Leisure and Sports

Morden wrote:

Erls wrote:With the 'new' technology being introduced throughout Charis, I am wondering how the sporting scene has developed. In particular, I am curious about whether or not the inner circle would "push" along the invention/growth/development of sports such as skiing (downhill), cycling, and golf. Full disclosure, I enjoy all three hence by interest.

Reason why: All three of these sports are, or can be, considered "middle-class" sports. While bikes are widely used in lieu or cars, the sport is much more of a middle class endeavor. Same with downhill skiing and golfing. The equipment requires an investment, and skiing and golfing in particular take a degree of dedication and patience to become good at and really enjoy. The development of these sports would help create a true leisure/recreation economy - and all that goes with it. Charis (Duke Delthak) could introduce the concept of PTO and encourage his employees to travel and see new sights. While intra-island travel is still a bit far, with the trains it would be entirely possible for someone in Tellesburg to get to South Charis (ski resorts?) within a day and enjoy a vacation. This would spur non-religious based travel, resorts, restaurants, and the like. A growing service-based economy, in other words, that increases the quality of life. Finally, these activities would all support the spread of smaller manufacturers and small-business (independent owner) shops.

As a fun aside.. Imagine some of the ski resorts Chisholm could have? Or even the export of skiing to the United Provinces. Steam powered chairlifts are definitely within the technological capability of Safehold, and they could even do steam powered Snowcats (interesting way to introduce tracked vehicles!).

As far as cycling goes, imagine the possibility of an Empire wide Pro Tour? Le Tour de Charis, il Giro d'Emerald, La Vuelta de Corisande, or the Tour of Chisholm, The Crown could 'encourage' each arm of the services (Navy, Marines, Army, Balloon Corp) to sponsor a team composed of service members, while major manufacturers/companies also sponsor teams.

And Golf? One could probably build some pretty fantastic courses throughout the Charisian Empire. Mountain courses, ocean-front courses, etc.

Perhaps I'd just personally enjoy reading a scene where a visiting dignitary is shocked to see a bike race, or be invited to go skiing. And then the realization that the people of Charis are actually spending millions a year on leisurely pursuits and entire industries have been created around those pursuits.

I suspect that will evolve naturally in time on its own, Charis is still fairly early on in the industrial revolution. and it wasnt until it had progressed quite far in our own history that the lower and middle classes had excess revenue to spend on leisure. Once the wages for the people on the lowest end of the spectrum start to hit the right plateau then there will be enormous potential for things like you've mentioned... But I think they are still a decade or two shy of the mark.

Castenea wrote:

Morden wrote:I suspect that will evolve naturally in time on its own, Charis is still fairly early on in the industrial revolution. and it wasnt until it had progressed quite far in our own history that the lower and middle classes had excess revenue to spend on leisure. Once the wages for the people on the lowest end of the spectrum start to hit the right plateau then there will be enormous potential for things like you've mentioned... But I think they are still a decade or two shy of the mark.

I would expect that much of that should already be happening. By the end of Trials and tribulations Bicycles had been around for at least a decade having been introduced at least two books earlier. In our time line bicycles appeared during the 1870's as pneumatic tires were developed, new processes brought the cost of tubular steel down significantly, and advances in bearings (ball bearing development?) came together to create a form of transport the well to do city dweller could afford. It did not take a decade for the first organized bicycle races to be promoted.

Erls wrote:With the 'new' technology being introduced throughout Charis, I am wondering how the sporting scene has developed. In particular, I am curious about whether or not the inner circle would "push" along the invention/growth/development of sports such as skiing (downhill), cycling, and golf. Full disclosure, I enjoy all three hence by interest.

PeterZ wrote:As I posted earlier, The UP covers a large area largely populated by serfs who were bound to the land. They have been set free and one believes they will revel in their freedom. Trains, planes and automobiles will find huge demand there. Well dirigibles anyway, but that doesn't fit as nicely.

The UP will travel as far as they can as often as they can. That will create an opportunity for cheap cars. They'll make their own cars as soon as they can. The automobile will be reflect their ability to travel and a sign they are no longer serfs bound to a spot of land. They are the free and sovereign citizens of the UP.

PeterZ wrote:That's my point, Dennis. Affordable steam powered cars will impact Harchong like Henry Ford's Model T did for the US. Ford's pricing strategy was to make them affordable for his workers. That same strategy would make steam cars available to most of Harchong. Add in employer backed financing plan and Harchong serfs and peasants will quench their thirst for freedom. I posit employer financing for purchasing cars as another way to keep employees from leaving. Should an employee leave for another company, the balance of his debt come due immediately. Some sharp Charisian will use the Ahrmahk plan to facilitate starting a finance company in Harchong. Steam cars, powered farm equipment, light manufacturing equipment for home based businesses.

Bottom line is that manufacturers who price their products right will realize massive demand for what would have been luxury items antebellum. Steam cars would be chief among them.

SilverbladeTE wrote:I have to say, that prompting an OLYMPIC ideal would not only be a great and very much needed cultural, spiritual boon for Safehold, a world wracked by war for so long needs something uplifting and to bond together in enjoyment and friendly rivalry!
but it is also perfect for RFC's Anglophilia and humour

https://youtu.be/xW5abat5NEU

Come on, ya gotta luv that!

PeterZ wrote:There is no precedent an Olympic style event.

On the other hand, EVERYONE on Safehold is a baseball fan. I can see Howsmyn sponsoring a World Cup style international baseball tournament. Invite every nation to send a team. Hold the first finals in Zion during summer. Rotate the finals every time you run the tournament. Perhaps hold it every 4 years.
Maybe even have Cayleb and Sharley put up the prizes. Serious prize money for the players and something more for the nation the teams represent. Not sure what that national prize might be, but it should be something good.