#more than 45 bank partners

[shubhbank]

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[mariacallous]

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Peru this week for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, during which he will inaugurate the deep-water port of Chancay, about 45 miles north of Lima. It’s a $3.6 billion project—one of China’s largest infrastructure investments in the region in the past two decades.

It also may be one of the last of its kind.

Upon becoming president in 2013, in an attempt to deepen the so-called going out strategy and find new markets for booming Chinese production, Xi initiated a reform agenda that intensified diplomatic outreach and boosted overseas investment, the capstone of which was the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Big infrastructure contracts were a win-win move: They allowed China to offload excess capacity of steel, labor, and other inputs while providing urgently needed infrastructure to Latin America. Since 2017, 22 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have formally joined the BRI, utterly transforming China’s relationship with the continent. China is now Latin America’s second-largest trading partner, after only the United States.

But after two decades of growing sway in the region, Beijing is taking a new approach. As it struggles to manage an economic slowdown, a mounting debt burden, and a broken real estate market, Beijing is bringing an end to the era of high-risk, high-cost mega-infrastructure projects in favor of smaller, new frontier investments in cloud computing, 5G technology, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles.

China has pitched its new strategy to the world as visionary and forward-looking. Its Latin American partners, however, are less convinced.

The significant, long-standing infrastructure gap in Latin America has made leaders hungry for external investment. Whereas the United States and the European Union have been reluctant to put up large sums, China was happy to get involved.

BRI money has funded roads through the jungles of Costa Rica; railways in Bolivia and Argentina; industrial parks and a container port in Trinidad and Tobago; the biggest hydroelectric plant in Ecuador; and the first transoceanic fiber-optic cable directly connecting Asia to South America, stretching from China to Chile, among other projects.

These big infrastructure projects have paralleled increased Chinese investments in soft power and diplomacy. The United States used to be very adept with its Latin American partners, but China has overtaken it, said Benjamin Creutzfeldt, a China scholar.

“The Chinese have become better at engaging through charm offensives with their charismatic ambassadors,” he said. “They learned how to deal with their counterparts effectively.”

But China’s expansion in the region—particularly in hard infrastructure—has come at a cost for Latin America. Chinese companies have been accused of substandard construction practices and corruption in prior big-item investments.

For instance, the Coca Codo Sinclair dam, a hydroelectric rock-fill dam in the jungles of Ecuador, has not stopped making negative headlines since being inaugurated in November 2016. The estimated $3.4 billion project—the largest in Ecuador’s history—was built and financed by China as a flagship BRI project. But by July 2022, more than 17,000 cracks had already splintered across the dam, and many of the top Ecuadorian officials involved in the construction have been imprisoned or sentenced on bribery charges related to the project.

Not only is Ecuador now left with faulty infrastructure, it’s also stuck with crushing amounts of debt. The BRI has shifted China from being Latin America’s ATM to its biggest debt collector. China rivals the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank as the biggest creditor in the region and has left Latin America with the highest level of debt service payments in the world, at an estimated 4 percent of regional GDP. According to the research from the Center for Economic Policy Research, the share of Chinese loans to countries in financial distress increased from about 5 percent in 2010 to about 60 percent in 2022.

For its part, Ecuador is attempting to pay back its debt by exporting oil to China at almost an 80 percent discount. But this arrangement could cause problems for China, too, in the long run.

“Supporting these mega-projects, which do not have big returns, in indebted countries, isn’t necessarily a good business strategy,” said Leland Lazarus, the associate director of national security at Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy.

“China is at the risk of not getting their money back,” said Axel Dreher, a professor at Germany’s Heidelberg University.

After more than two decades of big, ambitious physical infrastructure projects, China has begun to face the music.

Strained economic and political situations on the domestic front have increased pressure to spend less abroad and focus on the country’s internal development needs. Just last week, the Chinese government approved a $1.4 trillion plan to boost the economy by allowing local government to refinance debts.

China is also increasingly wary of infrastructure projects after being criticized for its subpar BRI implementation. AidData, an international development research lab, analyzed more than 13,427 of the initiative’s projects across 165 countries, worth $843 billion, and found that 35 percent had “major implementation problems,” such as scandals, protests, corruption, labor violations, and environmental degradation.

China is still finishing up certain hard infrastructure projects, including the Bogotá Metro rapid transit system in Colombia, but will pursue fewer moving forward. Instead, hungry for cash and eager to de-risk investments while remaining relevant overseas, China has shifted its focus toward new frontier projects—already to great effect.

Wenyi Cai, a Chinese investor and the CEO of Polymath Ventures, a venture studio in Latin America, said that she has seen overwhelming Chinese interest in digital investments, particularly in Mexico and Brazil. Just in 2022, 58 percent of Chinese investments in Latin America and the Caribbean were in these new infrastructure industries, up from about 25 percent in the previous year.

This shift is particularly notable in the telecoms industry. Already, up to 70 percent of Latin America’s 4G-LTE cellular networks are supported by infrastructure from the Chinese tech giant Huawei, which grew by 9 percent in the region in 2022, according to a report from the University of Navarra. The company is also rolling out 5G networks in several countries in the region.

China is also making waves in the electric vehicle industry. In 2022, Chinese firms invested $2.2 billion in the industry���35 percent of all Chinese foreign direct investment in the region that year, according to an Inter-American Dialogue report. In 2023, China emerged as Mexico’s top car supplier, exporting $4.6 billion worth of vehicles, and the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is actively exploring factory locations in the country.

Undoubtedly, China’s interest in this supposed technical revolution is economical. For China, the new frontier sectors present less risk, lower operating costs, and faster returns than traditional infrastructure projects in a retrenched post-pandemic world.

“As China has less overall capital to allocate, it tries to do so in a more strategic way,” said Margaret Myers, the director of the Asia and Latin America program at the Inter-American Dialogue.

This, however, has resulted in a huge decrease in funds for Latin America. From 2010 to 2019, China invested an average of $14.2 billion per year in the region. By 2022, however, this amount had dropped to less than half—just $6.4 billion. A similar trend can be observed in loans from China’s top development finance institutions: At its peak in 2010, China lent more than $25 billion in the region, but this dropped to a little more than $1.3 billion per year between 2019 and 2023.

Though infrastructure is no longer the smartest investment strategy, that doesn’t mean the region’s need for it is going anywhere. Luis Alberto Moreno, the former president of the Inter-American Development Bank, told Foreign Policy that there continues to be a large infrastructure deficit in Latin America that is only growing bigger as the region becomes richer and demands more energy, goods, and services.

Non-Chinese development banks, including the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, have already started filling the gap since Chinese lending first dropped in 2015. This includes significant new financing from the Inter-American Development Bank for road improvements last year, with $600 million allocated to Mexico, $480 million to Brazil, and $345 million to Argentina.

But Moreno said that he doubts that the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank will be able to fill the void alone. China seems to be the only other option, but it’s not playing ball.

