#refinery rooftop

[suns-ashes]

[rjzimmerman]

Mexico elects climate scientist as next president (Heatmap AM)

Mexico resoundingly elected Claudia Sheinbaum as its next president over the weekend. Sheinbaum, 61, is making headlines for becoming the country’s first female president, as well as its first Jewish leader, but she is also a climate scientist, and her landslide victory “could mark a turning point from the current administration’s pro-fossil fuel policies,” as Climate Home News explained. Sheinbaum studied physics and then received her doctorate in energy engineering. She spent four years at the Lawrence Berkeley Lab studying Mexico’s energy consumption, and had a brief stint on the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). She was tapped as secretary of the environment for Mexico City before being elected as the capital’s mayor in 2018. During her tenure she was an advocate for rooftop solar and better public transportation infrastructure.

On the presidential campaign trail, Sheinbaum promised to “accelerate the energy transition” by boosting wind and solar, installing new transmission lines, and improving the country’s hydropower stations. But she has also backed the “energy sovereignty” policies of her predecessor and mentor, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. He built an oil refinery, funneled support into an indebted state oil company, and failed to set a national net zero target. Under his leadership, private investment in renewable projects has slumped. Energy policy may be on Sheinbaum’s to-do list when she takes office in October, but tackling crime is likely to be top of the agenda.

[mariacallous]

When meteorologist John Haynes moved to Washington, DC, 20 years ago, he could stand on the rooftop of NASA headquarters and see airborne traces of the nearby interstate highway—there was that much pollution. “There was a cloud of smog that just followed the freeway,” he says, “all the way out into Virginia.” 

A decade later, NASA started planting the seeds of a global effort to monitor urban air quality and its effects on health. Those seeds are now beginning to sprout: Just after midnight, the agency launched its first instrument capable of hovering over North America to spy on urban pollution. This summer, the team will enhance that data with measurements taken by aircraft. NASA also just announced its first satellite mission that will be done in partnership with health experts to reveal the relationship between specific health conditions and the toxic airborne particles lingering above some of the world’s largest cities. 

Overall, they want to create a granular portrait of what exactly is in the sky, and how it got there—one that can’t be detailed with ground-based pollution monitors alone. Seventy-nine percent of US counties lack an Environmental Protection Agency monitor on the ground, so the EPA’s information isn’t representative of the air most Americans are breathing. Data from other parts of the world is even more sparse.

This is not NASA’s first foray into environmental surveillance. The agency has been measuring the ozone layer—the topmost part of the atmosphere—for decades, and monitoring closer to the Earth since the 1990s by flying small aircraft over the ocean, rainforests, and parts of Asia and Africa. “That was sort of what we call the exploratory days,” says Earth scientist Barry Lefer, manager of NASA’s Tropospheric Composition Program, which focuses on the chemical makeup of pollutants inhabiting the atmosphere underneath the ozone layer. “But,” he continues, “the transition to urban air quality is relatively new.” 

Let’s face it: There are challenges to monitoring emissions over anything as small as a city—much less a neighborhood—from a space as gigantic as the sky. The agency’s first satellite dedicated to studying atmospheric carbon dioxide, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2, launched in 2014 and is still active. Its successor, OCO-3, is now mounted on the International Space Station. The two have produced detailed area maps of carbon emissions over the Los Angeles basin and from Europe’s largest power plant. But while OCO-3 passes over nearly every city on Earth, its information is still limited because it lacks continuous monitoring of any location over long periods.

Enter Tempo, short for Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution, the NASA air quality mission that launched early this morning. Unlike previous Earth-observing satellites, it will be the first instrument locked in a geostationary orbit—meaning it’ll rotate at the same speed and direction as the planet so it can loiter over a single part of the globe. For the first time, NASA will be able to make hourly daytime observations of nitrogen dioxide, ozone, formaldehyde, and more across North America, including the continental United States, the Caribbean islands, and most of Canada and Mexico. “We’re going to get from sunrise to sunset,” Lefer says, with data taken frequently enough to see spikes during rush hour traffic.

Tempo will also be able to track variations in pollution at the neighborhood scale. Lefer foresees this being especially useful for exposing environmental injustice, since lower-income and racially segregated areas are more likely to be near emissions sources, like ports and refineries. “And satellite data can show that,” he says. Weather forecasting will benefit, too: With information constantly collected across greater North America, agencies will be able to more accurately infer future conditions, particularly in places where data currently exists for only a certain time of day. 

But this mission has its limits: Satellites only look down, just as remote-sensing ground monitors only look up. A lot gets missed that way, like details about which pollutants are at different altitudes, says chemist Gregory Frost of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That’s why this summer NASA will partner with NOAA, the National Science Foundation, and several other institutions to fill in the gaps between space and the ground. Instruments aboard NASA’s DC-8, Gulfstream III and V, and other jets will characterize trace gases and aerosols above urban areas like New York City, Los Angeles, and DC, as well as coastal regions. 

These readings will calibrate Tempo’s space data and add to it in areas that lack good satellite or ground coverage. Combine all of this data with information from EPA monitors and weather models, and scientists will soon be able to analyze the atmosphere from multiple points of view. “Once we do that,” Frost says, “it’s going to be like having an air pollution monitor everywhere.”

Scientists are particularly interested in chasing pollutants called PM 2.5, or particles with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers. Aerosols like these make up less than 1 percent of the atmosphere. That’s not a lot, Frost says, but all air quality problems have to do with these trace components. They harm crops, worsen visibility, and are small enough to lodge themselves into people’s lungs, which can lead to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Tinier particles—less than one micrometer across—can even get into the bloodstream. 

“Airborne particulate matter is considered to be the top environmental health risk worldwide,” says David Diner, a planetary scientist at NASA. But which types of PM 2.5 are most harmful to humans is still mostly a mystery. “There’s always this question about whether our bodies are more sensitive to the size of these particles or their chemical composition,” he says.

To find out, Diner is heading up NASA’s first collaboration with major health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. In partnership with the Italian Space Agency, the groups are aiming to launch an observatory next year called MAIA, or Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols, which will sample the air over 11 of the planet’s most populous metropolitan areas, including Boston, Johannesburg, and Tel Aviv. The imager will measure sunlight scattering off of aerosols to learn about their sizes and chemical makeup. That data will be passed off to epidemiologists, who will combine it with information from ground-based monitors and compare it against public health records to figure out what sizes and mixtures of particles correlate with specific health problems, like emphysema, pregnancy complications, and premature death. 

Working with health experts is key, Diner says, because they’re trained to obtain and properly analyze birth, death, and hospitalization records while respecting patient privacy. Once the mission team understands which toxins, or blends of them, are most harmful, and can track down their sources, “then perhaps society can more effectively regulate the particles that have the most detrimental impacts on human health,” he says. 

NASA’s not the only agency tracking pollution from the skies. Tempo’s predecessor is a South Korean instrument called the Geostationary Environmental Monitoring Spectrometer, or GEMS, which has been observing pollution patterns over greater Asia since 2020. Within the next few years, the European Space Agency will launch the Copernicus Sentinel-4 satellite to do the same over Europe and North Africa. This satellite constellation will provide the first comprehensive view of air quality over the entire northern hemisphere, letting scientists track how pollution travels over great distances, when it leaves the range of one spacecraft and pops up in another. 

