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Follow Adam Green on Twitter The question for the Cardinals now is how long that will take and, once Bucannon is able to practice again, how much time he will need to get into game shape.How good, really, is the WR depth?Now, this is a tricky position to analyze, because while the Cardinals may have a dozen players who belong in the NFL, they seem rather short on top-tier talent at the position.You have Larry Fitzgerald, yes, and after him John Brown, J.J. Nelson and Jaron Brown have all shown an ability to make plays. But John Brown has struggled to stay healthy, Jaron Brown is coming back from a torn ACL and Nelson is still on the smaller side.Yet, there has been nothing but confidence professed in the group, which also includes Brittan Golden, Jeremy Ross, Chad Williams, Larry Clark, Marquis Bundy, Carlton Agudosi, Aaron Dobson and Krishawn Hogan.The question is, does the team have strength in its numbers?Cardinals QB Carson Palmer believes so.“Brittan Golden’s been here forever and when his number’s been called has made play after play; Jaron Brown has made play after play,” he said. “They haven’t been on the field a lot, but if you look at the touches or the blocks or just the touches per play per game, it’s probably pretty high. Bethel believes things are turning around for him.“I think I’ve been doing really well. I’ve been able to make some plays on the ball. I’m grasping the position and the technique of it all a lot better,” he said. “I’m excited to take these next couple of weeks, keep working and working and working and then go into training camp and implement all those things that I’ve been doing here and then when we get pads on and go into preseason games and just moving forward with it.”Arians did not say Bethel has locked up starting cornerback job opposite Patrick Peterson, but it is evident he has the early lead for the job. The Cardinals may need Bethel to take a step forward because after him there is second-year pro Brandon Williams, the untested Elie Bouka and rookies Rudy Ford and Sojourn Shelton, as well as Jumal Rolle and potentially Harlan Miller.Are the tackles ready for their new spots?In Week 1 of the 2016 season, Jared Veldheer was the Cardinals’ left tackle while D.J. Humphries was the right tackle. In 2017, they will switch places.Humphries was a left tackle in college and played some of that spot last season after Veldheer got hurt; Veldheer, on the other hand, is playing right tackle for the first time in his career. What may still be needed?Chances are the team that walked off the field Thursday will go through a handful of changes by the time they get to University of Phoenix Stadium for training camp.But as the Cardinals get through the final weeks before training camp, it’s not necessarily obvious what positions the GM may address or which players he may look to bring in.Cardinals GM Steve Keim told Doug and Wolf earlier Thursday that he and team president Michael Bidwill have talked about six to eight players still available who could potentially help them.“As we know from the past, it’s not all about just whether that player fits schematically. It’s when does his value come down, when do we feel comfortable about making the addition,” he said. “But we’ll continue to be aggressive — we’ll leave no stone unturned.”It would be irresponsible not to, though there is not exactly a long list of impact players still looking for work.Chris Johnson is still available if the Cardinals decide they want a veteran behind David Johnson, and John Clayton brought up cornerbacks Brandon Flowers and Alterraun Verner as well as linemen Nick Mangold, Ryan Clady, Orlando Franklin and linebacker Perry Riley as possibilities when talking with Doug and Wolf Friday. Former Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson retires So, how do they look?According to Arians, as good as they can in shorts.“I think he’s very athletic and he did all those things at the end of the season before the concussion,” Arians said of Humphries. “Jared’s progressed nicely.“It’s hard for them in pads to really show anything run-blocking wise, but pass-protection wise, between Chandler (Jones) and Markus (Golden) and Jarvis Jones, we’ve got different guys giving them different looks. Once we get the pads on, we’ll get Haason (Reddick) out there rushing off the edge, also.”The tackles will be tested, no doubt.Humphries said he thinks things are coming together for him, that he has been piecing things together that he was missing early in OTAs, and with a renewed focus on each snap, is solely focused on getting better.That, more than the pressure of his new position, is what drives him, and is a mentality he admittedly used to lack.