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COVID-19 wasn't particularly kind to many airlines, some coming and going with a large quantity having to restructure to cater for different travel habits. This is most certainly the case for WestJet, Canada's second largest airline which in the intervening years struggled post-pandemic but that is changing.

2025 has been a big year for WestJet which has since seen the carrier completing the full integration of Sunwing Airlines, the integration having took the best part of 2 years to complete. Furthermore, WestJet saw a 15% and 10% stakes being sold to SkyTeam members Delta Air Lines and Korean Air respectively.

Following COVID-19, WestJet's ambitions did have to be curtailed, most notably having cancelled their remaining order for 3 Boeing 787-9s they had on-order, leaving just 7 in the fleet as the carrier focused on their Western Canada operations, especially from their main hub at Calgary. With the integration of Sunwing Airlines and investment from other airlines, WestJet's future is looking promising.

On 3rd September 2025, WestJet out of the blue shadow-dropped they have placed a large order of Boeing aircraft; reported by numerous media outlets followed by Boeing and WestJet themselves, the carrier announced they will be ordering 60 Boeing 737 MAX 10s and 7 Boeing 787-9s with deliveries taking place up to 2034. Once these orders are completed, WestJet will have 102 Boeing 737 MAX 10s and 14 Boeing 787-9s in total.

What is interesting about this order as even though deliveries haven't commenced yet, WestJet is firmly committed to the large Boeing 737 MAX 10, the new fleet will enable expansion but to also replace the older Boeing 737-700/800s within the fleet. The Boeing 787-9 order is more intriguing as following the cancellation of the remaining 3 Boeing 787-9s following COVID-19, WestJet does see itself expanding long-haul again. Whether expansion will take place from Calgary, or from either Toronto or Vancouver remains to be seen.

Currently, WestJet operates 7 Boeing 787s, all of which are Boeing 787-9s. WestJet have 7 Boeing 787-9s on-order.

Golf Uniform Delta Oscar is one of 7 Boeing 787-9s operated by WestJet, delivered new to the carrier on lease from BBAM on 14th March 2019 and she is powered by 2 General Electric GEnx-1B engines.

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner C-GUDO on final approach into Runway 27L at London Heathrow (LHR) on WS18 from Calgary (YYC), Alberta.

Awaiting orders by Smelting Beans

20 4

A soldier of the 12 SS Panzer division "Hitlerjugend" awaits orders just outside Normandy.

Been busy recently with the schwimmwagen kit I have been building and starting to build a 12 panzer division 1/6 army more to come.

Awaiting Starters Orders by Mark

8 3

any orders?? by Tom

6 18

please see the full set

orders of magnitude by lars on mars

11 2

1952 AEC Regal IV single-decker by Roger Wasley

Having watched Midland Red's progress with underfloor-engine single-deckers since 1945, many operators minimised their single-deck bus orders until manufacturers caught up. London Transport was by far the biggest operator in the UK and, once AEC introduced its Regal IV design, placed a massive order for 700 such buses. This was also significant for Birmingham coachbuilder Metropolitan-Cammell which won the body order for them, along with 450 bodies for double-deckers.

These buses, known in London as the RF class, were very robustly constructed and had long lives. They were originally operated with conductors but very suitable for conversion to driver-only operation.

London Transport central buses are famously red. Fleet No. RF 381 (registration MXX 23) was delivered in January 1953 to Sutton garage. Surprisingly, bearing in mind the entrance is ahead of the front axle, the red buses were not built with doors although they were fitted later. It was converted to a driver-only vehicle during its May 1965 overhaul.

It was one of the last RFs, retiring when 26 years old from Kingston garage in March 1979. It was sold for preservation and passed to to the Transport Museum, Wythall, near Birmingham, in 1994.

A new custom painting and a happy buyer! #saintignatius #saints #originalpainting contact me for custom orders florpopof@hotmail.com by Flor Larios

Orders by Kasmira

12 1

Decision fatigue

Adulting is hard. So many choices and decisions to be made each day.

I’m a big fan of routine because it reduces the number of decisions I have to make. It’s much easier to eat the same thing every day and follow a routine each morning and evening than to constantly make choices. Although they may not be obvious, I also tend to fall into outfit habits to make dressing less tedious. Lately, I’ve been reaching for boots and blazers and the color red. Just give me my marching orders and I’m ready to go make decisions that matter.

Jacket, Donna Collezione (thrifted). Dress, Love 21 (thrifted). Boots, Audrey Brook (consignment). Earrings, self-made.

Aircraft carrier Kalstin under aircraft attack - large image by Eínon

36 28

“Yesterday, we received orders from the Emperor himself to proceed to the enemy base of Valkan, a large naval base were a large convoy with almost 100 cargo ships was being prepared to depart, with a few escort ships. Our small battle group, one Kalstin aircraft carrier (with 70 Stealth Thanatos Fighters), two anti-ship Destroyers of the Dana class and three Omicron’s nuclear attack submarines represented an impressive surface battle group.

We entered a small fiord near the enemy base and we started to prepare to launch the Fighters when suddenly, 120 enemy Striker fighters appeared in the sky. Immediately we launched all the fighters to intercept, while the Kalstin and the Dana’s started to fire AA missiles. Unfortunately, we couldn’t use the main guns or the Walstons CIWS, because our shells could hit our own fighters.

In the end, we shoot down 45 enemy Striker fighters while the others fled, all without a single aircraft loss on our side. Since the enemies on the Convoys knew that we where near, we launched immediately our air strike, with the help of the D.D.N. anti-ship missiles fired by the two Dana’s Destroyers and the Omicron’s submarines, guided to the target by two naval helicopters.

The mission was a complete success, since we only received a little damage on our ships and we sunk or crippled at least 87 cargo-ships.”

Kalstin Aircraft Carrier: www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=415241

Dana Class Destroyer: www.flickr.com/photos/einon/5804198158/in/set-72157626897...

Thanatos Stealth Fighter: www.flickr.com/photos/einon/5485588596/in/set-72157628204...

More info and images here, please click!

About the ship

In 2009, I started the construction of a 1,5meters LEGO aircraft carrier based on the Russian Kuznestov aircraft carrier, which I named “Project Kalstin”. Unfortunately, I never completed the ship since at the time I lacked hundreds of reddish brown tiles necessary to complete the aircraft runway.

The incomplete hull of the ship was later modified into the 2,8meters Battlecruiser Gualdim Pais.

www.flickr.com/photos/einon/5217368283/

But I always wanted to have a picture of the Kalstin in action. And finally, here it is! XD

More info and images here, please click!

If you like it, please fav or comment! XD

Place your orders! by Larigan

22 33

Sneaked off to Venice for a few days! Contrary to appearances it didn't rain on me but it was only flooded which I thought was a huge photographic bonus and great fun!

Will be moving house in a few weeks, still don't know the date but life continues to be hectic...

Candle Lights Orders by SaraGomesD.

14 2

Fiz esse layout para meu blog,eu amei ainda + com essa diva.Online:

candlelightorders.blogspot.com.br/

Neyo's orders. by Cargonjim

Awaiting your orders by Stefan Tunkel

9 2

Custom order by Annabelle

Papoted

Venus of Kumartuli | straw puppet | Kumartoli | Kolkata | India by dynamo.photography

++++++++++ FROM WIKIPEDIA ++++++++++

Kumortuli (also spelt Kumartuli, or the archaic spelling Coomartolly) is a traditional potters’ quarter in northern Kolkata (previously known as Calcutta), the capital of the east Indian state of West Bengal. The city is famous as a sculpting hot-spot which not only manufactures clay idols for various festivals but also regularly exports them.

History

The British colonisation of Bengal and India started following the victory of the British East India Company in the Battle of Plassey in 1757. The Company decided to build new settlement Fort William at the site of the Gobindapur village. Most of the existing population shifted to Sutanuti. While such neighbourhoods as Jorasanko and Pathuriaghata became the centres of the local rich, there were other areas that were developed simultaneously.[1] The villages of Gobindapur, Sutanuti and Kalikata developed to give rise to the latter day metropolis of Calcutta.

Holwell, under orders from the Directors of the British East India Company, allotted ‘separate districts to the Company’s workmen.’ These neighbourhoods in the heart of the Indian quarters acquired the work-related names – Suriparah (the place of wine sellers), Collotollah (the place of oil men), Chuttarparah (the place of carpenters), Aheeritollah (cowherd's quarters), Coomartolly (potters’ quarters) and so on.[2]

Most of the artisans living in the north Kolkata neighbourhoods dwindled in numbers or even vanished, as they were pushed out of the area in the late nineteenth century by the invasion from Burrabazar.[3] In addition, Marwari businessmen virtually flushed out others from many north Kolkata localities. The potters of Kumortuli, who fashioned the clay from the river beside their home into pots to be sold at Sutanuti Bazar (later Burrabazar), managed to survive in the area. Gradually they took to making the images of gods and goddesses, worshipped in large numbers in the mansions all around and later at community pujas in the city and beyond.[4]

In 1888, one of the 25 newly organized police section houses was located in Kumartuli.[5]

Geography

Kumortuli is located in Ward No. 9 of Kolkata Municipal Corporation, mostly between Rabindra Sarani (formerly Chitpur Road) and the Hooghly River. It is between Ahiritola and Shobhabazar.[6] In maps showing thanas or police stations in old Kolkata, Kumortuli is shown as being between Shyampukur, Bartala, Jorasanko, Jorabagan and Hooghly River.[7]

Culture

Dhakeswari Mata Temple

Dhakeswari Mata Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kumortuli, Near Sovabazar, Kolkata. Situated in eastern bank of hooghly river near Kumartolly area. The presiding deity of the temple is Devi Durga, which was taken to Kolkata in 1947 from Dhakeswari Temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh.[8][9]

The idol is 1.5 feet tall, has ten arms, mounted on her lion in the form of Katyani Mahishasurmardini Durga. On her two sides are Laxmi, Saraswati, Kartik and Ganesh.[8] And the mount, lion, is Mythological Lion. There are rumours surrounding the origin of this temple. It is believed that the wife of King Bijoy Sen once went to the village of Langolbond to bathe. On her way back she gave birth to a son, Ballal Sen.[10] Later this Prince became King of the Sena destiny. After ascending to the throne, Ballal Sen built a temple to glorify his birthplace, which is known as Dhakeswari temple, Bangladesh.[11]

Ballal Sen proceeded to have vivid dreams, one of which involved the deity Durga. He dreamt that Durga was hidden within the jungle; he then discovered the deity who was concealed there. In order to celebrate this discovery, he built a temple later named Dhakeswari. This explains the etymological meaning of "Dhakeswari", which means "covered or hidden deity". According to Bengali Hindus Dhakeswari is considered to be the presiding deity of Dhaka, which is an incarnation or form of Goddess Durga, the Adi Shakti. The idol of Durga is called Dhakeswari.[12]

Location in Kolkata

In 1947, during the Partition of India, priests of the temple decided to evacuate the idol from Kolkata to Dhaka due to security reasons.[8][13][14]

After this, a Tiwari family from Azamgarh was appointed by the royal family to undertake daily worship of the deity. In 1946, the descendants of that family, Prallad Kishore Tiwari (or Rajendra Kishore Tiwari) transported the idol in a highly confidential aircraft to Kolkata and was re-appointed, where they still serve the Goddess continuously. After taken to Kolkata, the idol spent the next 2 or 3 years worshipping in the Debendranath Chowdhury home.[8]

In 1950 the businessman Debendranath Chowdhary built the temple of Goddess in the Kumortuli area and established some of the Goddess' property for her daily services.[8]

The Dhakeshwari devi worship is different from the traditional Durga puja of Bengal. According to the current priest of the temple, Shaktiprasad Ghosal, during Durga Puja, the goddess is worshiped in accordance with the Navratri or nine night rituals of Northern India.[8]

Famous residents

Being in the periphery of the heart of Kolkata, Kumortuli was home to a number of renowned persons during the Bengal Renaissance.

There is a road in Kumortuli named after Nandram Sen, famous as Black Deputy, and the first collector of Kolkata in 1700.[15] Gobindram Mitter, the next Black Deputy, had a sprawling house at Kumortuli spread on 50 bighas (around 16 acres) of land.[16]

Banamali Sarkar's famous house which is immortalized in Bengali rhyming proverb, was there till the 19th century. He has a winding lane named after him in Kumortuli.[17]

Kolkata /koʊlˈkɑːtə/ ([kolkata] (About this soundlisten), also known as Calcutta /kælˈkʌtə/, the official name until 2001) is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Located on the east bank of the Hooghly River approximately 75 kilometres (47 mi) west of the border with Bangladesh, it is the principal commercial, cultural, and educational centre of East India, while the Port of Kolkata is India's oldest operating port and its sole major riverine port. The city is widely regarded as the "cultural capital" of India, and is also nicknamed the "City of Joy".[1][2][3].According to the 2011 Indian census, it is the seventh most populous city. the city had a population of 4.5 million, while the population of the city and its suburbs was 14.1 million, making it the third-most populous metropolitan area in India. Recent estimates of Kolkata Metropolitan Area's economy have ranged from $60 to $150 billion (GDP adjusted for purchasing power parity) making it third most-productive metropolitan area in India, after Mumbai and Delhi.[11][12][13]

In the late 17th century, the three villages that predated Calcutta were ruled by the Nawab of Bengal under Mughal suzerainty. After the Nawab granted the East India Company a trading licence in 1690,[15] the area was developed by the Company into an increasingly fortified trading post. Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah occupied Calcutta in 1756, and the East India Company retook it the following year. In 1793 the East India company was strong enough to abolish Nizamat (local rule), and assumed full sovereignty of the region. Under the company rule, and later under the British Raj, Calcutta served as the capital of British-held territories in India until 1911, when its perceived geographical disadvantages, combined with growing nationalism in Bengal, led to a shift of the capital to New Delhi. Calcutta was the centre for the Indian independence movement; it remains a hotbed of contemporary state politics. Following Indian independence in 1947, Kolkata, which was once the centre of modern Indian education, science, culture, and politics, suffered several decades of economic stagnation.

