Jonathan Carey
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Just a journalist trying to get his voice and others heard. CUNY Graduate School of Journalism M.A. Senior Editor, Places @AtlasObscura. Views are my own.
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Articles by Jonathan Carey
Subsidy Control: Key Lessons From A Recent Competition Appeal Tribunal Decision
Jonathan Carey’s articles from Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP are most popular: in European Union in European Union The UK’s subsidy control regime aims to prevent public bodies giving financial assistance to private enterprises in a way that distorts usual competition. One example of this is when a public authority provides financial support to an enterprise that, under normal commercial circumstances, it would not be able to obtain. The key legislation is the Subsidy Control Act 2022, or SCA.
Subsidy Control: The Competition Appeal Tribunal Judgment In The Case Of Bristol Airport V Welsh Ministers.
The Competition Appeal Tribunal (the CAT) has issued its judgment in the case of Bristol Airport v Welsh Ministers [2026] CAT 30 (Bristol Airport). While Bristol Airport is the fourth decided case in relation to Subsidy Control brought in the CAT, it is the first decided case where the public authority had considered the financial assistance was a subsidy.
Two New Streamlined Routes Under The Subsidy Control Regime
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has published guidance on two new streamlined routes under the subsidy control regime. This follows clear support for the three existing streamlined routes introduced in 2023, subject to a consultation on the subsidy control regime, which we discussed in a previous article. Taking each of the new routes in turn we will explore what they seek to cover and provide some helpful information.
Joint Ventures In The Clean Energy Sector: UK And EU Merger Control
When setting up and operating a joint venture (JV) in the UK, companies should consider if the UK's merger control rules apply. In this article we set out the criteria for when theUK's merger control rules apply, as well as considering some other regimes (such as the EU) that could also apply. The UK operates a voluntary system of merger control, although the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has jurisdiction to review a merger if one or more of the threshold tests apply.
Will Dynamic Pricing Be Shown The Red Card?
The government's public consultation on the resale of live events tickets closed for responses on 4 April. Against that backdrop, and with the use of dynamic pricing firmly in the regulatory spotlight, we explain what it all could mean for those hosting and selling tickets to sporting (and other) events. Dynamic pricing is what drives the price of a ticket or goods up or down based on demand. Its use has been the subject of increased scrutiny recently.
The DMCC Act: Subscription Contract Compliance
Sa Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP More Shepherd and Wedderburn is a leading, independent Scottish-headquartered UK law firm, with offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, London and Dublin. With a history stretching back to 1768, establishing long-standing relationships of trust, rooted in legal advice and client service of the highest quality, is our hallmark. The DMCC Act 2024 grants the CMA enhanced enforcement powers for UK consumer protection, especially regarding subscription contracts.
The DMCC Act: Subscription contract compliance
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCC Act) represents a significant change to the enforcement of consumer protection law in the UK. Accordingly, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will take significant new direct enforcement powers for the enforcement of consumer protection law.
Uncle Jonny, Stop Chewing Vanilla Ice Cream
My niece turned 14 today! She has to be one of the most observant people I've been around. One evening a few years ago we sat around the table at my parents' house. It's our large family's favorite place to be. We enjoy a meal and a cold treat every time we're together. On this night my niece began sharing her observations of the quirks she's noticed in each of us. Quite entertaining. I don't remember what she said about everyone else, but she told me I chew my ice cream.
21 Caves That Offer Otherworldly Experiences
Millions of caves can be found worldwide, many of which are home to flora and fauna that are uniquely adapted to subterranean life. Some hide magnificent rock formations, underground lakes, or gigantic crystal formations. In these places, it’s easy to feel like you have left Earth and entered another world. Across the ceiling and floor of the Gadime Cave in Gadime e Poshtme, Kosovo, are multicolored stalagmites and stalactites made of marble.
13 Hotels When Ghosts May Share Your Room
Hotels generally serve as places for weary travelers to relax—peaceful, clean, and quiet. Among those hotels are the historic ones, often antique architectural wonders, and some of those also happen to hold long histories and age-old mysteries, so it’s no surprise that some of them would acquire a reputation for paranormal activity. Sure, supernatural experiences might disturb your rest, but it also might be worth it to experience history firsthand.
