#or resided in the bounds of a more important landmark

[theredripper]

𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐈𝐈: 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍'𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒 → a summary of events during the timeskip ( 2 / 2 )

On the beginning of the sixth moon of the year 129 AC, Toron and his uncle Veron, along with a host of their men, traveled by dromond into the waters of the Narrow Sea to lay siege to a trading galley by the name of The Black Crane, a Volantene ship captained by a man of certain renown that had monopolized the market of Valyrian treatises and tomes. Toron had unhappily but willingly traversed these waters as emissary for his father, Lord Dalton Greyjoy, because of a bargain that had been struck with Lady Calla Celtigar. Due to the international ramifications of two of the Queen’s advisors colluding an attack against a foreigner of the Free Cities that bespoke of important contacts, Toron had taken fire to the news of this bargain and had threatened pandemonium unto the whole of Westeros in his rage. It was not long after their estrangement that Lord Dalton arranged for Toron to train under Ser Steffon Darklyn so that he'd be too busy to devise plans and he’d be forced to stay in King’s Landing. It was not an arrangement that Toron had been keen to take, and so it was by the candlelight of these long nights that Toron had begun to plan a raid of his own: after the raid on The Black Crane, The Cursed Emerald and its crewmates were to slip away from the Narrow Sea and into the Mander to begin raiding every coast of the realm until finally making their eventual siege of the westerlands. After many weeks of careful planning and several days out on open sea, the ironborn descended upon The Black Crane with wooden cudgels and bitter steel. The accompanying host were like to say that Toron had been distractible during the skirmish, driving his blade into their enemies heads all the same but with scarce focus, noted in the carelessness with which he trounced onto his enemies with no forethought to his line of defense. Still, the ironborn had come away with the lion’s share of plunder: jewels, Valyrian steel daggers, and a red, singed tome bound in human skin. Toron had also come away with a swarm of injuries that’d left him unconscious for two days. By Veron’s command, Toron, his crewmates and the loot of The Black Crane were brought back to Dragonstone, the island that Lord Dalton had secluded to. This change of course prolonged Toron’s plans of  invasion and so his weak condition only worsened in his fury. It was an act of wretched hopelessness when he began to refuse all help from his crewmates, barring himself instead in the privacy of his quarters during the onset of infection and delirium. It was Rodrik, his brother and First Mate, who called upon Rohanne’s intercession and by whose intervention Toron began to make a recovery in the following days. 

It was plain that the forbidding halls of Dragonstone lacked the peace and quiet that Toron needed. He prohibited the company of his father and his wives, eschewed Lady Jeyne Wylde and her children, but sat audience to the Targaryens of Dragonstone as needed. Toron instead took residence on The Cursed Emerald that had been fastened at the port of the fishing village. The nine days and nights he sojourned in the horrid island were spent in bed rest and in the creation of a new map of the Narrow Sea for his father’s study. It was a map unlike anything Toron had created for the reason that he had come in possession of advanced nautical instruments from the plunder of The Black Crane. As it were, the ironborn had only ever had access to rudimentary navigational aids such as sunstones, the position of stars, sounding lines that measured the depth of water, and the use of mountains and valleys as landmarks when sailing along the coast. These instruments, instead, allowed for more precise map projections and scales of distance as well as a windrose network that detailed shoals, harbors reefs, and islands along the coastlines. It was drawn on vellum paper (extending to the equivalent of 4 feet high x 5 feet wide) in highly stylized ink of various colors. Toron had long ago kept sea journals that he had transcribed from Dalton’s empirical observations of winds, currents, ports and safe anchorages, and the conditions of shores which aided in the creation of the map, too. 

On the ninth day of his stay, Toron arrived unannounced to The Raven and waited for his father in his study. The map lay unrolled on the desk and with no explanation of its origins, though anyone who knew Toron well enough could see that the handwriting was his. Toron also made no prolongations or grandstanding gestures to express how remorseful he felt and so he only stared ahead while Dalton looked at it. Finally, he knelt before his father and kissed the Greyjoy signet ring on his finger in a sign of fealty and goodwill. When Toron rose from the floor, he placed his own sunstone gemstone in Dalton’s hand as an unspoken assurance that he would remain in King’s Landing and that they would see each other again. “Besides,” he added, “you’ll need it to find the sun that lays hidden behind the mist and fog of this dreary shithole. I can’t tell up from down most days. In fact, I’d thought the Red Kraken had turned purple instead!” At that, he had laughed heartily for the first time in weeks before disappearing into the mist and setting course for King’s Landing.

At King’s Landing, Toron spent his days with Ser Steffon Darklyn not as a red faced squire desperate to prove himself, but as a solemn warrior who turned to the sword many years ago. He found Ser Steffon to be a fighter who knew from training, a knight who knew from experience. By contrast, Toron had been trained by his father in the acts of ruthless slaughter and relied upon the grisly experiences of battle to grow the sword in his greedy, grasping hands. What the Lord Commander offered, instead, was precision: he taught him against superfluous, wasted movements and trained him to wield lances and morningstars and how to withstand the charge of a vanguard on foot and while mounted on a steed. Above all, Toron learned that wielding a sword was congruent to discipline and rectitude, in showing mercy to his enemies, and how these enlightened acts led to deeds that made a man worthy of the White Book. Toron remained a cynic unto these sentiments but was a quick study nonetheless, even while he had frequent spats with Ser Criston Cole and Ser Lorent Marbrand. But the one figure who he enjoyed above all in the training yard was Prince Joffrey. Once, a Prince of the realm and the legitimized salt son of the Iron Islands would have been diametrically opposed to one another, but it was at the swords crossed point that they found common ground. Their friendship was such that in Toron’s name day he was gifted a mighty sword, the likes of which could be worth its weight in gold dragons on the Streets of Steel atop Visenya’s Hill. It was not Nightfall, but he loved it all the same. 

In effect, Toron’s namesday gift instilled a gravitas to his training to a disquieting degree that the court of King’s Landing were like to say that he was fixing to assassinate Daemon Targaryen if the need to meet the mainland’s biggest military asset with force drew near once the Iron Islands declared war against the Crown. Toron did little to assuage these concerns and in fact inflamed them with grandstanding demonstrations of his martial prowess – in this way, it was like living back in Pyke. He learned long ago that the only way people came to respect him was by inspiring fear and fanning the flames of his reckoning. It could be said as well that the company he kept did not help his reputation. Princess Aliandra of Dorne was a frequent companion of his at King’s Landing, a figure both equally reviled and awe-inspiring. They were both foreigners to the sensibilities and intricacies of the court of King’s Landing, and in each other, they understood more and less than the illusion of being good people or the concession of being wicked: rather, the pair of them saw the world for what it was, and how this is was not a thing so binary as the rest believed. In their time together, this led them to delight in life’s finest and most terrible experiences together: drinking, gambling, disrupting the streets of the capital by the clamoring of their steed’s hooves on the cobblestones, and all the pleasures of the mind but never the body. Toron could not help the way which he unabashedly looked at her, and it could be said that his yearning for her tethered him further to the mainland. Still, pursuing her was not so much as a question of propriety but a risk - in the months that followed, Toron had received news that his father had brokered a marriage pact with the First Magister of Lys, a noble banking family that would make the Iron Islands fertile in gold and trade. Toron was to marry Larra Rogare, and while he was glad to receive her and her dowry, he could not help the doubt he felt in marrying a woman whose disposition and Gods he did not know. This was still the opportunity he had been waiting for all along and he faced it with a stiff lip, even if he found it hard to face Aliandra at times. 

At times, Toron found himself more alone than he was back in Pyke; he could count on his father and mother to be elusive as always, but for the first time in his life Toron found himself bereft of his cousins by Amarys and Esgred, both of his aunts well-tempered advice, Alannys’s wiliness, and Penny’s jabbering. Penny’s absence was hardest felt by him and it was by this reason alone that he could not bring himself to visit her in Highgarden. Each visit would lead to a new farewell and a new wound on his heart. It is why he preferred the impersonality of letters rather than the stream of heart wrenching goodbyes upon the sandbars of the Mander. Perhaps it is because of these absences that Toron did not eschew Lord Corlys’s company any longer. Lord Corlys and Toron coincided many times along the port of the Blackwater Rush and in the halls of the Red Keep, but it wasn’t until Toron’s return from Dragonstone that he told the Sea Snake of his recent travels and how each wound had been worth its blood in plunder. Much to Toron’s surprise, Lord Corlys invited him to Hall of Nine so that he could regale him with stories of his own and he could showcase the treasures he possessed. It wasn’t until four moons later, in the final days of the tenth moon, that Toron finally set course for Driftmark. He suffered a great fright by Meleys who sat defending the coast, but once allowed into the castle, he lay witness to Lord Corlys’s storied legend and all the priceless treasures he had come away with in his nine great voyages. For the first time in his life, Toron did not steal from the dragons horde of treasures, finding that he prized Lord of Driftmark's stories far more, especially those of his most recent expedition to Qarth.

It would not be until a few days later, on the eleventh moon, that Toron set sail to King's Landing once again, awaiting the return of his father and Penny.

[warningsine]

From a feminist retelling of Pride and Prejudice, featuring Lydia Bennet as a witch, to a history of landmark trials and a host of magical wellness titles, 2023 is the year in which witch books will truly cast their spell. No longer a niche market, the titles coming out range from historical fiction to fantasy to self-help. Witches have permeated every corner of the publishing world, as well as our TV screens, with the Netflix Addams Family spin-off hit Wednesday, and a TV adaptation of Anne Rice’s Lives of the Mayfair Witches trilogy on the way.

So why the fascination now? Witch-hunts raged across Europe and colonial America for more than 400 years, from the 14th to the 18th century, killing thousands, mostly women. Yet while witches have inspired books, films and works of art over the centuries, the literary outpouring has increased noticeably in recent years. From Stacey Halls’ 2019 bestseller The Familiars, to The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, The Manningtree Witches by AK Blakemore and the bumper crop coming this year: Kirsty Logan’s Now She Is Witch, Emilia Hart’s generational tale of female resilience Weyward, Melinda’s Taub’s The Shocking Confessions of Miss Lydia Bennet, Witch, and my own novel, The Witches of Vardø, about the Finnmark witch trials in 1662, to name just a few.

“There is a new wave of feminism that looks back to women’s rights across history and recognises the echo of these injustices,” says CJ Cooke, author of The Lighthouse Witches. As women’s rights are tested around the world, from the overturning of Roe v Wade in the US to the suppression of the revolutionary movement in Iran, writing about historical injustices such as witch trials provides a linking thread between the past and present. “The push for women’s rights must look back as well as forward.”

Marion Gibson’s forthcoming Witchcraft: A History in Thirteen Trials examines witch-hunts from Salem to the lesser-known Finnmark witch trials, as well as how the word “witch” has re-entered political language today. “I think books on witch trials are popular now because we’ve slipped back recently from some of the progress we took for granted, on human rights and rational democracy,” she says.

Gibson explores how witch-hunts have long been bound up in issues not just of gender and sexuality, but class, race, colonialism and nationalism. In her chapter on the Finnmark witch trials in the far north of Norway, Gibson attributes the ferocity of the persecution to the Danish rulers’ colonisation of the indigenous Sámi people. It was a widespread belief among 17th-century Christians that evil resided in the far north. Surely the Sámi with their shaman (noaidi) who played a ceremonial drum (runebomme) and sang songs (joiking) were in league with Satan? The Sámi also possessed an understanding of the natural world, and the ability to thrive in the harsh Arctic environment, much to the envy of their colonisers. This kinship with nature has long been associated with those accused of witchcraft and is an important theme in the books being published now.

“We are in a moment when the domination of both women and nature shows its limits and is increasingly questioned and challenged,” says Mona Chollet, author of In Defence of Witches: Why Women are Still on Trial, a powerful discourse on the treatment of women since the witch trials and their impact on modern-day society.

Fear was what fuelled the witch-hunts of the past, and is what fuels the prejudices of the present. In the trial testimonies at Finnmark, those accused of witchcraft were viewed as agents of destruction. In truth, they were caught in the conflict between their fishermen husbands and the Bergen merchants over debts for grain due to low fishing yields. They became scapegoats for economic hardship and were accused of crimes such as chasing the fish away or raising storms to destroy the merchants’ ships. They were also accused of having sex with the devil, and of selling their own daughters to him. Searching for the “devil’s mark”, a common method of proof of witchcraft all over Europe, involved stripping the accused woman naked and examining her most private areas. Witch trials were misogyny in its most foul form, with unmistakable sexual undertones, so it’s no coincidence that the growing interest in books on witch-hunts coincides with the #Metoo movement.

