUEL UP ON GOODIES

HIDEAWAY MARKET -- Rooftop Cafe.

DOWNTOWN -- Cobblestone Cafe, Evolution, Mack's, Rossi's, Taste, Touchback, What's the Tea.

COASTAL AREA -- & Chips, Anchors Away, Deidre's Deli, Fresh, The Hut, Mawk Tales, Sandcastles, Sea Breeze.

SUBURBS -- The Creamery, Cul-de-Sac Diner, Flour Co., The Garden, Golden House, Paco's, Pizza Thyme.

COUNTRYSIDE -- Handpick'd, Overlook, Tumbleweed.

AND MAY WE SUGGEST...

Merrockites are always full of love during the holiday season -- call up a friend and ask if they need help decorating their tree, invite a friend over to do some baking, go shopping together, wrap your presents, do something silly like coloring in an old coloring book, or make felt crafts that you picked up at a dollar store. Make some ugly holiday sweaters, do a photoshoot together in the snow. Dress your pets up and take them to meet Santa Claus, decide to go on a shopping spree to donate the presents to charity, make floral arrangements to put on the graves of loved ones, fix up donation boxes to take to those in need, drive around town looking at Christmas decorations. There is no such thing as too much holiday spirit!

[ask-de-writer]

Return to the Master Story Index

Return to CLASSICAL FANTASIES

THE FISHERMAN'S LEG (Part 19 of 20)

A sequel to Dee 1/2 Demon

by

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

25570 words

© 2023 by Glen Ten-Eyck

All rights reserved. This document may not be copied or distributed on or to any medium or placed in any mass storage system except by the express written consent of the author.

TUMBLR EXEMPTION

Blog holding members of Tumblr.com may freely reblog this story provided that the title, author and copyright information remain intact, unaltered, and are displayed at the head of the story.

Fan art, stories, music, cosplay and other fan activity is actively encouraged.

~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

New to the story? Read from the beginning HERE.

~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

Tanira bowed and raised her finger for recognition. “If it please the Magistrate, I have three things to lay before the Tribunal. Miko san has drawn up all of the needful papers which need only your approval, payment of needful fees, your signature and the Tribunal's official chop.

Drawing a folded paper and a hand tied string of cash from her sleeve, she offered, “This first item is my divorce from Minami, and reclaiming my family name of Facirata. As we already have a civil separation and Minami is both a criminal serving a sentence for crimes and the murderer of my son Ichuru, there can be no reasonable contest of this divorce.

“As a part of this final separation, I am requesting also the Ice House, which has not yet been sold. It was a joint property which Minami improperly claimed as his own by locking me out of it.

“No papers backing his claim were filed. Thus, technically, it remains one half mine. It is presently held by the Tribunal for sale against his debits. Our debits were isolated by you in our civil separation, meaning that it would violate the separation of our debits if my half of its sale value were given to him as debit relief.

“Along with the papers is the proper fee, one of silver cash and of copper cash twenty five.”

Magistrate Lim received the papers and the string of coins with a smile. “The ownership of the Ice House shall be attached to your Fish Market as an asset of the business, which it always was before Minami san's crazed obsession with Dee san and the others of the Shop of Repairs. As you have observed, though officially a joint property, his claim of sole ownership by locking you out was not legal. It was solely motivated by personal greed.

“The final divorce and restoration of your name to Facirata Tanira is granted. The Ice House is now a part of your Fish Market.”

Smiling, Tanira proffered the next set of papers and cash on a hand tied string. “These papers request that Minara san and Takahara san, though both are orphaned and Emancipated, be adopted as daughters of mine. As Miko san, Dee san, Satsuna san and Patsu san all demonstrate, there is no reasonable or lawful bar to having both family and Emancipation at the same time. What this will accomplish is giving them incontestable inheritance rights to my estate should I die.

“As the papers witness, it is both their wish and mine. They are here to give you their consent if it is needed.”

Magistrate Lim smiled, blinking back tears, as he stated, “Granted and without fee. Refusal of this adoption, given the present circumstances, would be inhumane. May the Perfected Ones provide you with only blessings.”