As a nucleus of the 19th- and early 20th-century Bengal Renaissance and a religiously and ethnically diverse centre of culture in Bengal and India, Kolkata has local traditions in drama, art, film, theatre, and literature. Many people from Kolkata—among them several Nobel laureates—have contributed to the arts, the sciences, and other areas. Kolkata culture features idiosyncrasies that include distinctively close-knit neighbourhoods (paras) and freestyle intellectual exchanges (adda). West Bengal's share of the Bengali film industry is based in the city, which also hosts venerable cultural institutions of national importance, such as the Academy of Fine Arts, the Victoria Memorial, the Asiatic Society, the Indian Museum and the National Library of India. Among professional scientific institutions, Kolkata hosts the Agri Horticultural Society of India, the Geological Survey of India, the Botanical Survey of India, the Calcutta Mathematical Society, the Indian Science Congress Association, the Zoological Survey of India, the Institution of Engineers, the Anthropological Survey of India and the Indian Public Health Association. Though home to major cricketing venues and franchises, Kolkata differs from other Indian cities by giving importance to association football and other sports.

Etymology

The word Kolkata derives from the Bengali term Kôlikata (Bengali: কলিকাতা) [ˈkɔlikat̪a], the name of one of three villages that predated the arrival of the British, in the area where the city eventually was to be established; the other two villages were Sutanuti and Govindapur.[16]

There are several explanations about the etymology of this name:

The term Kolikata is thought to be a variation of Kalikkhetrô [ˈkalikʰːet̪rɔ] (Bengali: কালীক্ষেত্র), meaning "Field of [the goddess] Kali". Similarly, it can be a variation of 'Kalikshetra' (Sanskrit: कालीक्षेत्र, lit. "area of Goddess Kali").

Another theory is that the name derives from Kalighat.[17]

Alternatively, the name may have been derived from the Bengali term kilkila (Bengali: কিলকিলা), or "flat area".[18]

The name may have its origin in the words khal [ˈkʰal] (Bengali: খাল) meaning "canal", followed by kaṭa [ˈkata] (Bengali: কাটা), which may mean "dug".[19]

According to another theory, the area specialised in the production of quicklime or koli chun [ˈkɔlitɕun] (Bengali: কলি চুন) and coir or kata [ˈkat̪a] (Bengali: কাতা); hence, it was called Kolikata [ˈkɔlikat̪a] (Bengali: কলিকাতা).[18]

Although the city's name has always been pronounced Kolkata [ˈkolkat̪a] (Bengali: কলকাতা) or Kôlikata [ˈkɔlikat̪a] (Bengali: কলিকাতা) in Bengali, the anglicised form Calcutta was the official name until 2001, when it was changed to Kolkata in order to match Bengali pronunciation.[20] (It should be noted that "Calcutt" is an etymologically unrelated place name found at several locations in England.)

History

The discovery and archaeological study of Chandraketugarh, 35 kilometres (22 mi) north of Kolkata, provide evidence that the region in which the city stands has been inhabited for over two millennia.[21][22] Kolkata's recorded history began in 1690 with the arrival of the English East India Company, which was consolidating its trade business in Bengal. Job Charnock, an administrator who worked for the company, was formerly credited as the founder of the city;[23] In response to a public petition,[24] the Calcutta High Court ruled in 2003 that the city does not have a founder.[25] The area occupied by the present-day city encompassed three villages: Kalikata, Gobindapur, and Sutanuti. Kalikata was a fishing village; Sutanuti was a riverside weavers' village. They were part of an estate belonging to the Mughal emperor; the jagirdari (a land grant bestowed by a king on his noblemen) taxation rights to the villages were held by the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family of landowners, or zamindars. These rights were transferred to the East India Company in 1698.[26]:1

In 1712, the British completed the construction of Fort William, located on the east bank of the Hooghly River to protect their trading factory.[27] Facing frequent skirmishes with French forces, the British began to upgrade their fortifications in 1756. The Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daulah, condemned the militarisation and tax evasion by the company. His warning went unheeded, and the Nawab attacked; he captured Fort William which led to the killings of several East India company officials in the Black Hole of Calcutta.[28] A force of Company soldiers (sepoys) and British troops led by Robert Clive recaptured the city the following year.[28] Per the 1765 Treaty of Allahabad following the battle of Buxar, East India company was appointed imperial tax collector of the Mughal emperor in the province of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, while Mughal-appointed Nawabs continued to rule the province.[29] Declared a presidency city, Calcutta became the headquarters of the East India Company by 1773.[30] In 1793, ruling power of the Nawabs were abolished and East India company took complete control of the city and the province. In the early 19th century, the marshes surrounding the city were drained; the government area was laid out along the banks of the Hooghly River. Richard Wellesley, Governor-General of the Presidency of Fort William between 1797 and 1805, was largely responsible for the development of the city and its public architecture.[31] Throughout the late 18th and 19th century, the city was a centre of the East India Company's opium trade.[32]

By the 1850s, Calcutta had two areas: White Town, which was primarily British and centred on Chowringhee and Dalhousie Square; and Black Town, mainly Indian and centred on North Calcutta.[33] The city underwent rapid industrial growth starting in the early 1850s, especially in the textile and jute industries; this encouraged British companies to massively invest in infrastructure projects, which included telegraph connections and Howrah railway station. The coalescence of British and Indian culture resulted in the emergence of a new babu class of urbane Indians, whose members were often bureaucrats, professionals, newspaper readers, and Anglophiles; they usually belonged to upper-caste Hindu communities.[34] In the 19th century, the Bengal Renaissance brought about an increased sociocultural sophistication among city denizens. In 1883, Calcutta was host to the first national conference of the Indian National Association, the first avowed nationalist organisation in India.[35]

Bengali billboards on Harrison Street. Calcutta was the largest commercial centre in British India.

The partition of Bengal in 1905 along religious lines led to mass protests, making Calcutta a less hospitable place for the British.[36][37] The capital was moved to New Delhi in 1911.[38] Calcutta continued to be a centre for revolutionary organisations associated with the Indian independence movement. The city and its port were bombed several times by the Japanese between 1942 and 1944, during World War II.[39][40] Coinciding with the war, millions starved to death during the Bengal famine of 1943 due to a combination of military, administrative, and natural factors.[41] Demands for the creation of a Muslim state led in 1946 to an episode of communal violence that killed over 4,000.[42][43][44] The partition of India led to further clashes and a demographic shift—many Muslims left for East Pakistan (present day Bangladesh), while hundreds of thousands of Hindus fled into the city.[45]

During the 1960s and 1970s, severe power shortages, strikes, and a violent Marxist–Maoist movement by groups known as the Naxalites damaged much of the city's infrastructure, resulting in economic stagnation.[46] The Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 led to a massive influx of thousands of refugees, many of them penniless, that strained Kolkata's infrastructure.[47] During the mid-1980s, Mumbai (then called Bombay) overtook Kolkata as India's most populous city. In 1985, prime minister Rajiv Gandhi dubbed Kolkata a "dying city" in light of its socio-political woes.[48] In the period 1977–2011, West Bengal was governed from Kolkata by the Left Front, which was dominated by the Communist Party of India (CPM). It was the world's longest-serving democratically elected communist government, during which Kolkata was a key base for Indian communism.[49][50][51] In the West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, 2011, Left Front was defeated by the Trinamool Congress. The city's economic recovery gathered momentum after the 1990s, when India began to institute pro-market reforms. Since 2000, the information technology (IT) services sector has revitalised Kolkata's stagnant economy. The city is also experiencing marked growth in its manufacturing base.[52]

Geography

Spread roughly north–south along the east bank of the Hooghly River, Kolkata sits within the lower Ganges Delta of eastern India approximately 75 km (47 mi) west of the international border with Bangladesh; the city's elevation is 1.5–9 m (5–30 ft).[53] Much of the city was originally a wetland that was reclaimed over the decades to accommodate a burgeoning population.[54] The remaining undeveloped areas, known as the East Kolkata Wetlands, were designated a "wetland of international importance" by the Ramsar Convention (1975).[55] As with most of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, the soil and water are predominantly alluvial in origin. Kolkata is located over the "Bengal basin", a pericratonic tertiary basin.[56] Bengal basin comprises three structural units: shelf or platform in the west; central hinge or shelf/slope break; and deep basinal part in the east and southeast. Kolkata is located atop the western part of the hinge zone which is about 25 km (16 mi) wide at a depth of about 45,000 m (148,000 ft) below the surface.[56] The shelf and hinge zones have many faults, among them some are active. Total thickness of sediment below Kolkata is nearly 7,500 m (24,600 ft) above the crystalline basement; of these the top 350–450 m (1,150–1,480 ft) is Quaternary, followed by 4,500–5,500 m (14,760–18,040 ft) of Tertiary sediments, 500–700 m (1,640–2,300 ft) trap wash of Cretaceous trap and 600–800 m (1,970–2,620 ft) Permian-Carboniferous Gondwana rocks.[56] The quaternary sediments consist of clay, silt, and several grades of sand and gravel. These sediments are sandwiched between two clay beds: the lower one at a depth of 250–650 m (820–2,130 ft); the upper one 10–40 m (30–130 ft) in thickness.[57] According to the Bureau of Indian Standards, on a scale ranging from I to V in order of increasing susceptibility to earthquakes, the city lies inside seismic zone III.[58]

Urban structure

Howrah Bridge from the western bank of the Ganges

The Kolkata metropolitan area is spread over 1,886.67 km2 (728.45 sq mi)[59]:7 and comprises 3 municipal corporations (including Kolkata Municipal Corporation), 39 local municipalities and 24 panchayat samitis, as of 2011.[59]:7 The urban agglomeration encompassed 72 cities and 527 towns and villages, as of 2006.[60] Suburban areas in the Kolkata metropolitan area incorporate parts of the following districts: North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, and Nadia.[61]:15 Kolkata, which is under the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), has an area of 185 km2 (71 sq mi).[60] The east–west dimension of the city is comparatively narrow, stretching from the Hooghly River in the west to roughly the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass in the east—a span of 9–10 km (5.6–6.2 mi).[62] The north–south distance is greater, and its axis is used to section the city into North, Central, and South Kolkata. East Kolkata is also a section.

North Kolkata is the oldest part of the city. Characterised by 19th-century architecture, dilapidated buildings, overpopulated slums, crowded bazaars, and narrow alleyways, it includes areas such as Shyambazar, Hatibagan, Maniktala, Kankurgachi, Rajabazar, Shobhabazar, Shyampukur, Sonagachi, Kumortuli, Bagbazar, Jorasanko, Chitpur, Pathuriaghata, Cossipore, Kestopur, Sinthee, Belgachia, Jorabagan, and Dum Dum.[63]:65–66 The northern suburban areas like Baranagar, Durganagar, Noapara, Dunlop, Dakshineswar, Nagerbazar, Belghoria, Agarpara, Sodepur, Madhyamgram, Barasat, Birati, Khardah up to Barrackpur are also within the city of Kolkata (as a metropolitan structure).

Central Kolkata

Central Kolkata hosts the central business district. It contains B. B. D. Bagh, formerly known as Dalhousie Square, and the Esplanade on its east; Strand Road is on its west.[64] The West Bengal Secretariat, General Post Office, Reserve Bank of India, High Court, Lalbazar Police Headquarters, and several other government and private offices are located there. Another business hub is the area south of Park Street, which comprises thoroughfares such as Chowringhee, Camac Street, Wood Street, Loudon Street, Shakespeare Sarani, and A. J. C. Bose Road.[65] The Maidan is a large open field in the heart of the city that has been called the "lungs of Kolkata"[66] and accommodates sporting events and public meetings.[67] The Victoria Memorial and Kolkata Race Course are located at the southern end of the Maidan. Other important areas of Central Kolkata are Park Circus, Burrabazar, College Street, Sealdah, Taltala, Janbazar, Bowbazar, Entally, Chandni Chowk, Lalbazar, Chowringhee, Dharmatala, Tiretta Bazar, Bow Barracks, Mullick Bazar, Park Circus, Babughat etc. Among the other parks are Central Park in Bidhannagar and Millennium Park on Strand Road, along the Hooghly River.