No such network is planned for the southern hemisphere—yet. But, Lefer says, research is underway with NOAA to convert measurements from existing satellites into viable PM 2.5 readings for parts of the planet that lack ground-based monitors. Haynes leads NASA’s Health and Air Quality Applications program and its Applied Remote Sensing Training Program, which runs free workshops to teach the public how to use NASA data for issues related to air quality, fire risk, and conservation. Both NASA scientists envision a future with international teams running satellites, aircraft, and ground-sensing instruments while working with epidemiologists, socioeconomic experts, policymakers, and citizen scientists. “All of these are coming together to really make a golden age of using Earth observations for understanding air quality and health,” Haynes says. 

Satellite data is already showing that the atmosphere is clearing up. Sulfur levels are so low, Haynes says, that they’re getting hard to measure from space. Nitrogen dioxide has decreased 50 percent in some areas. And Haynes can’t see the smog over the interstate anymore: “Air quality in the United States is cleaner now than at any time in the modern industrial age,” he says. “We can have a clean environment, and also a healthy economy and healthy population—all at the same time.” 

[reverend-dog]

The Last Job

The city lived.

But the price….

Celebration and mourning lived side by side. The Triune saved two million lives when they lifted the photon bomb into space, only to be caught in its blast radius. Everybody understood they made the sacrifice willingly, everybody was grateful to them. It didn’t dull the pain. At least the villains responsible had also been destroyed along with their unholy creation.

Steel Breeze knew better.

City lights struck glints from her metallic form as she leaped from rooftop to rooftop. Any other night, she would cover up, or choose darker avenues. A helicopter’s spotlight picked her out, and she knew some law-abiding citizen had reported her. She let the helicopter long enough to give the police a hint to her course, then leaped upward and grabbed its tail boom.

Her weight threw off the helicopter’s balance, and the pilot fought to regain control. When Steel Breeze felt confident the craft would land safely, she released her grip and resumed her aerial trek. “Follow me, fuckers,” she muttered to herself. “Just not too close.”

Memories crowded in. Freedom. Kaiju. Moonwitch. Steel Breeze had met them her first time out, before she went solo. She’d heard about them before, of course. Who hadn’t? Meeting them face-to-face felt like an achievement unlocked, even if it did mean a stretch in ultramax. Breaking out earned Steel Breeze a spot on the Triune’s watchlist, even if it were near the bottom.

After her enhancement, Steel Breeze tried taking on the Triune by herself. It ended badly, but her own refusal to allow collateral damage or endanger civilians prompted Moonwitch to beg leniency at Steel Breeze’s next sentencing. The sight of her before the judge, long silver hair, pale, flawless skin, large, luminescent eyes, faintly haloed by her own radiance, as she exhorted the judge to remember the system was supposed to rehabilitate, not just incarcerate… no crime Steel Breeze committed after that made her feel as low as the breakout that followed. Though she was dragged along because Morningstar destroyed the entire facility in search of a super army did not lessen the feeling of betrayal.

She went overseas after that, to avoid further encounters with the Triune, but kept current on their activities. She maintained files on all three, but the one on Moonwitch dwarfed those on Freedom or Kaiju in terms of details and especially images. The last time they’d met in person was during the UN hearings on para registration. Steel Breeze had attended incognito, and on a whim joined the queue for a meet-and-greet during a break in the hearings, organized by the anti-registration lobby, to give people a chance to see and humanize these modern deities. All of the Triune showed their best sides, even Kaiju, but in Steel Breeze’s memory it was Moonwitch, with her brilliant smile and easy grace, that did the most to bury the legislation.

And now they were dead.

Steel Breeze found the “abandoned” refinery right where Anonymous said it would be. The hum of the generators carried only a short distance, but against the rural silence came clear to her ears. Scant effort had been taken to conceal the entrance, and Steel Breeze deduced her quarry decided to rely on their secluded location for camouflage. She reached into the facility’s power grid, pulled in as much as she could hold, and made her entrance. She did not hold back.

The noise attracted attention, of course. Aerial reconnaissance confirmed the presence of a known and wanted supercriminal, so CIPHER deployed a containment squad. In the middle of a burning, shattered ruin that used to be a bomb factory, they found the remains of the group that called themselves Sunburst. In the middle of it all, stood Steel Breeze.

She raised her arms. “I surrender,” she told the CIPHER forces who approached with understandable caution. “This is my last job. Take me in, I won’t resist.” To herself she said, I wish we could have been friends, Moonwitch. I’m sorry it took this much for me to understand.

[jetsetvenue123]

Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Wedding Venue in New York City

An outdoor wedding in New York City offers a unique charm and unforgettable ambiance that an indoor setting simply cannot replicate. The natural beauty of an outdoor venue adds a stunning backdrop that enhances the romantic atmosphere of your special day. Surrounded by the city skyline and all your dearest loved ones – how could the day get any better?

Planning an outdoor wedding in NYC requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure your event is both memorable and smooth. Here are some important things to keep in mind during planning:

Weather

Seasonal Trends: While no one can predict the weather, consider the best months for outdoor weddings in NYC, such as May, June, September, and October.

Backup Plan: Always have a contingency plan for inclement weather. Options include renting a tent, having an indoor space available, or providing umbrellas.

Logistics

Transportation: Provide clear directions or consider arranging group shuttles for guests.

Accessibility: Ensure the venue is accessible for all guests, including those with mobility issues. This can include ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Vendors

Preferred Vendors: Many venues have preferred or exclusive vendors they recommend. These vendors are familiar with the venue and can provide valuable insights.

Comfort and Safety

Shade: Offer shaded areas to keep guests cool during peak summer hours.

Outdoor Essentials: Provide items like sunscreen, insect repellent, fans, or heaters to ensure guest comfort.

Lighting

Daytime: Plan your ceremony to take advantage of natural light and consider the time of sunset.

Evening: Ensure adequate lighting for evening events, including pathways, dining areas, and dance floors. Consider string lights, lanterns, and candles for a magical touch.

Top 3 Outdoor Wedding Venues in NYC

Westlight at the William Vale

With both indoor and outdoor options, the William Vale hotel can accommodate the wedding of your dreams. Amaze your guests with floor-to-ceiling windows at Westlight or take advantage of the outdoor space with panoramic views of New York City.

Review: “We had a wonderful experience with the William Vale. The events team did a fantastic job communicating with us and our planner, and the day of execution was truly amazing. They were very understanding of what we wanted to achieve with our wedding, and helped ensure it came to life in a beautiful way!” – Nina via The Knot

Monarch Rooftop

From traditional weddings to cocktail-style receptions, the team at Monarch Rooftop can bring any vision to life. Enjoy stunning views with glass doors, windows, and ceilings.

Review: “Everyone that attended our Ceremony and Reception mentioned how fantastic the venue was and the people who supported us during that night especially were beyond our best expectations. Michael and Evie helped support us throughout the evening, and every single staff member was warm and friendly and felt like part of the event. I would recommend anyone working with this crew.” – Ali via WeddingWire

Refinery Rooftop

One of NYC’s best rooftop bars, Refinery Rooftop sits atop the stunning Refinery Hotel. This rooftop offers a perfect mix of industrial and chic, creating a sophisticated ambiance for any occasion.

Review: “I was not looking for a traditional wedding venue but wanted a place that was classy and still had that New York feel. Refinery was the perfect place for my non-sit-down wedding. Everyone loved the venue, the food, and the view. If I had to do it all over again, I would pick Refinery over and over again. Also, a special shout-out to our day coordinator Trevon. He went above and beyond to make sure our night and our guests’ night were beyond our expectations. I can’t wait to celebrate our anniversaries here.” – Gosia via The Knot

Choosing the perfect outdoor wedding venue in New York City can make your special day truly unforgettable. Consider the weather, logistics, vendors, and comfort of your guests to ensure a smooth and memorable event. Explore these top venues to find the one that best fits your vision, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of an outdoor wedding in the heart of NYC.