12 Swimming Pools Where You can Beat the Heat
On a blisteringly hot day, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as plunging into the cool waters of a swimming pool. While few people would turn their noses up at a dip in a local public pool, the world is filled with especially wondrous pools. Some have a rich history or impressive architecture, while others are feats of engineering—and all of them are begging to be explored once temperatures rise.
13 Astronomical Clocks Connecting Time And Space
Composed of intricate dials and mechanisms, astronomical clocks more closely resemble eclectic works of art rather than timepieces. Dating back to the 15th century, these clocks display time, and information about the sun, moon, and constellations—some even showcase the movement of the planets. Astronomical clocks are not only scientific marvels, but are also detailed works of precision, engineering, and design. Inside a tower at Copenhagen’s City Hall resides a gilded masterpiece.
17 Spectacular Outdoor Staircases
Spotting a steep set of stairs might elicit a groan from many. But in the right environment, a set of stairs can lead to awed gasps instead. Some are carved into the sides of mountains or cliffs, while others are centerpieces of cities and towns. But all of these outdoor staircases offer breathtaking climbs and astonishing views. Amid the urban landscape of Seattle, Washington, the Howe Street Stairs offer some of the most special views of the city.
18 of the World's Loneliest Lighthouses
Lighthouses have been a ray of hope for traveling ships for centuries. These beacons vary in structure and style, but they have a shared purpose of helping crews navigate their vessels through the world’s waterways. While plenty of these structures stand in coastal towns and seaside cities, many more can be found in remote and sometimes stomach-churning locations. Rising out of a rocky spire in the middle of the waters off the coast of Andros, Greece, is the Tourlitis Lighthouse.
24 of the Oldest Trees in the World
These trees have remained firmly rooted for centuries, in some cases millennia. The oldest among them were already growing as glaciers of the last ice age receded, while humans were learning how to plow fields and navigate the world around them. Many of these marvelous examples of living history are easily accessible, while others require a long hike if you want to witness them in person. High atop Sweden’s Fulufajallet Mountain stands a scraggly Norway Spruce.
Android or iPhone?
Android or iPhone? A second grader gives their opinion Photo by Denny Müller on Unsplash I’m an elementary school administrator in the throes of middle age. It’s comfort over style in pretty much everything I do. There are no more statements to be made for me. So, I carry an Android, what’s the big deal? That’s why it was funny when I found myself in an Android/iPhone debate with a second grader. A debate I…
14 Precarious Roadways
Most of the time, roads are pretty straightforward, asphalt and painted lines leading from one place to another. Sometimes they’re straightforward for a really long time. But every once in a while you encounter a road that offers a hair-raising experience, with narrow lanes and hairpin turns that wind around mountains or seaside cliffs. Some are the only way in or out of a region, while others are massive feats of engineering.
15 Places to Fall in Love With Sundials
In 2013, archaeological excavations in Egypt unearthed an interesting artifact. The flattened piece of limestone had a semicircle drawn onto it, which had been divided into 12 sections. In the middle of the stone was an indent that likely held a wood or metal bolt that would cast a shadow onto the design below. This device, found near a group of stone huts used in the 13th century BCE., is the oldest sundial on record.
11 Signs That Capture Pure Americana
Any road trip across the United States will yield copious amounts of wonder in the form of roadside attractions, many of which stand as pristine examples of Americana. Many of the marquees and signs have been catching the eyes of passersby for decades, a testament to the resilience of steel and a little bit of kitsch. Others dazzle as neon showcases that illuminate an evening cityscape.
17 Places That Harness the Power of the Sun
As we begin the journey down the path of totality in 2024, the eclipse offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on the sun’s power. Although we mostly still rely on fossil fuels, many places worldwide utilize the sun as a primary energy source. Many of these places not only efficiently harness the sun’s amazing power but are magnificent feats of engineering and architectural design.
