WASHINGTON – President-elect Barack Obama promoted an economic plan Saturday he said would create 2.5 million jobs by rebuilding roads and bridges and modernizing schools while developing alternative energy sources and more efficient cars.

Obama stated “We must do more to put people back to work and get our economy moving again.”

Instead of reacting to this news with the usual knee-jerk reaction of applause and support, we need to ask this question. Does government possess the means to create jobs?

THE BIG MYTH: Government Can Create Jobs

The majority of people actually believe government can create jobs. It is apparent they accept this myth without reasoning it through. They never question where the government receives the funds to begin their job creation projects.

Let’s say you want to create a start-up business. Obviously, you need capital. Either you have saved up the funds or you must borrow them. Also it is possible to receive some of the funds from investors—investors who see the possibility of profiting from your venture.

Now assume the government claims it is creating 2.5 million jobs. This is what President-elect Obama wants to accomplish. Now ask “Where is government getting the capital for its job creation scheme?” Obviously, it isn’t using accumulated savings. Gee, in your wildest dreams, can you imagine government saving money instead of running deficits? The truth is government has no wealth of its own. So, where does it find the money to fund any project?

Governmental Methods of Raising Capital

Governments have basically only three methods to acquire the capital needed to create jobs.

1. They raise it through taxation.

2. They create money out of thin air.

3. They sell bonds on the open market.

It should be evident that the government method of raising capital siphons it from the marketplace. If it raises capital through taxation, it diminishes the taxpayers’ ability to consume goods and services—and decreases their ability to save money. And you know what? Economic improvement is only possible through more savings and investment per capita—the only method of job and wealth creation.

If government inflates the money supply to create jobs it causes artificial booms on the marketplace. All artificial booms divert production from the consumers’ most urgent desires into projects that are lower on the consumers’ scale of values. In other words, inflation fosters mal-investments—projects that can’t be sustained. The boom suddenly transforms into a bust, causing widespread unemployment.

Inflation also devalues the purchasing power of the currency. This means a person’s savings is worth less. Less savings and investment per capita means diminished prosperity resulting in the job creation process slowing down.

When the government sells bonds on the open market it is removing money from the marketplace. The result: It diverts savings from profitable free enterprise ventures into government coffers—a tragedy that is occurring as investors seek “safety” in government T-Bills (Treasury Bills).

A Secondary Consequence

Let’s go to the extreme and assume that government can invest each dollar as efficiently as entrepreneurs and capitalists. I know—this is far-fetched. Would it then be even-steven? Is it possible that it doesn’t matter if the government or the free enterprise system is creating jobs?

Bureaucratic endeavors are expensive and wasteful because bureaucracies do not operate by profit and loss. They operate by bureaucratic rules and regulations. Business operates by the profit motive. If they satisfy the consumers’ most urgent desires they earn profits and remain in business. If they defy the consumers’ most urgent desires they suffer losses and are soon removed from their position of wasting scarce resources.

Have you ever seen a government bureaucracy go out of business because they were losing money? In fact the opposite occurs. They always claim the problem can be cured with more money. Instead of being removed from their position of defying consumers they are rewarded with an increase in funding—thereby thwarting the desires of the consumers and wasting more scarce resources.

Once you figure in the cost of bureaucratic waste there is actually a net decrease in the amount of jobs created. In other words, government meddling in the job market eliminates more jobs than it creates. And the jobs it does “create” are ones that aren’t desired by consumers.

The Solution

Well, one quick solution works — get government out of the job market. In his masterpiece on economics “Human Action” Ludwig von Mises states “A government can no more determine prices than a goose can lay hen’s eggs.” I’m sure that he would apply this statement to the prospect of government creating jobs. I’m using Mises words in this context. “The government can no more create jobs than a goose can lay hen’s eggs.” However, it definitely possesses the means to eliminate jobs—to permanently hamper the market’s ability to create employment for all.