“We all three thank you, good Magiatrate Lim. Our next, and last item of our business is to register with Sabo village a fishing boat named the Rising Dawn. It is of length, ten paces and of beam, three and one half paces. It is rigged for both sail and oars. It will be launched this afternoon if time allows.”

Taking the papers and the proffered cash, Magistrate Lim inquired, “I need two further things to complete this registration. One is the name of the Rising Dawn's builder and the other is her value.”

Patsu raised her finger and bowed for recognition. “In conjunction with labor from the Chiasu Estate, I built the Rising Dawn. Her value is set by the labor in her, cost of materials, shop space needed and a proper profit to the Chiasu Estate at three of golden cash, of silver cash, two strings fifty. The Chiasu Estate has made her over to Facirata Tanira as a gift.”

Nodding to himself, Magistrate Lim brushed in the details and signed all of the papers and applied the Tribunal's chop to the lot, giving them to Miko with the words, “Please file these as soon as we are done here.”

Gesturing imperiously at the space before his table, sword bared in sign of a final judgment, Magistrat Lim demanded, “Mimami! Take your place here to receive final sentence for your crimes!”

Minami hesitantly knelt before the Magistrate, flanked on both sides by constables carrying, not cudgels but drawn swords.

When all was ready, Magistrate Lim explained, “I have chosen to be lenient. Under the Law as written, I would be required to order your execution by beheading. This is why we have judges, to hear and make due allowance for the reasons that things are done. I understand that though completely wrong, you were driven to madness by things that you saw but did not understand, including the incomplete healing of your leg. You blamed the healers for that, in spite of the fact that YOU FORBADE them to touch you. Only the fact that you were carrying this madness allows me to avoid your execution.

“I strip you of any face at all for your multiple infractions. Further, for the escape, theft and murder you are sentenced to a full five years at hard labor on Sabo province's roads. If you leave the road gang for any reason without permission IN WRITING, you will be executed upon capture.

“If you would prefer, I can instead order your execution. I do understand that it is a heavy sentence.”

Shaking his head in perplexity as he stood up to be led away, Minami whirled and thrust a pointing finger at Dee as he exclaimed, “Look at this whole mess! It is YOUR FAULT! Everything! My ugly leg! My reputation! My boat! My Fish Market! My home! My wife! My son! This is all your doing!”

Patsu remarked dryly, “Well his sanity didn't last too long! I wonder how he figures that one?”

“Don't pretend innocence! Up at the Hospital, all that you had to do was simply explain what I saw! If you had, none of the rest of this would have happened at all!”

Dee casually turned her hand up, her fingertips becoming black claws. Fire, of a thin pale blue formed as a dancing flame balanced on her clawtips. She remarked, “If you can remember it at all, we tried. What you saw had you so frightened that you would not answer us when we asked what had you so upset. We could not tell you what you what really happened because you would not tell us what you saw that frightened you so. If you had simply asked us, we'd have told you.”

He was still shouting, “This is all your fault! You should have told me then! My leg would be properly healed! I would still have everything! Ichuru would still be alive! All that you had to do was say something!”

The door to the cells closed on his rant!

Magistrate Lim shook his head sadly. “Mad. Completely mad. Nothing is his responsibility or fault at all. Maybe I should have him executed.”

Patsu snorted, “What would you do with his body? Cremation? He would make a toxic smoke! Bury him? Pollute the soil for tens of paces all around? Dump him in the ocean? He would kill or poison all of our fish!”

To be Continued

<==PREVIOUS ~~ NEXT==>

Return to the Master Story Index

Return to CLASSICAL FANTASIES

[blackwoolncrown]

Hmm yes from now on I will be microblogging my little joys and tiny problems from a small small town

so today’s problem:

there is only 1 atm in town that I can use and it only reads my card every 1/6 attempts at random. Yesterday it didn’t work at all.

Today I can go back and check but walking there involves going up a VERY steep hill which I only want to do if I am going to the market and can come back down w ice cream. It’s early and I’d have to eat before going up but I’d have to eat 3 hours early which throws off my schedule.

All for it to possibly not work at all.