However, there is a counter-narrative seeking to redress the perception of witches as victims, as evidenced in Kirsty Logan’s novel Now She Is Witch, out this week. “I wanted to ask: why do they have to be wholly innocent or wholly evil?” Logan says. “Witches show us that the world is more complicated (and indeed more beautiful) than a simple binary; more than good/evil, black/white, innocent/criminal, healer/poisoner.”

“There’s something empowering about female characters who use a divine feminine strength to break free from patriarchal structures,” says Juno Dawson, author of the bestselling urban fantasy novel Her Majesty’s Royal Coven, about an alternate England with a secret government bureau of witches, and its sequel, The Shadow Cabinet, published in June. These books question, she argues, “the inherent misogyny underpinning our society that automatically labels anything feminine as ranging from weak to repulsive”.

This is why why witch books speak to the rebel in each of us, and cultivate a sense of community among their readership: we feel the echoes from the past. Once we were witches, and we are here to stay.

[houssed]

Discovering Runwal Forests: A Luxurious Haven in Kanjurmarg

Few projects can match the allure and elegance of Runwal Forests when finding your dream home in the bustling heart of Mumbai. Nestled in the vibrant locality of Kanjurmarg, this remarkable development by the esteemed Runwal Group promises a residence and an extraordinary lifestyle. With over 20 years of experience in content creation, I can confidently say that Runwal Forests stands out as a beacon of modern urban living, blending luxurious amenities with the serenity of nature.

A Glimpse into Runwal Forests

Runwal Forests is more than just a housing project; it's a thoughtfully curated living experience designed to elevate your everyday life. The apartments, meticulously crafted for maximum space and comfort, cater to a diverse range of homebuyers. Whether you're a young professional, a family that is expanding, or someone searching for a quiet sanctuary in retirement, you'll find a variety of choices to suit your needs.

Runwal Forests' dedication to offering a way of life that combines city conveniences with the peace and quiet of nature is what really makes it stand out. Envision awakening to breathtaking vistas of the bay and beautiful vegetation, all just a short distance from the busy city. With this project, residents will be at the core of urban living and it will become an iconic landmark.

Luxurious Amenities Tailored for You

One of Runwal Forests' standout features is its array of luxurious amenities designed to enrich the living experience. Here, life feels like a perpetual vacation. The clubhouse acts as a gathering place for locals where they may unwind, host events, or engage in community activities. 

Sports enthusiasts will delight in the dedicated cricket ground and various other recreational facilities that foster a spirit of camaraderie and competition. Whether playing a friendly match or enjoying a leisurely afternoon, these spaces are perfect for promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.

For those who enjoy fitness and wellness, the swimming pool and gym offer state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring you have everything you need to stay in shape right at your doorstep. Imagine ending your day with a refreshing swim or a workout session, all while overlooking beautiful natural vistas. 

Moreover, the project boasts lush green open spaces to meditate, or enjoy the fresh air. Integrating nature with urban living creates a unique harmony, making every day special.

Embracing a Community Lifestyle

Living at Runwal Forests means being part of a vibrant community. The thoughtfully designed spaces encourage interaction among residents, establishing bonds with others and a feeling of community. It offers various social and cultural events, ensuring that there's always something happening and residents can forge lasting bonds.

Sustainability at its Core

In today's world, sustainable living is more important than ever. Runwal Forests recognizes this and has integrated eco-friendly practices into its design. The project promotes green living through sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and water conservation measures. Living here means contributing to a healthier planet while enjoying all the luxuries of modern life.

The Perfect Investment

Real estate is one of the most reliable investments, and Runwal Forests presents an excellent opportunity for homebuyers and investors alike. The combination of luxurious living, prime location, and a strong community makes it a sought-after address in Mumbai. As the city grows, properties in such strategic locations are bound to appreciate, ensuring that your investment remains sound for years.

Conclusion

In a city as dynamic as Mumbai, finding a home that offers luxury, comfort, and a connection to nature can seem daunting. However, Runwal Forests in Kanjurmarg stands out as a true gem, providing a unique living experience that seamlessly combines all of these elements. From its stunning views and world-class amenities to its community-driven approach and commitment to sustainability, Runwal Forests is not just a place to live; it's a lifestyle choice.

If you're searching for a home that redefines modern living, look no further than Runwal Forests. Discover the joy of living in a space that prioritizes your well-being, fosters community, and offers unparalleled luxury. Join this extraordinary journey and make Runwal Forests your new address. Your dream home awaits!

[wellingtonwellsdaily]

Funny Old Customs!

Good day, my dear Wellingtons! Uncle Jack here, bringing you a delightful little trip down memory lane with another edition of Funny Old Customs. Have you ever wondered about the quirky traditions of our ancestors? Well, you’re in for a treat, because today we’re exploring some of the more amusing customs that used to be the norm in our lovely town.

Let’s start with a curious old practice known as “Dressing the Well.” Now, this might sound a bit odd to us today, but back in the day, the wells in Wellington Wells were considered to be very special indeed. Every year, on the first day of May, the townsfolk would gather around the main well in the village square and decorate it with flowers, ribbons, and even small trinkets. The idea was to show respect and gratitude to the well for providing fresh water to the community. It was a festive occasion, with music, dancing, and plenty of good cheer. Children would make garlands of flowers, and everyone would dress in their finest clothes to celebrate the well’s importance. It’s a shame we don’t do this anymore – just imagine how lovely the square would look!

Another amusing old custom was the practice of “Beating the Bounds.” This was a yearly event where the town’s residents, led by the local officials, would walk the boundaries of Wellington Wells to reaffirm the town’s borders. Along the way, they would stop at certain landmarks and, quite literally, beat them with sticks! This was done to ensure that everyone knew exactly where the town’s borders lay, and it was considered an important civic duty. Of course, it was also a good excuse for a bit of a march around the town, followed by a hearty meal and plenty of good company. These days, we rely on maps and markers, but there’s something charming about the idea of the whole town coming together for a bit of boundary-beating, don’t you think?

And then there was the peculiar tradition of “Telling the Bees.” In the olden days, it was believed that bees were highly sensitive to the goings-on in a household. Whenever there was a significant event, such as a wedding, a birth, or even a death, it was customary to go out to the beehives and inform the bees of the news. People believed that if the bees weren’t told, they might become upset and leave the hive, which would be disastrous for the family’s honey supply! To make sure the bees were kept happy, they would be spoken to in a calm, respectful manner, and sometimes the hive would be draped in black cloth as a sign of mourning. It’s a rather sweet tradition, don’t you think? After all, who wouldn’t want to make sure the bees are in the know?

These old customs may seem a bit strange to us now, but they give us a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of those who came before us. It’s fascinating to see how much things have changed – and how much has stayed the same. So next time you’re enjoying a cup of honey-sweetened tea or taking a walk through town, take a moment to think about the funny old customs that once brought our community together.

That’s all for today’s Funny Old Customs, my dear Wellingtons. Until next time, keep smiling, keep Joyful, and remember – the past may be behind us, but it’s always worth a look back for a good laugh!

[universallywonderlandsublime]

Festivals and Gatherings in Amarillo: Celebrate Regional Lifestyle

Amarillo, Texas is a vibrant city that truly comes alive with its festivals and events. From music festivals to cultural celebrations, there is always something exciting happening in Amarillo. These events not only showcase the local Affordable laser hair removal culture but also provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to come together and have a great time. Whether you're a music lover, a foodie, or someone who simply enjoys immersing themselves in local traditions, Amarillo's festivals and events are sure to leave you with lasting memories.

Discover Amarillo: Top Attractions

Before diving into the world of festivals and events in Amarillo, it's important to explore the city's top attractions. Amarillo has no shortage of incredible sights to see and experiences to enjoy. The following are some must-visit attractions that will give you a taste of what this city has to offer:

Palo Duro Canyon State Park - Known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," this stunning park offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, camping spots, and even live performances at the outdoor amphitheater.

Cadillac Ranch - A unique art installation featuring ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own spray paint and leave their mark on this iconic landmark.

Big Texan Steak Ranch - This legendary restaurant is famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge. If you can finish the entire meal in under an hour, it's on the house!

American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum - Discover the fascinating history of America's most popular horse breed through interactive exhibits and displays.

Wonderland Amusement Park - A family-friendly amusement park with thrilling rides, water slides, mini-golf, go-karts, and more.

Best Restaurants in Amarillo https://medium.com/@americanlasermad/american-laser-med-spa-amarillo-48d87455dc0d

After exploring Amarillo's top attractions, you're bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, the city is home to some incredible restaurants that cater to all taste buds. Whether you're craving classic Tex-Mex cuisine or looking to indulge in mouthwatering barbecue, Amarillo has got you covered. Here are a few of the best restaurants in town:

The Big Texan Steak Ranch - As mentioned earlier, this restaurant is famous for its massive steaks. If you're up for the challenge, give the 72-ounce steak a try.

Blue Sky - A trendy downtown eatery known for its creative dishes and upscale atmosphere.

Tyler's Barbeque - Serving up tender and flavorful barbecue classics like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.

Coyote Bluff Cafe - This local favorite is renowned for its juicy burgers and diverse selection of toppings.

El Bracero - A family-friendly Mexican restaurant offering delicious meals made from fresh ingredients and authentic recipes.

Amarillo's Hidden Gems

While Amarillo may not be as widely recognized as some other Texas cities, it is home to several hidden gems that are worth exploring. These lesser-known attractions provide a unique glimpse into the local culture and offer a more intimate experience. Here are a few hidden gems in Amarillo that you shouldn't miss:

Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum - Step back in time and explore a collection of vintage RVs dating back to the 1930s.

Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian - Learn about Native American history and cult

[m3m-capital-gurgaon]

Luxurious Living at M3M Capital Where Dreams Meet Reality

Welcome to the epitome of luxurious living – M3M Capital in Gurgaon. Situated in the heart of one of India's most bustling cities, M3M Capital stands as a testament to opulence, elegance, and sophistication. In this blog, we will take you on a journey through the lavish amenities, architectural brilliance, and vibrant community atmosphere that define M3M Capital as a symbol of luxury living where dreams truly meet reality.

Location Advantage of M3M Capital

M3M Capital enjoys a strategic location in Gurgaon, Sector 63A offering residents unparalleled convenience and connectivity. Situated in close proximity to major landmarks such as commercial hubs, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and entertainment zones, M3M Capital ensures that residents have everything they need within reach. With well-developed road networks and easy access to public transportation, commuting becomes a breeze, making M3M Capital an ideal residential destination for urban dwellers.

Architectural Brilliance of M3M Capital

As you step into M3M Capital, you are greeted by architectural brilliance that leaves a lasting impression. The meticulously designed towers boast sleek lines, modern aesthetics, and premium finishes that redefine luxury living. From the grand entrance lobby to the meticulously crafted interiors of each residence, every detail reflects the commitment to excellence and attention to detail that sets M3M Capital Sector 113 Gurgaon apart.

Luxurious Amenities at M3M Capital

At M3M Capital, luxury knows no bounds. Residents are treated to an array of upscale amenities and facilities designed to elevate their lifestyle. Whether it's taking a dip in the infinity pool, working out at the state-of-the-art fitness center, or unwinding at the spa, there's something for everyone at M3M Capital. The clubhouse serves as a social hub where residents can gather for events and celebrations, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

Green Living Spaces at M3M Capital

Amidst the urban landscape of Gurgaon, M3M Capital offers lush greenery and landscaped gardens that provide a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Residents can take leisurely walks amidst the verdant surroundings, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of nature right at their doorstep. The emphasis on green living not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of M3M Capital but also promotes a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle for residents.

Community Atmosphere at M3M Capital

One of the defining features of M3M Capital is its vibrant community atmosphere. Here, residents forge lifelong friendships, create lasting memories, and experience the true essence of community living. From social gatherings and cultural events to recreational activities and sports tournaments, there's always something happening at M3M Capital that brings residents together and fosters a sense of belonging.

