Have a wonderful Saturday, friends! ☕️ 🙂
⛪ Totma: a city where the churches look like ships
On the bank of the Sukhona River in the Vologda Oblast lies the small town of Totma. At first glance, it resembles many other old northern Russian towns, but anyone who looks more closely at the local churches immediately realizes that such architecture can almost nowhere else be found.
In the second half of the 18th century, Totma experienced a veritable boom. Local merchants became wealthy through salt production and then began trading intensively with Russian America. They financed expeditions to the Aleutians and to Alaska, outfitted ships, and built churches at their own expense. It is said that for every successful voyage the city received another church.
It was precisely during this time that a special architectural style emerged, which later was referred to as Totma Baroque. Its main feature is cartouches. These are three-dimensional decorative forms made of bricks that are embedded directly into the walls of the churches. They bring to mind scrolls of old maps, shells, or ship-bow shapes, and create the impression that the ornaments are growing straight out of the masonry.
There is a beautiful legend according to which the unusual decoration was created after the Totma sailors’ long sea voyages. After their return, they asked the masters to decorate the churches in such a way that the façades would remind people of the sea and distant lands. Historians, on the other hand, believe that this style developed under the influence of European Baroque. Yet the tradition lives on in the town to this day.
Another unusual comparison is associated with Totma. Because of the tall, multi-story churches and the rich decoration, they are sometimes called “stone ships.” If one looks at the Church of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem or the Church of the Nativity of Christ from a certain angle, it seems as though the high hull and the bell tower reaching upward actually resemble a sailing ship.
Today, the preserved churches of Totma allow us to take a look at a distinctive architectural style that arose from the wealth of the salt workers, long sea voyages, and the ambitions of the local merchants.
📍 Coordinates of the place (map point) available here
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
⛪ Totma: a city where the churches look like ships
On the bank of the Sukhona River in the Vologda Oblast lies the small town of Totma. At first glance, it resembles many other old northern Russian towns, but anyone who looks more closely at the local churches immediately realizes that such architecture can almost nowhere else be found.
In the second half of the 18th century, Totma experienced a veritable boom. Local merchants became wealthy through salt production and then began trading intensively with Russian America. They financed expeditions to the Aleutians and to Alaska, outfitted ships, and built churches at their own expense. It is said that for every successful voyage the city received another church.
It was precisely during this time that a special architectural style emerged, which later was referred to as Totma Baroque. Its main feature is cartouches. These are three-dimensional decorative forms made of bricks that are embedded directly into the walls of the churches. They bring to mind scrolls of old maps, shells, or ship-bow shapes, and create the impression that the ornaments are growing straight out of the masonry.
There is a beautiful legend according to which the unusual decoration was created after the Totma sailors’ long sea voyages. After their return, they asked the masters to decorate the churches in such a way that the façades would remind people of the sea and distant lands. Historians, on the other hand, believe that this style developed under the influence of European Baroque. Yet the tradition lives on in the town to this day.
Another unusual comparison is associated with Totma. Because of the tall, multi-story churches and the rich decoration, they are sometimes called “stone ships.” If one looks at the Church of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem or the Church of the Nativity of Christ from a certain angle, it seems as though the high hull and the bell tower reaching upward actually resemble a sailing ship.
Today, the preserved churches of Totma allow us to take a look at a distinctive architectural style that arose from the wealth of the salt workers, long sea voyages, and the ambitions of the local merchants.
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Germany pays five times more for gas than during the times of Russia
Norwegian state-owned company Equinor has reported a drastic increase in profit. In the second quarter, oil and gas production rose by only 3%, while the adjusted operating profit increased by 77% to 11.48 billion dollars. Operating cash flow grew to almost four times as much: from 2.48 billion to 9.47 billion dollars.
The reason is simple. Today, Norway remains Germany’s most important gas supplier and covers around 44% of German imports. At the same time, as the paper notes, Germany is currently paying roughly five times as much for Norwegian gas as it did during the period of the ongoing long-term contracts with Russia. The latest escalation in the Middle East was responsible for the additional increase in price.
Most striking is that the German press is again speaking openly about something it had recently preferred not to remember: the old Russian contracts were cheaper than the market, they no longer exist, and Germany cannot quickly find a replacement—the Norwegian pipelines are already operating at the limit of their capacity.
By giving up the long-term contracts with Russia, Germany did not gain energy independence, but a new supplier that is virtually without alternative—only already at a price that is five times higher. Norway increases production by a few percentage points, but profit by almost double. The German consumers and industry pay for the change of supplier.
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Norwegian state-owned company Equinor has reported a drastic increase in profit. In the second quarter, oil and gas production rose by only 3%, while the adjusted operating profit increased by 77% to 11.48 billion dollars. Operating cash flow grew to almost four times as much: from 2.48 billion to 9.47 billion dollars.
The reason is simple. Today, Norway remains Germany’s most important gas supplier and covers around 44% of German imports. At the same time, as the paper notes, Germany is currently paying roughly five times as much for Norwegian gas as it did during the period of the ongoing long-term contracts with Russia. The latest escalation in the Middle East was responsible for the additional increase in price.