The whole walk would be in the heat, too.

Meanwhile I can leave town to find an ATM with the plus side being that the ATM in town is from a bank w high ass fees (which is why I really can’t wait to have my visa so I can get an account at the OTHER bank) so if I left town to do this that would save money over time...BUT

it’s an hour round trip and it’ll cost gas.

Hmm. :/

I can also drive to the atm but then that wil require finding parallel parking  in a kind of busy area and that’s a stressful thought...

But maybe I’ll try and if it doesn’t work out for any reason I’m already in my car and I’ll just drive out of town!

[umichenginabroad]

Stockholm Wrap-Up: Tips and Tricks

My time in Stockholm has come to an end. I am now waiting for my co-op to begin! The past semester has been a wonderful 4 months that I will never forget. 

I gathered a few tips and tricks for people planning to study abroad! I couldn’t find lots of information specific to Stockholm when I was searching for info, so I thought this could help future students. 

Hope you enjoyed my TMI posts, and thank you again for reading/glancing/trying to read them until Tumblr told you to create an account! 

The following notes are solely subjective to me so take them as suggestions, not facts!

Basics of Sweden

People: 

Very reserved but nice when you ask something 

Almost everyone speaks English 

Places: 

Everyone is entitled to their freedom to roam around - basically, you can go anywhere except for private property 

Culture: 

Fika = a break with coffee and pastry

Sweden seriously recycles! Make sure you follow all the rules and throw away the right stuff at the right place 

Through the pant system, you can get money back from empty cans/bottles. ICA usually has the pant machines so make use of them and get your money back! 

Transportation: 

Information on Google Maps is accurate

People are generally silent in public places, including the streets 

Public transportation (run by SL) is well-distributed and punctual in Stockholm

Metro comes every 5 minutes or so. It runs until late at night around 12 am or 2 am 

High-speed trains are mostly free but if you go past a certain point you need to pay an extra fee, so ask the representative in the stations OR check the map OR check the SL app 

Buses

Night buses run every day and are free with the SL card that DIS gives you 

Trams 

Ferries 

To and from Arlanda airport: 

Arlanda Express - high-speed train

18 mins + alpha to/from your house

Fastest to T-Centralen but a little expensive 

Does not run throughout the night 

~$16 one way 

~$32 roundtrip 

Flygbussarna - bus 

40-50 mins total 

Bus stations are distributed throughout Stockholm so you can get on and off at desired stops 

Runs all throughout the night 

~$15 one way (to/from Hornstull)

~$27 roundtrip (to/from Hornstull)

Money: 

10 SEK is a little less than $1

Swedish crowns = Kroner = SEK

Almost all the stores are cashless - wireless tap or cards are the norms 

ICA, The System (national alcohol stores), and flea markets are some of the only places that take cash 

DIS program

Gives unlimited public transportation card, three 200 SEK worth of ICA gift cards for groceries 

Attend the DIS-hosted events if you can! They offer diverse programs for free. The following are some examples: 

Sip & Paint - fika while you paint! 

Bowling night 

Ice skating

Billiards/arcade night 

Ticket to dance performances 

Picnic

Yoga session 

Visits to museums 

Guided tour to castles like Gripsholm 

DIS Festival is the last event of the semester that lasts about 2 hours where you can present your learnings, enjoy stations like a photo booth, eat catered food, and hope to win the raffle  

Suggestions 

Start learning the basics of Swedish through apps in advance! Duolingo was mainly how I learned Swedish 

Hi = hej (hey)

Bye = hey då (hey do)

Thank you = tack (tac)

Thank you so much = tack så mycket (tac-so-micket)

Sorry = förlåt (fur-lat)

Excuse me = ursäkta (ooh-shak-ta)

Go out and explore the city whenever you can! Get that vitamin D

Traveling: 

Main airlines: 

Ryanair: cheapest flights that are good for weekend trips with a backpack. It can be strict with the backpack size so ensure that your bag fits the size requirements. You need to buy every little thing you can think of, even water  

I heard Easyjet is similar to Ryanair

SAS youth: high-quality service with a cheaper price if you are between 12-25 years old. The seats run out very quickly so book in advance!