Related Keywords: Outdoor wedding venues NYC, NYC wedding planning, New York City rooftop weddings, Wedding logistics tips, Romantic outdoor weddings

[pulsdmedia]

The Week Ahead 10/22-10/28

Calling all ghouls & afterlife dwellers! Halloweekend is fast approaching, so don't get left in the dark...

$89: Refinery Rooftop Halloween Party With 3Hr Premium Open Bar & Food

Prepare for dazzling night brimming with revelry, allure, and intrigue at Refinery Hotel's annual Halloween party, this time with a "MAD" twist! The Hatsquerade invites you to don your most exciting toppers for this "Alice In Wonderland"-inspired fête. The indoor & outdoor spaces that make up the rooftop are simply sensational, showcasing bohemian opulence and views of the Empire State Building. The drinks will flow, be it mixologist-mastered cocktails, divine wines, or craft beers, putting you in the mood for a bit of mischief! Dance to the sounds of a live DJ as shenanigans make lasting memories, and when cravings kick in, you'll devour passed hors d'oeuvres. Mark your calendars, don fantastical hats, and prepare to be amazed...

$99 Tickets To A 4 Hour Premium Open Bar Halloween Party At Arlo SoHo

A horrifyingly haute atmosphere awaits at Arlo SoHo, whose Halloween Bash is bigger and better than ever this year! For your sinful partying pleasure, you'll be treated to an all-access pass to this ultra-cool locale, which is transforming 3 of its coveted spaces into wicked wonderlands for you and your crew to savor! The fully-stocked bar is at your service, ready to craft tantalizing concoctions. Be amazed by Sinister Acts as the DJ will set the tone for the evening. The Costume Contests with enticing prizes will add a competitive edge, while a Photobooth will allow you to capture the spirit. Plus, find solace in an array of mouthwatering delicacies that will delight your supernatural taste buds...

$29 Ticket To The Disco Til You Die Open Bar At Lost Spirits, Flatiron

Step into the eerie embrace of Lost Spirits' Disco ‘Til You Die Halloween Party, where the glitz and glamour of disco meets the mysterious and macabre. Add in an endless array of cocktails, hard seltzers, and beers, and you'll be feeling like an ultra-groovy ghoul in no time. The air is thick with a sense of enchantment, as the haunting tunes of the DJ weave seamlessly between iconic disco tracks and spine-tingling remixes. Forget trick-or-treating. Journey into this glittering world of bewitching thrills...

$29 Tix: The TerrorVision Immersive Haunted House Experience

Submerge yourself into TerrorVision - a Time Out-applauded, unparalleled immersive horror experience. This isn't just horror – this is a cinematic journey through your most haunting nightmares! This heart-pounding immersive experience unfolds over three different attractions as you star in your own horror adventure. You and your fright-loving friends will work your way through interactive displays of ghoulish, ghastly scenes sure to make your scream! Imagine the world of cinema's most terrifying scenes and stories – now imagine walking through it...

$15 Ticket To The Angels & Demons Open Bar Halloween Party At Ainsworth Midtown

Mark your calendars for a spine-tingling soirée! Ainsworth Midtown's Angels & Demons Open Bar Halloween Party invites you to seize the opportunity to choose your destiny as they seamlessly blend the realms of heaven and the underworld into an unforgettable night of revelry! Take a seat on the rooftop and soak in the crisp fall breeze and views of Midtown, or cuddle up to alluring, intimate corners at this gem. A bewitching Vodka Open Bar will kickstart the night as you choose your destiny. To add to the fun, DJs will spin on the ones and twos to get your bones shaking, your halos hopping, and your pitchforks pumping!

$39 Ticket To A Very Emo 3 Hour Open Bar Halloween Party

The time to make plans is narrowing down, so revel in Halloween indulgence by stepping back in time to the early 2000's at Oliver's A Very Emo Halloween party. Enjoy a 3 Hour Open Bar of Specialty Themed Cocktails, Wines, and Beers. A live DJ will be spinning Dashboard Confessional, Fall Out Boy, Taking Back Sunday, Panic! at the Disco, Brand New and many, many more, so whether you come dressed as your most angsty teen self, or stick to something spine-tingling to fill the night with frights, expect to have a blast. Costumes are a must at this freaky spectacular – and no getup is too outlandish! It's time to raise the roof and the dead - or just "Dance, Dance"...

The Halloween Collection

This is only the beginning of your most fabulous Halloween nightmares. Check out these 30 fabulously spooky parties!

[2023flywithavplinternational]

Major Pros & Cons of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV) Drones

Drone technology has significantly improved the efficiency of data collection in various industries, including inspections. They offer cost-effective solutions and have opened doors to diverse practices. However, it's important to acknowledge that drones are not without their limitations. While they strive for perfection, they are not flawless. It is crucial to explore and understand the major pros and cons of UAVs. This includes their ability to efficiently collect data, their cost-effectiveness, enhanced safety, increased accessibility, and versatility. On the flip side, drones face challenges such as limited payload capacity, short flight durations, regulatory restrictions, vulnerability to weather conditions, privacy concerns, and the potential for misuse. By examining these factors, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of what drones have to offer and the precautions that must be taken for their optimal utilization.

Advantages

1.Maintaining a Safe Environment: UAVs provide advanced safety capabilities by monitoring locations, communicating hazards, and notifying threatening conditions. They are used in industries such as oil and gas refineries, pipelines, and military operations to create and preserve a safe environment.

2. Cost-Saving Technology: Drones have become more affordable, leading to cost savings in various industries. They eliminate the need for expensive equipment and vehicles, and their maintenance and fuel costs are lower than traditional inspection methods. This cost-effectiveness makes them accessible to a wider range of users.

3.Quality of Aerial Imaging: With high-resolution cameras and sensors, UAVs can capture excellent aerial photographs and videos, as well as collect accurate data. This data can be transformed into detailed 3D maps and models for analysis. Aerial photography is useful for various applications, including disaster assessment, live streaming of events, and personal or political purposes.

4.Precision: UAVs utilize GPS technology to precisely navigate specific locations. This precision is valuable in precision agriculture, where drones can perform tasks such as pesticide spraying, weed identification, crop monitoring, and field analysis. The ability to precisely control drones saves time and expenses for farmers.

5.Easy Controllability or Deployability: Advances in drone control technology have made it easier for operators to deploy and operate drones, even with minimal technical knowledge. With a wide range of low-cost drones available for various purposes, drones can be operated by a broad spectrum of users. They provide more flexibility, fly lower, and navigate more effortlessly compared to crewed aircraft.

6.Security: Drones can provide security and surveillance services to organizations and venues, gather reliable information during natural disasters, and support safety and recovery efforts. With the necessary permissions and licenses, drones enhance security in various contexts.

7.Minimizes Obvious Danger and Health Risks: Drones eliminate the need for human inspection in dangerous situations, reducing risks related to elevation, weather conditions, and radiation exposure. They enable safe inspections of complex structures like oil refineries and pipelines.

8.In-depth and Detailed Data in Place: Drones equipped with obstacle avoidance capabilities can capture precise data by operating in close proximity to structures. They capture high-resolution images and videos that reveal cracks, damages, and defects that may not be visible to the naked eye. UAVs provide comprehensive data without compromising the safety of inspection crews.

9.Flexibility for Quick Inspections: Drones offer flexibility in terms of altitude and specifications, allowing customization for different projects. They are suitable for regular and emergency inspections, especially in the construction industry for rooftop inspections. Drones perform multiple roles, such as capturing high-quality media and transmitting and processing data in real time.