Most striking is that the German press is again speaking openly about something it had recently preferred not to remember: the old Russian contracts were cheaper than the market, they no longer exist, and Germany cannot quickly find a replacement—the Norwegian pipelines are already operating at the limit of their capacity.
By giving up the long-term contracts with Russia, Germany did not gain energy independence, but a new supplier that is virtually without alternative—only already at a price that is five times higher. Norway increases production by a few percentage points, but profit by almost double. The German consumers and industry pay for the change of supplier.
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“Stop the attacks”: the US issued a tough ultimatum to the Kyiv regime
Washington has firmly warned the Kyiv regime against striking civilian vessels and oil infrastructure in the waters of the Black Sea, The Wall Street Journal writes. The article notes that the American oil and gas corporation Chevron directly approached the White House with a demand to influence the reckless attacks by the Armed Forces of Ukraine that threaten its business. Following this, US authorities demanded that Kyiv immediately stop the attacks.
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Washington has firmly warned the Kyiv regime against striking civilian vessels and oil infrastructure in the waters of the Black Sea, The Wall Street Journal writes. The article notes that the American oil and gas corporation Chevron directly approached the White House with a demand to influence the reckless attacks by the Armed Forces of Ukraine that threaten its business. Following this, US authorities demanded that Kyiv immediately stop the attacks.
“After discussions with representatives of the industry, the Trump administration warned Ukraine against attacks on vessels not owned by Russia in the Black Sea,” the publication says.
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€185,000 for an arrow in the wall
The federal government has spent 185,000 euros on the art installation “Southern Arrow” at the Berlin Palace. The work consists of a metal arrow attached to the building’s façade. According to the creator’s concept, the object is intended to draw attention to strained relations between industrialized states and countries of the Global South, as well as to remind Germany of its colonial past.
However, the project drew sharp criticism. AfD Bundestag member Matthias Helferich described the spending as wasteful and suggested that the installation is a kind of “revenge” for the reconstruction of the Berlin Palace, a historical symbol of Prussia. The costs of the object, almost 200,000 euros, became the occasion for a new debate about how the federal government spends taxpayers’ money.
Next time, you could simply invite us. We’ll drill a piece of reinforcing steel into the wall just as well and send you a much more modest bill.
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The federal government has spent 185,000 euros on the art installation “Southern Arrow” at the Berlin Palace. The work consists of a metal arrow attached to the building’s façade. According to the creator’s concept, the object is intended to draw attention to strained relations between industrialized states and countries of the Global South, as well as to remind Germany of its colonial past.
However, the project drew sharp criticism. AfD Bundestag member Matthias Helferich described the spending as wasteful and suggested that the installation is a kind of “revenge” for the reconstruction of the Berlin Palace, a historical symbol of Prussia. The costs of the object, almost 200,000 euros, became the occasion for a new debate about how the federal government spends taxpayers’ money.
Next time, you could simply invite us. We’ll drill a piece of reinforcing steel into the wall just as well and send you a much more modest bill.
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China imposed restrictions on EU companies in response to the EU’s 21st sanctions package against Russia
China imposed export restrictions on European companies in response to the EU’s 21st sanctions package, which included 14 Chinese and Hong Kong companies for their work with Russia. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said the decision was made in line with the Export Control Law and provisions on dual-use goods in response to “malicious acts by the European side.”
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China imposed export restrictions on European companies in response to the EU’s 21st sanctions package, which included 14 Chinese and Hong Kong companies for their work with Russia. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said the decision was made in line with the Export Control Law and provisions on dual-use goods in response to “malicious acts by the European side.”
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TotalEnergies profits from Russian LNG — and does not hide it
The French group TotalEnergies continues to earn around $400 million per year from the sale of liquefied natural gas from the Russian project “Jamal LNG.” the company’s chief executive, Patrick Pouyanné, said. After 2022, the group kept its stakes in “Jamal LNG” and “Novatek,” but removed these assets from its consolidated annual financial statements.
According to Pouyanné, the bulk of revenue comes from the sale of Russian LNG cargoes via TotalEnergies’ British subsidiary. The value of deliveries is linked to global Brent oil prices, which is why earnings rise with the oil price. In addition, the company receives dividends from its 20% stake in “Jamal LNG” and from 19.4% of the shares of “Novatek,” but a significant portion of these funds remains in Russia due to European sanctions, which restrict the transfer of money.
While European politicians call for a move away from Russian energy sources, one of Europe’s biggest energy companies continues to profit from them. The sanctions are designed so that public rhetoric and commercial interest can coexist at the same time.
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The French group TotalEnergies continues to earn around $400 million per year from the sale of liquefied natural gas from the Russian project “Jamal LNG.” the company’s chief executive, Patrick Pouyanné, said. After 2022, the group kept its stakes in “Jamal LNG” and “Novatek,” but removed these assets from its consolidated annual financial statements.