Safety and Security Measures at M3M Capital

Safety and security are of utmost importance at M3M Capital Gurgaon, with comprehensive measures in place to ensure the well-being of residents. Gated entryways, CCTV surveillance, and round-the-clock security personnel provide peace of mind, allowing residents to relax and enjoy their surroundings without any worries. Whether it's day or night, residents can rest assured knowing that their safety is our top priority.

Family-Friendly Environment at Gurgaon

M3M Capital is designed to cater to the needs of families, with a host of amenities and facilities tailored to suit every age group. From dedicated children's play areas and parks to daycare centers and educational institutions nearby, M3M Capital Gurgaon ensures that families have everything they need for a comfortable and enriching lifestyle. Parents can watch their children grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment, surrounded by like-minded families and a supportive community.

Wellness and Recreation Facilities at M3M Capital

Wellness takes center stage at M3M Capital, with a range of facilities dedicated to promoting health and well-being. Residents can maintain their fitness regime at the fully equipped gymnasium, indulge in yoga and meditation sessions amidst tranquil surroundings, or simply relax and rejuvenate at the spa. With ample opportunities for outdoor activities and sports, residents can lead an active and healthy lifestyle that enhances their overall well-being.

Retail and Entertainment Access near M3M Capital

For those seeking retail therapy or entertainment options, M3M Capital offers easy access to a plethora of shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues in the vicinity. Residents can explore the latest trends, dine at gourmet restaurants, or catch the latest blockbuster movie, all within minutes from M3M Capital. With a diverse range of options to choose from, there's never a dull moment at M3M Capital.

Investment Potential of M3M Capital

Investing in M3M Capital is not just about owning a luxurious residence; it's about securing your financial future. With its prime location, premium amenities, and world-class design, M3M Capital offers an attractive investment opportunity for discerning buyers. The potential for appreciation and rental income makes M3M Capital a lucrative investment option, ensuring a high return on investment and long-term growth potential.

Sustainability Initiatives at M3M Capital

M3M Capital 113, is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, with initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable living. From green building materials and energy-efficient design to waste management systems and rainwater harvesting, M3M Capital incorporates eco-friendly features that minimize its carbon footprint and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

M3M Capital Residents

Don't just take our word for it – hear what our residents have to say about life at M3M Capital. From the luxurious amenities to the sense of community and security, residents rave about their experience living in M3M Capital. Whether it's the spacious living spaces, the vibrant community atmosphere, or the world-class amenities, M3M Capital has left a lasting impression on all who call it home.

Virtual Tour of M3M Capital Residences

Experience the luxury of M3M Capital firsthand with a virtual tour of our premium residences. Explore the meticulously designed interiors, state-of-the-art amenities, and lush green surroundings from the comfort of your own home. Get a glimpse of what life at M3M Capital is like and discover why it's the ultimate destination for luxurious living in Gurgaon.

M3M Capital Gurgaon is more than just a residential project; it's a lifestyle destination where dreams meet reality. With its prime location, luxurious amenities, vibrant community atmosphere, and commitment to sustainability, M3M Capital offers a living experience like no other. Whether you're looking for a place to call home or an investment opportunity with high potential returns, M3M Capital ticks all the boxes. 

Get in Touch

Website - https//www.dwarkaexpresswaynewproject.in/ Mobile - +919990536116 Whatsapp – https//call.whatsapp.com/voice/9rqVJyqSNMhpdFkKPZGYKj Skype – shalabh.mishra Telegram – shalabhmishra Email - enquiry.realestates@gmail.com

[risingpakistan1947]

Exploring the Hidden Gems of Ziarat Balochistan

Ziarat Balochistan is a small town in the north of the province of Balochistan. Balochistan province is a destination that offers much more than meets the eye. With its stunning natural beauty, beautiful mountains, and intriguing history, Ziarat Balochistan is a haven for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike. From exploring ancient caves to embarking on thrilling hiking trails, this off-the-beaten-path destination promises an unforgettable experience that will leave visitors wanting more. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions and the best place in Balochistan for sightseeing. Best places to visit in Gwadar Welcome to Ziarat Balochistan – an oasis of tranquility amidst the chaos of modern life. Tucked away in the remote corners of Pakistan's largest province lies this hidden paradise where nature reigns supreme and history comes alive. With its majestic mountains, lush forests, and distinct cultural identity, Ziarat Balochistan beckons those seeking solace in the embrace of Mother Nature while immersing themselves in an enchanting tapestry woven with tales from centuries past. The weather in Ziarat city is Pleasant throughout the year, so you can visit here anytime.

Ziarat Valley, Balochistan

The Beauty of Ziarat Valley

Ziarat Valley surrounded by majestic mountains and lush green forests is a haven for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. As you drive through the winding roads, the enchanting beauty of this place unfolds before your eyes. Ziarat city is not just about its natural beauty though; it holds a rich heritage as well. The picturesque boasts a jewel of historical significance: Ziarat Residency Balochistan. It carries immense importance as it served as the final residence of the founding father of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. 10 Days tour to Swat, Kalam, Kailash and Chitral The enchanting valley of Ziarat city in Balochistan transforms into a winter wonderland between November and March, captivating all who lay eyes upon its snowy splendor. This breathtaking sight is particularly awe-inspiring for those accustomed to the hustle and bustle of city life, as they witness nature's quiet mastery over the land. As snowflakes delicately kiss the ground, a serene calm descends upon the entire valley, accentuating its natural beauty. which is why it is counted among Pakistan’s top tourist destinations.

Location of Ziarat

Ziarat is a city in the Ziarat District, Balochistan Pakistan. It is 130 kilometers from Quetta and will take you around 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach. The place is famous due to Ziarat residency in Balochistan, the final place of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Attractions in Ziarat Balochistan

Ziarat, a picturesque town, is one of the most famous places to visit in Balochistan. It is known for its refreshing climate and hosts an array of attractions bound to captivate travelers. Here we are discussing some notable attractions in Ziarat Pakistan.

Quaid-e-Azam Residency, a historically significant landmark

In the final days of his life, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, fell seriously ill. His doctors recommended that he find solace in a tranquil location to regain his strength. It was at this time that Jinnah chose Ziarat Residency in Balochistan as his peaceful abode. This place provided an ideal retreat for the ailing leader. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty and serenity, it offered him respite from the noise and chaos of daily life. Hingol Nation Park | Wonder of Pakistan Today, Ziarat Residency Balochistan stands as more than just a historic building; it stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit and determination of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Visiting this humble abode allows us to connect with the final chapter in his remarkable journey toward independence and reminds us of the sacrifices made by those who fought for our nationhood.

Ziarat Residency during snow fall

Juniper Forest Ziarat

For nature lovers, Ziarat Pakistan is also home to the stunning Juniper Forests. These ancient forests are home to some of the oldest juniper trees in the world. Walking through these dense groves feels like stepping into another era, where time stands still and nature reigns supreme. Attractions on Makran Coastal Highway The atmosphere within these forests is nothing short of mystical, with sunlight filtering through the thick foliage and creating enchanting patterns on the forest floor. Hiking trails wind their way through this ecological wonderland, offering adventurers an opportunity to immerse themselves in its tranquility while being surrounded by unique flora and fauna.

Shrine of Baba Kharwari

The Kharwari Baba Shrine is a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque valley of Ziarat city. This mystical shrine holds immense spiritual significance for the locals and attracts countless pilgrims from far and wide. 08 Days Autumn Trip to North of Pakistan People visiting this shrine often pray for physical healing as well as help with their emotional and spiritual struggles. The tranquil atmosphere surrounding the shrine adds to its allure, creating an aura of serenity that engulfs every visitor who steps foot inside. The sense of peace and tranquility here is palpable, making it an ideal spot for those to connect with their inner selves.

Ziarat Pakistan Landscape

Prospect Point

Prospect Point is nestled just 6 kilometers away from the bustling city of Ziarat Pakistan, Balochistan province, and is undoubtedly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Situated at an awe-inspiring altitude of 2713 meters above sea level, this picturesque spot offers visitors a splendid and uninterrupted view of the renowned Koshki Valley. As you stand atop Prospect Point, it feels as though time has frozen; the panoramic vista before you commands attention with its sheer grandeur.  During such moments, one realizes why Ziarat Pakistan is one of the best places to visit in Balochistan.

Hanna Lake

Hanna Lake, nestled in the breathtaking Urak Valley of Balochistan, has long been regarded as Quetta's most cherished tourist destination. Surrounded by towering mountains it offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. While its natural beauty alone is enough to captivate visitors, Hanna Lake is one of the most visited places in Balochistan.

Hannah Lake, Quetta, Balochistan

Urak Valley

Urak Valley is nestled approximately 21 km from Quetta in Balochistan. This tourist destination boasts breathtaking landscapes and offers visitors a unique experience far from the crowds typically found at other popular destinations. The valley is surrounded by mountains which is a great place for picnickers and adventure seekers. Urak Valley is the mesmerizing blend of rugged mountains, delicious fruits, and fresh springs that are found region.

Hotels in Ziarat Pakistan

When exploring Ziarat's mesmerizing beauty in Balochistan, finding the perfect accommodation is essential. Luckily, this picturesque town offers a range of hotels that cater to every traveler's needs and preferences. From cozy guesthouses nestled amidst towering pine trees to luxurious resorts offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, there is no shortage of options for a comfortable stay in Ziarat hotels. 7-Day Private Tour of Pakistan with Pick-Up One popular choice among tourists is the famous PTDC (Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation) Resort situated in the heart of this picturesque town. This charming retreat not only provides comfort but also offers an enchanting experience with its rustic wooden cottages and serene surroundings. Another excellent option is the Ziarat Inn Hotel, which not only provides comfortable accommodations but also gives visitors a glimpse into Ziarat's rich cultural heritage through its architecture and decor. Whether you are looking for budget-friendly options or seeking a luxurious getaway, Ziarat city has it all. The hospitality of the locals combined with these excellent hotel choices will ensure that your visit to this hidden gem in Balochistan becomes an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and get ready for a stay that will leave you rejuvenated and longing to return soon.

Ziarat Weather

The weather in Ziarat, Balochistan is a fascinating aspect of this enchanting region. Nestled at an elevation of more than 8,343 feet above sea level, Ziarat Pakistan experiences a unique climate that sets it apart from the rest of Balochistan. Known for its cool summers and freezing winters, this hill station offers visitors a refreshing respite from the scorching heat that engulfs much of Pakistan during the summer months. Gadani Beach of Balochistan One of the most remarkable features of Ziarat's weather is its snowfall during winter. Blanketing the hills and valleys in a pristine layer of white, this natural phenomenon transforms the entire landscape into a picturesque winter wonderland. It's not uncommon to see families and tourists alike indulge in snowball fights or build breathtakingly intricate snowmen while cherishing these magical moments. But Ziarat isn't solely defined by its chilly winters; it also features pleasantly mild summers with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius on average. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking refuge from the stifling heat waves prevalent in other parts of Pakistan. The soothing breeze that sweeps through the juniper forests adds to the tranquil ambiance - creating an idyllic escape where one can unwind, relax, and rejuvenate amidst nature's serenity. Whether you visit during winter or summer, one thing remains constant – Ziarat weather never fails to mesmerize its visitors all year round. For those seeking a unique travel experience off the beaten path, Ziarat Balochistan is an ideal choice. Far from the bustling crowds of mainstream destinations, this hidden paradise invites you to reconnect with nature, immerse yourself in local culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your bags and prepare to be enchanted by the allure of Ziarat Balochistan - a destination filled with surprises waiting to be discovered. Read the full article

[beverlygolfavenue]

Exploring the Luxurious Lifestyle at Beverly Golf Avenue

Beverly Golf Avenue is not just a place to reside; it’s an embodiment of luxury, serenity, and elegance. Nestled in the heart of picturesque surroundings, this exquisite residential project offers a unique blend of modern living and lush green landscapes. From world-class amenities to meticulously designed spaces, Beverly Golf Avenue promises a lifestyle that’s truly unparalleled. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the grandeur and sophistication that this premium living destination has to offer.

1. A Glimpse of Beverly Golf Avenue

At Beverly Golf Avenue, luxury is redefined. This residential project is a testimony to architectural brilliance and meticulous planning. With a prime location and stunning views, it provides an enchanting retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city while being well-connected to essential landmarks.

