EARTH’S SURVIVORS: The Earth’s Survivors Series follows survivors of a worldwide catastrophe. A meteorite that was supposed to miss the earth completely, hits and becomes the cap to a series of events that destroy the world as we know it. Police, fire, politicians, military, governments: All gone. Hopes, dreams, tomorrows: All buried in desperate struggle to survive. From L.A. To Manhattan the cities, governments have toppled and lawlessness is the rule. The dead lay in the streets while gangs fight for control of what is left. Small groups band together for safety and begin to leave the ravaged cities behind in search of a future that can once again hold promise. Dell Sweet. A. L. Norton W. W. Watson. Geo Dell #Apocalypse #ApocalypticFiction #Dystopian #Horror #Survival #EarthsSurvivors #Thriller #Drama #KU
The air in the chauffeured SUV hummed with a manufactured excitement, a brittle façade over the collective exhaustion of four men who navigated the concrete canyons of Manhattan. Their lives were a relentless sprint: early mornings fueled by designer coffee, late nights drowning in spreadsheets and legal briefs, the constant thrum of ambition and the gnawing pressure to perform. The city, once a symbol of their success, had become a gilded cage, its relentless energy draining them, its superficial connections leaving them hollow. They craved an escape, not a vacation, but a retreat. A deliberate shedding of the suits.
The destination: the Southern Tier of Upstate New York, a region whispered about in hushed tones by those who sought true solitude, far from the manicured trails and well-trodden paths of more popular wilderness areas. Mike had painted a picture of untamed forests, pristine lakes, and a silence so profound it would be deafening after the ceaseless roar of the city. He’d spoken of challenging hikes, of wrestling with the elements, of building fires with their own hands, of sharing stories under a canopy of stars untainted by light pollution. #Thriller #Drama #Kindle #Audible #Survival
Beth levered her arms down to scoot up in the bed and nearly banged the stump of her arm against the side of the bed before Cammy stopped her. “Honey… Honey… Your arm. You have to be careful,” Cammy told her. “Oh God,” Beth whispered through her dry lips as she stared down at the stump of her arm. #Horror #Series #Dystopian #Apocalyptic
A story from my youth growing up in a small city full of poor families like my own. The stink from the paper mills hung over the town, nearly as bad as the desperation that hung over the men of the town, short on work and hope both… #halloween #smalltown #storytime https://youtu.be/T4CXo–3cZs
“Hey,” he said. A young guy. Unshaven. Wild hair. I could smell the street on him. His teeth were yellowed and chipped. Looked to be blackening in places I saw. His tongue continuously licked at his cracked lips. I couldn’t speak. Wouldn’t have known what to say if I had been able to, and I was having a very hard time keeping my eyes open. The lights were too bright.
“Hey,” he said again. “I didn’t know you would be naked… In a bath tub… He didn’t say that… I’m sorry…. I really am sorry.” His hand swam into view as I watched. Normal except a black lump seemed to be fused to it. A black lump with a blacker hole in the end of it. Fire spat from the blacker hole. The lights went out…#Audio #Book #SamWolfe #DreamTravel #Readers #Listeners
Small Town Murder: A Kyle Stevens Murder Mystery (Glennville Book 12) Kindle Edition
The Small town of Glennville New York is a nice quiet place to settle down and raise your family. At least that is What Sheriff Kyle Stevens thought when he retired after being a detective in New York City for twenty years. And Glennville, for the most part was quiet. Respectfull. Safe. Until the day Kyle’s deputy for the body of a young girl out by the old abandoned school building…
The dust swirled around my worn boots, a miniature desert storm kicked up by the frantic thump of my own heart. The air hung thick and heavy, the scent of dry earth and something else… something metallic and sickeningly sweet, clinging to the back of my throat. It was the smell of blood. Old blood. New blood. The kind that stains the soul as deeply as it stains the earth. I’d been clean for six months, six agonizing months of sweat-soaked nights and gnawing cravings, a testament to a willpower I never knew I possessed. Six months of staring at the cracked pavement, avoiding the shadowed corners where my past lurked like a hungry ghost. But tonight, the ghost had found me.
New York City’s formation began with the Lenape Native Americans, who inhabited the area long before European explorers arrived. Here’s a brief overview of the city’s early history:
Early Settlement
Lenape Native Americans: The Lenape people were the first inhabitants of the region, living in the area between the Delaware and Hudson rivers. They hunted, fished, and farmed the land, and had a rich cultural heritage.