Despite the region finding itself trapped in domestic debt and having been burned by infrastructure projects that did not fulfill time, cost, and quality expectations, a fear nevertheless lingers in Latin America about what it will do without massive inflows of Chinese money.

“There is this sense that it [infrastructure] needs to be done, whether China is the one to do it or not,” Myers said.

Yet, China’s increased focus on new frontier investments could enable Latin American countries to enhance their much-needed digital infrastructure, positioning them to capitalize on automation and the adoption of artificial intelligence. It could also facilitate the region’s participation in a global green transition.

Jesús Seade, Mexico’s ambassador to China, sees the shifting focus toward more innovation-led investment as an opportunity for his country. “It means development—it means helping Mexico climb the value chain,” he told Foreign Policy.

But some worry that the region will become over-reliant on China in these new sectors, just as it did for the big physical infrastructure projects, without improving its own competitiveness in the process. Although some welcome cheap green technologies from China in order to ease the region’s transition to cleaner energy use, concerns remain about Latin American countries not doing enough to bolster their capacity to produce high-value manufacturing goods, harness Chinese technology transfers, and implement robust security measures to safeguard against the misuse of citizens’ data.

The new frontier investments could also pose security threats to Latin American governments and their citizens, including through surveillance, cybersecurity, and intellectual property risks that the region is unprepared to deal with, according to Robert Evan Ellis, a professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College. He is also concerned about China’s ability to misuse its access and knowledge about operations in key logistics hubs—such as the Panama Canal or the Chancay port—to disrupt access or launch attacks if a conflict were to emerge.

Another concern is the power balance between China and its Latin American partners. According to Marisela Connelly, a professor at the Center for Asian and African Studies at the College of Mexico, China is the one determining the conditions for trade and investment in the region.

“China simply wants Latin American countries to adapt to China’s needs,” Connelly said. She criticized the Mexican government for having “no strategy” and “no clear objectives” in its relationship to China.

Ultimately, the situation raises an important question about what infrastructure Latin America really needs.

“I’m not sure this [less investment in hard infrastructure] is a bad thing,” Evan Ellis said. Ultimately, Latin America has to pay for its infrastructure projects, and China’s shift may save the region from more unviable and expensive infrastructure projects moving forward.

[sarasa-cat]

Cough cough cough cough sputter cough

Well…

Charging up my iPad so I can take it will me to high tea in posh hotel atrium.

Partner has left to do some social things with elder family. I canceled bc I cannot talk and while I assume I’m not contagious with nasty ass common cold germs right now, I am being respectfully cautious. Also, no, I don’t want to fight 45-60+ min of traffic each way and be a coughing mess every time someone expects me to say more than one word.

Generally pissed off. For reasons. This set of travel legs amounted to 3+ weeks of carefully planned time I am not getting back and zero film shot, hardrive empty, gear still in fancy travel case, etc etc etc. so much cancellation. Fml. And my bank account. Especially my bank account.

Managed to drag myself out to a fave clothing store yesterday and get 5 outfits (all 100% cotton and well made and very nice and will last many years, not just many washes) for — oh how the strong dollar has favored me — the equiv of US 120 dollars.

Desperately need to go to other fave clothing store tomorrow for a massive raid that will hold me over til my next trip.

Need to check remaining space in luggage tonight.

Cranky

Next international flight is on Wednesday morning (4am) so I really hope to NOT be a fucking mess on that plane. Bc that and the 4am takeoff (prolly 3am boarding) is a giant fml with getting over being sick.

My cough is way worse in evening so yeah. This will be fun. 🙃

Should have never agreed to rearranging the travel itinerary such that I would be heavily exposed to school kids immediately before a big series of (mostly canceled) exciting places that were designated stops for shooting epic amounts of pro photography and pro video. For various things. Fml.

So fucking cranky but too exhausted to crank.

We decided to redo the canceled itinerary within the next 8-12 months but scheduled so I remain in my bubble during critical days/weeks.

Honestly, I wish I wasn’t so susceptible to sinus infections and lung inflammation that will land me in US hospitals (outside of US doctors are far more competent and get me my drugs fast so I never loose lung function and lungs stay mostly or entirely clear while I recover at home) but because of this I just normally nope the fuck out of anything involving kids under age of tweens/teens, and yes, in the US it certainly shapes my circle of friends (lol- who have all left so my US circle in my metro area is now closing on zero).

I am more forgiving of my rules in nations that (a) have excellent health care I can access and are (b) not the US.

Had this one-two punch occurred in the US, 50/50 I would have had at least one trip to the ER and you know what that costs. Fuckjng American medicine. Fucking AMA. Fucking greedy capitalist shitbags is what American doctors are.

My Med bills so far including OTC and Rx drugs ongoing for 3 weeks, and doctor visiting me in my hotel: maybe the total equiv of 25 to 30 US dollars at most.

And while I have not been happy, never once was I in a bad situation as in need ER visit now. Bc I am Rxed the correct drugs. Unlike the shitbags in the US.

[swiss-private-banking]

Listen to the Podcast by Enzo Caputo from Swiss Banking Lawyers

Are Swiss Banks in trouble? How safe is your Money with Credit Suisse? Swiss banks are under a frontal attack by the UK and the US media. There is an ongoing defamation campaign against Swiss banks.

Despite attacks against the reputation of the Swiss banks, they are doing great. Since Covid and the war in Ukraine business is booming. Never have Swiss banks attracted so much new money from all over the world as in the last two years.

Based on the example of Credit Suisse you will learn that the money of international investors is protected. The first 100,000 CHF is guaranteed anyway. Only liquidity beyond 100,000 CHF is at risk. All investments can be taken out of the bankruptcy mass of a bank that went bust. If you invest your money in stocks, funds, or bonds, it will not be part of the bankruptcy and remain within the property of the investor.

I am receiving a couple of calls every week from investors asking me about the safety and if they should leave Credit Suisse. I analyze case by case and I give tailor-made answers. A general answer does not exist. In most cases, I will tranquilize the client of Credit Suisse.

My interview partner Mr. Dario Berta is convinced that Credit Suisse will recover next year based on the new strategy. There will be a cut of 9,000 bankers. They will diminish expenditures and increase wealth management activities. The value of the share price is undervalued. The real value of Credit Suisse is 4 to 5 times bigger than the value reflected with a share price of below 4 CHF.

00:00 Intro 01:42 What is the truth about Credit Suisse? 03:10 What is the new strategy of Credit Suisse? 04:43 Why Credit Suisse made losses? 05:01 What are the most famous scandals of Credit Suisse? 06:04 How to judge the low share price of 4 CHF versus the real value of Credit Suisse? 06:25 How much is Credit Suisse worth? 06:45 Who are the Arab investors injecting new capital into Credit Suisse? 07:41 How do you measure the market value of Credit Suisse? 09:35 Will Credit Suisse survive this crisis? 10:35 The Swiss banking industry is booming 11:30 What will be the future of Credit Suisse? 11:50 How many people will lose their job with Credit Suisse? 14:25 What happens to your money if the bank goes bankrupt?