10.Reach Hazardous Areas: UAVs enable efficient data collection from hard-to-reach and hazardous locations, providing a safer alternative to traditional inspection methods. They are useful for monitoring radiation, inspecting high-voltage lines, and minimizing risks for workers. Drones also offer a cost-effective approach to inspecting challenging areas.

Disadvantages

1.Privacy Concerns: The use of drones can raise privacy concerns as they have the potential to infringe on individual liberties while being utilized for public security purposes.   2.Legislative Uncertainty: The laws and regulations surrounding drone technology are still developing, creating ambiguity in terms of drone operation, airspace property rights, and protection against aerial trespassing.   3.Safety: Safety is a crucial aspect when operating drones, and there is a risk of collisions, system malfunctions, or hacking that can compromise the safety of people on the ground and other military personnel.   4.Software Issues or Malfunction: Malfunctions or software errors in drones can lead to accidents, injuries, and damages, highlighting the need for continuous improvement and safety measures in drone technology.   5.Vulnerability to Wild Animals: Drones can be attacked by wild animals, such as birds, which poses risks to the drone itself and the wildlife.   6.Spying: Drones can be misused for spying purposes, invading privacy, and targeting individuals without their permission. Thermal and night sensors equipped in drones facilitate tracking activities without detection.   7.Easy to Hack: Drone technology is susceptible to hacking, allowing unauthorized individuals to gain control and access private information.   8.Weather Dependency: Drones are more affected by adverse weather conditions compared to traditional aircraft, impacting their maneuverability and data collection capabilities.   9.Knowledge and Skill Requirements: To capture accurate data and ensure optimal utilization of drone technology, operators require specific knowledge and skills, which may necessitate training or the involvement of third-party service providers.   10.Slow Data Transfer Speed: The speed of data transmission in drones, particularly in precision agriculture applications, can pose challenges. Delays in data delivery may result in unproductivity and damage to crops and farming practices, rendering the drone operation less efficient.  

Contact us :

7316926236

9650278508

Website : https://avpldrones.com/

[avrahamglattman]

The Best Ways to Experience New York Citys Nightlife

The Best Ways to Experience New York City’s Nightlife http://avrahamglattman.org/the-best-ways-to-experience-new-york-citys-nightlife/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-best-ways-to-experience-new-york-citys-nightlife New York City is known as the city that never sleeps for good reason. Its vibrant nightlife scene offers something for everyone, from trendy rooftop bars to underground clubs and everything in between. Both locals and tourists can experience the city’s nightlife is a must-do activity. Here are some best ways to experience New York City’s nightlife. Rooftop Bars First and foremost, a great way to experience the city’s nightlife is by checking out its famous rooftop bars. New York City has a wide variety of rooftop bars with amazing views of the city skyline. The Refinery Rooftop in the Garment District offers stunning views of the Empire State Building and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The Press Lounge in Hell’s Kitchen is another excellent rooftop bar with panoramic city views. Make sure to arrive early to secure a spot, as these bars can get crowded quickly. Music Venues Another way to experience New York City’s nightlife is by checking out its impressive selection of live music venues. New York City is where some of the most iconic music venues in the world are, including the Apollo Theater in Harlem and the Bowery Ballroom in the Lower East Side. A more intimate setting option would be the Rockwood Music Hall in the East Village, which features up-and-coming artists in a cozy space. Dance Clubs New York City has many clubs and dance venues if you’re in the mood to dance the night away. Some popular spots include Output in Williamsburg, which features a large dance floor and top-notch sound system, and Marquee in Chelsea, known for its celebrity sightings and high-energy atmosphere. For a more underground experience, check out the House of Yes in Bushwick, which offers a unique mix of live performances, DJs, and aerialists. Speakeasies & Cocktail Bars Consider checking out some of the city’s speakeasies and cocktail bars for a laid-back night out. These hidden gems offer a more intimate setting, often featuring creative cocktails and a cozy atmosphere. Some of the most popular speakeasies include Please Don’t Tell in the East Village, which requires a phone call for a reservation, and Bathtub Gin in Chelsea, which features a bathtub in the middle of the bar. Themed Venues & Bars Consider checking out some of the city’s themed bars if you want something different. New York City has plenty of unique drinking establishments, from tiki bars to arcade bars. The Dead Rabbit in the Financial District is famous for its old-school Irish pub atmosphere and impressive whiskey selection. For a playful experience, check out Barcade in Williamsburg, which features classic arcade games and a rotating selection of craft beers. New York City has something to offer, no matter what kind of nightlife experience you want. With its diverse selection of bars, clubs, and live music venues, the city truly offers a 24/7 adventure. Just pace yourself and stay safe while exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. The post The Best Ways to Experience New York City’s Nightlife first appeared on Avraham Glattman | Fun in NYC.

[easyoneyes]

Visited a cool hotel , jazz bar and then and rooftop bar this weekend.

[ggblasts]

Attention Adults! Roxanne Long has decided to host a rooftop throwback 90′s & Y2K party that is for the adults and adults only! High school kids, I do encourage you to try and crash this, because I love a good story of someone in handcuffs haha. I will very much be at this party and I cannot wait to see all the fashion, fun and drama that will very much come from this event.

When: Saturday, October 8th, 2022 Where: The Refinery Rooftop  Attire: 90′s and Y2K Fashion!

Like always, I’ll be there and I can’t wait to see you all on the golf course

XOXO, Gossip Girl

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Inside Climate News:

Every Friday afternoon, the Kingsland Wildflower Green Roof opens its doors to the local community. Tall grass and brightly-colored flowers greet visitors after their four-floor trek to the top of the building—a green oasis in Brooklyn, surrounded on all sides by heavy industrial activity.

Just across the street, the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant’s gargantuan “digester eggs” treat millions of gallons of sewage every day. 

Despite the visual incongruity of this scene, both the garden and the treatment plant work to stop contaminated water from flowing into the city’s waterways during heavy rainfall. 

The rooftop garden sits on a building on Kingsland Avenue owned by the production company Broadway Stages. Two well-tended sections contain a variety of plants and flowers native to the area, like strawberries and camassias. A garden on a lower roof is made up largely of sedum, a small succulent-type plant. 

The garden is under the purview of the Newtown Creek Alliance, a local organization that works to improve the environment around the creek, which is a tributary of the East River and forms the border between Brooklyn and Queens. 

Seven years ago, the green roof was born of a partnership between the Newtown Creek Alliance, the NYC Bird Alliance, formerly NYC Audubon, Broadway Stages and Alive Structures, a landscaping firm that specializes in roof gardens. The installation was funded by the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund, a $19.5 million payment to the New York State Department of Conservation (NYSDEC) in a settlement with ExxonMobil over their contamination of Newtown Creek. 

In 1979, an investigation by the Department of Conservation found that ExxonMobil, which had historically operated oil refineries and fuel storage spaces along the creek, had spilled an estimated 17 million gallons of oil into the water—one of the largest terrestrial oil spills in the country’s history. Although ExxonMobil has been working for decades to remediate the problem through groundwater treatment, the creek remains an extremely contaminated Superfund site and is still on the National Priorities List of the nation’s most hazardous toxic waste areas. 

A former wetland, much of the creek’s natural borders have been reconstructed for industrial operations, like oil refineries and petrochemical plants. 

Much of the area surrounding Newtown Creek is located on a 100-year floodplain, which means that every year there is a 1 percent chance of an extreme flood event. Due to the weaknesses in New York’s sewage infrastructure, extreme rainfall constitutes a threat not just to the residents living near Newtown Creek, but also to the biodiversity within the creek and the flora that surrounds it. 