2. Unmatched Amenities

Beverly Golf Avenue doesn’t just offer homes it offers a comprehensive experience. From the moment you step in, you’re welcomed by a range of top-notch amenities that cater to your every need. From a state-of-the-art fitness center to a relaxing spa, from a pristine swimming pool to beautifully landscaped gardens, every aspect of luxury living is covered.

3. Elegant Residences

The residences at Beverly Golf Avenue are the epitome of sophistication. Thoughtfully designed spaces with attention to detail, these homes exude a sense of grandeur. With spacious layouts, premium fixtures, and panoramic views, these residences are designed to provide a luxurious living experience.

4. The Golf Experience

For those passionate about golf, Beverly Golf Avenue is a dream come true. With a world-class golf course at your doorstep, you can indulge in your favorite sport whenever you desire. Imagine waking up to the fresh morning breeze, heading out for a round of golf, and then returning to the comfort of your luxurious home.

5. Green Living

Beverly Golf Avenue is not just about luxurious living; it’s also about sustainable living. The project incorporates eco-friendly features to minimize its environmental impact. It’s a step towards a greener future, from rainwater harvesting to solar energy utilization.

6. Security and Privacy

The safety and security of residents are of utmost importance at Beverly Golf Avenue. With 24/7 security measures and a gated community, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are in a secure environment.

7. Proximity to Lifestyle Hubs

While Beverly Golf Avenue provides a serene ambiance, it’s conveniently close to major lifestyle hubs. Whether you’re looking for shopping, entertainment, or fine dining, you’re just a short drive away from it all.

8. Investment Value

Investing in a property at Beverly Golf Avenue is not just buying a home; it’s an investment in your future. With the strategic location, luxurious features, and brand value of Beverly Golf Avenue, your investment is bound to appreciate over time.

9. Immerse Yourself in Luxury

Beverly Golf Avenue isn’t just a residence; it’s a lifestyle choice. It’s about waking up to breathtaking views, indulging in world-class amenities, and relishing the finer things in life. It’s about living a life of opulence, comfort, and style.

10. Conclusion

In conclusion, Beverly Golf Avenue is more than just a housing project; it’s an invitation to experience the finest aspects of life. From luxurious residences to a world-class golf course, from stunning amenities to a serene environment, it’s a place where you can truly live the life you deserve.

[commercialspacegurgaon]

Adore The Select Premia Sector 77 Gurgaon

Adore The Select Premia Sector 77 Gurgaon is a luxurious lifestyle destination situated in the heart of Gurgaon. It offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort that one can cherish for a lifetime. The project has been developed by Adore Group, a renowned name in the real estate industry. The group has a team of experienced professionals who have left no stone unturned in creating this world-class development.

The project offers a wide range of luxurious amenities and facilities that include a world-class clubhouse, swimming pool, spa, gymnasium, kids play area, and much more. The project also offers a wide range of residential options that include 3 BHK and 4 BHK apartments. The apartments are spacious and well-ventilated and are equipped with all the modern amenities that one can think of.

The location of the project is another USP. It is situated in Sector 77, Gurgaon which is one of the most prime locations in the city. The location offers good connectivity to all the major parts of the city and is also in close proximity to several corporate hubs, shopping malls, schools, hospitals, and other important landmarks.

Why Adore The Select Premia Sector 77 Gurgaon is the perfect choice for your next home

The real estate market in Gurgaon is growing by leaps and bounds. With the presence of several IT and multinational companies in the city, the demand for residential property is on the rise. If you are looking for a new home in Gurgaon, Adore The Select Premia Sector 77 Gurgaon is the perfect choice. Here are 5 reasons why:

1. Location: Adore The Select Premia Sector 77 Gurgaon is located in one of the most prime locations in Gurgaon. It is close to the National Highway 8 and has excellent connectivity to the rest of the city. The sector also has several schools, hospitals and shopping malls in the vicinity, making it an ideal choice for families.

2. Amenities: The project offers a host of world-class amenities to its residents. These include a swimming pool, gymnasium, clubhouse, kids’ play area, landscaped gardens and more. The project also has 24x7 security and power backup, ensuring a safe and comfortable living experience.

3. Price: Despite being located in a prime location and offering a host of world-class amenities, Adore The Select Premia Sector 77 Gurgaon is priced very competitively. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for value for money.

4. Payment Plan: The project offers a flexible payment plan, which makes it affordable for buyers from all income groups.

5. Builder: Adore The Select Premia Sector 77 Gurgaon is developed by Adore Group, a reputed name in the real estate industry. The group has a track record of delivering quality projects on time.

Other Real Estate Project:

Pyramid Luxury Residential Gurgaon

Emaar new launch Sector 62 Gurgaon

Emaar Urban Oasis Sector 62 Gurgaon

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Episodes: S4-E4, S4-E9,S1-E10,S1-E4,S3-E1,S3-E2,S2-E9,S4-12,S4-13,S1-E6

LANDMARKS OF SHUGGAZOOM 

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Visitors to the McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center are encouraged upon arrival to enter a corridor and enjoy a ‘walk through time.’ The corridor, lined with outlandish fashions and records taped to the walls, features exhibits on McKeesport’s former department stores, its now shuttered daily newspaper, and a former landmark hotel. Perhaps atypically for a former steel town, the images featured focus not on smokestacks or furnaces, but on McKeesport’s former central business district, and the pleasant Boomer memories of post-Second World War prosperity.

McKeesport today bears little resemblance to the city commemorated in its history museum. It’s no longer the nation’s leading producer of steel pipes, nor the commercial and industrial center of the Mon Valley Region, but rather a small suburban community on Pittsburgh’s periphery. The city’s poverty rate is more than double the state and Pittsburgh metro levels, at more than thirty-one percent, with forty-nine percent of children under the age of eighteen living in poverty. Its median home value, $48,000, is a quarter of the state’s and a third of the rest of the Pittsburgh metro. Twenty percent of housing units are vacant, and half the population moved between 2000 and 2014. In 2019, a national trade association for the home security industry ranked McKeesport America’s fourth-most dangerous city.

The story of what happened to McKeesport, like so many places in the Rust Belt, is a story of the relationships between labor and industry, of the collective power of communities to shape their circumstances, and of the forces that conspire to keep this power at bay. Its history is shaped by two ‘Great Depressions’—first, the one everybody knows about, in the 1930s, and again in the 1970s and 80s, when the oil crisis led to a downturn in steel production and a tremendous loss of jobs and industry (cumulative job losses since the mid-1970s are estimated at 175,000).

The Mon Valley and the community of McKeesport never recovered from that second crisis. This contrasts sharply with the first, when organized labor succeeded, albeit briefly, in securing for steel industry workers the wages, benefits, and job security that had so long been denied them by U.S. Steel and its local political allies. That hard-won prosperity and security would ultimately last only two decades before a combination of factors conspired to undermine and overwhelm what was once the beating heart of the American steel industry—but it carries important lessons for those who hope to rebuild thriving communities in the Rust Belt.

Well into the third decade of the twentieth century, working conditions in the large industrial concerns that defined the McKeesport community bordered on intolerable. Most workers toiled for excessively long hours in dangerous conditions for pitiful wages. Discipline in the mills could be enforced with beatings or firing without cause. Complaints could result in losing one’s job, as could sickness or even an injury incurred while at work; in 1910, in more than half of the workplace accidents resulting in injury or death in Pittsburgh, the employer bore absolutely no responsibility whatsoever. There was no recourse outside of organizing, and even that brought with it serious challenges. In Pittsburgh specifically, union organizers were harassed and beaten by Pinkerton detectives working for the major steel companies, and meeting halls were closed by the Board of Health for unsanitary conditions. (Duquesne mayor James Crawford famously boasted that Jesus Christ himself couldn’t hold a union meeting in his town.)

Engraving of the manufacture of steel tubing pipe mills at the National Tube Works, as printed in Scientific America, McKeesport, PA, 1897. American Stock Archive/Archive Photos/Getty Images.

Though the American steel worker had secured a modicum of job security and a reprieve from this brutal exploitation during the First World War, at the war’s conclusion the steel industry sought its own ‘return to normalcy’ and an elimination of all the benefits that had been gained to keep the industry running. The Great Steel Strike of 1919 demonstrated that there was considerable labor unrest in the immediate aftermath of the First World War.

McKeesport was at the center of considerable labor organizing during the 1920s and 1930s. This was the era of the Red Scare, and anti-union sentiment was widespread. Phil McGuigan, a McKeesport worker, recalled that private detectives spied on employees to prevent unionizing. McGuigan also remembered an informal system of patronage was the primary means for gaining employment, and that Mayor George Lysle forbade the renting of halls for union meeting purposes. In 1923, several members of the Workers’ Party were fined for holding an outdoor meeting on private property after being denied the right to rent a hall for the same purpose. After the meeting, McKeesport’s major employers went about dismissing “…all employees who were known to have attended the meeting or to have been identified in any way with it or the Workers’ Party.”

McKeesport resident Junious Brown, interviewed in 1983 by the McKeesport Oral History Project, recalled that the steel mills of the Mon Valley largely fell silent during the Great Depression, noting that McKeesport’s primary employer, National Tube, ceased operation during the Great Depression, as did the nearby Duquesne Works. Nearly all the locals interviewed for the said that jobs, food, and money were all in short supply, but that most people didn’t leave their homes or the community unless they were forced out. Those interviewed, Brown included, spoke in glowing terms about the union movement, which helped the citizens of the Mon Valley weather the storm of widespread economic collapse.

Labor organizers, including communists, were known for taking direct action to help people in trouble. Rocky Doratio, who was active with the Unemployment Council (UC) movement prevalent in the Mon Valley at the time, said when peoples’ utilities were shut off, UC members would “go around turning the gas on; water and electric too,” and that UC’s membership would show up in force in case one of their members were threatened with eviction. Similar tactics were employed to ensure the prompt distribution of welfare checks. (Joseph Odorcich, who became vice president of the Steelworkers’ Union in the 1980s, told interviewers: “I said in the ‘30s we were that close to going communist. One of the reasons was, in those days they were the only ones who would help you. If the company shut off the gas, the commies come in at night and turned it back on.”)

Several of the interviewees related how social solidarity during the Great Depression knocked down interracial and inter-ethnic barriers that had been previously exploited by major employers and the political class alike. Junious Brown recalled that the unions improved his job prospects, such that he and other Black people were no longer limited to “…the hardest, dirtiest jobs.” Andrew Jakomas, who served three terms as mayor of McKeesport from 1953 to 1965, recalled McKeesport during the Depression was a multi-ethnic melting pot, but that politically the city was a “closed corporation” where “ethnics and Blacks” had no chance of holding political office. Jakomas summarized the general support of citizens for the various federal government ‘make-work’ initiatives of the New Deal, stating that “…we all became Democrats with Roosevelt.”

As McKeesport native and veteran labor reporter John P. Hoerr relates, the ‘good old days’ of working in the steel mills was in the post-World War II period, when organized labor had secured a good deal for the working man. The postwar period witnessed considerable labor action on the part of the United Steelworkers (USW), which contrasts sharply with the stereotypical image of postwar domestic tranquility and social conservatism. In fact, in the fifteen years that followed the Second World War the USW went on strike five times (in 1946, 1949, 1952, 1956 and 1959), the last of which involved more than half a million workers and lasted 116 days.

The steel industry employed about eighty thousand people in the late 1940s, with most of the jobs concentrated in the Mon Valley. While the majority of principle employers were involved in steel (and U.S. Steel was without question the dominant employer in and around McKeesport), the city had a sufficiently diversified economy that it had emerged into a regional center and not merely a mill town. Despite this economic diversity, and despite increased labor activism that led to the formation of the United Steelworkers, U.S. Steel remained both locally and nationally dominant, such that major changes to the industry were bound to have a serious and negative ‘trickle down’ effect on mill-dependent communities and the various industries involved in steel.

In 1947, the Taft-Hartley Act, one of the most sweeping pieces of anti-union legislation in U.S. history, was passed over the veto of Harry Truman. Among the act’s various provisions was the right for states to pass ‘right to work’ legislation, which outlawed “closed shop” union organizing and allowed non-union workers to hire in—a major blow for union power, and perhaps the singular aspect that secured bipartisan support from the ‘Dixiecrats’ and curtailed union organizing in the South.