12 Places that Celebrate Women in Science
Advancements in science and medicine have been pivotal to the betterment of the modern world, and many of these historical contributions were made by women. These pioneers in natural history, medical practice, and engineering blazed the trail for generations of women to come and accomplished great things amid difficult—sometimes impossible—circumstances. In Dorset, England, a small museum with a giant history sits along what is known as the Jurassic Coast.
12 Sculptures Made From Recycled Materials
Most trash is destined for some forlorn landfill or recycling center, but when it finds its way into the right hands it can be transformed into something beautiful. Around the globe, from city centers to lonely roadsides, you can find eclectic works of art made from materials that were once discarded as trash or scrap. A few have been so expertly repurposed that they belong in a museum.
A Tour of Abandoned Places of the Midwest
From ghost towns to forgotten theme parks, the United States is filled with abandoned places. Though these places exist in varying states of ruin, many of them still have a certain level of charm, character, and history about them. With its rich industrial past and frontier legacy, the American Midwest has quite a collection of abandoned places. Some are buried deep in the woods, while others lie inside city limits from Cleveland to Chicago.
My Son Was Kentucky’s Dairy Queen Fan of the Game
The love for Rupp Arena ice cream and gallons more The pilgrimage to Lexington has become a rite of passage in our family. My wife and I have five children, and now four of them have experienced Rupp Arena with Dad. I love the pageantry. I love the tradition. I love the Wildcats. And I love ice cream. ESPN colorman Jay Bilas loves it too. If you ever tune into a Kentucky home game when he’s on the call, he’ll enjoy a cone of his own at some point during the broadcast.
You Can’t Hold the Ball Forever, But Maybe Just a Little Longer
An afternoon with the Bengals and one of my boys Cincinnati Bengals football has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up just under two hours from the city with no other professional football teams nearby. As a kid, I could’ve pulled for the hapless Indianapolis Colts or jumped on the bandwagon of the San Fransisco 49ers. Thanks to a Bengals Super Bowl run when I was nine, I’ve been doing the Ickey (Woods) Shuffle ever since.
A Happy Valentine’s Day From Me and My Doppelganger
The joys of celebrating with my students Just now It’s said that everyone has a twin. I’m not sure how true that is, but through the eyes of a child, mine has been spotted. Valentine’s Day in an elementary school is a lot of joy mixed with a fair share of madness, especially when it falls on a Wednesday. Educators always get a variety of gifts to feel the love. This year I got my favorite ever. One of my little buddies came in with his mom before school with a bag of goodies.
8 Public Displays of Black Art
Art has always played a significant role in Black American culture. It’s been a form of personal expression, social critique, and celebration. Black art came to life during the Harlem Renaissance, a period that lasted from the end of World War I until the 1930s, when Black identity and culture took shape through art and music. Though you can certainly find it in museums, many glowing examples of Black art can be found outside—sometimes hiding in plain sight.
24 Museums Dedicated to Black History
The National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in Washington, D.C., in 2016. It quickly became known for its striking architecture and massive collection of artifacts and exhibits that explore many facets of Black History. (The NMAAHC is also known for its excellent museum cafe.) But while this museum on the National Mall may be the country’s most prominent Black history museum, there are many smaller museums worth visiting.
13 Places to Find Little Legends and Compact Cryptids
Many of the creatures from folklore or urban legends are large creatures that roam through forests or claim entire bodies of water as their homes. Part of what makes their tales so captivating is that these massive beings might be hiding right under our noses. But for every Sasquatch and Loch Ness Monster, there are dozens of smaller mythological beings, from fairies to water goblins, that are said to lurk in the more magical corners of our world.
What Day is it?
What Day is it? Last week was not a typical week. I’m an elementary school administrator, so my life can be altered when winter weather shows up. On Monday we had MLK Day. We were out of school, and some snow fell, too. It wasn’t a lot but the temperatures dropped dramatically. The roads were bad, and the wind chills were worse. That turned into working from home for two non-traditional instruction days. We were back last Thursday, and then more snow came.