South Kolkata

South Kolkata developed after India gained independence in 1947; it includes upscale neighbourhoods such as Ballygunge, Alipore, New Alipore, Lansdowne, Bhowanipore, Kalighat, Dhakuria, Gariahat, Tollygunge, Naktala, Jodhpur Park, Lake Gardens, Golf Green, Jadavpur, Garfa, Kalikapur, Haltu, Nandi Bagan, Santoshpur, Baghajatin, Garia, Ramgarh, Raipur, Kanungo Park, Ranikuthi, Bikramgarh, Bijoygarh, Bansdroni and Kudghat.[16] Outlying areas of South Kolkata include Garden Reach, Khidirpur, Metiabruz, Taratala, Majerhat, Budge Budge, Behala, Sarsuna, Barisha, Parnasree Pally, Thakurpukur, Maheshtala and Joka. The southern suburban neighbourhoods like Mahamayatala, Pratapgarh, Kamalgazi, Narendrapur, Sonarpur, Subhashgram and Baruipur are also within the city of Kolkata (as metropolitan, urban agglomeration area). Fort William, on the western part of the city, houses the headquarters of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army;[68] its premises are under the jurisdiction of the army.

East Kolkata

East Kolkata is largely composed of newly developed areas and neighbourhoods of Saltlake, Rajarhat, Tangra, Topsia, Kasba, Anandapur, Mukundapur, Picnic Garden, Beleghata, Ultadanga, Phoolbagan, Kaikhali, Lake Town, etc. Two planned townships in the greater Kolkata region are Bidhannagar, also known as Salt Lake City and located north-east of the city; and Rajarhat, also called New Town and sited east of Bidhannagar.[16][69] In the 2000s, Sector V in Bidhannagar developed into a business hub for information technology and telecommunication companies.[70][71] Both Bidhannagar and New Town are situated outside the Kolkata Municipal Corporation limits, in their own municipalities.[69]

Climate

Kolkata is subject to a tropical wet-and-dry climate that is designated Aw under the Köppen climate classification. According to a United Nations Development Programme report, its wind and cyclone zone is "very high damage risk".[58]

Temperature

The annual mean temperature is 26.8 °C (80.2 °F); monthly mean temperatures are 19–30 °C (66–86 °F). Summers (March–June) are hot and humid, with temperatures in the low 30s Celsius; during dry spells, maximum temperatures often exceed 40 °C (104 °F) in May and June.[72] Winter lasts for roughly two-and-a-half months, with seasonal lows dipping to 9–11 °C (48–52 °F) in December and January. May is the hottest month, with daily temperatures ranging from 27–37 °C (81–99 °F); January, the coldest month, has temperatures varying from 12–23 °C (54–73 °F). The highest recorded temperature is 43.9 °C (111.0 °F), and the lowest is 5 °C (41 °F).[72] The winter is mild and very comfortable weather pertains over the city throughout this season. Often, in April–June, the city is struck by heavy rains or dusty squalls that are followed by thunderstorms or hailstorms, bringing cooling relief from the prevailing humidity. These thunderstorms are convective in nature, and are known locally as kal bôishakhi (কালবৈশাখী), or "Nor'westers" in English.[73]

Rains brought by the Bay of Bengal branch of the south-west summer monsoon[74] lash Kolkata between June and September, supplying it with most of its annual rainfall of about 1,850 mm (73 in). The highest monthly rainfall total occurs in July and August. In these months often incessant rain for days brings live to a stall for the city dwellers. The city receives 2,528 hours of sunshine per year, with maximum sunlight exposure occurring in March.[75] Kolkata has been hit by several cyclones; these include systems occurring in 1737 and 1864 that killed thousands.[76][77]

Environmental issues

Pollution is a major concern in Kolkata. As of 2008, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide annual concentration were within the national ambient air quality standards of India, but respirable suspended particulate matter levels were high, and on an increasing trend for five consecutive years, causing smog and haze.[80][81] Severe air pollution in the city has caused a rise in pollution-related respiratory ailments, such as lung cancer.[82]

Economy

Kolkata is the main commercial and financial hub of East and North-East India[61] and home to the Calcutta Stock Exchange.[83][84] It is a major commercial and military port, and is the only city in eastern India, apart from Bhubaneswar to have an international airport. Once India's leading city, Kolkata experienced a steady economic decline in the decades following India's independence due to steep population increases and a rise in militant trade-unionism, which included frequent strikes that were backed by left-wing parties.[52] From the 1960s to the late 1990s, several factories were closed and businesses relocated.[52] The lack of capital and resources added to the depressed state of the city's economy and gave rise to an unwelcome sobriquet: the "dying city".[85] The city's fortunes improved after the Indian economy was liberalised in the 1990s and changes in economic policy were enacted by the West Bengal state government.[52]

Flexible production has been the norm in Kolkata, which has an informal sector that employs more than 40% of the labour force.[16] One unorganised group, roadside hawkers, generated business worth ₹ 8,772 crore (US$ 2 billion) in 2005.[86] As of 2001, around 0.81% of the city's workforce was employed in the primary sector (agriculture, forestry, mining, etc.); 15.49% worked in the secondary sector (industrial and manufacturing); and 83.69% worked in the tertiary sector (service industries).[61]:19 As of 2003, the majority of households in slums were engaged in occupations belonging to the informal sector; 36.5% were involved in servicing the urban middle class (as maids, drivers, etc.), and 22.2% were casual labourers.[87]:11 About 34% of the available labour force in Kolkata slums were unemployed.[87]:11 According to one estimate, almost a quarter of the population live on less than 27 rupees (equivalent to 45 US cents) per day.[88] As of 2010, Kolkata, with an estimated gross domestic product (GDP) by purchasing power parity of 150 billion dollars, ranked third among South Asian cities, after Mumbai and Delhi.[89] Kolkata's GDP in 2014 was Rs 1.84 trillion, according to a collaborative assessment by multiple universities and climate agencies.[90] As in many other Indian cities, information technology became a high-growth sector in Kolkata starting in the late 1990s; the city's IT sector grew at 70% per annum—a rate that was twice the national average.[52] The 2000s saw a surge of investments in the real estate, infrastructure, retail, and hospitality sectors; several large shopping malls and hotels were launched.[91][92][93][94][95] Companies such as ITC Limited, CESC Limited, Exide Industries, Emami, Eveready Industries India, Lux Industries, Rupa Company, Berger Paints, Birla Corporation and Britannia Industries are headquartered in the city. Philips India, PricewaterhouseCoopers India, Tata Global Beverages, Tata Steel have their registered office and zonal headquarters in Kolkata. Kolkata hosts the headquarters of three major public-sector banks: Allahabad Bank, UCO Bank, and the United Bank of India; and a private bank Bandhan Bank. Reserve Bank of India has its eastern zonal office in Kolkata, and India Government Mint, Kolkata is one of the four mints in India.

Panoramic view of the Down town Sector V one of the major IT hubs of Kolkata as seen from the lakes surrounding Bidhannagar. Major Buildings such as Technopolis, Godrej Waterside, TCS Lords, Eden and Wanderers Park, Gobsyn Crystal, South City Pinnacle, RDB Boulevard, West Bengal Electronics Industry Development Corporation (WEBEL) Bhawan can be seen.

Demographics

See also: Health care in Kolkata

A big building in cream colour with many columns and a portico

Calcutta Medical College, the second institution in Asia to teach modern medicine(after 'Ecole de Médicine de Pondichéry')

IPGMER and SSKM Hospital, Kolkata is the largest hospital in West Bengal and one of the oldest in Kolkata.

As of 2011, the health care system in Kolkata consists of 48 government hospitals, mostly under the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, and 366 private medical establishments;[177] these establishments provide the city with 27,687 hospital beds.[177] For every 10,000 people in the city, there are 61.7 hospital beds,[178] which is higher than the national average of 9 hospital beds per 10,000.[179] Ten medical and dental colleges are located in the Kolkata metropolitan area which act as tertiary referral hospitals in the state.[180][181] The Calcutta Medical College, founded in 1835, was the first institution in Asia to teach modern medicine.[182] However, These facilities are inadequate to meet the healthcare needs of the city.[183][184][185] More than 78% in Kolkata prefer the private medical sector over the public medical sector,[117]:109 due to the poor quality of care, the lack of a nearby facility, and excessive waiting times at government facilities.[117]:61

According to the Indian 2005 National Family Health Survey, only a small proportion of Kolkata households were covered under any health scheme or health insurance.[117]:41 The total fertility rate in Kolkata was 1.4, The lowest among the eight cities surveyed.[117]:45 In Kolkata, 77% of the married women used contraceptives, which was the highest among the cities surveyed, but use of modern contraceptive methods was the lowest (46%).[117]:47 The infant mortality rate in Kolkata was 41 per 1,000 live births, and the mortality rate for children under five was 49 per 1,000 live births.[117]:48

Among the surveyed cities, Kolkata stood second (5%) for children who had not had any vaccinations under the Universal Immunization Programme as of 2005.[117]:48 Kolkata ranked second with access to an anganwadi centre under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme for 57% of the children between 0 and 71 months.[117]:51 The proportion of malnourished, anaemic and underweight children in Kolkata was less in comparison to other surveyed cities.[117]:54–55

About 18% of the men and 30% of the women in Kolkata are obese—the majority of them belonging to the non-poor strata of society.[117]:105 In 2005, Kolkata had the highest percentage (55%) among the surveyed cities of anaemic women, while 20% of the men in Kolkata were anaemic.[117]:56–57 Diseases like diabetes, asthma, goitre and other thyroid disorders were found in large numbers of people.[117]:57–59 Tropical diseases like malaria, dengue and chikungunya are prevalent in Kolkata, though their incidence is decreasing.[186][187] Kolkata is one of the districts in India with a high number of people with AIDS; it has been designated a district prone to high risk.[188][189]

As of 2014, because of higher air pollution, the life expectancy of a person born in the city is four years fewer than in the suburbs.[190]

Education

Kolkata's schools are run by the state government or private organisations, many of which are religious. Bengali and English are the primary languages of instruction; Urdu and Hindi are also used, particularly in central Kolkata.[191][192] Schools in Kolkata follow the "10+2+3" plan. After completing their secondary education, students typically enroll in schools that have a higher secondary facility and are affiliated with the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education, the ICSE, or the CBSE.[191] They usually choose a focus on liberal arts, business, or science. Vocational programs are also available.[191] Some Kolkata schools, for example La Martiniere Calcutta, Calcutta Boys' School, St. James' School (Kolkata), St. Xavier's Collegiate School, and Loreto House, have been ranked amongst the best schools in the country.[193]

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade

As of 2010, the Kolkata urban agglomeration is home to 14 universities run by the state government.[194] The colleges are each affiliated with a university or institution based either in Kolkata or elsewhere in India. Aliah University which was founded in 1780 as Mohammedan College of Calcutta is the oldest post-secondary educational institution of the city.[195] The University of Calcutta, founded in 1857, is the first modern university in South Asia.[196] Presidency College, Kolkata (formerly Hindu College between 1817 and 1855), founded in 1855, was one of the oldest and most eminent colleges in India. It was affiliated with the University of Calcutta until 2010 when it was converted to Presidency University, Kolkata in 2010. Bengal Engineering and Science University (BESU) is the second oldest engineering institution of the country located in Howrah.[197] An Institute of National Importance, BESU was converted to India's first IIEST. Jadavpur University is known for its arts, science, and engineering faculties.[198] The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, which was the first of the Indian Institutes of Management, was established in 1961 at Joka, a locality in the south-western suburbs. Kolkata also houses the prestigious Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, which was started here in the year 2006.[199] The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences is one of India's autonomous law schools,[200][201] and the Indian Statistical Institute is a public research institute and university. State owned Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal (MAKAUT, WB), formerly West Bengal University of Technology (WBUT) is the largest Technological University in terms of student enrollment and number of Institutions affiliated by it. Private institutions include the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute and University of Engineering & Management (UEM).

Notable scholars who were born, worked or studied in Kolkata include physicists Satyendra Nath Bose, Meghnad Saha,[202] and Jagadish Chandra Bose;[203] chemist Prafulla Chandra Roy;[202] statisticians Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis and Anil Kumar Gain;[202] physician Upendranath Brahmachari;[202] educator Ashutosh Mukherjee;[204] and Nobel laureates Rabindranath Tagore,[205] C. V. Raman,[203] and Amartya Sen.[206]

Kolkata houses many premier research institutes like Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bose Institute, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI), S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC) and Indian Centre for Space Physics. Nobel laureate Sir C. V. Raman did his groundbreaking work in Raman effect in IACS.