“Last year I developed that mental state to where it’s ‘I’m on the grass — I’m not doing anything but getting better today. I’m not thinking about getting out of here.’ No, I’m on the grass right now about to get better, I’m about to perfect my craft, I’m about to do something better than I did yesterday. We’ll look at the tape and do it again tomorrow.” “J.J.’s, he’s gone up the best in the league and had huge games, so there may not be a ton of experience. The first guy I think of is Chad in he doesn’t have experience, but he’s that type of player — he can go in and make a big impact on a game. It’s not catching 12 balls, maybe catching three.“So it’s a very good group and really happy with — Aaron Dobson, I mean, Aaron Dobson hasn’t been here long, but he learned the offense, it felt like, in OTA No. 2. So that’s probably the most competitive battle going into training camp.”Could Justin Bethel actually be the guy?Asked if Justin Bethel had shown him anything different this offseason or anything he was hoping to see, Arians pointed to something a bit unexpected.“Yeah, he practiced,” the coach said. “He hadn’t practiced for two years on that broken foot so that’s the best thing, the best news, is he’s healthy. He’d been struggling with that foot for two years and he looks extremely healthy right now, knock on wood.”Could it be that simple?Arians said Bethel had come up with five or six interceptions over the course of OTAs and mini-camp, and for the 26-year-old, that’s big. Bethel has all the tools to be an effective cornerback — 6-foot, 200 pounds, outstanding speed — but has been unable to establish himself as more than just a special teams ace. Top Stories 
Arians noted the team’s younger players will still be around the next couple of weeks, and the hope is the extra practice time will have them better prepared for when training camp starts in July.But what all came out of it the work the team put in over the last handful of weeks?In this edition of The 5, we take a look at five areas of note as the Cardinals head into their summer break.Do they have enough at inside linebacker?In Karlos Dansby, the Cardinals have a veteran who knows the ropes and can produce. Next to him right now, however, are question marks. With Deone Bucannon recovering from ankle surgery — Arians said he will probably begin training camp on the PUP list but is ahead of schedule — lining up next to Dansby has been rookie Haason Reddick.While talented and coming in with high expectations, Reddick is a converted defensive end learning the middle linebacker position, so it’s fair to question how ready he is. After him are younger players in Scooby Wright, Gabe Martin and Alani Fua, who have all impressed on special teams but have never handled a significant role within an NFL defense.“Those guys had great springs,” Arians said of Reddick and Wright, specifically. “They got all the reps. We know what Buc can do, we’ve just got to get him healthy.” Derrick Hall satisfied with D-backs’ buying and selling The 5: Takeaways from the Coyotes’ introduction of Alex Meruelo 0 Comments Share And now, the last of the offseason is upon us.The Arizona Cardinals wrapped up their three-day mini-camp Thursday, and when it was all over, head coach Bruce Arians had nothing but good things to say.“I thought it was a good mini-camp,” he said. “I thought our veterans really improved, especially all spring. The young guys have a ton of talent and they just have to learn what the hell they’re doing.” Grace expects Greinke trade to have emotional impact