All government intervention on the marketplace eliminates jobs. Government created inflation, excess taxes, minimum wage laws, tariffs and so-called socially “beneficial” legislation imposed on employers cause unemployment and are not in the interest of the worker.

Laissez faire (unhampered) capitalism is the only social system that can guarantee jobs for all who desire employment.

WASHINGTON – President-elect Barack Obama promoted an economic plan Saturday he said would create 2.5 million jobs by rebuilding roads and bridges and modernizing schools while developing alternative energy sources and more efficient cars.

Three questions:

1. Do the consumers actually demand the above services as displayed by their consumption and savings patterns?

2. Are the funds available to support these projects?

3. And if the two previous conditions exist, who is better equipped to embark on these projects. Profit seeking entrepreneurs and capitalists—or government bureaucracies?

Robert A. Meyer has been investigating and studying economics, philosophy, psychology and metaphysics for 30 years. He realizes there are basic principles of Human Action that will help you become successful. His knowledge that life is to be lived on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level allowed him to discover “The Libertarian Way.” He experiences its many pleasures and ecstasies on a daily basis. http://libertarianway.com/

In the Beginning

Koichi Kawai started the Kawai Musical Instrument Research Laboratory with several other men back in 1927. As a pre-teen, Kawai had been recruited by Torakusu Yamaha as apprentice in his piano workshop. The young man worked hard and was a key factor in the production of many award-winning pianos by Nippon Gakki Co., founded by Yamaha.

Kawai decided to work on his own projects years later, after Yamaha had passed on and the company was in trouble due to a difficult economy. He took 7 co-workers with him and the eight of them formed the new lab.

Kawai`s goal was to create a better piano and his first success was the creation of the very first piano action in Japan. This allowed him to build cheaper pianos, now that it was no longer necessary to import the actions. Within a year, the lab began to turn out upright pianos and then a grand piano.

A Name Change and Expansion

In 1929, just two years after the lab had been founded, the name was changed to Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co. and the business underwent several changes over the following years, including becoming a partnership venture and yet another name change, to Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Ltd.

1930 saw the expansion of the company as they began to produce reed organs. But change was on the horizon.

Pausing for War

Like many production factories during World War II, Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing, Ltd. left off making pianos during the war to produce much needed aircraft parts for the war effort.

Though the war officially ended in 1945, the Japanese struggled to get back on their feet after devastating losses and it wasn`t until three years later that Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing, Ltd. was able to return to the production of musical instruments. It didn`t take long for the business to recover and soon they had over 500 employees and were producing 1,500 pianos per year.

Kawai developed and built his first concert piano, which won the Blue Ribbon Medal of Honor. Just two years later, Koichi Kawai passed away and his son, Shigeru, took over the company, which was now incorporated. He turned the family business into something more modern by updating certain techniques and combining the original handcrafted quality with faster, more modern production.

A Whole New World

The younger Kawai was as much an entrepreneur as his father and pushed hard to grow the company. Once the supply outgrew the demand, he came up with a novel idea to promote sales and started the Kawai Academy of Music to train teachers who were then dispatched to teach in Kawai Music Schools across the country. Door to door sales helped boost the demand for their pianos, as well.

He also set up the Kawai Piano Technical Center to turn out trained piano technicians to provide maintenance of purchased instruments. Within a few more years, the company even had its own retail stores that sold pianos and also provided tuning and repair services. Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd. moved into America in 1969 and was soon established there, as well.

1989 saw a third generation take control of the company and Kawai Pianos are still some of the most popular musical instruments in the world. The company continues to produce top quality products and expand into new areas of development on a continual basis.

Visit our piano store Toronto and check out the diverse selection of pianos we offer. Whether it is a Fazioli, Baldwin, Kawai or Grotrian, you can be certain of the quality and price ranges.

Instead of buying your favorite brand name fragrance from the seller with the lowest price, you should purchase from a retailer that you trust. To learn how to find great deals on perfumes without getting stuck with an imitation, keep reading.