Actually, Credit Suisse stock is undervalued.

📌 Learn more at 👉 swiss-banking-lawyers.com

[head-post]

Gas prices surge as EU storage drains faster than expected

Consumption of gas from EU underground storage facilities accelerated as Europe suffered its first winter cold snap, bne IntelliNews informed.

As of 1 December, gas tanks were 85.5% full. In 2023 and 2022, storage levels stood at 94.8% and 92.3% respectively. However, the figure is still well above the 68.2% in 2021, when Europe was hit by a cold winter.

Normally, the heating season officially starts on 1 November, when EU rules state that reservoirs must be at least 90% full. However, uncertainty over the weather has already led to a 45% increase in gas prices since the start of the year, as tanks are emptying faster than in the previous two years.

This year’s situation is exacerbated by the fact that Ukraine’s gas transit agreement to supply 15 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas to the EU from Russia expires on 31 December. Kyiv, for its part, pledged not to extend the deal. Recently, Russian gas giant Gazprom published its investment plans for 2025, which also excluded the extension of the transit agreement with Ukraine.

Higher energy spending would raise the cost of living for consumers and worsen Europe’s looming recession, economists warned. Europe is already facing a crisis after Italy’s ex-prime minister and former head of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi warned in a report that Europe had lost its competitive edge.

While Europe is struggling to fill its gas storage facilities, Ukraine’s reservoirs are only 22.6% full, storing 6.5 bcm of gas. However, Ukrainian gas tanks are the largest in Europe, totalling more than 30 bcm, with 15 bcm still available for European partners.

Yet, foreign traders stayed on the sidelines, preferring not to store gas in Ukrainian reservoirs this year amid the threat of Russian strikes on the country’s energy infrastructure.

Read more HERE

[ledenews]

The potential for a natural disaster along the Ohio River has been eliminated in Martins Ferry thanks to actions taken by the state of Ohio following a collective outcry by the valley’s local print, television, and radio media outlets as well as elected officials and a local environmental group. Austin Master Services initially was permitted by the Ohio Division of Natural Resources to store only 600 tons of waste at a time when the facility opened in 2015 but is now defunct and allegedly insolvent after stockpiling more than 10,000 tons of contaminated materials connected to the local fracking industry. The company had been hired to collect the materials from well pads in the Upper Ohio Valley and distribute them to facilities that properly dispose of the waste. However, Austin Masters - a subsidiary of American Environmental Partners Inc. - halted operations and instead began storing the materials on the floor of their location inside the former Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel facility along the riverfront in Martins Ferry. The structure, which stands just 500 feet from the banks of the Ohio River, is currently owned by Mull Industries, and the area leased to Austin Master Services was abandoned in March. This ODNR map reveals that most of the gas and oil drilling in Ohio has taken place along the east border of the state. “The looming disaster on our riverfront is no longer a threat, and I can’t tell you what a relief that is,” said Jack Regis, Martins Ferry’s auditor who served on the municipality’s council for 45 years. “When we found out exactly what was in that building, we knew there could be big trouble and I know our mayor, John Davies, did everything he could to get action down there. He worked hard on that and worked with the members of the environmental group (Concerned Ohio River Residents – or CORR) that came to council several times. “When the flooding happened back in April, I think that helped wake up a lot of people,” the city’s auditor said. “And then after I went on the radio in July and talked about it with (former West Virginia lawmaker) Erikka Storch, that’s when they helped everyone understand the disaster that could have happened if the flood water had been higher than what they were. Thankfully, the waters didn’t make it to the floor of that building or the drinking water clear down the river would have been impacted.” A number of different reports were published and broadcast by local newspapers and television stations concerning filed complaints, letters sent to state officials by City of Martins Ferry officials and by members of CORR, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s order that described the situation as an “environmental emergency” and ordered a cleanup process that never took place. Belmont County Common Pleas Court Judge John Vavra granted a restraining order in the spring and then found company officials in contempt of court in the summer for failing to perform the cleanup. The judge had set a July 22nd compliance deadline or fines and jail time were possible. The company did pay a $25,000 bond to avoid further action. “Once we knew there were thousands of tons of contaminated materials inside that building, we made the calls and wrote al the letters that were needed because we found ourselves between a rock and a hard place,” Regis recalled. “We’re just glad a lot of people listen to the radio and that Erikka was able to get everyone talking about it. “Everything started rolling from there,” he said. “After the community really came together, it was good to see it get taken care of finally.” Waste from gas and oil drilling often is contaminated and radioactive, and that's what was found resting on the floor of the former Austin Master Services location in Martins Ferry. The Clicking Sound of a Geiger Counter The oil and gas industries invaded the Upper Ohio Valley about 15 years ago, appearing first in Wetzel County in West Virginia before spreading north through Ohio County and west into East Ohio’s Monroe and Belmont counties. At that time, “fracking,” or hydraulic fracturing, combined with horizontal drilling, were new practices for harvesting natural gas and oil from the Marcellus Shale play in the tri-state region. The process calls for the injection of a mixture of water, chemicals, and sand while drilling between 3,000-8,000 feet into the Earth. Once the drilling and “fracking” operations are completed, a portion of the produced waste is, at times, radioactive and is collected by companies like Austin Master Services for disposal in federally regulated landfills. The members of COOR not only addressed Martins Ferry’s council a number of times about the illegal waste pile, but they also communicated with the ODNR and gained access of photos taken by the agency in late May. “Those folks did great. They wrote letters, and they did all of the marches and protests and worked very hard to get everyone’s attention, and they brought in an expert who really knew his stuff when he met with us. He was pretty sharp,” he said. “He told us we had to get the attention of the state, and that sure did happen after The River Network and Erikka (Storch) got involved. They really pushed it over the top. River Talk 100.1/100.9 FM broadcasts local and national talk radio featuring local hosts from 7-9 a.m. each morning and from 3-6 p.m. every afternoon. “I know Erikka called several officials in West Virginia who took action, and I know it was a topic on the radio for several days,” he said. “The squeaky wheel always gets the grease, I guess.” The property was once home to Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel’s rolling plant where as many as 2,000 people were employed. The land has been owned by several companies since the steel company merged with Esmark Inc. in 2006. The riverfront parcels then were purchased by Mull Industries in late 2012, and a portion of the building – the “pickling area” – was demolished in 2017. Although the environmental mess left behind by Austin Master has been cleared, Regis is unaware of what’s next for the property. “The fact that stuff has been cleaned up is great news for the city of Martins Ferry,” the city auditor explained. “The owners of the building said they’ll never rent to a company like that again, so that’s the best news. “That company (Austin Master Services) was there for a bunch of years and it seemed like everything was OK for a while, but then the former employees started to tell a different story,” he added. “Thankfully, we didn’t have a disaster.” Read the full article

[dankusner]

Dallas’ 10 tallest buildings

Since its tallest buildings were completed in the 1980s the Dallas skyline has remained fairly consistent. At least on the outside.