Derrick Hall satisfied with D-backs’ buying and selling Peterson’s addition seemed to lift the entire team.The Cardinals (3-3) played a near-perfect first half — they led 24-0 — and took a 31-0 advantage only minutes into the third quarter, scoring on each of their first five possessions, including four touchdowns.Carson Palmer completed his first 14 pass attempts and finished 18-of-22 for 283 yards and three touchdowns. He was intercepted once and sacked twice.Larry Fitzgerald had 10 catches on 11 targets for 138 yards and a touchdown.Defensively, the Cardinals knocked Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston out of the game with a shoulder injury in the second quarter and picked off his backup, Ryan Fitzpatrick, twice.Behind Fitzpatrick, however, the Buccaneers (2-3) rallied, outscoring the Cardinals 33-7 the final quarter-plus to make the final outcome more respectable.Fitzpatrick went 22-of-32 for 290 yards and three touchdowns.The Cardinals have now won three straight against the Buccaneers.THE GOODSo, yeah, this Peterson player looks good in a Cardinals uniform. Runs of eight, eight and 11 yards preceded a 27-yard gain up the middle for a touchdown on the opening possession of the game (at the 11:52 mark). Add it up and Peterson, who received a standing ovation after his first carry, rushed four times for 54 yards. By comparison, the Cardinals entered the week averaging 51.8 yards per game. In four games with the Saints, Peterson gained 81 rushing yards on 27 carries. He nearly surpassed that total just two possessions into his Cardinals career, tallying 76 yards on seven carries. His seventh touch was a 17-yard run that preceded a Palmer 14-yard touchdown toss to tight end Troy Niklas, extending the lead to 14-0 at the 5:24 mark of the first quarter. The drive also saw Fitzgerald with a 29-yard reception.If you can run the football, then you can run play-action. And that’s exactly what happened on the Cardinals’ third possession. With Peterson in the backfield, Palmer twice faked the handoff and first completed a 30-yard ball to Jaron Brown on 3rd-and-2. Later, Palmer threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Fitzgerald to make the score 21-0 at the 12:04 mark of the second quarter.For the third time in as many games, Antoine Bethea picked off the opposing team’s quarterback. His third-quarter interception, the Cardinals’ fifth of the season, helped set up another touchdown. Palmer threw off his back foot 17 yards to John Brown, who was forced to come back for the football, before walking into the end zone, making the score 31-0 at the 11:58 mark of the third quarter. The three-game interception streak is a career-first for Bethea. Top Stories Overall, the Cardinals have won five of the last seven matchups and lead 38-37-2 in a series that dates back to 1936. – / 37 Grace expects Greinke trade to have emotional impact And just for good measure, likely the proverbial nail in the coffin, Peterson scored his second touchdown of the game, rushing from one yard out at the 7:17 mark of the fourth quarter to extend the Cardinals’ lead to 38-20. The touchdown was big, ending a run of 20-straight points by the Buccaneers. The score was set up by an interception by cornerback Tramon Williams, who had replaced Patrick Peterson (quadriceps) in the lineup.THE BADAfter a pass interference penalty in the end zone put the ball at the one-yard line, the Cardinals appeared ready to make it four touchdowns in four first-half possessions. But, on first down, Palmer fumbled the snap from center; on second down, Peterson lost a yard; and then on third down, Palmer was sacked. The Cardinals had to settle for a Phil Dawson 28-yard field goal and 24-0 lead at the 5:31 mark of the second quarter.Well that’s something you don’t see very often, Fitzgerald fumbled. On 1st-and-20 at the Arizona 15, Fitzgerald caught a four-yard pass and then had the football ripped from his hands by Lavonte David, who then picked up the loose ball and ran 21 yards the other way for a touchdown. Add the two-point conversion and the Buccaneers had now scored 20 consecutive points to pull to within 11, 31-20, at the 12:56 mark of the fourth quarter. The 5: Takeaways from the Coyotes’ introduction of Alex Meruelo Former Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson retires 22 Comments Share ErrorOK ErrorOK– Palmer recorded his 35th multi-touchdown game as a Cardinal. Only Jim Hart (56) and Neil Lomax (44) have more.– Peterson topped 100 rushing yards for the 50th time in his career, which ranks eighth-best all-time in NFL history.– Chandler Jones recorded his sixth sack of the season, dropping Fitzpatrick on 3rd-and-11 late in the third quarter.– The Cardinals earned their first win (1-3) against an NFC opponent outside the NFC West division.– Arizona improved to 3-0 against the Buccaneers under Arians, who now has 44 wins in AZ.