[meghanjarvis]

If your looking for me I’ll be on roof tops in New York admiring the Empire State Building enjoying happy hour living my best life... with a fancy white hat. 😉 And a side note, the Refinery Roof Top Bar is a must if you’re in NYC! . . . . . . . #tb #travelling #newyork #rooftop #bars #empirestate #empirestatebuilding #nyc #energy #city #vibe #refinery #rooftop (at Refinery Rooftop) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzAdwB9lR9c/?igshid=1abse037n43cr

[quicheoftheday]

Werk. ————————————————————— #werk #work #photography #photographer #photos #intralinks #refinery #nyc #rooftop #refineryrooftop #midtown #newyork #hireme (at Refinery Rooftop) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByYy9BCDW3U/?igshid=1r32ppct6k4u4

[fatehbaz]

Defend insects.

Get ready for some of my overwrought navel-gazing. Lately, every single day, the major video-watching site keeps insisting on showing me ads for “Raid North America.”

As in, “the North American branch” of “Raid” the “indiscriminately destroy life with our product” company, with the literal trademarked corporate slogan: “Raid.brand.kills.bugs.dead!”

With all of the surveillance and behavioral data that g00gle and @pple have collected from me over the years, it’s bizarre that they’re showing “murder and kill insect lifeforms” ads to someone whomst writes and reads every day about interspecies cooperation, compassionate animal-plant-human relationships, and the rich beautiful life of invertebrates, while also regularly searching phrases like “insect sentience” and “fungus are intelligent, right?” and “trees experience empathy?” and “insect demigods and deities in folklore.” Also, pretty auspicious to recommend the phrase “raid North America” to someone whomst writes and reads every day about ecoregions, distinctions between bioregions of North America, and Indigenous land and autonomy, while repeatedly and explicitly advocating for the dismantling of Empire, dissolving of political borders, and returning of land.

So the intended message of their ad backfired. You know how ads usually load before the other graphics/content on a site? (Major entities like g00gle doing a favor for other massive companies by giving their ads preferable treatment instead of accommodating the internet user. It’s also interesting that the corporation felt it necessary to specify that they are the North American branch of Raid. Might be a sudden marketing campaign related to early 2020′s popular anxiety over giant East Asian hornets in North America.) Every time, while I’m trying to watch a video, the banner ad will load first, while it takes several seconds for the rest of the page to load. There’s not even a logo graphic that loads most of the time, so it almost sounds like a blunt command. So all I’m left with is a completely blank page, and the only visible thing is just the bold announcement: “RAID NORTH AMERICA.”

The first time this happened, and every time since, my thoughts were like this: “Raid North America. Remove political borders. Dismantle Empire. Return land. Love your local ecoregion.”

So I’m left daydreaming.

I can’t see this ad without immediately imagining millions of airborne Rocky Mountain locusts, resurrected from the dead, eclipsing the sun and casting a shadow over the offices of Chicago where a networking meeting of corn oil processing corporations is being held.

Sea otters dive and explore as they excitedly play in the half-sunken ruins of an oil tanker off the coast of the Great Bear Rainforest, as Pacific giant octopus crawl in the jagged crevices of the ship’s innards and the kelp forest, an entire underwater cosmos, is thriving. Vast flocks of Carolina parakeets amass above a cattle meat-processing company executive’s mansion in the uncanny suburbia of Dallas.

Condors soar over canyonlands, the Colorado River delta is lush, and vaquita porpoises in the nearby saltwater inhabit an aquatic world no longer insulted with the name “Sea of Cortez.”

Passenger pigeons occupy the rooftops of Toronto. In the mist-shrouded redwoods forest, arboreal salamanders are prosperous thanks to adequate moisture and mild climate, 50 meters up into the sky in fern mats among moss-covered redwood branches. Coal mining company offices in northern Appalachia are swept away.

Dams burst on the Snake River as Chinook salmon and slithering lampreys rush back into headwater streams of the inland temperate rainforest, and traditional caretakers can freely harvest huckleberry and camas. Ranching and fracking corporations with thousands of acres of private land in the High Plains recoil as black-footed ferrets and swift foxes scurry across the prairie. Gila monsters and desert tortoises and rosy boas move about the desert beneath Joshua tree and saguaro, as imperial woodpeckers and jaguars return to the Sky Islands in full force.

Caribou overtake Athabascan tar sands mining sites. The water wells of the boreal forest aren’t conduits of poison, Metis people have clean water. Gulf Coast chemical facilities and refineries are torched, caught on fire by their own exhaust flames and hubris, and the bayous and floodplains welcome autonomy for the Houma, for the people of New Orleans. The sagebrush steppe of the Great Basin is teeming with pygmy rabbits, pronghorn, and sage grouse.

Manatees calmly navigate spring-fed stream channels free of churning boat motors while the Everglades glisten in sub-tropical sun and humidity, and people of Miami stand outside, cautious of lightning but exposed enough to the regular afternoon thunderstorms rolling in from where the Caribbean meets the Sargasso Sea, to let rain wash away sweat. We freely distribute ripe fruit produce from the service entrance of the grocery store. We dismantle anti-homeless hostile architecture, occupy empty homes, cut barbwire fences. The land of the continent is returned to Indigenous caretakers. A herd of bison stampedes into DC, obliterating the cold marble halls of power. We are raiding North America.

Rather than “destroy insects,” the ads had me thinking about “nurturing life.”

Defend insects.

I fantasize about vast swarms of undead Rocky Mountain locusts ominously blackening the sky above the insecticide corporation’s headquarters near the shores of Lake Michigan.

[of-tatooine]

honor him. | chapter 6 - loose ends

new information comes to light and the contract is bent. 

“One move and I start cutting.”

Breath held back in a sharp gasp, the quick palpitations of the heart beating out of the chest. A little hiss at the coldness of the blade against warmer skin. The salty droplets of cold sweat starting to form on their foreheads. Too afraid to take tentative steps to escape, threatened by the perfectly-measured, mastered amount of sheer pressure against their throats just enough to not break the barrier of flesh.  

If all the targets that fell dead under your blade had something in common, it would be their reactions when you prepared to deliver the final cut.

Pendleton had been no different. The moment your cold steel met his skin, the nobleman knew better not to move his hands towards the blade he kept on the dresser. If an assassin had been that skilled to sneak in, not make a single living whiff of a sound and press a blade against him like that - he would not dare take a single breath. Though he had been surprised, you could tell by the way his head tilted ever so slightly to the right, to hear a woman’s voice wielding the killer weapon. You hoped he did not have a weak heart, since you were about to surprise him much, much more with what was to come.

The contract sent by Lord Shaw to the one and only Knife of Dunwall stated that Lord Treavor Pendleton was to be eliminated, with a handsome reward of shiny five thousand coin. Most nobles you had been ordered to kill, that you have interacted with at some level, had been slimy and shady, thinking their money and their power would solve every single problem they encountered - even the slightest inconveniences. Most of the times, they did. That night was not going to be one of those times.

“Take a seat over at that chair,” your strong voice would demand while your empty, gloved hand would reach out to grab onto the back of his fancy overcoat tightly, the agonizing touch of the blade loosening ever so slightly against his throat to give him room to walk. “Start walking.”

It was as if you could sense the cowardice of his soul seeping through his expensive garments, the man’s breathing became ragged with droplets of cold sweat racing down his jaw as you followed him around the bed towards the wooden chair, nudging him. Only when he sat down without resisting you could you take a good look at his face - terror, his slicked back black hair emanating a couple of loose strands out of sweat, his eyes big and full of fear. Some glints of surprise in the orbs, as he took a good look upwards at his captor, who happened to be a sight for sore eyes.