Culture

Kolkata is known for its literary, artistic, and revolutionary heritage; as the former capital of India, it was the birthplace of modern Indian literary and artistic thought.[207] Kolkata has been called the "City of Furious, Creative Energy"[208] as well as the "cultural [or literary] capital of India".[209][210] The presence of paras, which are neighbourhoods that possess a strong sense of community, is characteristic of the city.[211] Typically, each para has its own community club and, on occasion, a playing field.[211] Residents engage in addas, or leisurely chats, that often take the form of freestyle intellectual conversation.[212][213] The city has a tradition of political graffiti depicting everything from outrageous slander to witty banter and limericks, caricatures, and propaganda.[214][215]

Kolkata has many buildings adorned with Indo-Islamic and Indo-Saracenic architectural motifs. Several well-maintained major buildings from the colonial period have been declared "heritage structures";[216] others are in various stages of decay.[217][218] Established in 1814 as the nation's oldest museum, the Indian Museum houses large collections that showcase Indian natural history and Indian art.[219] Marble Palace is a classic example of a European mansion that was built in the city. The Victoria Memorial, a place of interest in Kolkata, has a museum documenting the city's history. The National Library of India is the leading public library in the country while Science City is the largest science centre in the Indian subcontinent.[220]

The popularity of commercial theatres in the city has declined since the 1980s.[221]:99[222] Group theatres of Kolkata, a cultural movement that started in the 1940s contrasting with the then-popular commercial theatres, are theatres that are not professional or commercial, and are centres of various experiments in theme, content, and production;[223] group theatres use the proscenium stage to highlight socially relevant messages.[221]:99[224] Chitpur locality of the city houses multiple production companies of jatra, a tradition of folk drama popular in rural Bengal.[225][226] Kolkata is the home of the Bengali cinema industry, dubbed "Tollywood" for Tollygunj, where most of the state's film studios are located.[227] Its long tradition of art films includes globally acclaimed film directors such as Academy Award-winning director Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen, Tapan Sinha, and contemporary directors such as Aparna Sen, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, Goutam Ghose and Rituparno Ghosh.[228]

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Bengali literature was modernised through the works of authors such as Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay.[229] Coupled with social reforms led by Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and others, this constituted a major part of the Bengal Renaissance.[230] The middle and latter parts of the 20th century witnessed the arrival of post-modernism, as well as literary movements such as those espoused by the Kallol movement, hungryalists and the little magazines.[231] Large majority of publishers of the city is concentrated in and around College Street, "... a half-mile of bookshops and bookstalls spilling over onto the pavement", selling new and used books.[232]

Kalighat painting originated in 19th century Kolkata as a local style that reflected a variety of themes including mythology and quotidian life.[233] The Government College of Art and Craft, founded in 1864, has been the cradle as well as workplace of eminent artists including Abanindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, and Nandalal Bose.[234] The art college was the birthplace of the Bengal school of art that arose as an avant garde and nationalist movement reacting against the prevalent academic art styles in the early 20th century.[235][236] The Academy of Fine Arts and other art galleries hold regular art exhibitions. The city is recognised for its appreciation of Rabindra sangeet (songs written by Rabindranath Tagore) and Indian classical music, with important concerts and recitals, such as Dover Lane Music Conference, being held throughout the year; Bengali popular music, including baul folk ballads, kirtans, and Gajan festival music; and modern music, including Bengali-language adhunik songs.[237][238] Since the early 1990s, new genres have emerged, including one comprising alternative folk–rock Bengali bands.[237] Another new style, jibonmukhi gaan ("songs about life"), is based on realism.[221]:105 Key elements of Kolkata's cuisine include rice and a fish curry known as machher jhol,[239] which can be accompanied by desserts such as roshogolla, sandesh, and a sweet yoghurt known as mishti dohi. Bengal's large repertoire of seafood dishes includes various preparations of ilish, a fish that is a favourite among Calcuttans. Street foods such as beguni (fried battered eggplant slices), kati roll (flatbread roll with vegetable or chicken, mutton, or egg stuffing), phuchka (a deep-fried crêpe with tamarind sauce) and Indian Chinese cuisine from Chinatown are popular.[240][241][242][243]

Though Bengali women traditionally wear the sari, the shalwar kameez and Western attire is gaining acceptance among younger women.[244] Western-style dress has greater acceptance among men, although the traditional dhoti and kurta are seen during festivals. Durga Puja, held in September–October, is Kolkata's most important and largest festival; it is an occasion for glamorous celebrations and artistic decorations.[245][246] The Bengali New Year, known as Poila Boishak, as well as the harvest festival of Poush Parbon are among the city's other festivals; also celebrated are Kali Puja, Diwali, Holi, Jagaddhatri Puja, Saraswati Puja, Rathayatra, Janmashtami, Maha Shivratri, Vishwakarma Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Ganesh Chathurthi, Makar Sankranti, Gajan, Kalpataru Day, Bhai Phonta, Maghotsab, Eid, Muharram, Christmas, Buddha Purnima and Mahavir Jayanti. Cultural events include the Rabindra Jayanti, Independence Day(15 August), Republic Day(26 January), Kolkata Book Fair, the Dover Lane Music Festival, the Kolkata Film Festival, Nandikar's National Theatre Festival, Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally and Gandhi Jayanti.

Media

See also: Kolkata in the media and List of Bengali-language television channels

A five storied building in cream colour with multiple columns in front

Akashvani Bhawan, the head office of state-owned All India Radio, Kolkata

The first newspaper in India, the Bengal Gazette started publishing from the city in 1780.[247] Among Kolkata's widely circulated Bengali-language newspapers are Anandabazar Patrika, Bartaman, Sangbad Pratidin, Aajkaal, Dainik Statesman and Ganashakti.[248] The Statesman and The Telegraph are two major English-language newspapers that are produced and published from Kolkata. Other popular English-language newspapers published and sold in Kolkata include The Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Hindu, The Indian Express, and the Asian Age.[248] As the largest trading centre in East India, Kolkata has several high-circulation financial dailies, including The Economic Times, The Financial Express, Business Line, and Business Standard.[248][249] Vernacular newspapers, such as those in the Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Odia, Punjabi, and Chinese languages, are read by minorities.[248][103] Major periodicals based in Kolkata include Desh, Sananda, Saptahik Bartaman, Unish-Kuri, Anandalok, and Anandamela.[248] Historically, Kolkata has been the centre of the Bengali little magazine movement.[250][251]

All India Radio, the national state-owned radio broadcaster, airs several AM radio stations in the city.[252] Kolkata has 12 local radio stations broadcasting on FM, including two from AIR.[253] India's state-owned television broadcaster, Doordarshan, provides two free-to-air terrestrial channels,[254] while a mix of Bengali, Hindi, English, and other regional channels are accessible via cable subscription, direct-broadcast satellite services, or internet-based television.[255][256][257] Bengali-language 24-hour television news channels include ABP Ananda, Tara Newz, Kolkata TV, 24 Ghanta, News Time and Channel 10.[258]

Sports

See also: Football in Kolkata, Kolkata Marathon, and Kolkata derby

Salt Lake Stadium during Indian Super League opening ceremony

The most popular sports in Kolkata are football and cricket. Unlike most parts of India, the residents show significant passion for football.[259] The city is home to top national football clubs such as Mohun Bagan A.C., East Bengal F.C., Prayag United S.C., and the Mohammedan Sporting Club.[260][261] Calcutta Football League, which was started in 1898, is the oldest football league in Asia.[262] Mohun Bagan A.C., one of the oldest football clubs in Asia, is the only organisation to be dubbed a "National Club of India".[263][264] Football matches between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, dubbed as the Kolkata derby, witness large audience attendance and rivalry between patrons.[265]

A Twenty20 cricket match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Pune Warriors during Indian Premier League at the Eden Gardens

As in the rest of India, cricket is popular in Kolkata and is played on grounds and in streets throughout the city.[266][267] Kolkata has the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders; the Cricket Association of Bengal, which regulates cricket in West Bengal, is also based in the city. Kolkata also has an Indian Super League franchise known as Atlético de Kolkata. Tournaments, especially those involving cricket, football, badminton, and carrom, are regularly organised on an inter-locality or inter-club basis.[211] The Maidan, a vast field that serves as the city's largest park, hosts several minor football and cricket clubs and coaching institutes.[268]

Eden Gardens, which has a capacity of 68,000 as of 2017,[269] hosted the final match of the 1987 Cricket World Cup. It is home to the Bengal cricket team and the Kolkata Knight Riders.

The multi-use Salt Lake Stadium, also known as Yuva Bharati Krirangan, is India's largest stadium by seating capacity. Most matches of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup were played in the Salt Lake Stadium including both Semi-Final matches and the Final match. Kolkata also accounted for 45% of total attendance in 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup with an average of 55,345 spectators.[270] The Calcutta Cricket and Football Club is the second-oldest cricket club in the world.[271][272]

Kolkata's Netaji Indoor Stadium served as host of the 1981 Asian Basketball Championship, where India's national basketball team finished 5th, ahead of teams that belong to Asia's basketball elite, such as Iran. The city has three 18-hole golf courses. The oldest is at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club, the first golf club built outside the United Kingdom.[273][274] The other two are located at the Tollygunge Club and at Fort William. The Royal Calcutta Turf Club hosts horse racing and polo matches.[275] The Calcutta Polo Club is considered the oldest extant polo club in the world.[276][277][278] The Calcutta Racket Club is a squash and racquet club in Kolkata. It was founded in 1793, making it one of the oldest rackets clubs in the world, and the first in the Indian subcontinent.[279][280] The Calcutta South Club is a venue for national and international tennis tournaments; it held the first grass-court national championship in 1946.[281][282] In the period 2005–2007, Sunfeast Open, a tier-III tournament on the Women's Tennis Association circuit, was held in the Netaji Indoor Stadium; it has since been discontinued.[283][284]

The Calcutta Rowing Club hosts rowing heats and training events. Kolkata, considered the leading centre of rugby union in India, gives its name to the oldest international tournament in rugby union, the Calcutta Cup.[285][286][287] The Automobile Association of Eastern India, established in 1904,[288][289] and the Bengal Motor Sports Club are involved in promoting motor sports and car rallies in Kolkata and West Bengal.[290][291] The Beighton Cup, an event organised by the Bengal Hockey Association and first played in 1895, is India's oldest field hockey tournament; it is usually held on the Mohun Bagan Ground of the Maidan.[292][293] Athletes from Kolkata include Sourav Ganguly and Pankaj Roy, who are former captains of the Indian national cricket team; Olympic tennis bronze medallist Leander Paes, golfer Arjun Atwal, and former footballers Sailen Manna, Chuni Goswami, P. K. Banerjee, and Subrata Bhattacharya.

Kolkata /koʊlˈkɑːtə/ ([kolkata] (About this soundlisten), also known as Calcutta /kælˈkʌtə/, the official name until 2001) is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Located on the east bank of the Hooghly River approximately 75 kilometres (47 mi) west of the border with Bangladesh, it is the principal commercial, cultural, and educational centre of East India, while the Port of Kolkata is India's oldest operating port and its sole major riverine port. The city is widely regarded as the "cultural capital" of India, and is also nicknamed the "City of Joy".[1][2][3].According to the 2011 Indian census, it is the seventh most populous city. the city had a population of 4.5 million, while the population of the city and its suburbs was 14.1 million, making it the third-most populous metropolitan area in India. Recent estimates of Kolkata Metropolitan Area's economy have ranged from $60 to $150 billion (GDP adjusted for purchasing power parity) making it third most-productive metropolitan area in India, after Mumbai and Delhi.[11][12][13]

Receiving orders by Gauthier Delecroix - 郭天

26 4

The last "food" shot of my journey in the ancient fishermen town of Xiamen. There was a bunch of clients surrounding this little cooking station shop who made me interested about it. Let's have a try of this specific "omelette" that everybody was apparently waiting for... and that was quite a good surprise actually. The funny things here is that lady was able to cook several ones in the same time without forgetting which one belongs to which clients.

This is China~~

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Facebook

Giving orders by Reiterlied

16 1

Orders by Lady Smirnoff

12 22

I give you a hand.

You give me a hug and hide me in your loving arms.

short orders by Lenore Locken

15 4

I found this old beauty on the side of the building at the Penguin Drive-in in Charlotte, NC. Sadly, the Penguin, which opened in the 1950s, is gone now. We ate there just once -- it was the first time I ever tried dill pickles. They weren't bad at all LOL

Orders uncropped by Kasmira

Roar by Brian McCaffrey

13 2

OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 300mm f2.8 -- barking out orders to the youngsters

Amazon Orders by dolljunk

I wasn’t going to get another Steve Trevor doll but I saw him on Amazon for $17 which was a pretty good price for one working doll. The seller took longer than expected to ship out so I’ve been waiting to swap parts around so I didn’t take any before pics.

Anyway, as you know, swapping his legs with Wonder Woman was super easy, but I really like Steve’s head on the Batman body so they swapped heads.

I’m a bit annoyed he came with an eyebrow rub but I can fix that.

But hey, welcome my twins Steve and Trevor.

Orders to myself by Matt Howard

October2024.Abandoned Garage in downtown Malvern, Arkansas.Foma100at50.PentaxZ1p.SMC Pentax-FA 100mm F3.5 Macro.CafenolCL@1hr+Scanned:FujifilmXH2

Getting his Orders by Peter Corser

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Taking Orders by Aaron

15 25

Happly Thanksgiving

DCU Superman and Green Lantern: Holiday Special (2/2) by King Clown

21 2

"Evacuate! Evacuate!"

The strained orders of the MPD officer filled the street, dozens of citizens fleeing the crowded area. On the ground were toys; dozens of Superman action figures, all equipped with laser eyes that shred through steel and concrete.

"Officers," called out a voice from above. The squad of police turned, seeing the blue and red clad figure floating above them. "I'll take care of this, focus on evacuation."

The officer in command nodded, ushering his team to follow. Clark looked at the street, dozens of the mechanical toys designed after himself rampaging across the city.

He quickly zipped down, his eyes glowing red and blasting multiple with his heat vision. The plastic of the toy melts as he does, revealing the shining silver exoskeleton.