Within the walls of Dallas’ glass and steel behemoths things are constantly changing.

The latest change comes with the news that Dallas’ tallest tower, the Bank of America Plaza, has found a new owner.

Mike Hoque of Hoque Global and Mike Ablon of PegasusAblon said they intend to purchase the skyscraper and expect the deal to close in March 2025.

Since the skyscraper boom in the 1980s Dallas hasn’t added any buildings that crack the city’s top 10.

The 45-story AMLI Fountain Place apartment building completed in 2020 is the tallest since and ranks No. 15.

A report last year found the city has about 22,000 feet of skyscrapers, third in the state behind Houston’s 30,498 feet and Austin’s 24,000 feet.

Despite the stagnation in building new skyscrapers, the last decade has seen a raft of ownership changes and renovations among Dallas’ biggest and most iconic buildings.

Here’s a list of the ten tallest skyscrapers in the city and some background on each to keep you up to date.

Bank of America Plaza, 921 feet

The 72-story Bank of America Plaza has been Dallas’ tallest building since it was completed in 1985. At night, the building is easily recognizable from its signature green LEDs. Bank of America, the tower’s namesake and largest tenant, announced in 2023 that it would leave the building in 2027 and relocate about 1,000 workers to a tower under construction in Uptown. About a fourth of the retail space at Bank of America Plaza is vacant. With that massive change on the horizon, the prospective owners have outlined a plan to reshape the building and surrounding areas with a $350 million investment in building a hotel, adding restaurants and a new parking garage.

Renaissance Tower, 886 feet

First completed in 1974, The Renaissance Tower was once the tallest building in the city. It held that title until 1985 when the Bank of America Plaza was completed. The building was designed by Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum, the same architecture firm that designed DFW International Airport. The following year, the 56-story Renaissance Tower underwent a major renovation that brought it to its current height of 886 feet. It was sold to San Antonio-based real estate developer and investor GrayStreet Partners in 2022. Shortly after, the tower announced plans to convert more than half of the building’s 1.73 million square feet of office space to apartments.

Comerica Bank Tower, 787 feet

Completed in 1987, Comerica Bank Tower was among the last of the large skyscrapers that went up in the 1980s. Its 60 stories offer 1.5 million square feet of office space in the heart of downtown. A renovation, completed in 2020, added new lobby areas and made other interior improvements to attract new tenants. Its architect, Philip Johnson, completed notable projects across the country and made his mark in North Texas with this tower and his designs of Thanksgiving Square in downtown Dallas and the Fort Worth Water Gardens. An affiliate of Slate Asset Management took full ownership of the building in May, buying it from Dallas-based TriGate Capital and Woods Capital. The previous owners had announced plans last year to turn the tower into a mixed-use development. The new owners have stuck to those plans with more than half a million square feet in the tower currently vacant.

Dallas Arts Tower, 738 feet

Formerly the Chase Tower, this 55-story building was completed in 1987 is currently undergoing renovations expected to be completed early in 2025. Its website touts “a new beginning” for the tower and lists two new restaurants, a fitness center and an all-day café as some of the improvements.

The tower lost its former namesake JPMorgan Chase in 2021 after the bank moved to a smaller tower overlooking Klyde Warren Park. As a result, the tower was renamed in 2023.

Fountain Place, 720 feet

The News’ architecture critic Mark Lamster recently wrote that the 58-story Fountain Place is a “magical, shape-shifting masterpiece.” The unusually shaped glass prism has been one of Dallas’ most architecturally significant high-rises since it was completed in 1986. Fountain Place, designed by longtime I.M. Pei collaborator Henry N. Cobb, was originally meant to be a part of a two-tower complex. That plan didn’t come to fruition until 2020 when AMLI Fountain Place, a 45-story residential tower, opened next door. In 2019, the original tower completed a series of renovations totaling approximately $50 million.

Trammell Crow Center, 686 feet

Another mid-1980s skyscraper, the 50-story Trammell Crow Center was completed in 1984 and presently boasts 1.1 million square feet of downtown office space. California-based real estate investor Regency Properties bought the tower for an estimated price above $600 million in 2022. The previous owner spent $140 million on renovations to the entire first two floors of the building. Completed in 2019, the makeover gave the building an entirely new entry and added new retail and restaurant space on the lower levels.

1700 Pacific, 660 feet

This 49-story high-rise was completed in 1983 and it announced plans for a $10 million renovation in 2018. Those plans looked to bolster the tower’s retail and dining options on lower levels. The skyscraper’s owners, Canadian real estate firm Olymbec Group, put the building for sale in 2019 when occupancy was at just 40% in the 1.35 million square foot tower.

Santander Tower, 645 feet

The 50-story skyscraper, formerly known as the Thanksgiving Tower, is home to the headquarters of auto lender Santander Consumer USA. The company recommitted to the tower earlier this year with a 211,000 square foot lease and retaining naming rights. The tower has undergone major renovations in recent years aimed at turning it from office space into a mixed-use building. A hotel opened on the top two floors back in 2021. The new Peridot luxury apartments that take up 11 floors in the building began renting last year.

The Sinclair, 629 feet

The Sinclair is another recently renamed skyscraper in downtown Dallas. Formerly called Energy Plaza, the building was designed by the influential architect I.M. Pei and completed in 1983. Pei’s other works in Dallas include Dallas City Hall and the Meyerson Symphony Center. Nearly 40 years later, the building underwent extensive renovations to convert vacant office space into more than 290 luxury apartment units. Dallas developer Todd Interests bought the building in 2022 before spending $300 million on the conversion from office space to mixed-use. The tower reopened earlier this year and began renting out the new apartments.

The National, 625 feet

The oldest of Dallas’ tallest buildings, the National was completed in 1965.

It was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River when it opened and remained the tallest in Dallas until the Renaissance Tower was built in 1974. It originally housed the offices of First National Bank, which gives the revamped building its name. The historic building, then called Elm Place, was closed in 2010 with occupancy rates below 20% of available office space. The empty building is now reborn after an ambitious $460 million renovation that turned the Dallas landmark into a mixed-use property downtown. Completed in 2020, the remade 51-story building now has 26 floors of apartments, a posh Thompson Hotel and several restaurants.