– Among the Cardinals’ inactives were injured defensive linemen Robert Nkemdiche (calf) and Olsen Pierre (ankle).UP NEXTA long international flight.That’s right, this is the week the Cardinals are headed to London, England. The team will leave Monday afternoon and arrive Tuesday, beginning their week-long stay in preparation for their matchup against NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. Arizona time with pregame coverage beginning four hours earlier on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.The Rams will be the home team.In each of the past two years, the Cardinals and Rams have split the season series. Penalty-free through three quarters, the Cardinals were flagged seven times for 61 yards, including a pair of penalties on Jermaine Gresham for 25 yards, in the fourth quarter. In those last 15 minutes of the game, the Cardinals were outscored, 27-7, and outgained, 144-67. All 144 yards came through the air as Fitzpatrick was 11-of-13 with two touchdowns: 10 yards to Cameron Brate and 37 yards to Mike Evans.STAT OF THE GAME5.2: Peterson averaged just over five yards a carry, not bad considering the Cardinals entered the week dead last in the NFL at 2.6 yards per carry.HE SAID IT“We blocked really well but he made some guys miss,” head coach Bruce Arians said, referring to Peterson. “The offensive line and our tight ends had a heck of day.”NOTED– Fitzgerald extended his streak of at least one reception to 201 consecutive games, the third-longest in NFL history.– Fitzgerald passed Steve Smith (14,731) and moved into seventh place on the NFL’s all-time receiving yardage list.– Fitzgerald surpassed 100 receiving yards for the 44th time in his career and the sixth time doing so in the first half.– Palmer moved ahead of Warren Moon (291) into 12th place on the NFL’s all-time list for career touchdown passes. GLENDALE, Ariz. — Apparently, one player can make that much of a difference.Welcome to the Arizona Cardinals, Adrian Peterson.In his debut, five days after being acquired from New Orleans for a conditional 2018 draft pick, Peterson rushed 26 times for 134 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Cardinals beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 38-33, in front a sold-out crowd of 63,999 at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts have announced the signing of a long-term management agreement with 302 Pitt Operations to debut its leading-edge Aloft brand, a vision of W Hotels, to Sydney. The city’s first Aloft hotel will be located at 302 Pitt Street, after the city’s iconic Druids House building is transformed into a-state-of-the-art hotel by renowned, local designer, Carmen Glenister of Opera Studio Design.Set to open in November 2016, the 136-room Aloft Sydney Pitt Street will be located in the heart of Sydney’s vibrant “Koreatown” district, close to the city’s business centre and transportation network. The hotel is close to Hyde Park, Pitt Street Mall and George Street’s Event Cinema, home to Sydney’s red carpet premieres and film events. Aloft Sydney will appeal to stylish professionals and travellers seeking a new, dynamic option for their next city stay.Retaining various elements of the historic 1909 building, the new Aloft hotel will feature spacious loft-like guest rooms with many amenities signature of Aloft: ultra-comfortable signature platform beds with plush bedding, walk-in showers with custom amenities by Bliss® Spa, complimentary bottled water, and signature coffee. As with all Aloft hotels, there is fast-and-free wireless internet access throughout the hotel and plug-and-play connectivity to connect electronic devices to the 42” flat-screen TV, turning the room into a high-tech office as well as an entertainment centre.The hotel’s ground floor will be a hub of buzzing activity, providing a stylish setting for guests to mix and mingle around the clock. Amenities that guests can look forward to include Re:fuelSM, the Aloft brand’s signature 24-hour gourmet grab & go food and beverage area. After hours, in-house guests and locals alike can enjoy a refreshing cocktail and catch music acts as part of the brand’s signature Live At Aloft Hotels music series in the signature w xyzSM bar which extends into an outdoor “Backyard”.The signing of Aloft Sydney Pitt Street follows last year’s announcement of Aloft Perth Rivervale, slated to open in early 2017. Both Australian Aloft properties add to the global growth and buzz for the brand, with 100 hotels worldwide and growing since launching in 2005. Aloft Sydney Pitt Street will join Starwood’s robust portfolio in Australia, which currently comprises 10 operating hotels across the country. The Westin Perth and W Brisbane are scheduled to open in 2017 and 2018 respectively.www.alofthotels.com11 May 2015