Passing My Faith in God, Kentucky Basketball to My Kids
Passing My Faith in God, Kentucky Basketball to My Kids Banners are our thing at the University of Kentucky. They hang for championships and Final Fours in the hallowed rafters of Rupp Arena. A few years back, I tried to explain it to my wife. With tears welling up in my eyes, I couldn’t quite get her to understand my passion. I cried the night Christian Laettner broke our hearts in the 1992 East Regional Final. I was 12 and wanted that to be our year so bad.
21 Hot Springs to Escape Winter's Chill
Right now, much of the United States is in the icy clutch of one of its coldest winters in recent memory. But some places stay warm no matter how cold the outside temperature gets. Hot springs offer warmth despite the harsh winter winds, along with vistas that make it feel like you’ve escaped into a fantasy world. Nestled in the snow-capped mountains of Colorado sits the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool.
11 Places to See Tiny Trains
The first mass-market model train sets were produced in 1891 by German manufacturer Märklin (a company that is still in the miniature railroad business today). Though the popularity of model trains has ebbed and flowed, these tiny titans of engineering transcend age, demography, and time—never losing appeal amid their loyal fanbase.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
What do you get for the woman who has everything? Well, not everything, but she sure is content with what she does have. My mom turned 75 in November. That’s a big one and is certainly worth celebrating. I have two sisters, one who lives across the country from us. We decided to wait until she was in town to celebrate. So, we planned to do it around Christmas. Well, how awesome would it be to take Mom on a walk? Even at 75, she continues to walk. Four miles a day on most days.
23 Peculiar Places of 2023
The Atlas is home to all things peculiar and bizarre. While sometimes it seems like we’ve seen it all over our journey through more than 26,000 places, we are often surprised by the wondrous, strange sights shared by the intrepid explorers in our community. It’s these places and artifacts that make the Atlas so unique and help keep these curiosities alive.
Less Stuff, More Experiences
I don’t think we’re the first to the party, but we have jumped on the less stuff bandwagon. With five children from 4 to 14, we’ve collected our share of things over the years. And we find that often, the boxes get more play than the toys. When they couldn’t tell me what they got for Christmas last year, we decided to do something different. It started with my son’s birthday and taking him to a Bengals game. Despite the loss, it was an overwhelming success as a gift.
12 Titanic, Towering Toys
Toys have become as synonymous with Christmas as jolly old Santa himself. Every year it’s a mad dash to secure the year’s hot new toy before shelves or online stores run bare. But despite the stress, toys bring joy to children and adults alike. And that joy doesn’t have to be exclusive to Christmas morning. Around the world you can find versions of toys that would never fit under the average Christmas tree—some that you probably can’t get into the house at all.
7 Places Dedicated to the Story of Santa Claus
The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back more than 1,700 years. The real Saint Nicholas lived in the Mediterranean during the time of the Roman Empire. Though he’s associated with gift-giving, that Saint Nick seems totally distinct from the jolly, list-making Santa Claus common in modern Christmas imagery. You have to wonder, how did an early Christian bishop turn into a figure known for climbing down chimneys to deliver toys to children across the globe?
The Wonderful World of Christmas Trees
There’s no denying the joy that a Christmas tree can bring. As soon as the turkey goes cold and cranberry sauce congeals, trees seem to sprout overnight in living rooms, apartment lobbies, and town squares. While the typical fir, spruce, and pine trees certainly have their charms, there are plenty of nontraditional trees with their own versions of holiday charm. Every year on December 7, the Mount Ingino Christmas Tree in Gubbio, Italy, comes to life.
7 Real-Life Locations From Christmas Movies
It’s that time of year when decorations come out of hiding and multicolored lights illuminate frigid December nights. Christmas is in the air, and nothing screams “tis the season” like curling up under a warm blanket and enjoying a classic holiday movie. And for some of those classics, you can visit the places where they were made in real life. For those visiting Cleveland, Ohio, a trek down 3159 W. 11th St., leads to the house where A Christmas Story was filmed.