Dutch Settlement (1624): The Dutch West India Company established a permanent settlement called New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island. Peter Minuit, the settlement’s governor-general, purchased Manhattan from the Lenape for 60 guilders (approximately $24) in trade goods.
English Rule (1664): The English seized control of New Amsterdam from the Dutch and renamed it New York City after the Duke of York.
Growth and Development
17th-18th Centuries: New York City grew rapidly, with immigrants arriving from the Netherlands, England, France, and Germany. The city became a major trading center, and its population became increasingly diverse.
American Revolution: New York City played a significant role in the American Revolution, serving as the national capital from 1785 to 1790.
19th Century: The city’s population exploded, growing from 123,000 in 1820 to over 813,000 by 1860. The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, connected the city to the Great Lakes and further boosted its growth.
Key Milestones
1626: Peter Minuit purchases Manhattan Island from the Lenape.
1653: New Amsterdam is incorporated as a city, and a wall is built across Manhattan Island (later known as Wall Street).
1664: The English seize control of New Amsterdam and rename it New York City.
1785-1790: New York City serves as the national capital.
1825: The Erie Canal is completed, connecting the city to the Great Lakes.
Post-War Transformation
After World War II, New York City underwent a dramatic transformation, emerging as a global center of economic, cultural, and political influence. The end of the war brought a surge in population, rapid urban development, and an expanding economy fueled by industries and international trade. The city became a beacon of cultural innovation, with the rise of modern art, music, and architecture shaping its evolving identity ¹.
Growth and Development
The post-war period saw significant growth and development in New York City. Some key events and trends include:
Housing Crisis: The influx of returning veterans and new residents created an unprecedented housing crisis, forcing city planners to take dramatic action.
Public Housing Projects: Large-scale public housing projects like Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village were built to address the housing shortage.
Urban Renewal: Urban renewal programs targeted deteriorating neighborhoods for slum demolition and replacement with high-rise apartments.
Transportation Expansion: The expansion of transportation infrastructure, including highways and commuter rails, enabled the growth of suburban communities.
The Great Depression’s Impact
The Great Depression had a devastating impact on New York City, with unemployment soaring above 20%. However, World War II brought significant economic growth, and the city’s economy began to flourish. The war effort created new opportunities for women and ethnic minorities in the workforce ² ³.
Post-War Cultural Scene
The post-war period saw a flourishing cultural scene in New York City, with:
Abstract Expressionism: The city became a hub for abstract expressionist art, with artists like Betty Parsons promoting innovative works.
Broadway Shows: Broadway theaters premiered iconic shows, reflecting the optimism of the era.
Music and Entertainment: The city experienced a surge in music and entertainment, with the rise of jazz and other genres.
Challenges and Decline
Despite its growth and prosperity, New York City faced significant challenges in the mid-20th century, including:
Suburbanization: The city’s population began to decline as residents moved to the suburbs, leading to a decrease in tax revenue.
Fiscal Crisis: The city faced a severe fiscal crisis in the 1970s, with a large movement of middle-class residents to the suburbs exacerbating the problem.
Crime and Social Issues: The city struggled with high crime rates and social disorders, reaching a nadir in the 1970s.
The 1970s to the 1980s were tumultuous times for New York City, marked by economic decline, rising crime rates, and social unrest. Times Square, in particular, became a hub for illicit activities.
Times Square’s Dark Side
Prostitution and Crime: Prostitution was rampant, with brothels operating openly and streetwalkers soliciting clients. Organized crime, particularly the Italian mafia, controlled many of these establishments.
Mafia Involvement: The mafia’s grip on Times Square’s sex industry was evident in the 1973 indictment of Martin J. Hodas, aka the “King of Peep,” for running a multi-million dollar pornography operation and allegedly hiring associates to fire-bomb rival massage parlors.
Police Corruption: The police force was criticized for corruption, with many officers accused of taking bribes from brothel owners and pimps.
Harlem’s Struggles
Poverty and Unemployment: Harlem faced significant economic challenges, with high poverty and unemployment rates.
Crack Epidemic: The 1980s saw a devastating crack cocaine epidemic, which fueled violent crime and addiction.
Urban Decay: Many of Harlem’s grand buildings crumbled into disrepair, reflecting the neighborhood’s economic decline.