Go back to the e-newsletterQatar Airways announced on 12 February 2016 that it will be showcasing three state-of-the-art aircraft from its fast-growing fleet at the upcoming Singapore Airshow from 16 to 18 February 2016. The three-time Skytrax Airline of the Year winner will be showcasing the A350, for which it was the global launch customer, and its superjumbo A380. Also appearing in Asia is Qatar Executive’s newly acquired Gulfstream G650ER – the industry’s most advanced business jet.Held biennially since 2008, the Singapore Airshow is widely regarded as Asia’s largest and finest airshow. To be held at the Changi Exhibition Centre, the 2016 edition of the Singapore Airshow will have more than 1,000 companies from over 50 countries in attendance, with mainstay events such as the exhibition, aerobatic display and static display, popular with both exhibitors and visitors alike.Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is delighted to be participating again in this year’s Singapore Airshow, in an increased capacity. The three aircraft we will be displaying demonstrate our technologically advanced and fast-growing young fleet.”This year, Qatar Airways’ participation in the airshow extends beyond the static aircraft display, as the airline has introduced a bespoke visitors chalet to receive and extend its award-winning hospitality to esteemed guests, media and trade partners.The new Gulfstream G650ER business jet is the first of 30 latest-generation Gulfstream aircraft ordered by Qatar Executive, and is capable of flying non-stop from the Middle East to North America or from destinations in Asia to Africa – farther and faster than any other jet of its kind – and is perfectly suited for those whose travel needs include flying halfway around the globe. Qatar Executive’s Gulfstream G650ER has a two-cabin configuration that seats up to 13 passengers – the seats convert into fully-flat beds, so that seven guests can easily sleep on board.The A350, now flying thrice-daily from Doha to Singapore, features customised interior settings, with its Business Class cabin comprising of 36 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration and its Economy Class cabin in a 3-3-3 configuration, allowing it to seat 247 passengers. Qatar Airways started flying the world’s latest-technology aircraft from Singapore in May 2015, making it the first country in Asia to be served with the A350. In addition, Qatar Airways currently operates regular commercial A350 service to Frankfurt, Munich, and Philadelphia – the first airline to operate the A350 to three continents.Also on display will be the airline’s bespoke twin-deck A380 ‘superjumbo’ aircraft – one of the most technologically advanced and highly sophisticated aircraft in the world. With a total of 517 passenger seats in First, Business and Economy Classes over two decks, it is the largest passenger plane in the world. Qatar Airways currently flies six A380s to London, Paris and Bangkok from Doha.Now in its 19th year of operations, Qatar Airways operates a modern fleet of 176 aircraft flying to over 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.Go back to the e-newsletter
It’s showtime again, showtime, that is, for luxury hotels and other travel elements in the great continents of The Americas. Yes, the fifth ILTM Americas began this very Monday 26 September 2016, held as always at Fairmont Mayakoba. This time there were equal numbers of exhibitors (300) and invited travel advisors (300, of whom 71 per cent were making their first-ever trip to ILTM Americas). As always, the hard work of one-to-one meetings was preceded by Monday’s Forum, and this was the best yet. First, it had a theme, ‘How to win friends and influence people’. Next, it had one of the world’s most charismatic hosts, Brazilian media man Pedro Andrade.I have written about Pedro Andrade before – learning English back in Copacabana, he was talent-spotted by Mario Testino, travelled the world as a top model before getting into television, where he now has his own show on NBC’s lifestyle network, LXTV. At the Forum, he first introduced Matthew Luhn, a charismatic character who evolved from animating with Pixar to become a key story-teller. Always have an opening handle, he said, and you need a middle and