Go to a Trusted Store

Your best bet for finding a discount brand name fragrance is to buy from a trusted, bricks-and-mortar retailer during one of their sales. Most perfume counter salespeople at major department stores are happy to fill you in on upcoming specials and sales or when a product is expected to drop in price. So, don’t be afraid to ask.

With retailers like Sephora and Nordstrom’s, you can actually sign up for email updates. That means you’ll get an email every time the store has a major sale - meaning you can keep your eye out for great deals on your favorite brand name fragrance.

Reputable Online Dealers

There are thousands of online stores selling brand name perfume for cheap and yes, the majority of these aren’t selling the real deal. However, there are a few that provide quality, authentic products and at a pretty good discount. Remember, these stores have a minimal amount of overhead when compared to traditional stores, so their prices can be way lower.

In the U.S., you can try a site like Perfume.Com, while ThePerfumeShop.com is more popular in the U.K. and Europe.

The Duty-Free Store

Most luxury goods, like perfume, have major import taxes placed on them. Those import taxes, or duties, drive up the prices at retail stores. That means perfume, like imported alcohol, is one of the few products you can often get at a great deal at the duty-free store. So, if you’re heading out-of-country anytime soon, hold off to check out the perfume prices at the duty-free.

Avoid eBay

eBay is a great place to find amazing deals on a whole range of products, but unfortunately the site just isn’t good enough at catching and stopping counterfeiters. In early July 2008, eBay was actually ordered to pay a multi-million dollar fine because of their failure to stop perfume counterfeits selling on the popular site.

Rather than take chances with a deal that’s too good, go for a retailer that you trust. Remember, like sunglasses and purses, discount brand name fragrance perfume is counterfeited and copied en masse, meaning that a great deal is likely a fake. And unlike sunglasses and purses, a poorly copied perfume could leave you smelling bad and sporting a skin rash.

It’s hard to resist buying the low price item simply because of the cost, but you certainly don’t want to get stuck with a phoney product by doing so.

For great information on beauty & cosmetics - see beautycosmeticstips.com - a popular site providing insights on enhancing your attractiveness - such as homemade acne treatments - discount brand name fragrances - and many more!

What Are Organic Cosmetics?

Most makeup has chemicals and assorted non-organic ingredients to create the effects wanted. Unfortunately, these aren’t the best for your skin and some people even find that they are allergic to the ingredients in mainstream cosmetics.

When the ingredients are natural and organic, this basically means that you are getting the purest of ingredients to apply to your face. No chemicals are included, Nature`s own ingredients are used to work with the skin and provide that healthy glow as well as actually making your skin healthier.

The Benefits

Did you know that your skin actually absorbs much of what you put on it? Those chemicals that are used in regular cosmetics are passing through your skin into your bloodstream, even in small amounts. While this might not cause any immediate effects, you still have to wonder what will happen in the long term. Organic cosmetics are worth using, if only for the peace of mind you`ll have!

Some further benefits of these 100% natural cosmetics include the following:

- Fewer allergies. Most people are sensitive to at least a couple of chemicals and these can actually get worse with extended use. Makeup with natural ingredients tends not to trigger allergies, though there are a few people who may still be sensitive to some natural ingredients.

- Healthier skin. Avoid clogging up your pores with aluminum based products, instead use natural makeup to promote healthier skin.

- Better health in general. What you may not be aware of is that often the ingredients used in natural cosmetics actually have other health benefits.

For example, certain herbs hold aromatic properties to stimulate your sense, while others are absorbed through the skin and can actually make you feel better.

- No more clogged pores. These types of facial products tend to be lighter and easier on the skin. This means no more clogged pores and fewer pimples.

- Repair damaged skin. If you`ve suffered from sun damage or even rashes and outbreaks from using chemical-based cosmetics, then going 100% organic is an excellent idea. The natural materials contained in these products will help repair that damage and create smooth, new skin.