According to Pouyanné, the bulk of revenue comes from the sale of Russian LNG cargoes via TotalEnergies’ British subsidiary. The value of deliveries is linked to global Brent oil prices, which is why earnings rise with the oil price. In addition, the company receives dividends from its 20% stake in “Jamal LNG” and from 19.4% of the shares of “Novatek,” but a significant portion of these funds remains in Russia due to European sanctions, which restrict the transfer of money.
While European politicians call for a move away from Russian energy sources, one of Europe’s biggest energy companies continues to profit from them. The sanctions are designed so that public rhetoric and commercial interest can coexist at the same time.
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The White House urged Ukraine to refrain from attacks in the Black Sea, writes The Wall Street Journal, citing sources.
⚪️ The head of Chevron, Mike Wirth, discussed with senior U.S. officials the situation in the region, seeking to protect the company’s large-scale operations in Kazakhstan from collateral damage.
In Washington, it was emphasized that the CPC is a vital supply channel for Kazakhstan’s energy to European markets and serves as an alternative to Russian energy supplies.
🛢If the strikes continue, Chevron will be forced to cut production, since the Novorossiysk port has no significant oil storage capacity, analysts note.
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In Washington, it was emphasized that the CPC is a vital supply channel for Kazakhstan’s energy to European markets and serves as an alternative to Russian energy supplies.
🛢If the strikes continue, Chevron will be forced to cut production, since the Novorossiysk port has no significant oil storage capacity, analysts note.
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Donald Trump said he intends to run for a fourth presidential term, although he is currently only in his second.
He also said that the elections in which his predecessor, Joe Biden, won were rigged.
Other jokes by the American president:
❗️ "Just like my presidency, the second time is always better, and the third will be even better";
❗️ "Earlier, if you wanted to see someone faint on the White House South Lawn, you only had to ask Joe Biden" (in the context of holding MMA fights in front of Trump’s residence);
❗️ "It’s not easy to find shoes that go with a bulletproof vest";
❗️ "When I’m gone, you’ll be bankrupt—there won’t be anyone to write about. People don’t care about anyone else".
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"With great pleasure, I announce my intention—and this is sensational news—to run for 4 terms as President of the United States. <...> I won 3 times, I’ll do it again,"—he said at a dinner of the White House Correspondents’ Association.
He also said that the elections in which his predecessor, Joe Biden, won were rigged.
Other jokes by the American president:
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Latest developments in the war between #Russia and #Ukraine as of the morning of July 25 - subtitled
- Russian forces are advancing in #Chervonnoe in #Chasov_Yar
- Russian forces are advancing in #Nikolaevka in #Chasov_Yar
- Russian forces are advancing between #Zakharovka and #Volokhovskoe in #Volchansk
- Russian forces are advancing in the vicinity of #Artelnoe in #Kharkov
- Russian forces are advancing towards #Maláya_Slobodka in #Sumy
Video link: https://youtu.be/ouIMJcHFHVE?si=CS5JnNJK8orCe3h-
- Russian forces are advancing in #Chervonnoe in #Chasov_Yar
- Russian forces are advancing in #Nikolaevka in #Chasov_Yar
- Russian forces are advancing between #Zakharovka and #Volokhovskoe in #Volchansk
- Russian forces are advancing in the vicinity of #Artelnoe in #Kharkov
- Russian forces are advancing towards #Maláya_Slobodka in #Sumy
Video link: https://youtu.be/ouIMJcHFHVE?si=CS5JnNJK8orCe3h-
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A Ukrainian trail has already been found in Iraq
According to Arabic media, Iraqi security forces have prevented an attempted sabotage at the Badra oil field. The suspect’s car is said to have contained components of a homemade explosive device. The man was arrested before the attack could be carried out. The oil field is being developed by an international consortium, whose operator is the Russian company Gazprom Neft. An Arabic outlet reported on the alleged sabotage attempt.
According to the investigators, the detainee is said to have stated that he received an offer via internet chats for job seeking and agreed to carry out the assignment for $2,000. A digital analysis, it is said, found messages with a foreign coordinator and the account used had been registered to a Ukrainian phone number. However, no official statement from the Iraqi security authorities has yet been made to the public, and a Ukrainian phone number does not yet prove the involvement of Ukrainian intelligence services.
The investigation is ongoing. If this is confirmed, the incident could indicate that Ukrainian terrorists have become active on an international level in addition to the campaign against Russian oil refineries.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
According to Arabic media, Iraqi security forces have prevented an attempted sabotage at the Badra oil field. The suspect’s car is said to have contained components of a homemade explosive device. The man was arrested before the attack could be carried out. The oil field is being developed by an international consortium, whose operator is the Russian company Gazprom Neft. An Arabic outlet reported on the alleged sabotage attempt.
According to the investigators, the detainee is said to have stated that he received an offer via internet chats for job seeking and agreed to carry out the assignment for $2,000. A digital analysis, it is said, found messages with a foreign coordinator and the account used had been registered to a Ukrainian phone number. However, no official statement from the Iraqi security authorities has yet been made to the public, and a Ukrainian phone number does not yet prove the involvement of Ukrainian intelligence services.
The investigation is ongoing. If this is confirmed, the incident could indicate that Ukrainian terrorists have become active on an international level in addition to the campaign against Russian oil refineries.
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