"Great," he mutters, doubling back to the now exoskeleton toys. "If heat vision won't work, guess I've got to stick to freezing."

With that, Clark lets out a large breath, icy air blasting from his mouth onto the robots. The silver toys form a white like frost as they slow to a stop, falling onto the ground.

"At least I know that wasn't a fluke back at-"

Before Clark can finish his sentence, the glass of a nearby store shatters. His head turns to see more toys leaping from the window, all converging on him.

As Clark readies for a large gust of air, a toy from behind him latches to the back of his neck; it's laser eyes firing directly on his skin. Clark' hand moves to grab a hold of the toy, bringing it to his face. A quick blast of freeze breath causes the toy to go rigid, Clark's fist closing to shatter the figure.

Another toy instantly leaps to Clark, following suit to latch onto him, only by the thigh. Before he can react, another grabs hold of his arm, keeping him from reaching for the other toy. Another followed, then again. As Clark struggled, more of the figures attached to his body, keeping him in place. As being covered, two of the toys flew full force into the backs of his knees, taking the hero down to a praying position.

Clark struggled, his mind searching for a way out. His current position stopped his freeze breath from being usable, while his heat vision was useless against the robots.

Suddenly, a bright green light filled his vision, the robots seemingly vanishing from his body. His head turned, looking up to see two men floating in the air.

"Heya, big blue," called out Hall Jordan, smiling next to John Stewart. "Forget to read the instructions?"

-^- An hour earlier -^-

"Merry Christmas," said John, smiling as he handed the couple in front of him a Superman action figure.

John and Hal had both signed to help pass out presents to the families in need, as they did every year. The two were making the final handouts, Christmas morning only a few hours away.

"It's not trouble ma'am," smiled Hal as he handed another wrapped toy to another woman. His head turned over to John, the smile still on his face. "Wonder why the boyscout signed to 'Nimball Toy Co.'?"

"You think he signed to it?" John asked, wrapping the next gift, ready for another family to arrive. "I assumed someone just made the toy and he didn't attest."

"Huh, could be," Hall shrugged, looking down to the toy in his hands. His head tilted as he watched its eyes light up red. "Hey, these aren't supposed to have any type of effects, right?"

"Merry Christmas," John greeted, handing over another gift. "Nope, no batteries."

Hal looked back at the toy, his eyes growing in realization. "John, break the toys!"

"Huh?"

The sudden blast of red energy ripped through the packaging of the figure, knocking Hal backwards.

John's ring instantly lit up, his suit forming over his body. "What the hell!?"

A beam of green shot out from behind the table, piercing the toy, disabling it. Hal stood, now in full costume as well. "That's definitely not child safe."

John took cautious steps forward, kneeling to pick up the broken toy.

"Killer Superman toy?" he asked, turning to Hal.

Hal nodded, "Looks like we get to go pay the big guy a visit."

-^- Present Time -^-

"So only one of the toys activated?" asked Clark, rubbing his chin. "Must mean that they are manually activated."

"It would make sense," agreed John, nodding his head. "The ones we had were a donation, probably from here. Maybe the range messed with the activation."

"Possibly… but either way, I'm glad I have you two here," Clark responded, a smile on his face.

"Don't mention it, big guy," dismissed Hal, parting him on the shoulder.

"You're g-g-going to neeeeed all the he-lp you c-c-can get…"

The three heroes all turned, staring down at the malfunctioning robot.

"That was Toyman," Clark confirmed, looking at the two Lanterns. "That means he's-"

Suddenly, the ground shook, all three of them turning to the epicenter of the sound. Rounding the corner of the street was a massive robot Superman, it's design resembling the toy figures. It's hand wrapped around a nearby billboard, ripping it off and tossing it at the cop cars below.

Clark instantly bursted towards the car, catching the billboard before it could flatten the officers inside.

"Get out of here, officers," commanded Clark, the cops turning and leaving the area as fast as they could.

The robot, finishing it's motion, slammed it's foot down onto the billboard, sending Clark deep into the pavement.

Both Hal and John flew into the air, the two taking off in opposite directions. With Hal on the right flank, he began launching a barrage of candy cane shaped missiles at the robot.

"Quit trying to ruin Christmas just because kids wanted a ps3 over a yo-yo," shouted the brunet, dodging a swipe from it's giant hand.

As the robot swung again, its arm was grabbed by John's chain construct, restricting it from movement. The robot's head swivelled; it's head now faced John with glowing red eyes.

Before it could fire, it's body began to tilt backwards, off balance. On the ground, Clark began to lift the foot of the mechanical monster, slowly causing the machine to tip back.

Before it could fall, the robot's soles and hands began to emit large bursts of exhaust, the body slowly beginning to rise.

"It's trying to get away," called John, his chain constructs breaking away.

"Try being the key word," noted Hal, raising his arm.

John followed suit, both creating a web of ropes that wrapped around the hands and feet of the robot, holding it in place.

"All you, Superman," shouted John, turning his head to the ground.

A blue and red whiz flew past the two Lanterns, it's speed matching that of a bullet. The blue soared up the body of the machine, until a crushing impact sounded off. Both Lanterns raised their heads marveling at the now decapitated robot.

Above the robot hovered Clark, the head in his hand. "So, who wants to go meet Santa?"

-^- Ten Minutes Later -^-

"So this is the spot?" asked John, his ring being used as a makeshift flashlight.

"Yep, the robot was programmed to come back here," replied Hal, his ring ready for a surprise attack.

"This is definitely Winslow's workshop," confirmed Clark, his eyes tracing the various shelves filled with toys and trinkets. "The lead walls are also a dead giveaway."

The trio moved throughout the workshop, passing multiple robots designed after Superman, all adorning different wacky costumes and designs. Upon reaching the end of the room, the group stumbled upon a trapdoor.

"Well?" asked Hal, looking at Clark.

"Nope, still lead," he noted, reaching for the hatch. "You two follow me."

The two waited for Clark to drop in, before they followed suit. Upon entering, the two saw the workbench of Toyman, along with the man himself.

"Toyman," Clark greeted, stepping forwards toward the man.

"Ah, Superman," the man sighed, placing his chin on his hand. "Come to play a game?" His eyes trailed to the two behind him, a small smile appearing on his face. "Oh, you brought friends? I'm sure a good board game would be fun this Christmas Eve."

As Clark got closer, he stopped in place, eying down Toyman. "No more games, Winslow," he announced, raising his hand to the side, catching what seemed to be a fist.

Both John and Hal turned their heads, eyes widening at the sight. Stepping out of the shadows of the room was a seven-foot tall, lengthy machine, dressed in a yellow and black jester suit; its wood-like paint job and proportions giving it a puppet-like appearance.

"Ugh, Jack has gotten so predictable these days," groaned Schott, a frustrated frown on his face. As he looked back up to the trio, his smile returned. "Good thing he was on the Nice-List this year."

Clark raised an eyebrow, his head turning back to the puppet. His eyes widened as it opened its mouth, a green glow emitting from the hole.

"Kryptonite!?" Clark gasped, letting go of the fist and backing up. The robot immediately jabbed at the man, sending him to the floor.

"Metallo had such an amazing play feature," cackled the ginger, now standing on his chair. "I just knew Jack needed the same."

The puppet marched forward, ready to strike once more before a green wall separated the two.

"John, help Superman," called Hal, John nodding and rushing to the man on the ground.

Hal eyed the puppet, it's glowing white eyes staring back. The puppet launched forward, Hal narrowly creating a shield to block the attack. The puppet doesn't relent, bringing it's fists up and slamming them down against the construct.

Hal held the shield, noticing it slowly form cracks along the impact point. His eyes caught wind of the joints of the machine, noticing how open they were to match the puppet design. As the mechanism swung, Hal ducked under it, creating a power drill to unscrew the elbow. As the machine recovered, it's right forearm fell off, now detached from it's bicep.

"Sorry, Jacky," spoke Hal, creating a second power drill construct, "but playtime is over."

John knelt down next to Clark, checking for any external wounds. Clark batted his hand away, pointing to the glow of Jack's mouth.

John looked between the two, aiming his ring and creating a barrier around the hero.

Clark immediately began to regain his strength, now behind the protective barrier of John. Coming to a stand, his eyes met Schott's.

Schott quickly reached under his desk, pulling out some type of Nerf gun. "Not this time, Superman!" shouted the man, launching multiple Kryptonite darts at Clark.

Clark stood firm, the darts bouncing off the protective barrier around his body. Schott glanced over to Jack, now in pieces on the floor, Hal holding the piece of Kryptonite in a bubble.

"Oh, Bah Humbug."

-^-^-

"Dad! Dad! Wake up dad!"

Clark's eyes slowly opened, his vision filled with his son leaping on the bed in excitement.

"C'mon dad!" Shouted the boy, continuing to bounce up and down. "Get up, hurry!"

"I’m up Jon," the man responded, his voice still groggy as he rubs his eyes.

"Hurry, dad! It’s christmas!" he yells out as he jumps from the bed to the door, bolting into the hallway.

Clark's eyes, now free of sleep, meet those of his wife standing in the doorway, holding two mugs in her hands. Her own bed head makes him smile as he sits up.

"That boy will never get tired unless it’s convenient, I swear," she sighs out, handing one of the mugs to Clark; hot chocolate.

"Thank you, honey," says the man, blowing some of the steam away.

"So, Green Lanterns, huh?" she asks, a slight smirk on her face.

"How did you-"

"Clark, you weren’t being subtle when fighting a giant robot of you," she states bluntly, taking a sip of her own cocoa. "In fact, I don’t think it’s even possible to be subtle in that regard.

"Also, the media has been going nuts all night regarding Super-Santa and his Elf Lanterns, so…"

The man chuckled into his mug, "It just kinda happened, but I'm glad they showed up when they did." Clark took a moment to think back in the night before, the help from the two saving him from the kryptonite weaponry that Schott had installed.

"By the way, what made you get up so-"

"Mama! Dad!"

Clark looked up to Lois, who was smirking as if she knew what he was screaming about. The two left the bedroom to see the boy in his Flash pajamas knelt in front of some kind of kennel.

"What is that mama?" he asks, pointing to the kennel.

"Well," started Lois, kneeling down next to the boy. "That is something that I know you’ve been wanting for some time now, so I may have written an extra letter to the North Pole…"

He looked back to the kennel then his eyes flew back to his parents, widening in realization. His arm opened the kennel's door to reveal a small orange kitten with bright emerald eyes.

"A kitty!" he exclaimed before grabbing and hugging the kitten.

Clark's own eyes widened a bit, looking over to Lois a whispering, "A cat?"

"Jon had said he felt sad when he saw a litter of kittens at an adoption display a while back," she explained, looking at the boy petting the kitten. "I thought that since he's been good this year, why not get him a pet."

Clark smiled, watching his son run around the tree with the highly energetic kitten. "I think it’s a good idea to get him someone to play with," he says, turning back to her. "He is a bit young though."

"Huh, if old Smallville isn't one very handsome pot to call the kettle black?" she asks, placing a hand on her hip. "If I recall, you were already tending to cows and pigs at his age."

The man chuckles slightly, "Alright, you got me with that one."

"I know I did," she responds, kneeling down next to Jon once more. "Now Jon, you need to make sure to be careful with him, having a pet is a lot of responsibility."

"I know mama," he responds before smiling. "I'll do my bestest." Lois responds with a smile and small cheek pinch.

"That just leaves one more thing," Clark asks, gaining both of their attention. "What are you gonna name him?"

Jon gasps, as if he forgot all about that. His gaze settled on the cat, which hadn't stopped running around yet. His eyes finally looked back to the parents with a smile on his face.

"Streaky!"

Want orders? by AbhinavKochhar

Individual orders by MoiAtelier

Orders by Brian Evans

16 1

Mother shouting orders to one of her children, in this case it was "come back" Bacolod City, Philippines.

Last orders by Bay Whale

8 1

orders of magnitude by lars on mars

10 3

Orders Briefing by Xero_Fett

22 5

Arealight helmets

Arealight Back Packs

Arealight Phase I macro visor

MMBC Capes kama & pauldron

CAC DC-17 sniper ver.

Fineclonier Decals (WIP)

Here is what I'm referring to as my "minimalist MOC". This is White Squad & Blue Squads receiving the orders for their mission on Ord Mantell. You can see the comic cell inspiration in the link below.

Reference can be found here:

starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Blue_Squad

DCU The Spectre: Spirit of Vengeance by WildeMikey

18 3

My name is James Brendan Corrigan, and I’ve been dead for half of my life. In 1940, I was following a fresh lead on the notorious New York mobster Gat Benson. As a dedicated detective and an even more dedicated husband, I was determined to find and punish the man who took the one thing I loved most away from me. Predictably lured into a trap by Benson and his men, I was beaten to near death before I was thrown into a river, where I would drown, and to never be seen again. Filled with rage, I sank into the freezing cold water, begging anyone who would listen for a second chance. No one answered. I was dead. Darkness had already consumed everything. Until, suddenly, a mysterious presence appeared, offering me a deal to avenge my wife’s death, so long as I followed its orders. I agreed and was transformed into a spirit of vengeance. Since then, I’ve used my omnipotence and eternal wrath to seek justice for the innocent, and instill punishment to those who deserve it. I am vengeance. I am The Spectre.