[cadeveshthakur]

TDS New Rates applicable from 1st Oct 2024|Interest calculation| Rectification/Correction statement  @cadeveshthakur   #tdsrates #newtdsrates #tds #incometax #cadeveshthakur Understanding Tds: Complete Guide To Tax Deduction At Source | Part 5 | Tds Basics Index 00:00 to 04:44 Introduction 04:45 to 05:39 192 TDS on salary payment/ TCS 206C 05:40 to 08:59 194DA Payment in respect of Life Insurance Policy 09:00 to 11:42 194D Payment of Insurance commission (in case of person other than company) 11:43 to 12:18 194F Repurchase of Units of Mutual Fund or UTI 12:19 to 14:31 194G commission and other payments on sale of lottery tickes 14:32 to 16:20 194H Commission and Brokerage 16:21 to 19:00 194-IB Payment of Rent by Certain Individual of HUF 19:01 to 21:05 194M Payment to contractor, commission agent, broker or professional by certain Individuals or HUF 21:06 to 25:09 194O Payment by e-commerce operator to e-commerce participant 25:10 to 29:25 194T Payment in the nature of salary, remuneration, commission, bonus or interest to partners of the firm 29:26 to 31:16 Interest on late payment of taxes   31:17 to 35:11 Time limit to file correction statement in respect to TDS/TCS statements   Interest on late payment of taxes   To bring parity on the interest rates under TDS/TCS   Interest on late payment of tax to the CG Section   i.e., tax has been deducted but not deposited 201(1A)                                                                                 Interest on late payment of tax to the CG 206C (7) i.e., tax has been collected but not deposited Time limit to file correction statement in respect to TDS/TCS statements     Section 200 - Duty of person deducting tax under the provisions of chapter XVII-B   200(3) - After paying the tax deducted, file TDS statement within prescribed time period   Proviso - deductor to file correction statement for rectification     Section 206C - Collection of TCS   Priviso to 206C (3) - person collecting tax after paying to the CG, furnish TCS statement within prescribed time period   206C (3B) - to file correction statement for rectification   🎥 Hello, lovely viewers! Welcome back to the @cadeveshthakur channel! 🎉 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@cadeveshthakur TDS ki कक्षा: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1o9nc8dxF1RqxMactdpX3oUU2bSw8-_R E-commerce sellers: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1o9nc8dxF1ShUNXkAbYrAYj2Pile1Rim GST Knowledge Bank: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1o9nc8dxF1RjdRrG4ZKXeJNed6ekhjoR Goods & Services Tax: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1o9nc8dxF1SlBw2kSpZ9ay1jnEOkbDYN TDS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1o9nc8dxF1RXi2GaEckeXGmJy_FYOj9q Shorts for Accountants, Professionals, Finance, Students: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1o9nc8dxF1TqoRTWoA1_l0kmtsbyNEB5 Accounting concept, Entries, Final Accounts preparation: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1o9nc8dxF1T4GSjBPboXxBgFgkVZmDbQ Direct Taxation: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1o9nc8dxF1S7BBNeuL3fzV_fDl9V88C2 🎥 Hello, lovely viewers! Welcome back to the @cadeveshthakur channel! 🎉 I’m thrilled to have you here, and I want to connect with you beyond YouTube. Let’s take our journey together to the next level! 😊 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadeveshthakur/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cadeveshthakur/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/cadeveshthakur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cadevesh Whatsapp Group: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va6GOVE9MF92Ylmo7e0L #cadeveshthakur https://cadeveshthakur.com/ Remember, our community is more than just a channel—it’s a family. Let’s connect, learn, and grow together! Hit that Subscribe button, tap the notification bell, and let’s spread financial wisdom one click at a time. 🚀 Remember, knowledge empowers us all! Let’s learn together and navigate the complex world of finance with curiosity and diligence. Thank you for being part of the cadeveshthakur community! 🙌 Disclaimer: The content shared on this channel is purely for educational purposes. As a Chartered Accountant, I strive to provide accurate and insightful information related to GST, income tax, accounting, and tax planning. However, please note that the content should not be considered as professional advice or a substitute for personalized consultation. TDS New Rates applicable from 1st Oct 2024|Interest calculation| Rectification/Correction statement

[scentsplit]

Why Invest in Perfume Samples for the Spring Season

When spring rolls around, it feels like everything should get a refresh – including the scents we wear. That's where perfume samples shine. They're like those tiny spoons at the ice cream shop – perfect for tasting before you decide on a full scoop. But instead of ice cream, we're diving into luxury fragrances. Fragrance samples let you test-drive the fancy stuff without the big-bottle commitment.

Here's the scoop on why spring fragrance samples are a smart move, especially when you're looking to switch things up for spring:

Cost-effective trial: They let you explore high-end fragrances at a fraction of the price.

Variety: You can try a wide range of scents – from floral to woody – without breaking the bank.

Seasonal refresh: They're perfect for finding that new spring scent that just clicks with your vibe.

Let's get into some top picks for spring – these perfume samples are worth checking out:

Fresh Picks for Spring

Elysium Parfum Cologne by Roja Parjums - Think of walking through a garden in full bloom – that's Elysium. It's vibrant with a capital V, blending citrus and fruity notes that feel just right for spring.

Bergamote 22 by Le Labo - Here's a fragrance that hits the sweet spot between fresh and comforting. Bergamote 22 mixes bergamot, grapefruit, and vanilla for a scent that's like a sunny morning in a bottle.

Ormonde Man by Ormonde Jayne - Prefer something that reminds you of the great outdoors? Ormonde Man is your pick. With juniper berry, hemlock, and oud, it's like a walk through the woods on a crisp spring day.

Reflection 45 by Amouage - For evenings when you've got a bit of romance in the air, Reflection 45 brings jasmine, rose, and sandalwood into a floral blend that's all about elegance.

Torino21 by Xerjoff - Imagine the warmth of the sun as spring days start to stretch out. Torino21 captures that feeling with bergamot, amber, and musk – cozy yet refreshing.

Wulong Cha by Nishane - This one's a nod to the calmness of a tea ceremony, blending tea, citrus, and musk. It's subtle, sophisticated, and perfectly suited for those quieter spring moments.

Why Dive Into Perfume Samples This Spring?

Spring is all about new beginnings and what better way to embrace this than by refreshing your fragrance lineup? Perfume samples come into play as the perfect partners in this seasonal transition. It's not just about catching whiffs of something pleasant; it's a deeper dive into the sensory world of fragrances that align with your vibe during this vibrant season. Here’s the breakdown:

Personal Discovery: Finding a fragrance that resonates with you is like finding a new favorite song. It just clicks. Perfume decants offer a way to explore what really speaks to your mood and style without the guesswork.

Seasonal Sync: Each season has its mood, and spring is all about renewal and lightness. Sampling lets you align your scent with the season's spirit – think floral blooms, fresh citrus, or clean, airy notes that say "spring" in a spritz.

Luxury Without the Commitment: Let's face it, diving into luxury can feel like a leap. Perfume decants let you experience the high-end stuff – the craftsmanship, the unique blends, the prestige – without having to commit to a full bottle. It's like having a taste of the good life, one sample at a time.

Ready for a Refresh?

Keen to shake up your scent wardrobe this spring? Head over to Scent Split's website. Whether you're after something fresh and zesty, floral and romantic, or deep and woody, they've got a curated collection of perfume samples that hit all the right notes.

Dive into their selection and find the fragrances that feel like spring to you – without the commitment.