If flights get delayed for 3+ hours, SAS provides monetary compensation (a lot more than you think) so check it out if your flight gets delayed or canceled 

Norwegian: I personally didn’t fly Norwegian but I heard good things about it 

KLM: usually expensive 

If traveling with friends, an app called Tricount is very useful to sort out all the money stuff. You can enter who paid how much for every single occasion and at the end of the trip, it gives you a suggestion on who should pay how much to whom 

What To Bring: 

Bring a wide range of clothing - you will experience all four seasons during your one semester in Stockholm!

Winter suits: thick jackets, gloves, scarfs, hats

Swimsuits: Don’t forget to bring swimsuits for sauna/polar plunging in Stockholm and beaches during your academic/personal travels!

Fanny pack: it was very useful when I was traveling to places known for pickpocketing (London, Barcelona, Italy, etc.)  

Travel-size bottles! 

Many Airbnbs and hostels did not have shampoo/conditioner, so I always carried around shampoo and conditioner in mini-containers (under 100 mL). They are useful for skin care products too!

International Travel Adapter 

Plug types are all different in Sweden, United Kingdom, Malta, Italy, France

Check before you travel! 

Hygiene product information for girls 

The tampons that they sell here are very small 

I didn’t see any stores selling big pads, so I’d bring enough for an entire semester

What Not To Bring: 

Toiletries were surprisingly very cheap in Stockholm: cotton pads, toothbrushes, floss, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, etc. No need to bring them if you don’t have enough room! 

Normal was my go-to store for these products 

Where To Study: 

Espresso House - the most popular chain in Stockholm imo

Wifi, charging stations

Good smoothies (mango chia is my fav) and pastries (cheesecakes, croissants, Kanelbulle) 

Wayne's - similar chain

Wifi, more charging stations

A lot of people chatting or studying 

Illy - chain with chill studying vibes 

Wifi can be a little goofy sometimes 

Good studying atmosphere - everyone is working on a laptop 

Avocado sandwich is good 

Where To Go: 

For grocery shopping/basic goods: 

ICA: $600 gift card that DIS gave me lasted me the whole semester! I cooked and bought groceries with my roommate, so we technically had $1200 together for one semester

BUT I ate out a couple of times each month and traveled a lot so if this is not the case you might run out quickly! 

Normal: they sell a lot of basic goods ranging from toiletries to stationery to snacks. It is not too expensive either so if you want something small but don’t know where to go, I’d check out Normal after ICA! 

IKEA: We went just for fun and sometimes for food. Cheap Swedish meatballs and 70-cent vanilla ice cream make the visit worth it! 

Go thrifting - there are lots of options! Many thrift stores are located side-by-side in Slussen, T-Centralen, and Mariatorget. Keep in mind that there are some vintage stores, but they are generally expensive (average $40). Read the descriptions of each store below if you are interested. This list of thrift stores is in ascending order by price: 

Myrona & Humana: both are chains that sell clothes on the cheaper side. I loved to look around the wide selection even if I had nothing to buy in mind 

Artikel2: the one I went to was huge - there were lots of jean products 

Stockholm Stadsmission: a chain with reasonable price and quality. You can find lots of gems when you spend time digging! 

Arkivet: a higher-end second-hand store with abundant high-quality clothes such as Tommy Hilfiger, COACH, BOSS, COS, etc. The one in T-Centralen is my personal favorite! I suggest this store if you’re looking for durable clothes like trench coats, jackets, etc. The expensive clothes are much cheaper than the original price, but the clothes that are usually cheap (ZARA/H&M) are a bit overpriced 

Check out museums - the following list is in descending order of preference: 

Paradox Museum: plenty of photo spots! I’d suggest going with someone else so that you can take photos of each other 

Tekniska Museet: a lot of science and technology stuff, but it’s not boring - it is a multistory building with innumerable interactive activities. Don’t forget to check out the video game rooms on the top floor!

Banksy (pop-up): Banksy’s artwork illustrates the political and historical issues through Banksy’s perspective 

Fotografiska: exhibitions switch every few months: I loved Rinko Kawauchi’s photo collection! 