- Less is more. The fact is that organic cosmetics tend to be more concentrated, which means you really use less to get the same effect. It equals better coverage without plastering the makeup on, too.

You`ll find that with organic cosmetics, you can enjoy great looks without worrying about what you`re putting on your skin. There will be fewer zits and outbreaks simply because your makeup won`t be clogging your pores like before and the natural ingredients will help your skin stay healthy and glowing . . . even when you`re bare faced!

While these products may be slightly higher in price than regular, chemical-ridden ones, the benefits are many and since you can use less to get the same effect, it`s really worth the cost. Not to mention, you`ll have fewer skin problems that need to be treated, meaning you will have fewer products to purchase, which is also a major area of savings. 100% organic is the way to go when you want to look good, without lasting effects and guilt.

Organic skin care provider offering 100% pure, natural make up, organic cosmetics, aromatherapy & beauty products.

One of the most common uses of theatrical lenses in the fashion industry is to alter the appearance of the model’s eyes for fashion photographs. These photographs are designed to showcase the designer’s products with the best image possible and changing the eyes of the model to either match the designer’s items or provide a shocking contrast in the photograph. The eyes of these models are not the focus of the photograph but are used to enhance the photograph in interesting ways.

For example, if the model is wearing a designer’s item that is red, dramatic, and sexy, then the fashion photographer may have the model wear contacts that turn the color of the eyes red or resemble flames. Although the focus of the photograph is the designer’s item, the difference of the eyes may attract the viewer’s attention and cause the photograph to be remembered more than a photograph without any dramatic elements. Anything that can bring attention to the photograph in a positive way is a plus for the fashion photographer and the designer.

There are a number of different types of theatrical lenses that can be used in the fashion industry and the ones that are used will depend on the direction that the fashion photographer will want to take with the photograph. The most common types of theatrical lenses used are color enhancing contact lenses that make the color of the eyes much more vivid. These contact lenses brighten the eyes to an abnormally intense color and make them much more visible in the photograph.

Another type of theatrical lenses that are commonly used in the fashion industry is color changing contact lenses that can completely change the color of the eyes. These contact lenses are typically used to change the color of the model’s eyes to something that is more flattering to the photograph. This can include real eye colors such as baby blue or hazel or unnatural colors such as grass green or purple. The color that is chosen for the theatrical lenses will depend on the different elements that are in the photograph.

The most dramatic type of theatrical lenses that are used by the fashion industry is special effects contact lenses that can change the appearance of the eyes into anything that the photographer desires. There are some special effects lenses that can make the pupil of the eye appear elongated like those of a cat or a snake and others that have images of stars or crescent moons imbedded in the design. Theatrical lenses can be used in a number of different ways by the fashion industry and each way is designed to enhance the appearance of the designer’s merchandise.

When looking for contact lenses, contact lenses cases, theatrical lenses or colored contacts, be sure to shop online for huge savings when compared to retail prices.

What are the advantages to obtaining this type of degree? There are many and most of them revolve around obtaining a better job. Everyone knows that when the economy gets tight and money isn’t as available, people like to go to school. Sometimes it takes getting a little more education to put you in position to get that great job you’ve been waiting for. Obtaining a post-graduate degree in the field of health and sciences could be just what you are looking for. While traditional online programs are based around new instruction, the Doctor of Health Sciences online degree has an entirely different focus.

In this program the instructors focus on the fact that their students, for the most part, already understand how the industry works. They get the fact that the industry is ever changing and that they need to understand hospital hierarchy in order to be successful. This degree takes the knowledge that a professional already has and shapes that knowledge into a powerful resource for them to use. Its popularity is largely attributed to this concept. Many employed professionals are signing up for the program. They want to know everything that there is to know about a growing and exciting industry. Sometimes that is hard to do when you are not constantly taking classes and refreshing your mind. Therefore, continuing your education could be mandatory if you wish to succeed in this industry.