For More Information About Parfums De Marly and Roja Elysium Please Visit:- Scent Split.

[tcawirelespearlcity]

Aloha Phone Repair by TCA Wireless – Pearl City

Welcome to Aloha Phone Repair by TCA Wireless Pearl City, HI—your trusted partner for all your phone repair needs. With over two decades of experience, we’ve built a reputation for providing fast, reliable, and affordable solutions for everything from iPhone repair to phone screen repair and more. Our expert technicians are here to ensure that your devices are in the best hands, whether you need a quick cellphone fix or a complex repair.

Why Choose Aloha Phone Repair Pearl City?

At Aloha Phone Repair by TCA Wireless Pearl City, HI, we understand how essential your smartphone is to your daily life. That’s why we’re committed to delivering top-quality phone repair services that get you back to your routine as quickly as possible. Our technicians are not only skilled but also passionate about what they do, bringing years of experience to every cellphone fix.

Comprehensive Phone Repair Services

We offer a wide range of services to meet all your phone repair needs:

Button Repair: Stuck or unresponsive buttons can be frustrating. We offer comprehensive button repair services to restore full functionality to your device.

Phone Screen Repair: Cracked or shattered screens are our specialty. Whether it’s a small crack or a completely shattered screen, our technicians can restore your phone to its original condition. Don’t let a damaged screen disrupt your life—come to us for quick and reliable phone screen repair.

iPhone Repair: We understand that your iPhone is more than just a phone—it’s your connection to the world. From screen replacements to battery issues, our team provides expert iPhone repair services that will have your device working like new.

Battery Replacement: Is your phone not holding a charge like it used to? We offer fast battery replacement services that ensure your device is powered up and ready to go.

Charging Port Repair: A faulty charging port can leave you disconnected. Our technicians can repair or replace your charging port quickly, so you never have to worry about a low battery again.

Water Damage Repair: Accidents happen, and water damage is one of the most common issues we see. Our team is skilled in diagnosing and repairing water-damaged phones, giving you the best chance of recovery.

Expert Technicians at Your Service

Our technicians are the heart of Aloha Phone Repair by TCA Wireless Pearl City. With years of experience and a commitment to ongoing training, our team stays at the forefront of the latest phone repair techniques. We work on all major brands, including Apple, Samsung, Google, LG, and more. When you choose us, you’re choosing expertise you can trust.

Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

We take pride in delivering not only excellent phone repair services but also outstanding customer service. Our Pearl City location is dedicated to making your experience as convenient and stress-free as possible. We offer:

Competitive Pricing: High-quality phone repair shouldn’t break the bank. We offer competitive pricing on all our services, with no hidden fees.

Fast Turnaround Times: Most repairs, including phone screen repair and iPhone repair, are completed within 20-45 minutes. You won’t have to wait long to get your device back in working order.

Warranty on Repairs: We stand by our work, offering a 90-day warranty on all repair services. This ensures that you can have peace of mind knowing your cellphone fix is done right.

FAQs

1. What brands of phones do you repair?

We repair all major brands, including Apple, Samsung, LG, Google, Motorola, OnePlus, HTC, Sony, Huawei, Nokia, and more. Whether you need an iPhone repair or a cellphone fix for any other brand, we’ve got you covered.

2. What types of repairs do you offer?

Our services include phone screen repair, battery replacement, button repair, camera repair, charging port repair, software troubleshooting, and more. We handle everything from minor fixes to more complex phone repair needs.

3. How long does a typical phone repair take?

Most repairs, such as phone screen repair and battery replacement, can be completed within 20-45 minutes. More complex repairs may take longer, but we strive to complete every cellphone fix as quickly as possible without compromising quality.

4. Do you provide a warranty on your repairs?

Yes, we offer a 90-day warranty on all phone repair services. This ensures your satisfaction and peace of mind, knowing that your device is protected after the repair.

5. Can you repair water-damaged phones?

Yes, we offer water damage repair services. Our technicians will assess the damage and do everything possible to restore your device to working condition. Water damage can be tricky, but our experienced team is up for the challenge.

6. What should I do if my phone won’t turn on after an update?

Bring your phone to us in Pearl City, HI. We offer specialized iPhone repair and other brand-specific services to fix update-related issues, ensuring your device is up and running smoothly again.

7. Can you fix cracked screens on all phone models?

Absolutely. We provide phone screen repair services for all brands and models, including iPhone repair, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and more.

8. How much does it cost to repair a phone screen?

The cost of phone screen repair varies depending on the model and brand of your phone. We offer competitive pricing, so contact us for a specific quote.

9. Do you offer battery replacement services?

Yes, we offer battery replacement services for all major phone brands. If your phone’s battery isn’t holding a charge like it used to, visit us for a quick and affordable cellphone fix.

10. Can you help with software issues on my phone?

Yes, we provide comprehensive software troubleshooting and repair services, including fixing bugs, resolving update issues, and removing malware. Our goal is to ensure your phone operates at peak performance.

11. Do you provide diagnostic services?

Yes, we offer diagnostic services to identify any issues with your phone and recommend the best course of action for repair.

12. Can I get my phone repaired if it’s still under warranty?

Yes, we can repair phones under warranty. However, it’s best to check your warranty terms to understand any specific conditions. We work diligently to ensure your device is repaired correctly the first time.

13. Do you offer financing options for repairs?

Yes, we offer flexible financing options to help you get your phone repair done without financial strain. Our team will work with you to find the best solution for your needs.

14. What should I do if my phone’s buttons are stuck or unresponsive?

Bring your phone to our Pearl City, HI location. We offer button repair services to fix unresponsive or stuck buttons on all phone models.

15. Do you buy back old or damaged phones?

Yes, we offer a device buyback program. Bring in your old or damaged phone, and we’ll give you a competitive offer.

Convenient Location in Pearl City

Our Pearl City shop is conveniently located to serve you better. Whether you live in the area or are just passing through, you’ll find us easily accessible and ready to assist with all your phone repair needs.

Phone: +1 (808) 944-8886 Website: Aloha Phone Repair by TCA Wireless

Address :  Located in McDonald’s Parking Lot next next to Territorial Savings Bank, Shopping Center, 850 Kamehameha Hwy Ste #8, Pearl City, HI 96782, United States

Visit Us Today

Don’t let a damaged phone slow you down. Visit Aloha Phone Repair by TCA Wireless Pearl City, HI, for fast, reliable, and affordable phone repair services. Our expert technicians are ready to assist with everything from phone screen repair to complex iPhone repair. Stop by today, and let us help you get your device back to its best.

Operating Hours : Monday – Sunday : 11am – 7pm

Phone : +1 (808) 944-8886

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[shubhbank]

Join our journey as PARTNERS! Together, we'll navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a future defined by innovation and success.