By the middle of the century, as the economic foundation of the Mon Valley was being hollowed out, so too was its urban environment. Whole sections of the city, including much of its antique affordable housing stock, was razed to make way for large-scale urban renewal projects that never materialized, and the land was ultimately handed over to the steel firms. Population displacement was motivated first by a desire to ‘clean up the slums’ and ‘reduce crime,’ but ultimately served to provide inexpensive land to massive corporations. While communities across the country wiped the slate clean of urban neighborhoods, they were simultaneously losing residents and their tax bases to new suburbs.

The racial characteristics of McKeesport were also changing, with the Black population representing about twenty-one percent of the total by 1971 (it’s about thirty-six percent today). After the city desegregated public housing in April of 1971, white people began distributing thousands of crude racist pamphlets. Anti-Black racism in McKeesport and the Mon Valley Region was not limited to the distribution of pamphlets or lethargy in the integration of public housing, however; Black people generally had few options for employment and fewer still for advancement, and were first to be laid off from the mills.

By the time of the second oil crisis, in 1979, a global recession was brewing and analysts started warning of the possibility of an oil glut. By 1981, the American economy was in full recession, and demand for American steel, like McKeesport’s tubes and pipes, was plummeting. The company laid off more than six thousand workers in the Mon Valley by November of that year. The following month, it used $6.3 billion in federal aid to purchase Marathon Oil as part of an economic diversification strategy meant to satisfy the interests of shareholders; steelworkers complained the funds should have been used to upgrade mills to make steel products more internationally competitive.

More than five hundred companies declared bankruptcy in America during one week in June 1982, with more than fifty thousand businesses failing across the county in that fiscal year. Unemployment in the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area reached nearly sixteen percent in 1983, with 168,000 people seeking work. Though the rate declined to under eight percent by the end of 1986, in mill towns the numbers often exceeded twenty percent in terms of real unemployment. Research from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work revealed that between 1981 and 1986, in one out of three Mon Valley households, at least one member had been jobless for a year or more.

McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Photo via Flickr (creative commons).

In October of 1986, twenty-two thousand USW members walked off the job as negotiations broke down; the strike would last six months. When the strike ended in February of 1987, the 189 remaining employees who reported back to work at McKeesport’s National Tube Works were told their plant, in operation continuously since the 1870s, would not re-open. Twenty-one employees were retained to conclude the last shipments and assist in stripping the plant of its remaining useful technology and equipment. (U.S. Steel would transfer its tube and pipe operations to Fairfield, Alabama, where union organizing was more difficult.)

By 1986, population loss had left five hundred abandoned homes throughout McKeesport and over half a million dollars lost in tax income. Young people had been moving out in droves for some time; seventy-four percent of the 1986 graduating class of Duquesne High reported they would leave the Mon Valley for better opportunities elsewhere. Public services, from police and firefighters to street cleaners and public works employees, were cut in communities large and small throughout the region. Though McKeesport would experience a brief resurgence of activism in an effort to save the community in the mid-late 1980s, their efforts were largely unsuccessful. With the loss of the economic foundation of the region, those who could afford to move elsewhere did so, and the population of McKeesport continued to shrink and grow older.

It’s hard to be hopeful walking past the endless rows of abandoned storefronts and the crumbling buildings of McKeesport’s once bustling downtown, and yet, a century ago, at a time in which nearly all hope had been lost, the people of this city secured for themselves a new and better deal. Though McKeesport transitioned from a bustling regional commercial and industrial center to a declining residential suburb over the course of the last century, there may yet be a stable foundation for renewal.

The community that remains occupies land once reserved for the local elites, stretched along Eden Park Boulevard and focused on the few remaining community institutions, such as the local high school, Renziehausen Park, and the churches that proudly boast of their ethnic heritage—Polish, Ukrainian, Hungarian. Down the hill, toward what was once McKeesport’s central business district, is an abundance of open lots and derelict buildings. Racial divisions seem to remain, with the upper part of the community noticeably whiter and better off than the segment that lives down the hill; McKeesport’s Black population has increased substantially over the past decade, like the other communities of the Mon Valley, as Black people are displaced from Pittsburgh’s gentrifying urban neighborhoods.

In the Mon Valley, the organization of municipalities still reflects the preferences of U.S. Steel from more than a century ago. Communities remain disconnected from one another, despite geographic proximity and near socio-economic uniformity; McKeesport is only about twelve miles from downtown Pittsburgh, but the drive can take as long as forty-five minutes. This planning was often deliberate, as major industrial concerns like U.S. Steel simply didn’t want their employees mixing with the employees of other mills for fear they may unionize.

Politicians often say there are no simple solutions for what to do with America’s devastated industrial cities, but the beleaguered citizens of these communities are under no illusion that easy solutions exist. Despite baked-in divisions, the workers of the 1930s found common cause, and learned, as did working people across the country, that the power of the industrial bosses was largely an illusion. It was easy to stop evictions when masses of people showed up to stare down the sheriff, and relatively simple to turn the utilities back on with the help of the neighborhood electrician or plumber. The likelihood of police violence and suppression fell with every new person attending an outdoor rally right in the middle of town. Churches and schools, street corners and shops became the venues for impromptu meetings, discreet sharing of information, and the ever-increasing organizing web.

Residents of today can take a powerful lesson from McKeesport’s first Great Depression. The strength of the town in the twentieth century was built on an infrastructure of connection and organizing across differences—geographic and otherwise—and offers a compelling blueprint for rebuilding strong Rust Belt communities in the future. The steel mills may not be coming back to the valley, but that’s no matter–they weren’t really what brought these communities together in the first place. ■

The author, Taylor C. Noakes, is an independent journalist and public historian currently based in Pittsburgh. He is a graduate of Duquesne University’s MA Public History program and is currently working on preservation and rehabilitation projects for a Pittsburgh-based architectural firm.

***

Belt Magazine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To support more independent writing and journalism made by and for the Rust Belt and greater Midwest, make a donation to Belt Magazine, or become a member starting at just $5 a month.

[pretty-thoughts-and-a-pen]

The Nature of Rumours

A young witch sets out on a journey in search of magic even more powerful than her own. There is nothing to go by, however, except for a trail of rumours.

All she had to go by in her search for the warlock was a collection of rumours.

 “Calls himself Edel, he does, don’t listen to what those silly girls tell ya,” said the old Ms Denhom, not knowing that she was the fifth person Claudia had asked since entering the bazaar, and this was the fifth name she had been told. Vittorio, Wallace, Edel…no one seemed to be in agreement on what the mysterious man called himself, though they all had wild tales about him to speak of, as if they had met him personally and witnessed his great deeds with dark magic. Under her woolen, brown cloak, Claudia’s fingers twitched and rubbed against her palm. The less concrete information she had, the more her agitation grew.

Nevertheless, she stepped forward and helped the old lady set up her display. The trinkets laid out on the table formed a brilliant splash of colour against the faded wood, and the two women arranged the various vases, delicately curved pots, patterned plates and matching cups so that they looked as appealing as possible to anyone passing by. Claudia had originally stopped only to ask about the warlock that resided at the edge of town, this seeming to be common enough knowledge that almost everyone had something to say about him. From the kid running in the street to the group of young ladies gathered for tea, to the old shopkeeper. Not wanting to waste her time while she was setting up shop though, she had taken to helping the woman as she talked. Ms Denhom, short and bent, moved gently and soundlessly, yet her hands had a grace and steadiness that belied her talent at the potter’s wheel.

 “Ah, thank you, dear.” Once they were done, Ms Denhom eased herself into a wicker chair behind the table, relaxing and adjusting her long maroon dress. “You’re a kind young girl, so tell me…” she fixed Claudia with an openly questioning stare, “what could you want with a practitioner of dark magic?”

 Claudia had to look away then. She swallowed against the growing dryness of her throat. “A personal matter,” she settled with saying. A hand swept out to fiddle with a pendant hanging on the wall. Oval-shaped, and painted with a swirling red and green pattern, it swayed back and forth on a black thread. Claudia could see herself buying it. Divya would’ve loved it.

 The old lady was silent, but Claudia could tell her stare hadn’t wavered. A wrinkled hand suddenly wrapped around her wrist, and Claudia turned to look at it, still refusing to look up. “Dear, I won’t pry in what you’re planning to do, but be warned.” Ms Denhom spoke with a grave urgency in her tone. “You may have heard this Edel is a philanthropist, using his powers for good, and maybe you seek his help.” She paused to take a breath, or to prepare herself to speak further. “You might also have heard he’s a businessman, offering his services for the right price.” Claudia finally looked up, and nodded. Ms Denhom continued. “There are so many rumours about him, the people of this town are themselves confused. No one can come up with a single story. It disgusts me,” her nostrils flared in a sudden spike of anger, “that people have made up so many fairy tales, leading innocent souls to danger, and for what? They want attention, or they want to play tricks, or maybe, that’s just what is young people’s idea of fun…” As Ms Denhom trailed off, staring into the distance, clearly lost in her thoughts, Claudia sneaked a glance at her watch. Time was wasting, and the old woman seemed to have given up all the information she had. Eager to be on her way at once, Claudia searched for an exit from the conversation.

 “Ms Denhom,” she interjected, grabbing the pendant she had previously seen off its hook. “I think I would like to buy thi-“

 “Oh, lovely!” Ms Denhom brightened up. And with that, the previous subject matter was forgotten.

 After handing over the money, and tying the piece of jewelry around her neck, Claudia was at the threshold of the stall’s entrance when Ms Denhom spoke again. The young traveler barely held back a groan. She was on a mission, she couldn’t be held back here a second longer. “Dear, forget the rumours everyone in this town has told you so far. It’s all false. I have the truth, and I would like to tell you.” The old lady lowered her voice, as potential customers started nearing the stall. “Edel is no benevolent man, he is a cruel creature. Do not seek his help, if you will heed my advice, do not even visit him. He has powers beyond your comprehension, and he will use them against you. He…”

 Claudia somehow managed to politely step away, as the woman’s attention was redirected to her customers. As she started back on her course due east, she couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Because the “only” true information the lady had tried to give her, as if she would hear it nowhere else, was something half the people before her had said too.

 ***

 Claudia pulled up the hood of her cloak to shield against the afternoon sun, blazing down hot and heavy, making sweat line her forehead and her blonde strands cling to it. In her head, she ran through everything she had heard in the town. She still wasn’t any closer to a name. Only some details had been consistent in the various narratives. The warlock was a solitary creature, he took in guests indiscriminately, and he practiced dark magic. Such broad statements, however, conveyed no true information to Claudia. The taking in of guests didn’t matter, if some people said that these guests were never seen again, while others said they were sent merrily on their way. The bounds of dark magic did not seem clear in anyone’s mind, either. Children in the street swore up and down that he could bend the laws of nature, conjure anything and destroy everything. Their parents sighed and sent them back along with their friends to play, then gave an apologetic smile while clarifying. No, he was not God. He could fix broken objects, heal broken people, he could destroy certain things within limitations, and as for conjuring, one could never be sure what all he could do. The young men in the village always seemed to downplay the warlock’s skill – he was nothing special, just your run-of-the-mill magician. The young women praised his kindness and generosity, his skill and talent and prodigiousness, and denounced any rumours that he used his powers to hurt people. Such lies, they scoffed, only came from the old, jaded grandmothers, who distrusted the youth and didn’t want young girls potentially running off with the first charming magician they saw.

 Claudia was now near the very edge of town, and the paved roads had given way to dirt tracks. Large oaks rose to either side. The canopy above her blocked the harsh sunlight, and the cool shade that fell on her now, helped ease her breathing. In the dark, the landmark she had been seeking out suddenly came clearly into view. A gasp escaped her when she saw it. In the bark of one of the trees, a circle, carved with the shape of a staff inside, glowed with a faint red light. Blood-coloured wisps seemed to dance in the shadows, emanating from that spot. Marching forward with renewed vigor, Claudia was struck with the realization of how close she had come, and yet she did not know what this man even looked like. Some people described him as a monster, others as a brute, and others still as a delightfully handsome gentleman. After sifting through the endless rumours, which was all Claudia had to do in her long journey, she could only come to two solid conclusions.