Community Response and Activism
Despite these challenges, New York City’s communities showed resilience and determination. Grassroots activism flourished, with community groups fighting for affordable housing, tenants’ rights, and social change. Cultural movements, including art, music, and performance, also emerged as a form of resistance and social commentary.
Gentrification and Revitalization
In the following decades, efforts were made to revitalize Times Square and Harlem. These initiatives aimed to drive out crime and prostitution, replacing them with family-friendly entertainment and businesses. While these efforts had some success, they also raised concerns about gentrification and the displacement of long-time residents.
Early 1990s: Challenges and Revitalization
The early 1990s presented New York City with significant challenges, including a recession, high crime rates, and a fiscal crisis. However, this period also saw efforts to revitalize the city.
Crime and Safety Concerns: Crime rates were high, with a focus on reducing violence and improving public safety.
Economic Challenges: The city faced budget cuts and economic struggles, impacting various city services.
Mayor Giuliani’s Initiatives: Mayor Rudy Giuliani implemented policies aimed at reducing crime and improving quality of life, which had a positive impact on the city’s development.
The September 11 Attacks
Aerial view of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum on Monday, May 21, 2018. Credit: 9/11 Memorial, Photo by Jin S. Lee
The September 11 attacks in 2001 were a pivotal moment in the city’s history, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and a profound impact on national security and global politics.
Aftermath and Response: The city and nation came together in the aftermath, with rescue efforts and support for those affected.
Changes in Security: The attacks led to significant changes in security policies and procedures across the United States, including increased surveillance and screening measures.
Long-Term Impact
The post-9/11 period saw lasting changes in various aspects of life in New York City and beyond.
National Security: The creation of the Department of Homeland Security and changes in intelligence gathering and sharing were key responses to the attacks.
Memorials and Tributes: The National September 11 Memorial & Museum was dedicated in 2014 to honor the victims of the attacks.
Community Resilience: The city demonstrated resilience and determination in the face of tragedy, with ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen communities.
New York City has undergone significant transformations to become a safer and more vibrant place. The city’s efforts to improve safety are evident in various initiatives, including the Vision Zero program, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities. Some notable safety improvements include ¹:
Protected Bike Lanes: NYC DOT has installed protected bike lanes on various streets, such as Seventh and Eighth Avenues, 51st Street, and McDonald Avenue, to reduce conflicts between cyclists and vehicles.
Pedestrian Safety Improvements: The city has implemented pedestrian safety improvements at intersections like Times Square, E 170th Street and Teller Avenue, and Spofford Avenue and Coster Street, featuring new traffic signals, pedestrian refuge islands, and improved markings.
Traffic Calming Measures: NYC DOT has introduced traffic calming measures, such as speed humps, curb extensions, and raised crosswalks, to slow down traffic and enhance pedestrian safety.
Some popular places to visit and enjoy in New York City include:
Central Park: A tranquil oasis in the heart of Manhattan, offering a range of recreational activities, scenic landscapes, and iconic landmarks like the Bethesda Fountain and Loeb Boathouse.
Brooklyn Bridge: An engineering marvel and iconic symbol of the city, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, East River, and Brooklyn waterfront.
Times Square: A bustling area known for its bright lights, giant billboards, and lively street performances, attracting millions of visitors each year.
9/11 Memorial & Museum: A poignant tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks, featuring two large reflecting pools, a museum with artifacts and stories, and the Survivor Tree.
High Line: An elevated park built on an old rail line, offering scenic views of the Hudson River, Chelsea, and the city’s west side.
These are just a few examples of the many amazing places to explore in New York City. With its rich history, diverse culture, and ongoing efforts to improve safety, the city continues to evolve and thrive.
Check out this book from New York Writer W. G. Sweet…
The nightmare would begin insidiously, with the faintest whisper of a sound, a familiar vibration that would build, slowly at first, then with terrifying speed. It was the hum of the engine, the low thrum of the car carrying them towards an unseen precipice. He would feel the familiar press of the seat beneath him, the faint scent of Ann’s perfume, a scent that would soon be overwhelmed by the acrid stench of burnt rubber and fear. Then, the unmistakable sound, the prelude to chaos: the high-pitched shriek of tires desperately seeking purchase on asphalt, a sound that ripped through the fabric of the night and into the very marrow of his bones… #Horror #Thriller #Romance #Readers #Kobo #WGSweet https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-re-do?