[vitodragone]

Financing Options for Commercial Multifamily Properties

Due to rising single-family home prices and the scarcity of affordable housing, savvy real estate investors are leaning toward multifamily units. Nevertheless, substantial upfront expenses associated with property acquisition, construction, repairs, renovations, and ongoing operational costs often surpass available capital, compelling investors to seek various financing options to bridge this gap.

Financial institutions offer conventional loans that can assist real estate investors in financing multifamily properties. These loans have terms ranging from five to 30 years and require a minimum down payment of 20 percent. Loan amounts can reach up to $25 million. However, conventional loans often come with stringent terms and conditions. Besides collateral, lending institutions can pursue the borrower's other assets should they default.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, which are government backed, are attractive to multifamily investors due to low fixed-interest rates and extended loan terms of up to 35 years. Notably, FHA loans differ from conventional ones in that they involve no personal liability for the loan; rather, they rely solely on the secured property as collateral. The loans primarily benefit investors in multifamily property development, property acquisitions, and refinancing endeavors. Loan amounts can reach $75 million.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also offers competitive loans for multifamily borrowers. One notable feature of HUD loans is their extended loan term, exceeding 40 years. Moreover, these loans offer options for multifamily financing, such as HUD 223(f) loans, for borrowers looking to acquire or refinance existing multifamily apartments, and the HUD 221(d)(4) program, for those looking to rehabilitate or construct new properties. A significant drawback of HUD loans is the closing process, which can take longer than six months.

Commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), or conduit loans, are large loans of up to $10 million, using the property as collateral to safeguard the lender in case of default. Borrowers, particularly those with lower credit scores, benefit from these loans, as lenders prioritize assessing the property's strength over the investor's creditworthiness. However, CMBS loans often have more stringent terms, including higher interest rates and stricter underwriting requirements, than alternative options.

Savvy investors with extensive property portfolios can access portfolio multifamily loans, which can exceed $100 million. These loans offer more flexibility in terms and eligibility criteria; however, they typically carry higher interest rates due to their elevated risk profile. The loan closing process can range from 10 to 45 days, and the loan term, from two to 30 years. Borrowers require a minimum credit score of 600. The necessary experience or time in business can vary, although a minimum of 12 months of experience is advisable.

In order to select the financing option that best fits their needs, multifamily borrowers should make sure they understand their loan options and eligibility criteria, including credit scores, down payment requirements, debt service coverage ratio (which measures the ability to repay debt), and interest rates. The condition and type of property to be financed is also crucial, as lenders tend to favor luxury or newer properties with solid market demand and those in good condition.

Moreover, selecting an appropriate lender is essential, as financial institutions differ significantly in loan terms, eligibility requirements, and benefits. For instance, although banks provide various options, they impose strict qualification criteria. Conversely, credit unions may offer fewer product choices but compensate by offering more favorable interest rates. Enlisting the expertise of loan brokers can help borrowers identify suitable lending partners that align with their specific needs.

[renatedagmarmilada]

I am disappointed, not distraught, but definitely put out-- I gave tuition for some 14 years or more in Sheffield Homes, Pakistanis and Somalis-- before the latest phase-out practice by the lab st barths human research to blacken my character.

I always did my best with the pupils, charged a minimal amount, especially considering my level and experience-- and so on.

One of the lab Pakistanis /?/ put onto the file- 'has tendencies.' and fed it verbally into someone's brain and dubbed it into conversations... Why? How? This has gone round Pagehall where I used to teach. One of the germans asked me that and I thought it sounded good when the LORDS and Members of Parliament and the Ministry lot etc come into the lab.

I need to explain to this man--- I was married in CHURCH- when we marry in Church, we promise to love, honour and obey.. till death do us part.

Unless the Church gives you a formal divorce you should not remarry till one partner dies.

Why Mr Pakistani, did the Christian Bishops make such a rule ?... You know in London now, you need to have a blood check to ensure you have not married your half-sibling-- that is why. To make sure you know whose child is whose... The Church knows exactly why it makes those rules. I am not divorced by the Church. I am not properly divorced, so am in effect a married lady. I do not have tendencies, but married ladies do not f about... I am not single to play the field.. I know your rules are different, but those are ours...for bedtter for worse, for richer for poorer till death do us part. I am getting on for 79 now but if I live longer than my ex - though, he is a very strong man, and I am a skidchy little thing with a terrible background form '45 when I was born just as the Red Army took our country with Roosevelt's permission, I will think about remarriage..

Like

lab st barths human Research - PHASE OUT -roller--- so I cannot talk about what I know Princess diana..and other stuff--oddly I dont talk, yet by pushing it I DO!!!

stole my Pakistani Lahore bank book- Last February whilst I was in USA - father of one of the girls, Naima stole all the money, withdrew it.. RESTRAINED BY LAB AND MINISTRY =JOBS ETC INCASE THEY FOUND OUT WHAT THEY HAD DONE TO MY 12 YEAR OLD SON-- In England this is called a RESTRICTED LIFE to cover the guilty-prostitute of the Minisitry men and Lords. who made her bossess of the lab as a present.-…

All reactions:

1Anikohencz Art

[cyberbun]

YOU: You wake up, groggy, trying to separate the reality around you with the haze of dreaming, unable to differentiate where your visions in sleep end and your perception of reality begin. You intend to sit down at your computer and open your chat client when you wake up. It is the first thing you do upon waking up and wrestling yourself out of bed every morning that you have off. CORPOREAL ENGINE [Medium: Failure]: The malaise of poor rest is affecting your energy this morning. It took you somewhere between 30 to 45 minutes to finally get up. This wasn't a problem when you were young. OBSESSION-COMPULSION [Trivial: Success]: you can still salvage this in roughly 30 seconds you will walk to your faucet and wash your face and while that happens you will boil water in the electric kettle for 4~6 minutes just enough to make some breakfast tea which will steep when you return to your desk do this while you wait for a response for maximum efficiency and you will only be behind 27 minutes you can make up that lost time easily if you act now this is the benefit of living in a room the size of a closet DIGGER, LISTENER, RUNNER: There's already water in the kettle. YOU: You sit down at your computer's desk, turn it on. Open your chat client. Go through your usual routine. Morning to your partners. Morning in your central group chat. Check for any notifications.

DIGGER, LISTENER, RUNNER [Impossible: Success]: You ignore the stray thoughts, get up, and go through the motions of making breakfast. How long has it been? You don't remember what a structured morning looks like anymore. CORPOREAL ENGINE: Tea isn't enough for breakfast. CALL OF THE VOID: Your body has handled hunger before and it will again. TOAST INVERSION IMPULSE [Toast: Success]: Why. don't you. make toast. for breakfast. YOU: You put some toast in the toaster. Turn on the kettle. Put the toaster on low and open your door so that it doesn't set off the fire alarm. You return to your morning skincare routine, such as it is.