Skansen: open-air museum with reindeer and historical housings! It is hugeeee so spare some time if planning on going here

Vasa Museum: museum with a well-preserved 17th-century ship that got salvaged 

ABBA Museum: The museum is smaller than I expected, especially when it is on the more expensive side. However, there were a few interactive activities (dancing stage, karaoke stations, silent headphone dancing spot, etc.) and numerous photo spots!

For people who love nightlife - check out the following list: 

Cafe Opera: nightclub 

Secret Garden: gay bar in Gamla Stan

Liffey: Irish pub in Gamla Stan that has live music and karaoke 

RoQ: bar with arcade games 

Beer and play: casual drinking bar - a lot of DIS students went on Tuesdays to drink beer and socialize 

Avoid Time bar: the $15 cocktails are good but there are too many old men who approach young girls :((  

Wander around in… 

Gamla Stan: I can’t emphasize my love for Gamla Stan enough; as the old town, they have a lot of historical buildings and museums in addition to rows of souvenir stores and cafes. There are a myriad of small paths (+ the narrowest street in Sweden) you could take - I loved getting lost in Gamla Stan! 

Fika and Wine - good authentic Swedish food: meatballs are very good 

PANEM - my absolute favorite dessert cafe! The mango mousse cake is one of the best desserts I’ve ever tasted 

Monteliusvägen: This is a perfect spot in Mariatorget to enjoy a view of the city while you take a leisurely walk. I went there multiple times with friends and on my own. It's the perfect place to have your sunlight intake!

Rosendals Trädgård (Garden): Although it’s a bit far away from the center of Stockholm (on an island that also has Skansen and Grona Lund amusement park), it is a place you need to visit in the spring. Little stores sell postcards (I was about to buy 5 but I realized I’m broke and only bought 1; however, I am regretting my choice right now. If I could go back I would buy all of the ones I picked out), keyrings (I bought four acorn keyrings for my family), vases, etc. There are greenhouse-looking cafes where you can eat food and desserts. And don’t forget to smell and take pictures at the flower gardens!

Kungsträdgården: ice skating in winter and cherry blossom festival in spring!

More places to visit in Sweden: 

City hall 

Stockholm Public Library 

Gröna Lund = amusement park

Westfield Scandinavia = mall 

Stockholm Observatory 

Archipelago 

Östermalms Saluhall = food hall 

Day trip to Uppsala 

What To Eat: 

Burger

MAX - Swedish burger chain 

More popular than McDonalds! 

There are a ton of vegan/vegetarian options - and I heard they are good 

Sweet potato fries are gas 

Brödernas - Hamburger restaurant 

Right next to the DIS Stockholm building

Outdoor sitting is a must in spring! 

Top sweet potato fries 

Pasta

Florentine - Italian pasta/pizza place

The pasta here is sooooo good 

Cocktails are fabulous too: Florentine on the Beach is my favorite 

Carls Deli - Italian restaurant 

After eating their pasta I agreed with the 4.8-star rating on Google Maps

In a food hall in T-Centralen 

Very busy all the time! 

Japanese: 

Noburu - best sushi for reasonable prices 

Near DIS Building (about 10 minute walk)

DELICIOUS food and AESTHETIC plating

Dry ice for decor 0_0

IPIN - cheap and good Japanese food

Near Hornstull 

Everything was around $10 

Ramen, sushi, and donburi were all good!

Sushi Yama - a chain where you can select nigiri types

Nigiris are small but delicious 

You can choose quantity and type of nigiri - I recommend grilled salmon; it literally melts in your mouth 

Matchaya - ramen and bubble tea

Close to DIS (about 15 minute walk)

Good ramen (I suggest the miso base)

Love their fruit bubble tea

TooGoodToGo - you can get leftover food that would’ve gone to waste at the end of the day for cheap prices! 