Standing in front of your captive with nothing but determination in your eyes, your extended hand would hold the steel dangerously close to his bulging, sweaty throat part covered by that high-collar neckline he wore. An occasional night breeze would toy with your hair as the fading remnants of sunlight hit your features.

“W-what do you want? I swear, I can give you money, so much money and power-” the man would start rambling, in a trembling voice as one of his legs started shaking ever-so-slightly.

“Someone wants you dead and gone, Pendleton,” your voice dipped in control echoed in the vast bedroom, as you would lean in lightly. “I have to admit - I did too. I would love to stick a blade in your little throat and watch you squirm. After all, you’re just another noble out of the bunch, aren’t you?”

Pendleton gulped, the pleading look in his eyes back again. “Please...”

Tilting your head slightly, you would lean in even further, the blade staying horizontally against his flesh, restricting all movement. “But on my way here, I came across a very interesting sight. It isn’t exactly the wisest decision to conspire near the Regent’s Parliament, huh?”

If someone’s eyes could widen to cover half their face, Treavor’s eyes at that moment would. Oh, this was bad. Not only would this woman gut him alive and leave him to the plague rats to feast on, she had heard their plans too. The entire Pendleton family name, if someone had found out about his intent to restore the rightful heir, would perish to no avail. The mere thought made him quiver under her hands.

“I know a great deal,” you started, your voice thickening as your orbs bore fire into his, your face inches away from his terrified one.

“Emily Kaldwin. I want to know where she is, Treavor. And before you start saying you don’t know anything,” the blade pressed against his throat firmer, causing him to writhe under you. “I know those choffers you call siblings have her, so I suggest you co-operate with me here.”

It was almost as if the eminent fear of dying had awakened something inside of the coward, when his eyes lit up for a second, looking into your eyes with a newfound tone in them.

“That information comes at a price.”

To that, you could not help but let out a chuckle, shaking your head at his utter and hopeless naivety. You were being paid top coin to kill this man - was he not aware of the fact that you could skin him alive right that second?

“You bastard. I don’t think you’re in a position to make demands now, are you?” you would ask, the edge of the blade leaving a small cut underneath his jaw, couple drops of blood coating your shiny metal. A loud hiss would emanate from the man underneath you, yet he managed to look into your eyes with all the courage he could muster.

“I can do better than that. You help us get the Royal Protector out of Coldridge, I will get out of sight and out of mind, disappear into the Void itself.”

It was your turn to show surprise as he made you the most unexpected offer. It was as if all those made-up rescue scenarios you made in your head, playing different turns of events for four long months were coming to life. Could you trust this man? Was he loyal to the Empire as he claimed to be?

“I can just torture you to death right here and you would be begging to spill information to me,” you spoke, your tone evident.

It seemed like the man did not have a choice but to trust you. He knew damn well what you had been capable of, the itching and burning fresh cut on his jawline would always be a reminder of that. Bribing guards had been too risky - no one could pinpoint what those dimwits could do. If you hadn’t had good intentions for the heiress either, you would have started torturing him on the spot, but instead you leaned towards the more merciful path.

“Lady, you could have killed me the moment you stepped in my chambers. You need me alive. The Empire needs nobles who are still loyal to the Kaldwin reign, and you know it.”

Never before had you been this intimidated by a target. You had been sent to stick a blade through this man, what in the Void did you think you were doing, trying to cut some crazy deal with him for a suicide mission, all the while sparing him? It felt like losing control - you did not like losing control. Jaw clenched and fire burning in your eyes, it was time you took it back.

“I’ll do it,” the words spilled out of your mouth without little hesitation. “Tell me where Lady Emily is.”

Pendleton could only let out a little grin, blinking, not expecting to recruit that easily into the conspiracy. “My brothers frequent the finest bathhouse in the Isles.”

Getting the hint, your eyes would glimmer with determination and you would nod sharply to the man, before you extracted your blade back into the holster and made your fist meet his jaw. Sending him reeling back to tumble on the hardwood with a groan.

Out of the corner of your eye, a small glint of metal caught your attention, positioned neatly on the chestnut dresser against the wooden-paneled wall. You had done this man the favor of his lifetime by not letting him go victim to your blade - maybe it would not hurt him too much if you scavenged a little something.

A Kaldwin cameo, you would recognize as you walked towards it, the mere sight of it making you clench your jaw. Without giving it a second thought, you grabbed the shiny object, slipping it into your pouch. “If I hear your name around anytime soon, I will come and slice your head off,” your threatening voice echoed as you perched up on the window, looking at a disheveled Pendleton leaning against the wall.

His fingers tracing the burning cut, he could only look as you jumped out of the window towards the rooftops.

                                                           ---

The return back to your base, the wretched place you had learned to call a home alongside him, had not been as easy as it had always been after your previous targets, who were no doubt swarming the Void already.

The choices you make, he would tell you, always matter to someone, somewhere.

Letting Pendleton disappear alive and unharmed, to realize the plans he had been discussing with the Admiral was a decision that would impact you and those around you tremendously. It would mark the start of your involvement with the conspiracy, founded to bandage the wounds your master had impaled under orders. As you approached the riverside neighboring the non-functioning but ever-so-tall Greaves Refinery in the skiff of a smuggler you had paid to get across Wrenhaven, the dawn of the approaching crossroads sulked on your mind. The mission ahead of you irking you to an extent you never felt before, knowing there was so much more at stake than just life and death. In many ways, the future of an Empire depended on whether you succeeded. The burden it had already put on your shoulders was beginning to drag you down, cloud your mind with reason and equally with judgment.

Was aiding Corvo in any way treason to your master? The same master who stuck a blade into the woman he was hired to protect? The former Royal Protector was an unknown, a mystery - even if he did manage to get out in one piece, which was very unlikely given the nature of the busted hole he was in, there was no telling what he would do. Would the man be so full of revenge that he would start killing every person he set his sights onto? Cause havoc in the cursed city that has taken everything away from him?

No. The Corvo you knew all those years ago would not. You prayed to the dark-eyed god that all that pain and misery had not changed him too much.

Slowly making your way through your territory, the route to Central Rudshore gave you the opportunity to reflect, your reflection gazing at you through the chest-high waters. The more you thought, the more your heart and your mind slipped into unison. You had seen Daud, once a bloodthirsty killer without emotion, crumble and suffer with the regret that his last assassination brought onto his aching soul. You knew he would take it back, take everything back to the start, give back all the coin and put a blade into that small man Burrows if he had the chance to.

He ached to do something right, something for the good of the Empire, and so did you. In your heart and mind, aiding Corvo Attano get his honor back was the right thing to do. Even when you served the man who led to his misery in the first place - you would do your part in a hopeful quest to restore the rightful heir, for as long as you could, all the while keeping your Master from harm’s way.

It was that deep hollow in your stomach letting you know that you only could for so long.

Mask on, couple of your fellow Whalers would greet you inside the Commerce Building as you approached his double doors. For the moment, all you could do, all you could hope for was for the noble to listen to your carefully-spoken word and leave the area for however long it needed to take so that rich bastard Lord Shaw would not notice you deliberately failing the contract. You only could hope the payment reached Daud safely and soundly - the last thing you wanted to do was to give him even the slightest hint of suspicion.

Taking your mask off the moment you stepped inside his quarters, you would find the Master Assassin lighting up a cigar, holding it in between his leather-clad fingers as his head would rise in your walking figure, your blade holstered and mask in hand. His steel blues glinting in relief for a split second to see one of his best Whalers coming back in one piece, his head would tilt ever so slightly to the left, eager to listen.