======================================================================

July 7th, 1953. 11:17 am.

I arrive at the precinct for an interrogation session with the recently arrested Paul Reinman, the small-time criminal villain Yellow Wasp. He was apprehended by my JSA teammate Blue Beetle, who informed me personally of Reinman’s actions. I walk into the interrogation room with utter disgust, but I suppress my frustration. I can not abuse my power. I must retain my duty as a cop to entrust the system to punish the scum of this world. Even if he deserves to suffer in Hell for eternity.

“How we doin’ today Mr. Reinman?”, I ask sarcastically as I take a seat in front of him.

“'You my lawyer?” he asks impulsively.

“No. No, I am not”, I respond. “I’m detective Jim Corrigan, and I have a few questions to ask you”.

Disappointed, the suspect rolls his eyes. “Whatever. Let’s get this over with”.

My resentment begins to manifest. “Do you know what you did, Mr. Reinman?”.

The suspect seems annoyed at my question like I’m his insistent mother who’s given him the same lecture five times already. It infuriates me.

“You know what, let me make it easier and answer that for you. Besides the countless other murders and prison escapes in the past, earlier this morning you decided to rob a convenience store as your Yellow Wasp persona. You succeed without any casualties until an unlucky woman gets in your way. An unlucky, pregnant woman. Then, without hesitation, you shoot her in her chest with your insect-styled firearm, killing her and her unborn child. Do you know what that means, Mr. Rein--”.

“Alright, piggy I get it. I’m going to jail. Bla bla bla”, he interrupts. “Just bang me up a bit and send me off. I’ll just be back in town next week and--”

I swing at the man’s jaw, sending him flying into the wall behind him. The old brick cracks on impact. The power goes out, leaving the man vulnerable in the pitch-black darkness.

A deep and sinister voice escapes gritted teeth. “Paul Reinman”, the voice bellows. “You have slain the innocent without consequence for far too long. It is time you face punishment for your crimes”.

The man screams for help as he is levitated off the ground and pinned against the wall. He is slowly approached by a plane figure draped in a green cloak. Staring into the figure’s bright green eyes, he notices skulls in the center of its pupils. It horrifies him. The chain from the suspect’s handcuffs suddenly extends in length and wraps around his neck. Reinman gurgles for air, only to be dropped at the last second before he drew his last breath.

“You will be judged”, the voice warns the Yellow Wasp, now sobbing helplessly on the floor in a fetal position.

I close the door behind me in relief. What happened in there? Why am I so...emotional? I could’ve killed him but...doesn’t he deserve it? No. That’s for the system to decide. I must maintain control. I must--

The increased volume of a newscast on a nearby radio interrupts my thoughts.

“This is Joan Mason reporting live from NYC on an apparent robbery-in-progress by the supervillain Psycho Pirate. The Justice Society members The Flash, Wind Dragon, and El Dorado are already on the scene but have yet to apprehend the villain...”

======================================================================

Jay Garrick bolts to the side of the front doorway of the bank. Peering inside, to his surprise, seeing civilians filling crates, sacks, whatever can hold paper money, with cash. In the center of the building stands Psycho-Pirate atop a table, presenting some sort of speech to the helpless civilians around him.

“Thank you all! It’s quite generous of all of you to aid in my robbery. Truly, it means a lot.”

Then almost instantly, the civilians become more aggressive with their duties. They begin to grab dollar bills by the handful, unbothered by them being completely crumpled.

“Careful now!”, the Psycho-Pirate warns. “Our men in arms are losing their patience”. He gestures to the guards, who are pointing their pistols at the civilians. Their hands and arms shake, making their fingers a tad more trigger happy every time.

“He’s making them his slaves!”, Flash thought to himself, growing more frustrated by the minute.

Flash looks around the room at the civilian’s faces, each stuck with a forced smile on top of a terrified expression.

He zips back to his original cover spot, his teammates El Dorado and Wind Dragon awaiting his return.

“Dorado, Wind Dragon, thanks for backing me up today”, Jay Garrick says.

“Por supuesto Flash! Which pendejo are we up against today?”, Fernando Escandon asks as his voice juggles between an American and a Spanish accent.

Toshio Eto nods in agreement as he maneuvers a miniature leaf through his fingers without touching either of them.

“Charles Halstead, the Psycho-Pirate. He wears some magical mask to control people’s minds...or something”, answers Jay. “20 hostages, 5 armed. Boys, we need that mask off of him. We’re putting him away for good this time”.

“Unfortunately it won’t be that simple”, I say, startling the heroes with my low, eerie voice.

“Spectre! Long time no see! You here to help us pummel Psycho-Pirate?”, Jay hollers at his friend.

“Hello, Jay. I have been distant from the team for some time. I apologize.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it, Jim”, he responds, placing a firm hand on my shoulder.

My gaze shifts to individuals I have never met before. Jay notices my confusion and introduces them as El Dorado, who seems to be unsettled by my appearance. Wind Dragon, who is calm, but has one hand on the handle of his sheathed katana.

“I look forward to working with you both”, I say, easing the tension between the three of us. “Halstead wears an ancient, supernatural weapon called Medusa’s Mask, bestowing him the power to project emotions onto others and feed on them simultaneously.”

“Damn vampire…”, Jay mumbles to himself, resentful of what he saw moments ago. “He’s got some balls doin’ this in broad daylight”.

“I assure you, Flash, he will not escape this time. Spectre, you have mystical connections, no?”, Toshio inquires. “Perhaps you can counter his spell in some way?”.

“As a paranormal being, I am immune to any psychic influence. Therefore, the mask itself has no effect on me. However, the mask can still detect any threats towards its wearer, physical or not. If it senses my presence, it may put the hostages in more harm” I respond.

“Can you provide us protection from his seduction while we remove the mask?, Toshio persistently asks, gesturing to his teammates.

“Mi amigo”, Fernando Interrupts, whispering, “my English is still a little rough. What does...se-dukt-shun mean?”.

Toshio glares at his superfriend. “It is another word for ‘attraction’”, he responds.

“Ah...gracias. I understand now”, Fernando proudly inquires.

Suddenly, the Spectre casts his arm out from under his cloak, placing a psychic block on each of the heroes’ souls and minds. They feel awkward at first but adjust to the temporary alteration.

Jay, who had just finished a silent, but intense brainstorming session with himself, finally announces, “Alright boys, here’s the plan...”

======================================================================

Once the debriefing was finalized, the three heroes infiltrated the bank. Despite being required to maintain distance from Psycho Pirate outside, I am still able to watch the events unfold through my teammates' eyes. Each responsible for a specific task instructed by the Flash, who quickly disarms each armed individual in the building. He is aggressive but gentle at the same time, leaving each person unharmed but detained. Out of the corners of his eyes, he notices several casualties lifeless on the polished tiled floors. It angers Jay Garrick, but it is only another reason to run faster.

Wind Dragon leaps through the entrance of the bank making precise maneuvers with his sword, unleashing gusts of wind with each swipe. Each guest is directed at a container of cash, launching the bills into the air. Bending the air around the money, he directs the thousands of bills into the vault where they belong.

Simultaneously, El Dorado is teleporting civilians out of the building to my location, where I begin to psychically purge each one's minds from the influence of Medusa’s mask. The civilians wallow in fear as they slowly recover from the emotional torment. The process is traumatizing for the civilians, but it must be done. This man constantly causes distress for the innocent, and the system constantly fails to punish him. It frustrates me.

A sudden flash of light appears out of thin air, revealing El Dorado. “Everyone’s out!”, Fernando calls to me as he gently lays another civilian on the ground. We regroup with Flash and Wind Dragon in the bank, where Psycho-Pirate is nowhere to be seen.

“I’ll find him”, Jay says before immediately darting out to search for him. While the others aid civilians, I float up through the ceiling and into the bright sky to watch as a red blur cuts through the vast city. There are moments when it stops, but only for a second. Presumably to aid someone unrelated in our endeavor. After all, this is New York City. Not nearly as bad as Gotham, but it’s no Metropolis. Suddenly, I lose track of Jay and teleport myself to his most recent location. I am able to find him thanks to the common sight of men picking up their hats and newspapers twirling in the air. My final clue was skid marks leading into an alley, where I found Jay clutching Psycho Pirate by the collar.

“Spectre!”, Jay announces, “He tried to get a hold of me but little did we know we had you,” he proudly exclaims. “I tried to take the mask off but it won’t budge!”.

“Allow me”, I say, before entering Halstead’s subconscious. I dive deep, finding fragments of the mask’s previous hosts' memories. To witness the countless lives it is tormented through greed, lust, and pride, sins that are engraved in one's legacy forever. It's too much for me to bear, and I am forcibly removed from Halstead’s mind.

“What happened?”, Fernando asks as he and Toshio arrive.

“I...cannot remove the mask”, I answer, worrying them.

“Haha! Do you think this is coming off? The mask is forever bonded to me!”, Psycho-Pirate yells. “The mask told me so! Do you think this is over? I’ll be back again! I promise! I’ll be ba--”, a loud crack interrupts the villains venting.

“I’d watch my mouth if I were you, Chuck”, Jay warns. “Spectre, got any idea on what to do with this freak?”.

Over and over again, the villain's words replay in my head. The suffering of the Psycho Pirate’s victims torments me. It all begins to swell into an unstoppable pain in my body. “Charles Halstead.”

“Jim! Don’t!”, Jay calls out as he and the others launch towards me. I freeze them in place, their faces stuck in a concerned expression. They watch as, with one gesture of my hand, Charles Halstead is engulfed in a bright green fire. He screams in agony as the flames incinerate his flesh. I send Medusa’s Mask, untouched by the flames, through a small gateway to the Tower of Fate, where it will be locked away safely. Once I release my ex-teammates from their frozen state, Flash runs directly towards me, Dorado blasts a beam of light, and Wind Dragon sends a small tornado in my direction. All are useless while I am in my evasive form. Realizing what I’ve just done, I open a portal to my escape.

“Jim...don’t”, Jay begs.

“I’m sorry…”, I say before entering the portal. Transported to my apartment, the green cloak disappears as my detective uniform replaces it. I collapse onto my knees and begin to weep. I’ve just lost control, something I promised myself I’d never do. I’ve just broken everything I’ve ever stood for as a cop, and I can’t go back to the JSA either.

“What do I do now? God...what do I do?”, I ask myself again, and again until suddenly, He answers.

“James…”, a voice calls out. “James…”

My head swings up. “What’s...what’s happened to me? Why couldn’t I control it?”.

“It is time, James. Time to fully embrace the power I gifted you long ago.”

“‘Gifted?’ This isn’t a gift. It’s a curse. Why...why did you do this to me? Why couldn’t you just let me die?”.

“In order for my power to be used responsibly, I needed a host that could be a fair and impartial judge for evil. Only a human host such as you is capable of such a task”.

A few moments pass before I can truly comprehend the role I’ve been given. Finally, I realize, time and time again I’ve been disappointed in humanity’s consistently vile behavior. And each and every time I would entrust the flawed concept of justice, a concept which restricts vengeance and allows undeserved second chances. I followed it once as Jim Corrigan, but now, I am only vengeance. I am only...The Spectre.

BN, Lodge Grass, Montana, 1980 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art

Eastbound Burlington Northern Railroad freight train taking orders in Lodge Grass, Montana, on July 14, 1980. Photograph by John F. Bjorklund, © 2015, Center for Railroad Photography and Art. Bjorklund-11-20-03

Money Orders by Madison Historical Society

From before 1871 to 1959, Madison's East River District had its own post office in a small, red building on the Post Road. When the building was sold for reuse as a real estate office, the Society acquired this grand reminder of times past. On its back side--where, for instance, postmaster Ichabod Lee Scranton, Jr. worked in the 1870s--the boxes are still labeled with the names of East River residents. This unique fragment of a once-popular community hub is about 10 feet wide and 6 feet tall. Following its use as a real estate office, the building itself was moved to another location for use as a private residence. Updated and expanded in the twenty-first century, it still remains on the Boston Post Road not far from its original location.

ACC# 2019.020.001

See other museum items at flic.kr/s/aHskgxX9We

(Photo credit Bob Gundersen www.flickr.com/photos/bobphoto51/albums).

Jennifer - Marching Orders by Justin Bonaparte

Model: Jennifer Mericle

Photographer: Justin Bonaparte

www.instagram.com/justin.bonaparte.creative

www.modelmayhem.com/488132

Church of the Ascension. Kolomenskoye. Moscow. 1532. by Andrey Korchagin

13 68

Kolomenskoye (Russian: Коло́менское) is a former royal estate situated several miles to the south-east of Moscow downtown, on the ancient road leading to the town of Kolomna (hence the name). The scenic area which overlooks the steep banks of the Moskva River became a part of Moscow in the 1960s.

The White Column of Kolomenskoye

Kolomenskoye village was first mentioned in the testament of Ivan Kalita (1339). As the time went by, the village was developed as a favourite country estate of grand princes of Muscovy. The earliest extant structure is the exceptional Ascension church (1532), built in white stone to commemorate the long-awaited birth of an heir to the throne, the future Ivan the Terrible. Being the first stone church of tent-like variety, the uncanonical "White Column" (as it is sometimes referred to) marked a stunning rupture with the Byzantine tradition.