PSYCHOMAGIC: The ritual is more important than the result. Don't forget. Soap then cleanser and hot water then shaving cream then shave then aftershave them moisturizer then sunscreen then moisturizer for the rest of your body then makeup. JUST STRAIGHT UP INTERNALIZED TRANSMISOGYNY: Don't you wish you could not wear makeup when you're stuck inside all day? After all, no one will see you. But you will also see yourself. LIBRARY OF BABEL: Have we read anything new? Have we made a dent in our backlog? Please. I'm begging you. You have so much on your plate. You still don't know what all your friends like. You have to know more. You have to know more. You have to know more. PRINCE OF A THOUSAND ENEMIES: is princess on yet is princess on yet ID-CHAN: You're so down bad it's not even funny anymore. YOU: Return to your desk again, toast and tea in hand. CORPOREAL ENGINE: Take your pills Take your pills Take your pills PSYCHOMAGIC: Spiro first. Then estrogen. Don't mess it up. The ritual is more important than the result. OBSESSION-COMPULSION [Challenging: Failure]: Are your hands dry? dry your hands don't handle estrogen with wet hands do you have a pair of tweezers nearby? don't touch them don't touch them don't touch them don't touch them CORPSE OF A PAST VESSEL: How long is it taking you to do this? How much could you have gotten done in the time you've been sitting idly arguing with yourself? There was a time when all of this was second nature. YOU: You take your pills and turn to your computer. You see a few good mornings in return. PSYCHOMAGIC: Check your emails then your bank account balance. OBSESSION-COMPULSION: If that inbox isn't empty by the time you're done I'm going to scream until it is. SUGGESTIBILITY [Impossible: Failure]: You notice the pendulous motion of an object in a reposted tiktok that's on your timeline. You fail to turn your gaze away from it for a whole minute. SENSE OF SELF: You ever notice how all of these guys are kind of assholes and just make your psyche worse? Maybe we need therapy. Again. DIGGER, LISTENER, RUNNER: You need a protocol for such situations. Someone could break in and harm you while you're distracted. What's your escape route? You're on the fourth floor. Window is no good. Where do you hide? LIBRARY OF BABEL: Before you do anything else go and check your timeline. Scroll as far back as you can. Identify potential conflict. Figure out who's potentially going to argue with who. What are the chances of being stuck in the middle of conflict between people we know today? How do we sidestep it? What steps do we need to take to mediate this conflict? Information is your only edge in this. Plan ahead. Plan ahead. Plan ahead. FREI: Shut yourself off from the world around you. You need no one but yourself. It's the only way not to be hurt again. DIGGER, LISTENER, RUNNER: It's been over an hour since you woke up. Say good morning or people will start thinking you're ignoring them. Make up an excuse. Lying is the only way we can protect ourselves. CORPSE OF A PAST VESSEL: Lying is the only way we can protect ourselves. █████████: █████████████████████████████████████ PRINCE OF A THOUSAND ENEMIES: Look. Princess. Look. Princess. HEALED MORALE +1 YOU: The sight of your beloved calms your inner turmoil. You say hi and take a sip of your tea. She said "Good Morning" and left a purple heart emote an hour before you woke up. HEALED MORALE +1 SISTER COMPLEX: God you want to fuck your sister so bad. SHIKI RYOUGI:

what would my disco elysium skills be anyways.

faithful followers. please help.

[nwbeerguide]

Tickets on sale for this year's Cider Summit Seattle, hosted September 8th and 9th.

image sourced from Cider Summit Seattle

Press Release

(SEATTLE –– July 12, 2023) –– The annual Cider Summit Seattle, the region’s largest hard cider tasting festival, is coming back, this time with an even more diverse range of product selections. Cider Summit Seattle will take place Friday, September 8 from 3 – 8 p.m. (VIP session at 2 p.m.) and Saturday, September 9 from noon – 5 p.m. at Lake Union Park @ MOHAI, 860 Terry Ave. N., adjacent to The Museum of History & Industry. Attendees can also purchase access to a hosted, four-course pairing that will take place from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m on Saturday, September 9. The tasting will feature sips from Finnriver Cider and bites from Cypress Grove Cheese and Salt Blade Hand Crafted Meats.

“We are thrilled to be returning to the beautiful Lake Union Park for our 12th annual festival,” said Alan Shapiro, Cider Summit co-founder and producer. “Each year we look forward to bringing new ciders and flavors of the Pacific Northwest for our attendees to savor.”

Presented by Teku Tavern + Café, more than 50 cideries convene at Cider Summit to share over 150 ciders, meads, cider cocktails, and fruit spirits from Pacific Northwest favorites to international classics – nearly half of which have not previously been poured at the event. Many cidermakers will be on hand to guide guests through tasting experiences.

“Gathering with friends to discover an array of new ciders is a quintessential way to welcome fall,” said Michelle McGrath, CEO of the American Cider Association. “A crisp cider paired with artisan foods and a view of Lake Union makes for the perfect September day.”  

Tickets are on sale now

General admission and VIP tickets are now available online for purchase until September 7, 2023.

VIP tickets – $45+ if purchased by July 31 and $50+ after. This experience includes a festival tasting glass, early entry on Sept. 8, and 16 tasting tickets.

General admission tickets – $35+ if purchased by July 31, $40+ through Sept. 7 and $55 at the gate – include a festival tasting glass and 12 tasting tickets.

Cider, cheese, & charcuterie tasting – available for $35+ as an add-on to any ticket purchase and includes access to a hosted, four-course tasting event on Saturday beginning at 11:00 am. This event is limited to 72 participants and will feature a surprise bonus tasting.

Designated driver tickets – available for $10 only at the gate and include a bottle of water. Minors are not allowed at the festival.

Taxes and fees not included. Advance-sale tickets will be available exclusively online. Additional tasting tickets are available onsite at $2 per ticket. 

Food and More Fun

Eats are available for purchase from Seattle Monster Dogs and Frelard Tamales, along with additional onsite snacks.

Oregon Fruit Products Fruit Cider Challenge, with voting via QR code to determine winner.

Cider Cocktail Lounge featuring a variety of fruit spirits, pommeau and more!

Heritage Cider Pavilion featuring farm-based regional artisanal cider producers.

Stop by the Dog Lounge hosted by Just Food for Dogs and benefiting Seattle Humane Society for shade, water, and treats. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome!

Event store featuring bottles and cans to-go, festival merch, and extra tasting tickets.

About Cider Summit

Founded over a dozen years ago, Cider Summit produces cider tasting festivals in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Chicago. Cider Summit Seattle is sponsored by Teku Tavern + Café, Amazon, Oregon Fruit Products, Umpqua Bank, Just Food for Dogs, and NW Beverages. Media partners include The Stranger, CIDERCRAFT Magazine, iHeart Media, and KEXP. Our event beneficiaries include The Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research, , Seattle Humane, and NW Cider Association. Learn more at CiderSummit.com and follow @CiderSummit on social media and join the conversation with #CiderSummitSEA.

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from Northwest Beer Guide - News - The Northwest Beer Guide https://bit.ly/44Fppnf