America's Grandest Gas Stations
The start of the holiday season also marks the start of a travel tour de force. The season filled with family, friends, and hearty meals is also often filled with miles and miles of travel. While some will brave TSA lines and potential lost luggage, millions of Americans will be hitting the road to reach their holiday destinations. Inevitably, this comes with a stop at a gas station or two.
I'm Thankful for Veterans
Our students had a blast honoring the Veterans we invited to come to our school on Friday. They waved flags, yelled like schoolchildren, and even went silent as they heard their stories. There was a Veteran from each branch of the military. Some men and some women. Some old and some young. One of our 4th graders, who is no doubt born to be a star, sang the National Anthem. It was awesome! After the ceremony in the school gym, we went outside for a surprise.
I'll Have Chicken Pot Pie, Hold The Chicken
There's nothing wrong with a few laughs as you consider the things you're thankful for. Have you ever had a recipe not go exactly right? Like the time my son was making cookies and he misread the measurement for the salt. Hey, I didn't even know you put salt in cookies. Well you do, but not half a cup! More like half a teaspoon. We all taste-tested a pinch and then threw that dough away before they were even baked. It was gross! That got us thinking of our funniest mealtime.
18 Slightly Submerged Architectural Wonders
Across the globe, in lakes and oceans and other waterlogged enclaves there are works made by human hands. Some are architectural wonders—feats of engineering that peek, and sometimes tower, above the wakes of their watery homes. Some are less intentional—the last glimpse of flooded towns and sunken cemeteries. Sitting prominently in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur, India stands a magnificent 16th-century palace.
I'm Thankful for Medical Professionals
Author's Photo: We call it a golden check when his blood sugar matches the time. It's been a little while since I shared about my son's Type 1 Diabetes journey. Time has just been flying by, and opportunities to reflect have been few. This isn't a continuation of that story, but he had his quarterly checkup today. I couldn't be prouder of him! Will was diagnosed at 2 and continues to be as active as any other kid his age.
Kentucky Basketball Is Back, and I'm Grateful
The Kentucky Wildcats opened the season with an 86-46 victory over New Mexico State in Rupp Arena. They took an eight-point lead into the halftime break, and it was never closer after that. A quick preview It's hard to believe the basketball season is already upon us. It came so fast that I didn't even write a season preview. After a disappointing NCAA second-round finish back in March, the Wildcats are primed and ready to sure that doesn't happen this time around.
I'm Thankful for Baseball
A love for Reds baseball runs through my veins. It started in our family back in the 30s and 40s, when my dad's second cousin was pitching for the Cincinnati Reds. Paul Derringer was his name. He won Game 7 of the 1940 World Series and was a member of the club's inaugural class of Hall of Famers. My dad tells stories of the Great Eight, the nickname for the position players who made up the Big Red Machine of the mid-70s. My fandom peaked when I was 10.
I'm Thankful for Our New Piano
A month of thankfulness - Day 4 We got a new piano today. Well, it's not a new one. It's been in the family for quite some time. This one comes from Mamaw's living room. She's my wife's mom and an incredible piano teacher. She has dozens of students each week, but her two favorites call her Mamaw. She got a new piano and wanted to keep her old one in the family. This is our third piano, and surely the last. We did give the others away if you were wondering. I mean, who has three pianos?
I'm Thankful for Live Music
We don't go to many concerts, but we did spring for one last month. It was the My Story Your Glory Tour with Matthew West and Micah Tyler. They brought the fun Our kids are huge Matthew West fans. The man can write a song, and the ridiculousness he came up with during the pandemic helped get us through. His Quarantine Life hit was written about all of us. Another song that made us laugh is one he sang at the concert. It's a shame they're are so many songs about Christmas, but none about Thanksgiving.
The Weird, Wonderful World of Water Towers
These behemoths of steel, iron, or concrete can often be seen for miles around. They’re fixtures in the landscape, providing a sight along with the service of holding potable water reserves that can provide adequate water pressure to surrounding homes. While many are simple in design—you might even say mundane—others stand out as wonders of art, architecture, and engineering.
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