Happy Sweet Potato - bubble tea

I got 3 different bubble teas on top of a cup full of coconut jellies + pudding for less than $8

It sells out rapidly so I’d set a timer and snatch the deal when it opens 

ICA - groceries OR fruits and veggies OR bread

I only ordered bread here but I’ve noticed that the other options run out fast 

Got a bag for less than $5 if I remember correctly

Good for students who need sandwich bread + want pastries like croissants and vanilla/chocolate bread

Bakery Hornstull - bread OR cake

I love the owner couple… They’re so sweet and kind

I got 4 paper bags filled with all sorts of bread - there were a lot of big bread/sandwich bread though  

When I bought a cake for approximately $7, she let me choose between two cakes (we usually don’t get to pick)  

Eataly - pizza

My friends did it here and got three pieces of pizza for $3 

I missed my chance but you could do it! 

Desserts 

PANEM - pastries (!!! Mango mousse cake !!!)

PLEASE try the mango mousse cake if you like not TOO sweet fruity desserts

Alcohol 

You can only purchase alcohol from The System, which is owned by the government - US ID like driver’s license works sometimes 

Briska pear cider is extremely popular for a reason 

All the ciders I tasted in Sweden were good but I especially liked Somersby ciders 

This is all I can think of! 

The four months in Stockholm reminded me what life really is, what I enjoy, what I am comfortable with, what I need to work on, and how I want to live my life. 

I am so grateful for all the opportunities and support I have received. Now, it is time for me to move on and enter a new stage in life. I’ll be looking back on these precious memories whenever I need a refresher :) 

I genuinely loved studying abroad, especially in Stockholm. I hope you had fun reading these weekly posts as well! 

Thank you and goodbye, 

Jiwoo Kim

Chemical Engineering

DIS Study Abroad in Stockholm, Sweden

[calpicowater]

Week 25.5/52: June 19th - June 25th 2023 | Richmond Night Market 2023 🍉

Back at RNM with bf for desserts!! I cannot believe entrance fee is $8 now... it's SO insane. I brought so much cash thinking I could eat everything I had on my list but the reality is that everything is a HUGE portion that I got full after buying 3 food items... smh. First thing I ate was brown sugar iced jelly with a shit ton of toppings ($12) - very yum, it was the best thing I ate all day. Followed up with a cup of sugar cane juice ($10) - super delicious and refreshing, I love sugar cane. Next was two "deep fried skewers" from Kai's Skewers and it was SO... BAD!!!! ($12). I never talk shit about food but this was so bad I couldn't even swallow it. Hard to chew... the flavour was weird... IDK I got hella scammed. No wonder they had no business lol. At that point I was super full but after walking around a bit more I got mango pomelo frozen yogurt ($15... can't believe it's so expensive lol) and it was yum but once again the portion was too huge so I chucked the last two pieces because I had to go on skytrain and it was too cold to eat more anyways... Overall nice to try everything I did try but wish I could have gotten rotato.. by the time I was hungry again they were already closing LMAO their business always too good but I haven't had one in YEARS.

[aboodmush]

AFTER REACHING 70% OF MY CAMPAIGN, THE GERMAN BANK BLOCKED ACCESS TO THE FUNDS AND IS DEMANDING A 48% TAX, PLUS A 2.5% SITE COMMISSION, TRANSFER FEES, AND EXCHANGE RATE DIFFERENCES. HERE IS THE LINK TO MY NEW TAX-FREE CAMPAIGN.

[valpoupdates]

DECEMBER CALENDAR POSTING...

So much to see, so much to do, so little time ! Lucky for you, here at Santa Moneda we keep track of it just for you ! Unless stated otherwise by our management team, all of these activities are optional. Residents do not have to take part in these if they don't wish to ! These can be used for threads throughout the month but new threads can't be started for these activities once the month is up. Please track the smhqcalendar tag to stay updated month to month ( ©️ )

Valparaíso Activities:

December 1st: Christmas Market and Christmas tree lighting event in Downtown. The market takes place from 11AM to 11PM, while the Christmas tee lighting will start at 6PM complete with performances from Universidad de Bellas Artes de Valparaíso students and an appearance from El Viejito Pascuero himself !