 One, the warlock was a kind, handsome gentleman. He would help her, maybe even for free.

 Or two, he was a monster, an animal, or if he was human, a cruel and sadistic one. He would use his magic against her, and, though practiced in some defensive spells herself, the possibility of this option sent a chill of fear through her.

 Claudia shook her head. Only time would tell what the truth was. Until then, she clutched her new pendant and thought of Divya. Alone, cold, and dying back home, she was relying on Claudia to bring help. And she could not disappoint.

 For you, Divya. Claudia stepped through the trees and faced the cottage, neatly hidden away, with a red mark glowing on its front door.

 ***

 “A visitor? Come in, come in!”

 Claudia would’ve thought it was too easy. A single moment had confirmed which side of the rumours was true. The man ushering her towards the living room had his dark hair neatly slicked back, his honey-coloured skin was smooth, and his chest and shoulders broad and very much human. He hadn’t asked two questions before accepting her into his home, and his manner was kind and jovial. Claudia felt like laughing, for, as happy as most of the people in town were to sing his praises, the ones who weren’t, like Ms Denhom, were so irrationally animated in their horror. They said the worst things, trembled in exaggerated fear, and gave the direst warnings. But, such was the nature of rumours. Claudia mused as she sat in the chair he offered, pulled up beside the coffee table. Rumours weren’t powerful until they were exaggerated, it was always all or nothing when spreading a tale. You couldn’t make one truly stick in society unless you had people believe in it to the extreme.

 You couldn’t count on people to spread the rumour, unless they feared it, and considered it important for others to know. It was so much easier to make people believe in a terrifying message, and so wholeheartedly, they called it a fact.

 Such wholehearted belief had been all there was in town, for nothing else would’ve been affective in tarnishing this warlock’s reputation. For what, though? Out of fear of his powers? Or maybe the elderly distrusted powerful youth so much, that they went to such extents. After all, young girls might run away with such a charming magician.

 Claudia accepted a glass of water, but immediately put it down. Wanting to get right down to business, she prepared to speak.

And she found herself opening her mouth, but having to rifle through the list of names she had been given.

 “Call me Aro,” he said, as if he knew exactly where her mind was. Momentarily, Claudia was taken aback. She had heard plenty of names for him, and that was not one of them.

 “Aro.” She pushed back the sliver of doubt. Rumours, by nature, were meant to mislead, to plant fear. There were more important things at hand. “I’m here to request your help. Do you,” Claudia needed this one rumour, especially, to turn out to be true, “have the cure for Vilerose poison?”

 His easy smile never left his face. “Someone you know, fallen sick?”

 “My lover, Divya.”

 “And you don’t have the means to cure her yourself?” Aro raised his eyebrows at her, sipping at his own glass. “I can see you’re an experienced witch.”

 Claudia had to assume his powers let him sense hers. Otherwise, she would have to confront the uncomfortable chills running up her back. “My healing ability is still new. I can’t cure this.”

 “Still,” he said, “coming here is a bit desperate. No other witch or wizard willing to help?”

 Claudia felt the strain on her patience. Her fingers curled back into her palms. “There’s…fear, of demons. Because they’re known as a symbol of evil, of hatred, no one would even try to listen to us.” Most witches had taken one look at the curled horns on Divya’s head and slammed the door in their face. But it didn’t matter, none of this did. Claudia just needed his help, which he seemed to be dodging from giving.

 He looked thoughtful, for a moment. “What about-“

 Claudia slammed the glass of water down and leaped to her feet. “Do you want to help me or not?” She breathed heavily, glaring down at him. But the worst part was, he wasn’t even slightly fazed.

 He seemed to have expected it.

 “Well, I certainly wanted you to think I do.” He stood up as well, towering slightly over her. “Why else would I spread such lovely stories about myself?”

 Claudia blinked, a familiar dryness settling back in her throat. Nothing about his expression changed, always the easy composure stayed on his face. But now it was combined by a glint in his eye, harsh in the light pouring through the window. It send Claudia’s mind racing, trying to put together the pieces.

“So I was wrong to trust all the praise, is that it?” She stumbled back, biding for time as she patted down her coat in search of her wand. “Everyone who denounced you, they were right?”

 “You could say that.” He made a face, as if genuinely pondering over the correct answer. “But I’m not sure if they are the ones who should get the credit, since I planted those stories in their mouths, too.”

 “W-What?” The response was automatic, but Claudia didn’t wait for an answer. She pointed her wand at him as soon her hand closed around it. Aro snapped his fingers. In the same second, a wave of dizziness came over Claudia, goosebumps broke out over her skin and her vision doubled. Her unsteady fingers dropped the wand, and she barely managed to grip the edge of the table before falling over too. Through her blurry sight, she could just make out the glass of water resting in front of her. The clear liquid had turned a murky shade of green. A potion. There must’ve been a potion mixed in.

 Aro walked slowly beside her. He crouched, taking her face in one hand. “Tell me, how many names for me did you hear on the way?” Claudia stared up at him through lidded eyes, not able to speak even if she had wanted to. He didn’t need the answer, anyway. “All those names, all those stories, they built the perfect image of me, right? All you truly knew was that I had power, I could wield dark magic, and that much, at least, was true. Everyone was saying it. You were so willing to believe it. And the ones that adored me, praised me, they were much less suspicious because there were people that denounced me to balance them out. I made sure to spread my stories among rivals. They were more concerned with proving each other wrong, the young and the old, I’m sure you could tell.”

 Aro moved away, strolling up to a cabinet and pulling out a coil of rope. Dread filled Claudia’s stomach like ice, now she was all too willing to see a monster instead of a human. He never stopped talking the whole time.

 “You never got information about me. Anything anyone told you was cancelled out by the next person. There was no way to know what would happen here, until you came. And here you are.”

 He knelt and gathered her up off the floor. Her back was pushed up against the leg of the chair, and he made quick work of binding her wrists together. A single tear trailed down her cheek. Gazing blankly ahead, she fixated on the multiple doors in the corridor leading deeper into the cottage. Were there more prisoners there? What had become of them? What was going to become of her?

 He moved to her ankles once he was done with her hands. He still spoke, but in that moment, the heaviest sensation of all was the pendant resting innocently against her throat. 

And the only thought it brought to mind was of Divya.

 “The real nature of rumours is this – they’re tools. Powerful ones, too; the right rumour in the right ear has sparked revolutions. And I’m just a mechanic, building the exact machine I want this town to be, bringing people right to my doorstep, one rumour at a time.”

[stlouisinfo]

Why Real Estate in Maplewood, MO is Important to Your Family

St Louis Mo, a city that is known for being the biggest city in the country, is also one of its best suburbs. Maplewood, just outside the city boundaries, Maplewood is a popular little suburb that offers you all the amenities of large-city living at a peaceful atmosphere. Maplewood boasts of a rich history that can be traced back to the 1790s when it was first incorporated as a town.

The population of Maplewood has always been growing in number, though there are also plenty of people who choose to settle here permanently. Some of its features include a quaint little downtown area that is home to the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and many other civic organizations. Maplewood also has a reputation for being a safe place to live, so if you're looking for a city with a less violent crime rate, this is one of your best choices.

Maplewood's growth as a city can also be seen by the number of shopping centers and entertainment venues that have sprouted up all over the area. Its central business district is home to some of St. Louis's biggest shopping districts, including a mall that is considered one of the largest shopping areas in the country. This mall is also home to a number of restaurants, so you're bound to find something to do while you shop. Other activities include numerous theaters that host local events on a regular basis.

Other than its main business district, Maplewood also includes a number of neighborhoods where it is possible to live near major league baseball, golf, water sports, and other sporting events. These neighborhoods provide a number of entertainment options for residents, so you can enjoy a good day without having to spend all your time in your car. The residents of Maplewood are also fortunate enough to live near a number of colleges, so if you need to study or take courses, there is plenty to do in the immediate area.

Maplewood's location in St Louis, MO has also helped to make it one of the country's top destinations for young families. Children can easily go to many of the major attractions in the area, including the Gateway Arch, the Science and Health Science Center, and the Clayton Homes. Schoolhouse.

Families can also visit one of the St. Louis Zoo's five zoos, which is a good way to get up close and personal with a number of animals, especially the animals that are not usually seen in humans. There's also a number of historical sites to be explored, such as the Clayton House, the Louis Comfort Tiffany House and the former home of Louis Bailey. All of these sites are easily accessible from the Maplewood Zoo, where they offer a chance to get an up close look at some of St. Louis's most famous landmarks.

There is a lot to see and do in Maplewood, so you may be surprised to see that there is plenty to keep busy when living here. Even though you can walk or drive to many of the attractions mentioned above, you will be able to experience some fun activities that will keep you busy and occupied. For example, you can take your dog for a walk through the neighborhood, take a boating trip to the Riverfront Park, take the train ride to Union Station, take a boat tour, or visit with the St. Louis Zoo.

While living in Maplewood, you should consider purchasing real estate in the area because it is affordable and safe. The homes are fairly close to the major attractions, and many of them have plenty of room to grow. As you are able to get around by foot, by bus, by train, by car or by plane, you will feel more confident about your decision to purchase real estate in St Louis, MO.

[citrinekay]

Roadtrip prompt! They’re going somewhere together (not for work). it’s just really domestic and they bought snacks and everything ❤️

There’s just something about these two driving in cars together that I can’t get enough of. Thanks for the prompt!

Bill hadn’t given any consideration to his mounting vacation days for some time until Wendy had announced she was taking a trip to the Florida Keys, and Holden had remarked that he hadn’t taken any days off in awhile either. He’d quickly turned to Bill to point out that they shouldn’t let Wendy have all the fun. 

Bill shrugged. He hadn’t gone on a real vacation for a few years because he’d been too focused on work. He wasn’t complaining, though, because their work is important. 

He’d forgotten about the conversation until the next morning, when the idea was fully gestated in Holden’s mind. 

“We should go see the Grand Canyon.” Holden said, sitting up in bed with his disheveled hair and eyes wide and alert despite it being seven o’clock in the morning. 

“Okay.” Bill said, rubbing a hand over his sleep-laden eyes. 

“I always wanted to go as a kid, but my family never had the money for out-of-state vacations.” Holden said, “How many vacation days do you think you have?”

“I’m not sure. A lot.” 

“I think we should drive.”

“What? Why? Don’t we drive around enough together as it is?” Bill asked.

Holden turned around to cast him a mischievous smile. “It’ll be an adventure. Please?”

Bill sighed, “It’s a what? - two or three day drive? Maybe more if there’s construction and traffic accidents - which there’s bound to be. Are you sure?” 

“Yes.” Holden said, flopping down against Bill’s chest to pander with wide, pleading eyes. “It’ll be fun. Will you at least consider it?” 

Bill considered it for all of one day, though “considering it” was a loose term. He could see that Holden already had his heart set on the trip, and wouldn’t be letting the idea go anytime soon. Besides, as it turned out, he had more than enough vacation days compiled to allow for driving time and a full week in Arizona. 

They’d struck out two days ago on an early Saturday morning, bags packed, cassette tapes, snacks, and bottles of water stashed in the front seat for the drive ahead. Holden rolled down the window and sang along with the radio as they crossed the state line between Virginia and North Carolina, and all of Bill’s misgivings sailed out the window into the summer air along with the upbeat lyrics of “Tiny Dancer.” 

Holden’s high spirits remained through the brief trip across the tip of North Carolina and into Tennessee. By this point, Bill had grudgingly given into his urging to sing - or rather somewhat hum - along with the music. Bill smoked another cigarette while Holden shelled peanuts out the window, popping them in his mouth in between mutterd song lyrics. 

As they sped across the threshold into Arkansas, Holden leaned over to tuck his head against Bill’s shoulder. His fingers crept over to trace Bill’s knuckles and the back of his hand before nudging them in between Bill’s fingers. They were quiet for a long time as the landscape changed around them, rolling green hills rising up into rocky mountains peppered with miles of trees that seemed to go on forever. 

Eventually, Holden sat up and started talking again, reminiscing about some of the different places his family had lived throughout the Midwest. Somewhere in between a story about Milwaukee and St. Paul, he’d made them both promise not to bring up anything work related. Bill agreed without complaint.