All in all, this curriculum does an excellent job of preparing professionals for the changing world of healthcare. It deals with all of the modern aspects of the industry and even helps students’ focus on some of the more controversial subjects that will undoubtedly come up. The entire basis for the course is to teach students to make better decisions. When healthcare professionals have all of the information and instruction that they could possibly want, they will make more informed and more responsible decisions.

A lot of what powers the healthcare industry is decision making. When people are better at making decisions, they end up on top of the industry. Overall, the healthcare industry has a wide variety of very intelligent professionals. There is a broad knowledge at every level and in order for the system to work continued knowledge must be passed. That does not mean that students have to stop trying to learn, though. This program takes the knowledge and it uses it in a different way. It forces students to think in a different way and that is a definite positive.

All in all, the Doctor of Health Sciences Online Degree is one of the best advances a person can take advantage of when continuing on in the healthcare industry. Many positions will open themselves up for you and when it comes time to interview for jobs you will have a leg up on everyone around you. Ultimately, this is what education is all about. In the tight economy, you have to use your education as a way to land a great job. If it takes another degree, then get started before it’s too late.

Andy West is a writer for ATSU, a great online institution offering a Doctor of Health Sciences Online Degree, and a multitude of other healthcare related degrees. For more information please visit ATSU.edu.

For the cost of $1.95 for shipping and handling, interested people can request a free CD-ROM, which includes eighteen free lessons including games and activities, only found on the CD. The purpose of this free offer is to provide an introduction of the complete program. However, the lessons help anyone to begin to learn Spanish and decide at home if, they wish to continue learning Spanish.

The lessons teach vocabulary words, vowel sounds, and verbal exercises to speak sentences in Spanish. There are lessons for learning correct pronunciation of many words and practice rolling “r’s” and making guttural sounds used in Spanish. There are basic needs phrases, greetings survival expressions, grammar, locations, ordering from a menu and so much more.

Examples of some of sentences and phrases a person will know and speak easily after a couple of lessons from one of the many websites available are below. These are very common phrases many people speak or hear spoken by family, friends and peers daily. Try speaking the phrases and sentence at the bottom of the page. Begin using them as part of your daily conversations. Practice makes perfect and speaking a little Spanish does something to increase your morale. As you get comfortable with speaking, the sample phrases and sentences think about how speaking this small amount of Spanish causes a touch of pride to well up within your chest. We humans are like that it only takes something small to change our attitude. Why not go to a website and start learning to speak Spanish today? You will find that Rocket Spanish is the best you could find on the Internet.

Enter the words, “how to learn Spanish” in your favorite search bar, click and a page of ten websites will be on your screen. Notice most of the websites offer free lessons and some even offer professional instructors who are waiting to help you become a bilingual person. Speaking the second most used language in the world will be of great benefit in your future relationships.

Speaking Spanish can open the door to an exciting future for those who pursue this knowledge and allow others to hear you speak Spanish. Someday a great job may require someone proficient in English and Spanish and you will be ready.

We find some differences between the written alphabets of the two languages, however learning the written Spanish alphabet is not difficult. A child speaking English says, “I know my A,B,C’s,” while a child speaking Spanish says, “I know my “a, be, ce’s.” The difference is in the written letters. Although there are many near free offers to learn Spanish, Rocket Spanish make it easier, give a more comprehensive environment and offers also much more fun.

William Parish offers practical advice about Rocket Spanish Program He offers advanced training bonus to people that buys Rocket Spanish at this site. Check this offer now: Rocket Spansih

There are several ways by which the emperor through the help of the Moot or the government’s deliberative body can bestow a title of nobility. It could be through years of loyalty to the throne, an influential and wealthy family background that has considerable influence over the economy and business, military achievements, ranks and position in the administrative functions of the government, or through innovations and discoveries that contribute to the fields of science and medicine. The nobility titles ranked in ascending order are the following: knight, baronet, baron, marquis, viscount, count, duke, and archduke.