The church stands up toward the sky from a low cross-shaped podklet (ground floor), then follows a prolonged chetverik (octagonal body) of the church, and then an octagonal tent, crowned by a tiny dome. The narrow pilasters on the sides of the chetverik, the arrow-shaped window frames, the three tiers of the kokoshniks and the quiet rhythm of stair arcades and open galleries underline the dynamic tendency of this masterpiece of the Russian architecture. The whole vertical composition is believed to have been borrowed from hipped roof-style wooden churches of the Russian North. Recognizing its outstanding value for humanity, UNESCO decided to inscribe the church on the World Heritage List in 1994.

The great palace and other structures

On the other side of the ravine from Kolomenskoye may be seen the five-tented Church of St John the Baptist, tentatively dated to 1547. Actually, the church's origin is enshrouded in mystery. Some say the masters were Italians, others assign it to Postnik Yakovlev, reputedly the author of Saint Basil's Cathedral on the Red Square. Whatever the truth may be, it is clear that the church represents a transitional stage between the Ascension church, described above, and the famous 8-tented cathedral on the Red Square.

Tsar Alexis I of Russia had all the previous wooden structures in Kolomenskoye demolished and replaced them with a new great wooden palace, famed for its fanciful, fairy-tale roofs. The foreigners referred to this huge maze of intricate corridors and 250 rooms, built without using saws, nails, or hooks, as 'an eighth wonder of the world'. The future Empress Elizabeth Petrovna was born in the palace in 1709. Upon departure of the court for St Petersburg, the palace got dilapidated, so that Catherine II refused to make it her Moscow residence. On her orders the palace was demolished in 1768. Fortunately a wooden model of the palace survives, and the Moscow Government has begun its full-scale reconstruction.

Remaining vestiges of the palace complex include the five-domed Kazanskaya church (1662), of rather conventional architecture, and the wooden and stone gates of the former palace.

During the Soviet years, old wooden buildings were transported to Kolomenskoye from the Far North (the barbican church of the Nikolo-Korelsky Monastery), Siberia (the Bratsk Stockade Tower), and other areas (loghouses, windmills, a Dvina stone, etc). Some of these structures date back to the 17th century.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolomenskoe

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Apocalypse- evacuation orders by Rosemary Miklitsch

23 2

Fire is moving fast in these windy conditions

Giving orders by Roland Bogush

27 5

Cambridge Night Life

Last Orders Please! by Daz

7 23

Receiving Morning Orders by Armen Woosley

13 1

Sumpter Valley Railway #3 wood fired 40 ton Heisler.

Orders at Carlin by Dave Stanley

17 1

Engineer on symbol CCVX snags his orders, coming west at Carlin, Nevada. Carlin, at the time, was a crew change point for SP crews working east from Sparks, Nevada and west from Ogden, Utah. Dave Stanley photo ©2025

Warnings and Orders by Mark Griffin

Marsworth, Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire, England

A walk along the Grand Union Canal and Watery Lane

An oppressive feeling about the trees surrounding this oasis of infrastructure along an otherwise perfect country lane. Is nature trying to reclaim what is rightfully hers? Having been terrified as a child by “The Forest of No Return” in Disneys film “Babes in Toyland” I wouldn’t go in there in case the trees eat me…..

Between Orders by Eugene Lum

A quiet pause behind the scenes. Three chefs share the same bench during a break, each absorbed in a different moment. Sometimes the strongest stories are found not in conversation, but in silence.

Orders legs by Kasmira

Right to the water's edge. by Mitsushiro Nakagawa

69 3

Title:

Right to the water's edge.

( FUJIFILM GFX50R shot )

Motosuka Beach. Kujukuri Beach. Sanmu City. Chiba Prefecture. Japan. 2025. … 1 / 1

(Photo of the day. Unpublished.)

Images:

Geoffroy … No Calls Before Noon

youtu.be/Sua7LOBd9x4?si=vczU4fV0pMY6xrMN

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

My new novel

B♭ (B Flat)

Volume 16😄

The following is still in its draft stage and will be revised further.

Key parts are not disclosed.

The order of the content shown here is mixed.

(Of course, this is not the final version.)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

My new novel

B♭ (B Flat)

Night was drawing its heavy veil over the neighborhoods of the San Fernando Valley, and Kevin Mori’s car slid forward as though gliding on a shadowed surface. Beyond the window, the heat of summer’s night rose, while the asphalt, still holding the brilliance of the day, scattered red and black reflections like fragments of muted fire. His day as an officer of Immigration and Customs Enforcement had not yet ended; it merely continued into the dark. Papers on the passenger seat trembled faintly—orders, reports, each sheet a cold reminder of how every decision could alter the lives of flesh-and-blood people.

The radio crackled with static, then carried the clipped voices of another unit.

“Check complete—residential route secure. Residents advised, heat alert.”

“Roger. Next, proceed to downtown infiltration confirmation.”

The words were concise, yet beneath them lurked the weight of responsibility. Kevin’s colleague at his side listened in silence, and Kevin imagined the strain, the fatigue, the daily fears borne by his subordinates.

The quiet houses of the district floated in the pale light of the streetlamps. Windows glowed with the warmth of family life, and the trees in the yards swayed with the scent of summer. To Kevin, that scene was both what he was sworn to protect, and a stage upon which the gravity of judgment was constantly revealed.

Merging onto the freeway, he entered a sea of headlights undulating like waves. Far ahead, the spires of downtown buildings pierced the night sky. The air was thick with heat, the car’s air conditioning too feeble against the humidity clinging to his skin. On the phone screen in the passenger seat, messages flared cold and abrupt—emergency notices, field reports, each short phrase carrying the weight of lives in the balance.

Through his commute Kevin narrowed his eyes, as though unconsciously trying to read the palette of the summer night. Neon reds and oranges crossed with the green of traffic signals, while the outlines of distant mountains and the shore emerged dimly in the haze. In the rearview mirror, his own face appeared distorted by fatigue and responsibility. He imagined how it must look reflected in the eyes of his men, and in the eyes of those who lived in this city.

As the suburbs gave way to downtown, the flow of cars turned into a red river of lights—not the bustle of rush hour, but a current charged with tension. Footsteps of passersby, the wail of an ambulance far off, exhaust mingling with sea breeze—each sound and scent announcing the unvarnished reality of the city.

Conversation in the car was pared to the barest minimum. His colleague tapped silently at the phone, scanning reports and maps. Every burst of radio static carried words few and clipped, but each syllable held the weight of someone’s life.

At the office, the parking lot was lined with colleagues’ cars, their engines humming in faint reply to one another. A night wind slipped through the windows, rustling the scattered papers—a sound that resembled the heartbeat of responsibility itself.

Inside the building, the cool air brushed his skin, blending with the stillness of late night to bind the corridors in a taut silence. Each step sent back a cold echo. Notices and bulletins on the walls caught the dim light, whispering of daily duty and the reality that awaited beyond.

In the meeting room, his subordinates lifted their eyes to him; reports on the table quivered slightly in the conditioned air. No one spoke, but silence itself was steeped in tension. Everyone knew that today’s decisions would ripple outward to change the lives of people unseen and far away.

As the meeting began, real-time transmissions crackled from the radio, and gazes crossed one another. Between the numbers and the dry lines of reports, there were always living human beings. To protect them—or expose them to danger—was the responsibility that each man recognized as his own.

The meeting stretched deep into the night: communications with the field, sorting of documents, instructions for the next day. Outside, the city wavered in the heat, neon glinting against the office windows. Kevin pressed the day’s weight into his heart as he stared at that restless light.

By the time he set out for home, the city had assumed a face wholly different from daytime. Shadows under the streetlamps, red reflections of neon, exhaust tangled with the sea wind, the faint silhouette of mountains dissolving into the night sky—all of it bore silent testimony to the consequences of the day’s choices.

He glanced at the papers on the seat, drew one deep breath. Summer night air slipped in through the window, brushing his skin. The sense of responsibility weighed heavy on his chest, and so did solitude, but in the pulse of the city he found, still, the strength to take another step forward.

Through the night’s lattice of light, Kevin drove on across summer Los Angeles. The voices on the radio, his men’s tension, the office’s chilled air, the neon glare, the tang of the sea breeze, the distant siren of an ambulance—all of these tangled together, imprinting themselves as the day’s memory. In the silence and in the few words exchanged in the car, in the quiet and the clamor of the city, in the interplay of light and shadow, a living map of the city was etched inside him, sharpening both the solitude and the responsibility of his role as an officer of ICE.

As night deepened, on his way home he clutched the papers on the passenger seat and watched his own shadow fall beneath the streetlamps. He listened closely to the city’s voice: the reflection of light, the tremor of heat, the siren far away, the stillness of neighborhoods. All of it pressed responsibility and solitude deeper into his chest.

When Kevin pushed open the door of his house, the night’s heat retreated slightly, replaced by the cool air of the living room flowing to meet him. He dropped the documents onto the table; the bundled papers struck with a dry sound that sank into silence, as though absorbing some measure of the weight that had burdened his shoulders.

Yet that moment of relief quivered almost at once, like a string brushed by an unseen hand. From the depths of the house came a faint creak—timbers straining, or perhaps the plucked resonance of some hidden instrument. Kevin strained to listen, then wondered if it was no more than the ghostly trick of fatigue.

The air trembled. Water in the half-drunk glass on the table rippled with faint light. The ripples, small yet certain, seemed to resonate with a force lurking in the house’s depths. A frame on the wall slipped askew, and through the glass the smiling figures in the photograph appeared slightly warped. A raw unease rose in Kevin’s chest, and his gaze lifted toward the ceiling. Above the panels, the beams murmured to one another, a low groan not of chance but of deliberate design, as if some hidden architect had composed the house itself as an instrument.

The floor rumbled, faint vibrations pressing upward through his feet. Streetlamp light bled through the curtains, filling the room with a wavering orange glow, as if already foreshadowing collapse. The house expanded and contracted like a lung, like an unseen heart pulsing in the dark, its beat echoed by the beams and pillars. Kevin set his hands on his knees, unmoving, listening. The sound overhead no longer resembled random creaks. It grew with rhythm, swelling into a low wave that spread across the room. The wallpaper split, revealing a thin fissure that carried within it the promise of widening.

The water in the glass quivered, scattering the lamplight into shards. The window shuddered under the night wind; metal fastenings clicked faintly. The beams groaned louder, as if in answer. In that instant the whole house became an instrument, releasing a deep, resonant note. The vibration struck his inner ear, mingled with the pulse of his blood.

Kevin pressed a hand to his chest—but his own heartbeat and the heartbeat of the house merged, the boundary between them dissolving. Cracks across the wall swallowed light, dark lines spreading. The beams moaned and bent, their sound a summons downward, inevitable as gravity. Glass burst into fragments, scattering the street’s light into the air. Furniture leapt, books tumbled, the table tilted.

And then—the ceiling split, and fell. The roar shook even the lamplight outside; dust rose in a choking tide, the world turned white and sightless. Kevin’s body, too, was caught in the same current as the beams and pillars. Whether he stood, or fell, or was torn apart—he felt not terror but a strange relief. Together with the house, he was sinking into the close of a final movement. There was nothing to flee, no document to guard, no responsibility: all dissolved now into dust.

The beams broke, the pillars collapsed, the floor split. His bones, his blood, his voice—all shattered into fragments carried into the night air. The collapse was not violence, but the coda of a meticulously designed score. Kevin, too, was only one note within it, drawn at last into silence.

When the dust settled, silence returned. Kevin was no longer among the wreckage. Only the shadow of a fallen beam lay there, like a remnant of his being.

Far away, a dog barked. An ambulance siren split the night. The city’s breath went on, but Kevin’s had ceased forever. In the streets remained only the echo of collapse, and the quiet memory of a death no one would hear.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

My new novel:

B♭ (B-flat)

There’s still more to come. 😃

(This is not the final draft.)

Set in New York City.

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54793744070/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54771288620/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54769008619/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54758538180/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54743658539/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54737038151/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54720346098/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54713957969/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54703714420/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54696914108/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54686544606/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54653035442/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54639396885/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54628511025/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54599616429/in/dateposted...

Soundtrack.

music.apple.com/jp/playlist/b-my-novel-soundtrack/pl.u-47...

Note: I gave a brief explanation of this novel in the following video:

youtu.be/3w65lqUF-YI?si=yG7qy6TPeCL9xRJV

iTunes Playlist Link::

music.apple.com/jp/playlist/b/pl.u-47DJGhopxMD

My new novel:

B♭ (B-flat)

Notes

1. "Bombay Blood Type (hh type)"

•Characteristics: A rare blood type that lacks the usual ABO antigens — cannot be classified as A, B, or O.

•Discovery: First identified in 1952 in Mumbai, India (formerly Bombay).

•Prevalence: Roughly 1 in 10,000 people in India; globally, about 1 in 2.5 million.

•Transfusion Compatibility: Only compatible with blood from other Bombay type donors.

2. 2024 Harvard University Valedictorian Speech – The Power of Not Knowing

youtu.be/SOUH8iVqSOI?si=Ju-Y728irtcWR71K

3. Shots Fired at Trump Rally

youtu.be/1ejfAkzjEhk?si=ASqJwEmkY-2rW_hT

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Title.