December 16th: The city is turning Quintil Valparaíso Park into an ice skating rink made of synthetic ice! You can bring your own skates or rent some during the event. There will be photobooths you can use for a small fee and professional photographers you can request short photoshoots from for a discounted price

Please note that, if you go, you agree to allow the city to publish your photos in the December edition of the city magazine, La Revista De Valparaíso.

December 19th: There is a Christmas Parade in Downtown Valparaíso starting at 11AM. A variety of floats from different cultures, backgrounds, and interests will be displayed. Residents are always welcome to sign up if they have a float idea they'd like to bring.

December 31st: Catch Me If You Can Port Party. Say goodbye to 2023 with everyone's favorite hide and seek nightclub. They're set up at the port, using ship containers as bars and vacant ships as dance floors. You may start the year off with an arrest, but you'll have the perfect view of the fireworks when the clock strikes midnight.

Santa Moneda Activities:

December 7th: “December from a Global Perspective: How Other Cultures Celebrate the Month of December” – an informative presentation offered in the Santa Moneda Learning Center from 8PM to 11PM. This event will include:

a 20 minute presentation about how other cultures celebrate their holidays in December and world-renowned chefs have been invited to cook and serve foods from different cultures: chef amar bhatia : michelin-starred indian chef, owner of “the wholesome grain” chef nadia wan : international malaysian celebrity chef and personality, 20th youngest malaysian chef, & an iron chef on iron chef malaysia chef mahmoud samir : most sought-after egyptian menu developer and consultant chef, & owner of JAK Catering

December 10th: Ornament making course in the Learning Center from 5PM to 7PM

December 14th: Last day to sign up for the Santa Moneda gift exchange.

December 24th: Noche Buena dinner and gift exchange at Vincete's Jazz Lounge. Join your fellow Santa Moneda residents for a night of global cuisine and celebration. There will be a wide variety of food, drinks, and live music prepared as you exchange presents and maybe steal a kiss or two under the mistletoe. Feel to get on the mic yourself with our karaoke portion of the evening starting at 9PM.

December 25th: There will be Christmas Carolers down in the lobby to close out our celebrations at 12PM & 6 PM.

[tacticalvalor]

«────── « HEADCANON » ──────»

Hi, I have no life (joke). Anyway, with the updates to Laverne's canon I've made (and still need to add to her bio)... I decided to re-calculate her net worth.

Unfortunately, she is not making the Top 10 Richest People in the World list 😔 But that doesn't mean her worth isn't impressive!

So, below the cut you will find the breakdown of assets and liabilities. But first, here's a breakdown of what exactly constitutes into calculating a person's net worth:

Net worth is the value of the assets a person or corporation owns, minus the liabilities they owe.

An asset is anything owned that has monetary value, while liabilities are obligations that deplete resources, such as loans, accounts payable (AP), and mortgages.

This would include properties (homes, businesses, vehicles) and most material goods, as well as daily business fees. Which in GTA... are very cheap in comparison to the cost of assets.

It's also important to note this is an approximation!

Some vehicles aren't available, some were free and the market cost was estimated (re: base value + suggested sell price post-upgrade), property upgrades and renovations varied, the fees are paid daily, and I had to find online articles with the prices...

There was an attempt, and we did get an answer:

$81.3 million USD (exact number: $81,322,316 USD)

And now, the breakdown.

PROPERTIES / BUSINESSES

2045 N. Conker Avenue Stilt Apartment -> $727,000

Del Perro Heights, 4 -> $468,000

Maze Bank Tower Office -> $7,800,000

Paleto Forest Bunker -> $2,480,000

Paleto Bay Facility -> $2,806,000

LSIA Hangar A17 -> $3,147,500

Downtown Vinewood Nightclub -> $7,469,850

Videogeddon (La Mesa) -> $10,082,500

Diamond Casino Penthouse -> $6,472,000

Cargo Warehouse -> $902,000

Vehicle Warehouse -> $1,500,000

Document Forgery -> $1,762,000

Counterfeit Cash -> $2,454,000

Cocaine Lockup -> $2,870,000

TOTAL: $50,940,850

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

CLOTHING (ACCOUNTS FOR CANON OUTFITS; NOT ALL INCLUDED DUE TO LOSS OF OUTFIT/CHANGED CANON)