“Pendleton’s eliminated,” your voice would not falter, in all due technicality, it had not been a lie. Daud would catch your dishonesty even if you were far away in the damned Void itself. There was no use trying the Old Knife.

The assassin would nod, taking a long drag off of his cigar as his other hand scribbled something illegible onto his ledger, guessing it had been the bounty off of the contract. Taking steps closer to his office space, you would notice the fresh cards he readied near his audiograph - you had an inkling of an idea of what they would be about. Lately, his thoughts were about one thing and one thing only.

“I need you to lay low for a while,” the master assassin would start with his usually gruff voice, this time a little hint of care etched onto his words. “Pendleton was a man with connections, and I don’t want anyone tracing back to us. People in the Parliament will notice his sudden absence. Get a little rest, you earned it.”

Your features neutral with a hint of a smile on your lips, you would nod graciously. The Whalers had been laying low for a while, ever since it all came down. His request from you did not intrigue you too much.

“As you wish, Master,” would spill out of your mouth as your fingers gave him a salute, which he would return with a nod your way before you vanished into the shadows.

Daud knew they could not keep hiding and running like this - trouble was headed their way whether they liked it or not. Whatever demise that was coming his way, he knew he deserved it.

Not yet, he would mumble to himself as he exhaled the thick smoke.

[dbnightingale24]

One And The Same

Chapter 9 pt 3

~~

So, I didn’t forget to post this last night. I got drunk last night and decided that I hated that two chapters I had written for ‘LCAR’, so I deleted them and started all over again. By the time I was ready to post this, it was 3am. 

I was gonna post it earlier today, but I’ve been in a funk. Anywho, I hope you all enjoy this!

Warnings: Fluff (so much fluff), angst, swearing, lying, drinking, uhhh...that’s it? Shitty writing as always.

Word Count: 3404

I do not consent to have my stories/works posted anywhere else.

~~

“How did you know I wanted to go?”

Anna looked around the rooftop bar of Refinery Rooftop, her mouth slightly ajar.

“I heard you talking to Nat in the kitchen while making dinner,” he smiled “no I wasn’t eavesdropping.”

"Where’s everyone else?”

“I rented it out for the night. It’s just us.”

“Steve…you…Steve…I-”

“Stop. You said you wanted to talk more, so that’s what we’re gonna do.”

“You didn’t have to rent out an entire restaurant.”

“I have a lot of money that’s just sitting in my account. I wanted to do something nice.”

“Steve…I…thank you.” she smiled at him, kissing his cheek softly.    

 After took their seats on the outside balcony, the waiter took their drink orders and they both sat there in silence. Anna, taking in the city lights and sounds, while Steve just adored her. She looked perfect and he couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

 “You didn’t have to do all of this.” Anna finally smiled at him, looking deep in those gorgeous blue eyes.

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Steve-”

“Anna, I wanted to do something nice for you. I wanted us to have a nice night. You said you wanted to talk more, and I figured that this was the least I could do.”

“You remember that?”

“Do you remember it?”

“Yeah, yeah.” Anna laughed, taking a sip of her Merlot.

“What’s on your mind, sweetheart?”

“What isn’t on my mind?”

“Take a deep breath, and talk to me. There’s no rush and no judgement. We have all the time.”

“The staff has to go home at some point, Steve.” Anna groaned, while he just laughed.

“I’m here as long as you need and want me to be. I’ll wait 20 years if you’d like.”

“Well, that’s just cruel.” she smirked. “I guess I wanna know why.”

“Why what?”

“Why were you so mean?”

“I don’t have an acceptable answer. That’s terrible of me to say, but it’s the truth. Maybe I was jealous of the privacy I didn’t have, maybe I was just tired of being burned. Hell, maybe it was because I was attracted to you the moment I laid eyes on you.”

“Why would that set you off?”

“Cause I had no control over the situation. You were much too pretty to work in a weapons store, but I was sure I wouldn’t ever see you again, unless I came looking for you. Then, Tony hired you out of nowhere…you walked in so shy, unsure of yourself, and ready. You were so damn tiny and you still are.” Steve laughed softly. “Then I saw you in training. How tough, fast, and smart you were. It caught me off guard, and you were so funny. Funny and quick witted. It felt too good to be real. It felt like a HYDRA trap. So, when you were so private about everything, I decided that had to be it. I needed you to have a flaw so that I could stay away from you. So I could remain level headed.

 Then there was the day after the snap. You had tried to be so strong all day, and then I heard you crying in the stairwell. God, that sound broke my heart. I just sat there and held you, because I wanted to keep you safe. I wanted you to not feel as alone as I did. I just held you until you fell asleep. Remember that?”

“Yeah.” Anna smiled softly, wiping a lone tear.

“Well, I kicked myself that night. By then I had already convinced myself that you were something bad. Someone bad. I couldn’t have feelings for you and investigate you at the same time. So, I tried to hide from you, which was useless. You could always read me. Sometimes, even better than Bucky could have. Then the snap was reversed and the look on your face the next few days…it was everything. However, I finally had an out. Putting all the stones back meant I could go back to Peggy. It all made sense and I could get away from you. At first, everything was great. I had Peggy back and I was where I belonged. Things made sense again. Then, the guilt set in and took over. I was sleeping with Peggy, even though I had slept with Sharon. I was trying to ignore the fact that I basically quit my job, which isn’t an easy thing to do when you’re job is to save the world. Lastly, there was you. You were constantly on my mind, I wondered how you were doing and if you were safe, and I missed you. I missed you so damn much. It was stupid of me to just go back and assume everything would go back to the way it was. Also, there was no way I’d be able to marry Peggy. I didn’t love her the same as I did before or as I should.

 So, after a week of me being weird and distant, I told her I had to go back. We both cried for hours and she even asked me to wait it out another week, but I knew I couldn’t. It wasn’t fair to either of us. So, I came back and I was angry. I was furious. I was angry with you for getting inside my head and my heart. You didn’t care about my attitude though and you still went out of your way to be nice to me. I wanted to get over you so bad, and I just couldn’t. So, I started being meaner to you. The meaner I got, the harder you sassed me, and the more I was attracted to you. You didn’t give a damn about me being Captain America. You didn’t hold back or cower. You met me on every level. Then there was that night at the club…I knew I should have listened to you. I just…I really thought I had it. Then the look you gave me once we got outside…I hated myself. You were so furious and your eyes held so much disdain for me. I made you feel that way. Then I got angry with myself for caring so much about how you felt about me. Then we…ya know and I decided that was enough. I told myself that it was just sex, but it was so much more than that for me. I talked to Bucky and he told me that I needed to just tell you how I really feel and apologize. That was too logical, so of course I didn’t do it.” Steve scoffed and Anna laughed a little. “You hated me and I hated that, but I could deal with it. I could still be close to you and feel you, and that was enough for me. I created this hell so I wasn’t about to be picky. Then you were attacked. Seeing you like that…I just didn’t care anymore and I let my walls down. I just needed to protect you and make sure you were out of harm’s way. Then you opened up to me and showed me your life. Told me about your life. I couldn’t pretend anymore. You could have been a HYDRA agent, and I still would have found a way to make it work. I just….I decided to dive right in to my feelings and just handle the fear.”

“And how do you feel?”

“Anna, I love you. I love you so much.” Steve smiled, breathlessly.

Anna took a deep breath and looked at her hands. “Steve…God, how do you always do this to me?” she asked, more to herself, flustered.

“Babe, you don’t-”

“Just let me get this out, please. I really like you, Steve. A lot. I don’t know, maybe I do love you. I’m still trying to…it hasn’t even been a week. There’s so much to talk about. I need to learn to trust you and I need to see that this isn’t temporary. I want to be with you, but I need to be there for myself. If that makes any sense.”

