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Albanian Mafia, The truth of the New York Times & more!

Good Afternoon - Next week we will be doing a deep dive into the Trump assassination….we want to make sure its very comprehensive and hits all the angles of what happened, so we are waiting a week to make sure we have all of the information.

We aim to have the most in-depth article of the assassination on the internet…will be worth the wait.

Global Insights

The New York Times best-seller list has long been a benchmark of literary success, but recent developments have raised questions about its objectivity. The Times admitted an "editorial" component, adding subjectivity to its rankings. This revelation sparked debates about the list's credibility, as it's now apparent that book placement isn't solely based on sales figures.

The Subjective Side of Best Sellers

The New York Times recently admitted that there's an "editorial" part in how they make their best-seller list. This means it's not all about numbers; it involves someone's judgment. This has raised questions about how fair and objective the list really is.

In response to this, many in the book industry are turning to Nielsen for a more clear-cut and numbers-based alternative. Nielsen focuses only on actual sales data, which is different from the New York Times' more secretive method.

Cracking the Code Behind the List

The New York Times keeps the exact details of how they create their list a secret. People in the book world have some ideas about where they get their data, like Amazon, ReaderLink, individual stores, and BookScan, but the Times says they don't use these data aggregators.

Some say that the Times might consider things like where the book is sold and who's buying it when deciding rankings. But the Times insists it's all about how many copies are sold.

Strategies to Become a Best Seller

Authors and publishers have different tricks up their sleeves to get on the list. They use strategies like preorders and speaking engagements. Some even do what's called "bestseller campaigns," where they buy their own books to boost their sales numbers.

There have been some controversies lately, like books finding sneaky ways to get on the list or claims that the list has a political bias. But if you look back in time, you'll see that many different authors and publishers from all political backgrounds have made it onto the list.

In Conclusion: Navigating the World of Best Sellers

The New York Times best-seller list is still a big deal in the book world. But it's not as straightforward as it seems. As things change, it's important to realize that what makes a book a "best seller" is not as straightforward as the title seems.

The Albanian Mafia in South America

The rise of Albanian criminal groups in South America has raised concerns in several Latin countries and the media. These groups, often referred to as the "Albanian mafia," have found their way into the heart of Latin American drug trade and crime. The question arises: why are Albanian criminal elements flocking to South American countries known for their open cocaine production and trafficking? One significant reason is their ability to buy cocaine from manufacturers at lower prices. These Albanian-speaking groups operate differently from the larger Mexican and Colombian cartels, using smaller teams with less reliance on heavy weaponry.

These Albanian criminal organizations serve as crucial intermediaries in the drug trade, excelling in business connections, deals, and logistics. They don't resort to the overt armed tactics often seen in Latin American cartels. Instead, they function as efficient, lower-profile connectors, except for guards providing protection.

This rise in Albanian influence in South America dates back to the early 2000s when they arrived in the region with the goal of expanding their European business networks. Over the years, these groups have established key connections with cartels and drug trafficking organizations in countries like Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

The power of the Albanian mafia lies not in their numbers but in their ability to control parts of the drug supply chain, particularly in European ports. This provides them with a critical role in the global drug trade. While their influence in South America is significant, their primary sphere of activity remains in Europe, where they have strongholds in various countries.

The Albanian mafia's collaboration with Mexican drug cartels and their effectiveness in money laundering have solidified their presence in the Latin American drug trade. Latin American countries offer favorable conditions for their business interests and the opportunity to build new identities, live in affluent communities, and capitalize on weaker law enforcement capabilities. However, their numbers remain limited in Latin America, and their profits are dwarfed by the large local cartels.

History & Culture - 1 Euro Rent

In 1516, Jakob Fugger the Rich, a prosperous merchant in Augsburg, Germany, had a vision. He initiated the construction of the Fuggerei, a walled town within Augsburg, to provide debt-free housing for the city's needy Catholic workers. For just one Rheinischer Gulden per year (about 1 Euro today), residents received apartments and financial security. Conditions included being a Catholic with low income, no debt, and maintaining respectability. Residents had to say daily prayers for the Fugger family, be home by 10 p.m. and follow other rules. Jakob donated the complex to the city in 1521, understanding that the Fugger family would perpetually own and manage it, preserving the original rent, rules, and regulations.

Almost 500 years later, the Fuggerei is the world's oldest social housing complex, housing around 150 residents of all ages. The 1 Euro yearly rent still continues to this day, and interested renters must have lived in Augsburg for at least two years, say daily prayers, and work a part-time job in the community.

The Fuggerei showcases historical and unique aspects, such as doorbell pulls with distinct shapes, hand-pump wells, Gothic address numbers, a school, a hospital, a restaurant, a beer garden, and a church. The complex features three museums displaying a model apartment, a historically preserved apartment, and a World War II bunker.

The Fugger family, now in its 19th generation since Jakob, oversees the foundation and trust. Admission conditions and rules have continually adapted to the unique circumstances of time. funding comes from community donations & forestry investments.

Fast Facts

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• Spider webs were used as bandages in ancient times

Sometimes it is not enough to do our best, we must do what is required

-Winston Churchill