Outfit 1 -> $54,732

Black Corset -> $13,940

Classic Turnups -> $15.060

Black Catsuit Heels -> $3,020

Pewter Aviators -> $3,660

Platinum Pretzel Chain -> $9,252

Black Gold Diamond Studs -> $6,450

Carbon Anna Rex Prestige Watch -> $3,350

Outfit 2 -> $43,062

Black Corset -> $13,940

Deco Sequin Mini Skirt -> $1,425

Black Patent Heels -> $2,395

Platinum Pretzel Chain -> $9,252

Platinum Diamond Studs -> $8,950

Silver Le Chien Marquise Watch -> $7,100

Outfit 3 -> $6,680

Cream Blazer -> $1,400

Black Turtleneck -> $1100

Cream Slacks -> $1,660

Black Patent Heels -> $2,395

Silver Deco Earrings -> $125

Outfit 4 -> $8,435

Blue Suede Blazer -> $1,750

Black Turtleneck -> $1100

Blue Slacks -> $1,990

Black Patent Heels -> $2,395

Gray Earpiece -> $1,200

Outfit 5 -> $39,085

Positive Cimicino Sun Dress -> $27,650

Black Patent Heels -> $2,395

Gray Earpiece -> $1,200

Black Mademoiselle Glasses -> $740

Silver Le Chien Marquise Watch -> $7,100

Outfit 6 -> $36,900

Ice Corset -> $13,820

Faded Classic Turnups -> $14,280

White Dipped Patent Heels -> $500

Gray Earpiece -> $1,200

Marble Mademoiselle Glasses -> UNK / $0

Silver Le Chien Marquise Watch -> $7,100

Outfit 7 -> $555

Black Bikini Top -> $325

Black Bikini Bottoms -> $230

Outfit 8 -> $24,090

Santos 13 Cropped Tank -> $130

Black Snap Joggers -> $4,850

Black S Slab Canvas Sneakers -> $8,670

Pewter Aviators -> $3,660

Beat Off White Headphones -> $0

Lime iFruit Snap Watch -> $6,780

Outfit 9 -> $30,075

Black Mini Dress -> $14,500

Black Patent Heels -> $2,395

Platinum Waterfall Earrings -> $10,600

Black Fufu Jeunesse Watch -> $2,580

Long Black Gloves -> UNK. / $0

Outfit 10 -> $52,185

Royal Blue Mini Dress -> $12.920

Black Patent Heels -> $2,395

Platinum Waterfall Earrings -> $10,600

Silver Anna Rex Prestige Watch -> $3,350

Mono Chain Bracelet -> $22,920

Outfit 11 -> $77,515

Springs High Roller Dress -> $45,750

Black Patent Heels -> $2,395

Black Gold Diamond Studs -> $6,450

Mono Chain Bracelet -> $22,920

TOTAL: $373,314

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

VEHICLES (ACCOUNTS FOR CANON VEHICLES)

Galaxy Super Yacht -> $8,840,000

Kosatka Submarine -> $9,085,000

Bravado Greenwood -> 1,098,750 + 144,975 = $1,243,725

Obey 9F Cabrio -> 130,000 + 231,325 = $361,325

Bravado Banshee -> 126,000 + 223,387 = $349,387

Dinka Double-T -> $85,815

Coil Cyclone -> + $2,020,757

Paragon R (Armored) -> $905,000

Terrobyte -> $3,459,000

TOTAL: $25,988,684

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

ACCOUNT BALANCE (TIME OF CALCULATION) -> $4,031,463

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

APPROXIMATION OF OBLIGATIONS / FEES

Apartments -> $150

Facility -> $300

Penthouse -> $500

Yacht -> $500

Submarine -> $150

Office -> $250

Cargo Warehouse -> $25

Bunker -> $4,500

Hangar -> $250

Nightclub -> $500

Arcade -> $250

Document Forgery -> $1,500

Counterfeit Cash -> $3000

Mechanic Fees -> $120

TOTAL: $11,995

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

81,334,311 - 11,995 EQUALS... $81,322,316