“It makes all the sense in the world. We can go as slow or as fast as you want. I’m just happy you’re giving me a chance.” Steve smiled, as the waiter came over.

 Anna had to commend him on being able to read the room.

 They ordered their meals and kept the rest of the conversation light. Steve even surprised Anna by drinking two whiskeys. He also surprised her with how funny he was. He told her stories from when he was younger, and even stories of her grandfather. Anna told him stories of her high school days, when she was in drama and on debate. She told him about how she tried cheer leading and hated it. Steve couldn’t help but laugh and say ‘I don’t think I could imagine you as a cheerleader.’ She went on to tell him about her soccer days and track days. Steve wasn’t surprised, after seeing how fast and accurate she was on the field, he would have been surprised if she hadn’t played in a sport like soccer.

 When their meals arrived, they ate in silence; Anna stopping ever so often to take in the view around her. She couldn’t lie; there was no one else she’d rather enjoy a night like this with. Even though she loathed summer, the air was breezy enough and the summer air danced along her skin. Steve was off to a good start. Once their empty plates were cleared away, Anna got another glass of wine and Steve ordered another whiskey neat.

“I thought Captain America didn’t drink?”

“The Captain doesn’t, but I like my beers and hard liquor from time to time. Everything in moderation. However, I am the one driving, so I better slow down.”

“You told me you don’t get drunk?”

“For the longest time I couldn’t. I think it starts to wear down the older I get. I am 102 to be fair.”

“Good point.” Anna giggled, taking a sip of her wine.

“That doesn’t bother you?”

“What?”

“My age.”

“Ha, I guess it doesn’t. When I first met you, I had it in my mind to ‘respect my elders’, but we’ve clearly past that point.”

“I don’t want to put you in an awkward position or anything-”

“Steve, my whole life has been an awkward position. I mean, I usually like older men, and this this definitely caught me by surprise. You definitely don’t fuck like you’re 102. However, you make me happy, I make you happy, and we get each other. While it does help that you don’t look 102, I honestly don’t think I’d care. We definitely wouldn’t be having sex, but I’d probably still be longing for you one way or another. I guess, if you really think about it, it’d be a much different situation.”

“How do you mean?”

“If all had gone as it was supposed to, you would have ended up with Peggy. By the time, you would have reached this point, I would mean nothing to you.”

“I don’t think there’s a world that exists where you would have meant nothing to me.” Steve almost whispered sincerely. “What did you think of me anyway?”

“When?”

“When you first met me. Well, I guess met me the second time around.”

“Oh, what did I think of you?” Anna laughed, taking a big sip of her wine. “I thought you were gorgeous, obviously. I also wanted to be kind, make my grandfather proud, but I also didn’t know how much of the shy Brooklyn boy was left in you. Especially considering everything. I was anxious. I wanted to make a good impression. I thought that you’d expect a lot more than a dopey-eyed school girl. I thought you were intimidating but gorgeous.” she finished, small smile on her face.

“Ah, that’s because you met post-serum Steve.”

“I’ve seen pre-serum Steve. I would have had the same reaction, if he acted the same as you.”

“Anna, you don’t have to lie.” Steve chuckled.

“I’m not. I’m attracted more to the man than I am the muscle. Yeah, you look great now, but I’m interested in your heart. Scrawny or strong, if you act like this either way, I want you.” she smiled taking his hand in hers.

Steve was stupid to think he couldn’t fall for her any harder. “You wanna get out of here?”

“I don’t wanna go home.” Anna admitted, sheepishly.

“Me neither.” he smiled back.

 Steve settled the bill, against Anna’s wishes, and they made their way back towards his car.

“Where to now?” Anna asked, buckling herself in.

“Anywhere you want.” Steve smiled, revving the engine,

 **

 “How did you know I loved this song?” Anna asked, her head laying on Steve’s shoulder, as they stood in the middle of the Brooklyn bridge, looking at the water.

“I honestly didn’t.” Steve laughed. “I love it and thought it fit the mood.”

“Well, good on you, sir.” Anna laughed, taking a sip of wine from the bottle, before passing it to Steve.

 ‘It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken’ ‘ was playing softly from his phone, and Anna just wanted to stay in the moment forever. 

She had convinced him to stop at a liquor store, so she could get a few bottles of wine, before Steve made his way to the Brooklyn Bridge. They had been sharing a box of Cheeze-Its, listening to the music that he chose, and sipping on wine. Anna felt like she was in a dream.

 “We have to go back sooner or later.” Steve sighed.

“I don’t want to. Let’s just go away and come back when we want.”

“Where do you wanna go?”

“London.”

“Really?”

“What? It’s classic, beautiful, vibrant, and holds a ton of history. What’s not to love?”

“Then we’ll go tonight.”

“Don’t you tempt me, Rogers.”

“You say the word and I’ll buy the tickets.”

“Stop it.” she giggled, refusing to meet his gaze, focusing all of her attention on the water instead.

“I mean it.”

“I know you do, but we can’t just take off. You said so yourself earlier, you’d feel guilt about just leaving your job.”

“Would you come with me”

“Steve…what?”

“Would you come with me?” he asked softly, grabbing a hold of her chin, forcing her to look at him.

“I’d go anywhere you’d ask me to.” she confessed quietly.

 Before he could stop himself, Steve crashed his lips into hers, and pulled her closer to her. While the rational part of him knew she needed more time, the human side of him needed her. Craved her. When she wrapped her arms around him and moaned into the kiss, Steve did all he could to keep control of the situation. He knew it couldn’t go too far, but he wasn’t ready to stop just yet. She ran her hands through his hair, tugging on it softly, and they could both feel him getting hard.

 “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” she breathed, pulling away from him. “I’m not ready and-”

“No, I know you’re not and I’m sorry. Lets go home.”

“I’m not…I don’t want to.”

“I know you don’t, but we do have work in the morning.” he chuckled, taking her hand in his.

“Are you gonna sleep in my room? I understand if you don’t-”

“Stop.” he said softly. “What you’ve been through, it’s going to take some time. I’m a patient man who also happens to be in love. I’ll wait as long as you need, kitten.” he smiled, kissing her cheek. “And yes, I’m sleeping in your room.”

 Anna kissed his cheek softly, trying to hide her shyness, and entwined her fingers with his.

“I’m pretty sure…I mean…I know-”

“You don’t have to-”

“No Steve, I want this. I want you. I want us. No, I don’t think I’m ready to be officially boyfriend and girlfriend, but I also don’t want anyone else. I think, in time, I’ll be ready for this. For us.” she smiled at him.

“That’s something and it’s all I need.” he smiled.

 The drive back to the compound was quiet, with exception of whatever music Anna was playing. She kept her hand on his the whole time, not wanting to feel far from him. Even though so much had happened, she felt like she finally had him. Sure, there was a dark side to him, but doesn’t everyone have that?

 When they finally got back to the compound, it was late and they were both exhausted. Steve brought his nightclothes into Anna’s room, and they both brushed their teeth before settling in. It felt domestic and normal. Both of them felt more comfortable than they ever had before.

 ‘This could work.’ Anna thought to herself, settling in next to Steve. “Steve?” she yawned, half away asleep.

“Yeah kitten?”

“No secrets and no lies. If this is going to work…we have to be up front with each other about everything. I really want this to work.”

“I do too, kitten. No secrets and no lies, I promise.” he lied, sighing heavily. “Go to sleep, I love you.”

“I love you.” she responded lazily, letting sleep consume her.

 It’s amazing how quickly things can fall part, once you’ve finally put them together.