波打ち際まで。

( FUJIFILM GFX50R shot )

本須賀海岸。九十九里浜。山武市。千葉県。日本。2025. … 1 / 1

(今日の写真。それは未発表です。）

Images:

Geoffroy … No Calls Before Noon

youtu.be/Sua7LOBd9x4?si=vczU4fV0pMY6xrMN

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

僕の新しい小説。

　B♭　（ビーフラット）

第16弾。 😄

以下は、まだ初稿の段階です。まだ推敲します。

重要な部分は公開していません。

公開している内容の順番はバラバラです。

(もちろん最終稿ではありません。)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

僕の新しい小説。

　B♭　（ビーフラット）

　夜の帳が低く下り始めたサンフェルナンドバレーの住宅街を、ケビン・モリの車は滑るように進んでいた。窓の外には夏の夜の熱気が立ち上り、路面からはまだ昼の光を吸い込んだアスファルトが、赤黒い光の反射を散らしている。移民税関捜査局（ICE）の職員としての彼の一日は、すでにその夜も続いていた。助手席の書類は微かに揺れ、そこに積まれた命令や報告書は、この一日の決断が生身の人々の生活にどう影響するかを、冷たく問いかけていた。

　ラジオ無線がかすかに雑音を混ぜながら作動し、別の車両との連絡が飛び込んだ。

「確認、住宅街ルート異常なし。熱気のため住民注意」

「了解、次はダウンタウンへの侵入確認」――言葉は簡潔で、しかし背後には重くのしかかる責任が潜んでいた。助手席の彼はその声に耳を傾け、部下たちの緊張や疲労、日々の恐怖を想像する。

　静かな住宅街の家々が、街路灯の光に浮かんでいた。窓に灯る温かい光は家族の生活を、庭に揺れる木々は夏の匂いを、しかしその光景はケビンにとって、守るべき対象であり、同時に判断の重さを思い知らせる舞台でもあった。

　フリーウェイに合流すると、他の車のヘッドライトが海のように波打ち、遠くのダウンタウンのビル群が夜空に鋭く突き出す。空気は熱を帯び、車内のエアコンでは追いつかない湿気が肌にまとわりつく。助手席のスマートフォンに届くメッセージは冷たく光り、緊急事態や現場からの報告が短く、しかし命を握る重さを帯びて彼の視界に入った。

　通勤路の間、ケビンは無意識に目を細め、夏の夜の色彩を読み取ろうとした。ネオンの赤やオレンジ、信号の緑が交錯し、遠くの山並みや海岸線の輪郭がぼんやりと浮かんでいる。車内の鏡に映る自分の顔は、疲労と責任の影で微かに歪み、部下たちや街の人々の目に映る自分の姿を想像した。

　夜の住宅街を抜け、ダウンタウンに近づくと、車列は赤い光の帯となり、通勤ラッシュの喧騒とは別の、緊張の波を帯びた流れに変わる。通行人の足音、遠くで鳴る救急車のサイレン、海風に混じる排気ガスの匂いが、都市の生の現実を告げている。

　車内の会話は最小限に抑えられる。助手席の部下は無言でスマートフォンを操作し、報告書や地図をチェックする。無線が作動するたび、言葉は短く、しかしそれぞれの一語には誰かの生活を左右する重みが宿っていた。

　オフィスに到着すると、駐車場には同僚の車が整然と並び、エンジン音やタイヤの振動が微かな呼応を見せていた。夜風が窓から入り込み、紙や書類をかすかに揺らした。その音さえ、責任の重さを耳に伝える鼓動のように聞こえてくる。

　建物内に入ると、冷房の風が肌に触れ、深夜の静けさと相まって、空間に緊張を張り巡らせる。廊下を歩くたび、足音が冷たく反響し、壁に貼られた注意書きや掲示板の文字が微かに光を受け、日々の任務とその果てにある現実を思い出させた。

　会議室に入ると、部下たちの目が彼を見つめ、報告書がテーブルの上で微かに揺れた。熱気を帯びた夏の空気はエアコンと混ざり、紙の端を微かに波立たせる。誰もが沈黙の中に緊張を抱え、今日の判断が遠く離れた誰かの生活をどう変えるかを知っていた。

　会議が始まると、無線から入る情報がリアルタイムで伝わり、部下たちの視線が交錯する。数字や報告書の行間には必ず生身の人間が存在し、その命を守るか、あるいは危険に晒すかを決定するのが自分だと彼らは認識するのだ。

　深夜まで続く会議、現場との通信、書類の整理、部下の指示。夜の街は夏の熱気で光を歪め、ネオンの光がオフィスの窓に反射してちらついていた。その光景を見ながら、ケビンは一日の重みを胸に刻んでいた。

　帰路につく頃、通勤路の光景は昼間とは違う表情を見せる。街灯に浮かぶ影、ネオンの赤い反射、海風に混じる排気ガスの匂い、遠くの山影が夜空に溶ける。そのすべてが、今日の決断の結果を静かに告げていた。

　助手席の書類を確認し、深呼吸をひとつついた。夏の夜風が窓を通り抜け、肌に触れる。ケビンの胸には責任感と孤独感が重くのしかかるが、それでも次の一歩を踏み出す力を与える、都市の息遣いが確かにあった。

　夜の光の中、ケビンは夏のロサンゼルスを車で駆け抜ける。無線の声、部下たちの緊張、オフィスの冷房、ネオンの光、海風の匂い、遠くの救急車のサイレン――それらすべてが絡み合い、今日一日の記憶として刻まれていく。車内での沈黙と対話、街の静けさと喧騒、光と影の交錯が、彼の心に都市の立体的な地図を描き、ICE職員としての孤独と責任を鮮明にしていた。

　夏の夜が更け、家路につく道すがら、助手席の書類を握り締め、深夜の街灯に浮かぶ自分の影を見つめながら、彼はこの街の声に耳を澄ませる。光の反射、熱気の揺らぎ、遠くで鳴るサイレン、住宅街の静けさ――それらすべてが、ケビンの胸に責任と孤独を刻み込んだ。

　ケビンが自宅の扉を押し開けると、夜の熱気はわずかに後退し、リビングの冷えた空気が迎えるように流れ込んできた。書類を手から放り投げ、束ねられた紙の重みがテーブルに小さな衝撃を与え、乾いた音を響かせて静けさの中に沈んだ。

　彼の肩にのしかかっていた一日の重さが、わずかながらその音に吸い取られたかのように思えた。

　しかし、その安堵の瞬間は、見えない振動に触れるかのようにすぐに揺らぎへと変わっていった。家の奥から、微かなきしみが生まれた。木材が互いに軋むような、しかしどこか楽器の弦を爪弾くような響きであった。ケビンは耳を澄まし、しかし次の瞬間にはそれがただの疲労による幻聴ではないかと思った。

　空気がわずかに震えた。テーブルにあった飲みかけのグラスの水面がかすかに揺れ、光を帯びて波紋を広げた。その波紋は小さくも確かに、家全体の内部に潜む力と呼応しているかのようであった。壁にかけられた額縁が斜めにずれた。ガラス越しの写真の中で、笑顔を浮かべる人影が、わずかに歪んで見えた。

　ケビンは胸の奥にざらついた感覚を覚え、視線を天井へ向けた。天井板の奥で梁が共鳴し合い、低い唸り声のような音を放っていた。それは自然に生まれたものではなく、あらかじめ設計された響きの連鎖のように感じられた。建築を学んだ者ならば知る、木と鉄とコンクリートの呼応だ。その呼応が、今ここで一つの方向へと収束しようとしていた。

　床板が低く唸り、足裏に伝わる微細な震えとなった。外の街路灯の光がカーテン越しに入り込み、部屋を淡い橙色で満たしていた。その光さえもわずかに揺らめき、倒壊の予兆を映すかのように見えた。家全体が呼吸をしているように膨らみ、そして収縮する。まるで見えない心臓が脈打ち、その鼓動に合わせて梁や柱が響きを返しているかのようであった。

　ケビンは両手を膝に置き、動くことなく耳を澄ました。天井の奥で響く音は、もはや偶然のきしみではなかった。規則性をもって増幅し、やがて低い波となって部屋全体に広がった。壁紙がわずかに裂け目を見せ、薄暗い亀裂がその奥から姿を現した。亀裂は細い線にすぎなかったが、確かに広がりを孕んでいた。

グラスの中の水が震え、その表面に映る街灯の光が細かく砕けた。外の夜風が窓を揺らし、金属の留め具がかすかな音を立てた。それに呼応するかのように、梁の唸りが一段と強くなった。その瞬間、家全体がひとつの楽器と化したように、共鳴音を放った。空気の震えが耳の奥を打ち、体内の血流と混ざり合うように感じられた。

　ケビンは胸に手を当てた――だが、自分の鼓動と建物の鼓動が重なり、境界が失われていくのを感じた。壁に走った亀裂が光を呑み込み、闇の線となった。

梁が深く軋み、鈍い音を吐き出した。それは重力の命令であり、逃れられぬ下方への召喚であった。ガラス窓が粉々に砕け、夜の街の光が断片となって飛び散った。家具が跳ね、本が崩れ落ち、テーブルが傾いた。

そして――天井が裂け、崩れ落ちた。轟音は街路灯の光さえ震わせ、粉塵が一気に立ち上った。世界は白く濁り、息が奪われる。

　ケビンの体もまた、梁や柱と同じ流れに組み込まれていった。彼は立ち尽くし、あるいは倒れ、あるいは引き裂かれ――だが、恐怖ではなく、奇妙な安堵を感じていた。家と共に、自分もまた一つの楽章の終わりとして沈むのだと。

　逃げるべきものはなく、守るべき書類も責任も、いまや粉塵の中に溶けていく。

　梁が折れ、柱が潰れ、床が裂ける。

　そのすべてと同時に、彼の骨も、血も、声も、無数の破片となって夜の空気に散った。崩壊は暴力ではなく、むしろ緻密に設計された楽曲の終章であった。ケビンという存在も、ひとつの音符としてその中に含まれ、やがて静寂に吸い込まれた。

　粉塵が沈み、静寂が戻る。

　瓦礫の中にケビンの姿はもはやなかった。

　ただ、崩れた梁の影が、彼の名残のように横たわっているだけであった。

　遠くで犬が吠え、救急車のサイレンが夜を割った。

　都市の呼吸は再び続いていたが、ケビンの呼吸はもう戻らなかった。

　夜の街に残されたのは、崩壊の余韻と、誰にも届かぬ静かな死の記憶だけだった。

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

僕の新しい小説。

　B♭　（ビーフラット）

舞台はニューヨークです。

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54793744070/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54771288620/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54769008619/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54758538180/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54743658539/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54737038151/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54720346098/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54713957969/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54703714420/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54696914108/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54686544606/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54653035442/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54639396885/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54628511025/in/dateposted...

www.flickr.com/photos/stealaway/54599616429/in/dateposted...

Soundtrack.

music.apple.com/jp/playlist/b-my-novel-soundtrack/pl.u-47...

追記　この小説を多少説明しました。

youtu.be/3w65lqUF-YI?si=yG7qy6TPeCL9xRJV

メモ

「Bombay型（ボンベイ型、hh型）」

•特徴：通常のABO血液型を持たない（A、B、Oに分類されない）特殊な型。

•発見地：1952年、インド・ムンバイ（旧ボンベイ）で初めて確認。

•発生頻度：インドでは1万人に1人程度だが、世界的には約250万人に1人とも。

•輸血制限：同じBombay型しか輸血できない。

2024年ハーバード大学首席の卒業式スピーチ『知らないことの力』

youtu.be/SOUH8iVqSOI?si=Ju-Y728irtcWR71K

Shots fired at Trump rally

youtu.be/1ejfAkzjEhk?si=ASqJwEmkY-2rW_hT

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orders of magnitude by lars on mars

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Code Red by Okay Yaramanoglu

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Woody orders Sarge to call out his troops and find out what Andy is getting for his birthday.

This was done using the Woody Minifigure Alarm Clock which is a lot more to scale to the green army men than the real Woody minifig.

Picking up orders by Kevin Madore

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A hot-shot freight, headed up by Tremont & Gulf Mikado #30, sails past depot in Maydelle, TX on its eastbound run as the crew picks up orders on the fly.

This 2019 re-creation was done on the Texas State Railroad. The Texas State Railroad was begun in 1883 when the state completed a new penitentiary at Rusk. An iron smelting mill at the prison was to be run by inmate labor and the railroad was constructed as a means to bring in raw materials and transport finished goods to transportation hubs and thence to market. The railroad reached Maydelle in 1906 and was completed all the way to Palestine in 1909. The line gradually expanded to both regular freight and passenger service as time went on, but never turned a profit. In 1921, the state began leasing the trackage to other railroads, practice that continued until 1969. In 1972, the Texas Legislature voted to turn the railroad over to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, to be used as a State Park and tourist attraction. The line's financial woes continued and after over 30 years of state supervision, the Texas State Railroad Authority was created, and the operation was leased to private operators. For the past 25 years, it has been operated by several firms, including American Heritage Railways (which owns the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad) and Iowa Pacific Holdings. Since 2017, the operator has been The Western Group, which operates a number of regional railroads and railroad-related businesses.

ResistSTL by Ginger Human

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