 The sunset slipped across the sky in hues of gold and pink as they crept towards Oklahoma, the land dipping down into flattened stretches of grassy fields that allowed the dome of the sky to swell above them. Holden sank down in the seat, breathing a happy sigh. 

“Thank you for this.”

“For what?” 

“This trip.” Holden said, casting Bill a faint smile. “It means a lot to me.”

“Hey,” Bill said, catching Holden’s hand and bringing his knuckles to his mouth, “If seeing the Grand Canyon is what you want, I’m going to give it to you.”

“I do want to see it.” Holden said, a smile tugging at his mouth while his eyes went soft and hazy as a lake on a foggy morning. “But this is more important to me … You.” 

Bill cleared his throat as emotion hit him suddenly in the chest, a yearning and a satisfaction that seemed to compete for residency in that space all at once. 

“It’s nice, right?” Holden asked, sparing Bill having to respond immediately. “Driving, just the two of us.”

“Yeah.” Bill said, “It’s really nice.”

It was past ten o’clock by the time they made it to the hotel that Holden had booked in advance. Bill got out and stretched his legs, relishing not being cramped in a car for less than half an hour before falling into bed exhausted. 

He woke the next morning to Holden curled up against him, golden sunlight through the window making the dark brown of his hair gleam luscious chestnut. Bill carefully traced his bare shoulder as he leaned in to plant a kiss on Holden’s neck, inhaling his familiar scent, drowning himself in the quiet solitude of his moment. 

Quantico seemed to fall far behind them, a disant, gray outline that he could have seen in a book somewhere. This reality, his arms wrapped around Holden, felt like it was the only one that shoulder matter. It took all his willpower to get out of bed to face another day of driving, but Holden’s eagerness to reach their destination urged him along. 

They drove for two more days, passing through Oklahoma, the northern edge of Texas, and New Mexico before the sign for the Arizona state line heralds a closing end to their journey. 

Night descends on the desert like a shroud, plunging the colors of the cloudless sky through shades of blue, purple, and black before the pinprick of stars and the half moon hanging overhead are the only source of illumination outside of the intermittent streetlamps dotting the interstate. The radio plays at low volume, a hushed lullaby that had Holden’s head slumping down against the leather seat cover over an hour ago. 

Bill carefully rolls down his window to light a cigarette. The scrape of his lighter cuts through the quiet bluster of the wind, unanswered by the echoing void just outside of the car. As smoke pours from his lips, he casts a glance over at Holden’s lax expression of blissful sleep. A smile tugs at his mouth.

 Not two hours ago, Holden had been pressing whether Bill wanted him to take a turn driving or not as Bill had spent most of the trip behind the wheel. Bill had said no, he prefers to drive; more than that, he prefers to watch Holden sleep, rocked to dreamland by the steady motion of the car over never-ending asphalt. 

Bill turns his gaze back to the road ahead illuminated by the yellow swath of headlights making out the black strip of road ahead. 

Everything is quiet now with Holden slumbering beside him and the interstate all but vacant of traffic. Against the black backdrop of the sky he can begin to see the narrow, crooked outlines of the Grand Canyon’s myriad rocky formations beginning to emerge beneath the milky moonlight. The idea of driving them all the way into the town where neon lights and streetlamps could dispel the sense of distance that this place gives him seems like an offense he can’t abide. 

Easing his foot on the break, Bill brings the car to a crawl, and guides them off the shoulder of the road into the sand. He puts the car in park, and turns his gaze to Holden’s slumbering expression cloaked in shadow. 

He takes a drag of his cigarette and exhales slowly in the silence. The car engine ticks as it cools, but otherwise he can’t hear anything - not even the wind. 

Taking off his seatbelt, Bill leans over to press a kiss against Holden’s cheek. 

Holden stirs, uttering a moan. “Are we there?”

“Not quite.” Bill murmurs, stroking his thumb across Holdens temple where his hair begins to curl. 

Holden’s eyelids flutter open in the darkness, searching the shadowed corners of the car and the street ahead for landmarks. “Where are we?”

“Just outside of Flagstaff.” Bill says. 

“Why are we pulled over?” Holden asks, pushing himself upright in his seat to survey their location on the side of the road. 

“Come on.” Bill says, nodding toward the desert. 

Holden frowns as Bill shoves the door open with his shoulder, and gets out of the car. Sand shifts beneath his feet as he stretches his back, easing out the knotted kinks from hours behind the wheel. 

Holden clambers out of the car, and peers over the hood at him. “What are we doing?”

Bill shuffles around to lean against the hood of the car, and waves a hand for Holden to join him. “Just come here for a minute.”

Holden hesitates for a moment before pushing the car door shut. He ambles around the hood of the car, rubbing the sleep from his eyes with his knuckles. Sitting on the hood beside Bill, he drops his head to Bill’s shoulder and suppresses a yawn. 

Curling his arm around Holden’s shoulder, Bill draws him closer, and breathes out a quiet sigh. 

“This was a good idea, you know.” He says, quietly. “Getting away for a little bit.”

“Now you agree with me?” Holden asked, teasing gently. “You spent the whole first day complaining about your back hurting.”

“Yeah, you got me there.” Bill says, uttering a low chuckle. 

Holden laughs quietly, tucking his cheek tighter against Bill’s shoulder. 

A slow breeze creeps in from the desert, void of the daytime humidity that is sure to come with the rising of the sun. Holden shudders softly, and Bill draws him closer, rubbing a hand over the goosebumps prickling his arm. 

“Cold?”

“No.” Holden murmurs, defiantly. 

“We can go if you want.”

“No, this is nice.” Holden says, tilting his head back to look up at the sky. “I’ve never seen stars like this, have you?”

“No.” 

Holden lifts a hand towards the sky, his fingertips drizzled in pale, pewter light as if he could dip his nails into the smattering of stars. 

“Big Dipper, Little Dipper, Orion’s Belt …” He murmurs, naming off constellations as his fingers wander across the blanket of the sky. 

Bill slips his fingers under Holden’s jaw and turns his mouth into a kiss, interrupting the whispered string of names. A quiet whimper rolls off Holden’s tongue into the gentle stroke of Bill’s mouth, and his lips fall open to the gentle touch. Bill strokes Holden’s cheek, savoring the softness of his skin and the sweet taste of his mouth, the weightlessness in his chest while this moment unfolds privately in the darkness. 

When he pulls back, Holden swallows hard, his nostrils flaring gently with a deep, shaky inhale. He leans his forehead against Bill’s, closing his eyes against the warm, wandering caress of Bill’s thumb working its way down his jawline and throat. 

“What if we just kept driving?” Bill whispers. 

“What?” Holden asks, offering a choked little laugh. 

“We see the Grand Canyon like you wanted, and then we keep driving.” Bill says, nudging his forehead against Holden’s.

“Really?” Holden asks, despite the smile fighting underneath the bite of his teeth. “And never go back?” 

“Yeah, why not?”

“I don’t think your back would make it to the West Coast.” Holden says, muting a laugh when Bill begins to scowl. 

“Fine, forget it.” Bill says, leaning back. 

Holden gazes at him sheepishly from beneath his eyelashes. “It’s a nice thought, though.”

“Yeah,” Bill says, scanning the dark shadows cloaking the landscape around them. “It is.”

They sit on the hood of the car for a long time, Bill smoking a cigarette, Holden resting his head on Bill’s shoulder. He tries to catalogue each second in his mind - the cool breeze, the endless desert making them small, the weight of Holden’s head on his shoulder, the warm gust of his breath on his neck. 

Things have a way of slipping out of your hands when you aren’t watching, he thinks. Everything changes so quickly. Moments you think will last forever disappear in the blink of an eye. But not this one, not this time. 

Half an hour later, they’re back in the car, driving into Flagstaff where the hotel awaits and the next day promises adventure just as Holden had predicted. Bill casts a glance up at the sky as they leave the desert behind. The moon hasn’t moved despite the distance traveled, and some things, like the stars, are forever.

[mcstercfmcgic]

THE EYE OF THE WITCHROOK

In all fairness, locations had never been much of an issue with the Zataras. Zain could literally be in a vacation in Luigi Zatara’s hometown in Veneto, and he can still end up in the backstage of a Vegas stage with a backwards chant or a mere cast of a spell on a door. As far as utility is concerned, he really didn’t need anything more than the home-bound embrace of Shadowcrest. But that was it, really—why Zain chose to move out wasn’t much of an issue in utility. All his life, Zain knew that him and his father had always been a team… and so to live a life after Giovanni’s sudden disappearance was pretty much a daunting wrestle with the days and nights that turned to weeks and months. Years. From trying to uncover the truth, to work on and continue to uphold the legacy of the family, and to save the world, Shadowcrest slowly turned into a weight that Zain felt was swallowing him whole. Sure, he was used to the winding hallways and great rooms, but it was different when he knew that he’d only see emptiness instead of wonder. It was almost too funny that while Zain worked with the supernatural, he found the house haunted by not with ghosts and demons. Loss has a way of making one feel lost—to lose connection, after all, is a world lost. Home wasn’t much of a home anymore.

So, there it was, his penthouse. His own castle --------- his own slate to start anew. That even if he had finally grown into the man that he is, his penthouse was his own place. Surely, Shadowcrest is just as much—after all, what guilt and fear that consumed him and the manor had soon turned back to love, but Zain had found it better to leave it in its peace. If anything, Shadowcrest was home but more of a shrine to the greatness that was Giovanni Zatara, a beacon for knowledge, and a hall that helped other magical heroes to hone their mettle. Besides, Shadowcrest is almost an entity in itself—more so with the characters that reside it. Zain would spare them his more grown-up activities… well, for most of the time.

Located in the more affluent Diamond District in Gotham, The Rook was one of the old buildings in the city that is practically a historic landmark. It was a luxury apartment residential—probably is, still—though the tenants were just as curious to the penthouse that crowned it. It was probably why it got the name: The Witch’s Rook… and soon enough, just The Witchrook. It was practically one of Gotham’s ‘house on the hill’ until Zain Zatara moved in. Funny thing, the Witchrook only became true to its namesake when the sorcerer lived in it. The place wasn’t haunted, nor was inhabited by a hag that eats children… it’s just… a place that wasn’t doing good on the market given how the rich people of Gotham prefer higher castles. But Zain made it breathe new life. Its wards aren’t as powerful as the living enchantment in Shadowcrest, but it is formidable enough to protect Zain and whoever was welcomed as a guest in it.

The Witchrook is styled in a modern yet traditional flair of gothic and its revival counterparts—mainly, it was what the building was and it was an easier transition that met exactly Zain’s style --------- from the dark and sleek wood panels, bricks, warm tiles, and to the old cast-iron, as if an echo to Gotham’s growing luxury and industry from decades before. It has three available rooms and two common bathrooms aside from the master bedroom and its en suite bathroom. Small sitting rooms, an open living room and kitchen with the massive medieval style windows as a focal point -------- and there’s also a small library with the books that Zain usually use for references. It also has Giovanni’s own book about magic tricks. The pool in the penthouse’s small garden courtyard is more of a necessity. It’s useable for swimming, but also rituals that need a body of water—just like how the gardens provide herbs for potion-making… and like how the fireplace can be used for infernal spells and even portals when Zain isn’t using it as a romantic setting for a self-dates involving rom-coms, pizzas, and white wine. The penthouse’s most important feature is a massive mirror in one of the halls; it is actually a doorway to Shadowcrest. And being so, it holds the same nature of the manor—no threat can get through it. But on most days, it’s a good place to take a picture of the day’s outfit.

base type: penthouse, residence

location: diamond district, gotham city

defense: moderate

residents:

zain zatara

julian rasputin 

[startupheretorontoweb01-blog]

Hello From Toronto - Exploring Chinatown and Kensington

In all my explorations of Toronto over the last few years I have learned that in addition to numerous world-class sights and attractions, Toronto has many lesser known nooks and crannies that are full of history, interesting stories and anecdotes. One of the best people to learn from about the twists and turns of Toronto's history is Bruce Bell, a well-known author, playwright, actor, standup comedian who is also a passionate historian and has become one of Toronto's most well-recognized history experts.

The story of how I met Bruce is also quite intriguing: my brother, who happens to live in Austria, was reading a German travel magazine that was featuring a story about Bruce, so he called me up and said that there is this guy that is doing all these neat walking tours through Toronto and that's how I connected with Bruce - through a European detour. Over the past couple of years I have taken two of his tours, covering the downtown area and featuring a culinary exploration of Toronto's famous St. Lawrence market. I have always enjoyed the experience and wanted to do another tour with Bruce for a while.