The lowest title of nobility is the knight. This is awarded in recognition of a remarkable achievement or service to the empire. They are addressed with the prefix “Sir” or “Dame” for females. The next is the baronet. It is a special form of a baron confirmed by the archduke of one of the domains of the empire. The next of the noble titles is the baron who is designated a piece of land not more than 100 square kilometers because of an exemplary service. The next level of noble rank is the marquis who is also awarded a fief or a piece of land larger than that of the baron because of a very vital and remarkable service and contribution. The next title of nobility is the viscount and the count who are both bestowed fiefs in two or three worlds or areas. And then comes the duke. The highest among the nobility titles is the archduke who exercises overall control and supervision over the territory and acts as the intermediary and direct representative of the emperor and the lower ranks of nobility.

These noble titles acquired provide each of the important nobility classes fiefs of land from the emperor where they can exercise control such as using it for personal and business purposes although these properties still remain as possessions of the emperor.

After the resulting cultural and political upheavals as results of the French Revolution, the influence and powers of the nobility became less. This is because of democratic ideals that now return the power and decision making to the majority and not just a group of few elites. Constitutions were constructed that now defined who, what, and how administrative powers are bestowed. A title of nobility has become largely ceremonial and cultural in nature as the modern world progressed and evolved into what it is now. There are several nobility classes and ranks though that still wield absolute power and control in some countries such as the kingdoms and sheikdoms in the Arab world and the Sultanate in Brunei. Nevertheless, a noble title still confers a significant level of status.

Spencer Miller is a researcher, author and Nobility consultant. Recently he found that titles of Nobility are sometimes issued. These Noble titles are certified legal titles that can be added to your name. All nobility titles include full documentation support.

Three Questions Designed To Save You Money

1. What is the best price you can give me on this room, or whatever?

2. Is that the best you can do?

3. If the answer is No, repeat questions one and two.

Hotels Need To Fill Rooms

More so in a time of recession, like we are in right now, hotels are desperate to fill rooms. If you are at a hotel with a nearly-packed parking lot, the chances of getting a reduced rate on your hotel room is low. However, if the parking lot at the hotel is less than half full, hotel proprietors are more inclined to jump through hoops to get your business.

Be prepared for the hotel proprietor who is willing to call your bluff. If you tell the person behind the desk that you “will go elsewhere” if they do not cut the price, be prepared to walk out the door if the answer is “No.” More often than not, if your request is met with a “No” at a hotel with few cars in the parking lot, and you start moving towards the door to leave, the hotel proprietor will call you back to the desk, before you reach the front door.

If the parking lot is full, chances are good that the hotel proprietor will not give you a better deal, even if you ask and threaten to leave.

The truth is that you don’t even need to threaten to leave, in order to secure a better deal. All you need to do is to simply ask. What is the best price you can give me on that room? And, is that the best you can do?

Is that the best you can do, is a very important question. This is the question that determines what the lowest price really is. The worst that can happen is that you don’t get a discount price… That is why you should never threaten to leave, unless you have every intention of carrying out that threat.

Better Deals Do Not Always Mean Lower Prices

Suppose your hotel proprietor is willing to give you a free breakfast, if you pay the full price on the room. Breakfast for five at McDonald’s generally costs me $15-$20. So a free breakfast meal for staying at one particular hotel still adds up to money saved, so sometimes, full price for a hotel room will save me money.

One of the best lines in my book of tricks is to wait until the transaction is done, then ask for my “breakfast ticket”. Almost universally, the hotel clerk will ask me “what breakfast ticket?” When I respond, I tell the clerk that I always get tickets for a free breakfast when I stay at other hotels. Nine times out of ten, the desk clerk will say “Oh, okay,” and pull a breakfast ticket from under their desk. Free breakfast is good enough for me.

If you are on vacation, as opposed to a business trip, your hotel may have discount coupons available for local attractions. If you are looking to visit a specific attraction, don’t be afraid to ask if your hotel has discount tickets available for that attraction. You might be surprised what you hotel might be able to offer to you.

God Gave You The Ability To Speak And Ask Questions - Don’t Be Afraid To Ask

On March 4, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States was inaugurated into office. He entered the presidency during the midst of a banking panic. In his inaugural speech, he spoke the words he is most famous for today, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

FDR’s words of wisdom are as relevant today, as they were when they were spoken in 1933. The only thing you have to fear from asking questions of hotel proprietors or other attraction venue operators is fear itself. So long as you don’t make the mistake of trying to strengthen your question with a threat, you have nothing to fear and money to gain, simply by asking three really easy and simple questions.

I cannot reiterate this point enough… Don’t be afraid to ask for a better price or a better deal. As Ben Franklin was so fond of saying, “A penny saved is a penny earned.”

Over the years, Anson Werner has learned how to uncover the best travel deals and how to stretch his travel dollar. Recent finds include a $49 Las Vegas 3-day/2-night stay and a tip to get a free cruise. He shares his travel tips at: http://www.shoppingtraveldeals.com/blog and http://travel-and-destinations.blogspot.com

When he was named console of the United Kingdom to Genoa, he moved here with his family and raised his children who, while being British citizens felt Genoese in sentiment and loved Portofino. The oldest boy, Montagu, became console of S. M. Britannica when his father died. The second boy, Federico, was a great industrialist and businessman of the end of the nineteenth century.

The castle of Portofino, which was a Genoese fort and over the centuries belonged to the Florentines, the French, the Spanish, and, after Waterloo, was conquered by the English, has very ancient origins. Montagu Brown acquired it from the State in 1870 for seven thousand liras and had it adapted for civil habitation by the noted architect Alfredo D’Andrade; from this splendid position he dominated the two seas and could see below him the village of Portofino and all the bays and ravines that mark the coast towards Santa Margherita Ligure. On the terrace that in the past had been the esplanade of the fort, he planted two pine trees that today, having grown imposing and stately, characterize the castle.

He furnished the inside with furniture that came from clipper ships in that austere and aristocratic style so characteristic of the English of that epoch. On the walls of the studio of the castle hung paintings of Moeris and an authentic Hogarth copy. Montagu Brown invited many people in his castle.

Lord Carnavon, the noted egyptologist who discovered the tomb of Tut-Anch Amon (and who with his wife and collaborators were subject to a famous curse) and the Baron Von Mumm, an industrialist and the producer of a champagne of the same name, lived close by; the former in Villa Altachiara, foto, and the latter in the “San Giorgio” castle. They both became good friends of the Browns and often exchanged visits.

When Frederick Brown, the younger brother of Montagu, married in 1882 he acquired the Castle in Paraggi, foto, by then in disuse. It had belonged to the Fieschis in the middle ages and later used by the Genoese Republic as a defense against pirates as well as to block the landing of victims of the plague.

Notwithstanding the fact that it was originally a military design, it was possible to adapt it to use as a luxurious residence for prestigious guests. The original project of transformation from a fort to a villa was done by Frederick himself.

When he first submitted the design to his friend the artist James Harris, who was later to become a baron and British Console in Nice, he was told that it would disfigure the castle. On the advice of a friend of the family, the architect Alfredo D’Andrade, the project was entrusted to an engineer by the name of Tamburelli. In restructuring the castle, Tamburelli abolished the narrow moat (and as a consequence its connecting bridge) that ran along the cliff behind the structure and had it filled with stone. In place of the existing battery of cannons he had built a fragile but charming loggia that was thought precarious by contemporaries but which still exists today.

Read the full article in the Portofino Tabloid: http://www.portofinoworldsite.com/tabloid/blog-bid-105