Well, I figured it was definitely time for more entertaining and informative explorations of Toronto; this time it was going to be Chinatown-Kensington, one of Toronto's most vibrant and fascinating neighbourhoods. So I called up Bruce and said let's do another tour. To share the experience I brought out six of my friends and we met yesterday at 6:30 pm at one of Toronto's modern architecture icons: the OCAD Building at 100 McCaul Street, just south of the University of Toronto campus. The OCAD Building, I call it the "gift box on stilts", is part of the 2004 redevelopment of the Campus of the Ontario College of Art & Design. The Sharp Centre for Design has a unique "table top" structure which has quickly become one of Toronto's most recognizable landmarks.

We met in the Butterfield Park area, surrounded by the stilts holding up the table top of this extraordinary building. From there we headed west into a green space that features Toronto's oldest house: "The Grange" was built in 1817 for D'Arcy Boulton Jr., a member of one of early Toronto's most prominent families who owned about 2000 acres of land in the area. The classical mansion reflects the British architectural traditions of the 18th century. Today, the Grange is owned by the Art Gallery of Ontario and is in the process of being renovated and integrated into the AGO's Frank Gehry-led redesign.

After leaving this park we walked north on Beverley Street which features several yellow-brick mansions of some of Toronto's most pre-eminent families, the "Family Compact" - the true power brokers of the early 19th century. Families such as the Cawthras and others owned huge tracts of land in what is today's downtown Toronto. The Bolton family even owned a private racetrack near the intersections of Dundas and Beverley and many formal social occasions were celebrated on their enormous estate. We also passed by a former hotel which dates back to 1822, one of the very few hotels left from that era which today is a men's residence.

Our stroll took us westwards on Baldwin Street, a street with a mix of imposing mansions, historic apartment buildings and narrow Victorian homes with attractive architectural details and amazingly intricate woodwork. Bruce stopped at a mansion of one of Toronto's most influential historic figures: George Brown (1818 to 1880) was a Scottish-born Canadian journalist, politician and one of the Fathers of Canada's Confederation. He was also the founder and editor of the Toronto Globe newspaper which today is known as the Globe and Mail.

Bruce enlightened us that George Brown was an important figure in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that allowed African slaves to escape from the United States to Canada in the 19th century. Ironically, as much as George Brown supported the cause of freeing black slaves, he remained a staunch anti-Catholic. Bruce elaborated that while the United States was characterized by an ongoing conflict between Blacks and Whites, early Canada's conflicts mostly unfolded between Protestants and Catholics. Bruce added that in 1880 George Brown was shot by one of his former employees at the Globe newspaper, a certain George Bennet who had been fired from his job for drunkenness. Although George Brown only suffered a leg injury at the time he died about 6 weeks later from the wound.

Just a few steps further west we saw the mansion of Robert Baldwin, a member of the Parliament of Upper Canada and a key public figure around the time of the 1837 uprising of the Toronto population against the entrenched British power structure. The unsuccessful Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837 was an uprising against the British colonial government, particularly about the issue of land allocation. Most of the land in and around the old City of York was owned by the "Family Compact", a group of extremely wealthy Anglican conservative families that represented Canada's elite at the time. Robert Baldwin was instrumental in establishing Responsible Government, which advocated increased independence from Britain and self-government for Upper Canada.

We had finally arrived on Spadina Avenue, the expansive north-south artery that is the centre point of Toronto's Chinatown. This historic neighbourhood, one of three Chinatowns within Toronto's city boundaries, is centered around Spadina and Dundas and is the largest Chinese shopping area in the city. Old Chinatown is actually one of North America's largest, not surprisingly as Toronto features the second largest Chinese population in Canada after Vancouver.

Recent years have seen a migration of Chinese immigrants to the suburbs which has led to the closure of some of the local restaurants. Many former Chinatown residents, originally from mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong have moved outside the City's boundaries and the void has been filled by many ethnic Chinese people from Vietnam. As a result an increasing number of store signs are now in Vietnamese, in addition to the well-established Chinese stores.

Goods sold include fruits and vegetables, meat and seafood, low cost clothing and general merchandise, all of which are sold at very reasonable prices. Recently there has been a noticeable local increase in Latin American immigrants, testament to the fact that Toronto's demographics continue to be in flux.

The same story applies even more to Toronto's Kensington area, roughly bounded by Spadina Avenue, College Street, Queen Street and Bellevue Avenue. As Bruce explained, it is one of Toronto's most ethnically diverse and eclectic neighbourhoods and has been attracting immigrants from different countries of origin for the last 130 years or so. Originally the Denison estate, the Kensington area became a residential area for Irish and Scottish immigrant labourers. The small working-class houses in this historically inexpensive area have been inhabited by successive waves of immigrants from different places. From 1910 onwards, Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe as well as some Italians started to stream into the area. The entire Kensington area became known as "the Jewish Market", and about 60,000 Jewish residents lived here in the 1920s and 1930s who worshipped in about 30 local synagogues.

We stopped at the Minsker Synagogue at 10 St. Andrew Street, home of the Congregation Anshei Minsk, Toronto's Downtown Synagogue. Construction of the synagogue commenced in 1922 and was finally completed in 1930. As a result of the out-migration of many of the Jewish residents from Kensington, today it is one of the few synagogues still in active operation in downtown Toronto.

Captivated by the colourful and unusual variety of stores we walked through narrow streets filled with a jumble of vintage clothing stores, bakeries, restaurants, shops selling anything from fish, cheese and meat to dry goods and assorted merchandise. At about 7:30 pm most of the stores had closed or were in the process of closing, but the diverse and unusual storefronts and murals illustrate the Bohemian flavour of this area. Bruce pointed out numerous favourite hangouts: places such as Cob's Bread, Graffiti's Bar and Grill, My Market Bakery, the Chocolate Addict and many other unique nooks and crannies illustrate the free-spirited character of this unusual neighbourhood. At the intersection of St. Andrew and Augusta we stopped to admire a "half a house" that was attached to some flat-roofed houses and the complex was then capped off on the other side by another "half a house".

One of the most poignant symbols of Toronto's multi-ethnic mixing is a restaurant called the "Hungary Thai", an eatery that surprisingly combines European and Asian culinary traditions originating in Hungary and Thailand. There is no better area than Kensington Market to come face to face with Toronto's culturally diverse makeup. Today's Kensington features residents and merchants from all over the world, including people of Latin, Caribbean, European and Asian origin.

Southwest of Augusta Avenue we turned onto Bellevue Square Park, a green space that is frequented by a very Bohemian crowd of people, representing some of Toronto's artists and counterculture. Kensington Market is one of the few areas that features Cannabis cafes and products, and there is a distinct marijuana culture that pervades the area, particularly on Bellevue Square Park. The northwest end of the park features a statue of Al Waxman (1935 to 2001), a Toronto actor who starred in a popular television series "The King of Kensington" and was involved in numerous charitable organizations and events. Bruce pointed out that Al's wife Sara is immortalized on a bench right next to the statue in a carving that says "Sara loves Al".

Right opposite the Al Waxman statue at the corner of Bellevue Avenue is another relic from Kensington's Jewish history. The Kiever Synagogue on Denison Square was built in 1912. Its twin towers are crowned with Stars of David which give it a distinct middle-eastern or Byzantine feel. Although many Jewish residents have left the Kensington area over the last few decades to move further north in the City, the Kiever Synagogue continues to be active and to offer religious services every Sabbath as well as educational services to the remaining Jewish population.

We proceeded southwards on Augusta Avenue until we reached Queen Street. At the corner of Augusta and Queen we stopped and Bruce made us aware of one of the emblematic statues guarding the entrances of Kensington: an oversized cat prancing on a globe, an appropriately offbeat symbol of this colourful neighbourhood.

Across the street Bruce pointed out the former Alexandra Park public housing complex that has been renamed the Atkinson Housing Co-op. Bruce explained that this residential complex was a major urban planning mistake and had become one of Toronto's most crime-ridden areas. In 2003 the former Alexandra Park became Canada's first public housing complex to be converted into a tenant-managed, non-profit housing cooperative, a move which has greatly improved the safety in this area.

At the intersection of Dundas and Queen Streets, right in the heart of Chinatown, Bruce stopped again to show us the Art Deco Victory Theatre, a former vaudeville theatre. He also explained that this theatre had at some point morphed into the Victory Burlesque, home of famous Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous burlesque dancer who became known for putting the "tease into striptease".

The history of the Spadina area is colourful indeed. Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe settled in the area from 1832 onwards, but major immigration got into full swing in the 1890s. Many of these poor Jewish immigrants had little language skills and began to work in low-paying jobs in the garment factories that had sprung up near Spadina.

Numerous Jewish delicatessens, tailors, cinemas, Yiddish theatres, synagogues and other political, social and cultural institutions developed in the area. Indeed, as Bruce pointed out, Spadina Avenue became the centre of the Garment District which still survives on a much smaller scale today - even today there are numerous fashion and fur stores that sell their merchandise to the public at wholesale prices. Bruce also elaborated that many of the buildings and warehouses became gradually higher, a direct result of the invention of the Otis safety elevator which made it feasible to carry out industrial manufacturing on higher level floors.

Our group then stopped at the Glen and Paul Magder Fur Store which was a pioneer in reforming Toronto's Sunday shopping laws by staying open on Sundays, despite heavy fines. Right around here we also got to admire the former location of a theatre owned by the parents of Mary Pickford, the famous Toronto born-actress, "America's Sweetheart" who became Hollywood's biggest star of the Silent Era. Together with Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith, Mary Pickford was a cofounder of United Artists film studios.

We then walked east on Queen Street which features a whole stretch of eateries, restaurants and eclectic bars and taverns, including the Rivoli, an extremely popular bar, restaurant and pool hall. At the Horseshoe Tavern Bruce explained that many famous music acts of Toronto, including Blue Rodeo, got their start at this tavern.

Incidentally this was also a favourite hangout for the notorious Boyd Gang, a 1950s gang of bank robbers led by Edwin Alonzo Boyd. The gang garnered a lot of media attention due to its sensational actions, including bank robberies, jail breaks, liaisons with beautiful women, gun fights and daring captures. Two of the gang members were captured and hanged for the murder of a policeman in 1952 while Edwin Boyd, by then a Canadian folk hero, was sentenced to eight life terms plus twenty seven years concurrent. He was paroled in 1966, relocated to British Columbia and died in 2002.

Just steps further east is the "Friendship House", where Russian refugees were taken in, it is also the centre of the Communist League of Toronto and the former location of the 1980s television series "Street Legal".

A few steps east is a series of Victorian townhouses that, as Bruce explained, were owned by two sisters who had had a serious falling out. Although the buildings were symmetrical in appearance the sisters did their best to modify the architecture to ensure that each of their sides would look different from the other sister's property. Bruce pointed out a couple of former vaudeville theatres, explaining that in the era before cinemas and podcasts, almost every city block had one or more of these theatres which were popular entertainment spots for the locals.

At the Corner of Queen and Soho is the Black Bull, a decades old hotel and tavern that features a spacious outdoor patio. Bruce explained that in the 1800s Toronto's city limits extended to Peter Street, and the tavern housed in this building was the last tavern on the way out of town. This was at a time when a horse and carriage ride to Niagara Falls could take two days, so a final watering hole on the outskirts of town was important.

Another significant Toronto landmark rose up impressively in front of our eyes: Toronto's CHUM City Building, the main studio complex of CTV Globemedia. The building houses City TV and its famous Speakers Corner video booth (which allows members of the public to voice their opinions on any topic), Cable Pulse 24, MuchMusic, Star! and the Fashion Television Channel. Its 1914 Neo-Gothic terra cotta façade make it an instantly recognizable landmark in downtown Toronto, and the news truck with the turning wheels that is built into the eastern façade make it a real icon of the downtown core.

Well, our informative and https://startupheretoronto.com  entertaining Chinatown-Kensington Tour had come to an end. Bruce, with his dramatic abilities, was able to educate us and entertain us at the same time, introducing us to historically significant parts of the city that we had never seen or simply walked by without noticing.