an end, and along the way you need what he calls a ‘save a cat’ moment, something totally emotional.Next up came three circumlocutionary and long-winded young male rebels, all Americans, who are part of the summit team that has paid $40 million to turn the US’s most popular ski resort, Powder Mountain UT, into a community of the future (Pedro Andrade was obviously more fascinated by them than some of the audience, who did not understand what it was all about). But then came Bill Saturno, a hilarious National Geographic archaeologist who started his career as a child burying his mother’s silver teaspoons in dirt and then trying to find them, generally unsuccessfully. The discoverer of the priceless San Bartolo Mayan heritage site urged travel advisors to use professional guides for their clients.There were also a couple of educational sessions, one on Mexico, the other on adventure travel – I especially liked listening to Warsaw-born Milo(sz) Pierwola, who gave up law in New York for what he really wanted to do, lead wilderness expeditions. His has built this now-job into a whole way of life, working with colleges and companies, leading find-yourself expeditions, sometimes challenging people on a one-to-one basis to stretch themselves to their personal, mental and physical limits. It is a far cry from luxury hotels, admittedly but, says Milo, he is happy. Which he was not, as a lawyerMary Gostelow writes the monthly Gostelow Report market intelligence newsletter, a weekly column for HOTELS and the daily www.girlahead.com travelogue.
Entree trioDessert selectionClub MillesimeChampagne BarChampagne Bar The countdown to the arrival of the first new-build, internationally branded, five-star hotel in Sydney since 2000, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, began in earnest with an exclusive media preview dinner on Wednesday 30 August. The official opening is confirmed for 6 October.Guests, including LATTE, were spoiled with lush floral displays by Grandiflora on a table set in shades of chocolate, cream and gold.The evening began with Louis Roederer Vintage 2009 by Philippe Starck (a taste of the delights soon to be found in the Champagne Bar), and followed with a trio of entrées – bouillabaisse-inspired yellow tail crudo, Applewood-fired grilled baby cos hearts and marinated heirloom tomato – accompanied by a 2016 Mirabeau rosé from Côtes de Provence. Two main courses followed: a crispy skin WA Cone Bay barramundi fillet served with a 2011 Mt Pleasant Semillon and a wood-fire grilled Darling Downs grain-fed, 9+ wagyu rump cap served with crispy end baby carrots, confit garlic and cress, and a Georges Duboeuf Burgundy Fleurie. A selection of cheeses with a sweet finale of lemon meringue, salted caramel and apple and walnut crumble tart concluded the night’s culinary delights.The dinner was held in the new signature restaurant, Atelier by Sofitel, which will specialise in nouvelle French fare. The 590-room hotel is located adjacent to the newly transformed International Convention Centre, and is Sofitel’s first new-build property in Australia. Atelier is complemented by three bars, including the Champagne Bar and the soon-to-come Le Rivage Pool Bar for drinks with a harbour view.Joining the hotel’s team are Matt Coates, Executive Chef; Nicolas Mercier, Director of Food and Beverage; and Nathan Brown, Chief Concierge, while Greg Brady was appointed as General Manager in July 2016 to head the executive team.
Go back to the enewsletterSouth Australian family winery, Taylors Wines, is helping wine lovers chill this summer with the perfect glass of vino on a world-first floating Cellar Door in Sydney Harbour.For one weekend only, the award-winning Clare Valley winery will host what is set to become one of its most memorable tasting experiences aboard a custom-built glass-lined tasting room set upon a floating barge in the middle of the harbour. Flaunting some of its most recognised wines, Taylors will show the lucky few who get a spot how important temperature is to enjoying a wine at its best.Taylors Cellar Door at Sea hopes to prove that popping your red wine in the fridge actually isn’t taboo, but necessary to achieving the perfect balance of flavour and aroma in your Shiraz or Pinots all year round.“For years now we’ve hoped to shed a light on a misconception about red wines – that they need to be served at ‘room temperature’. This is an antiquated recommendation from ‘way back when’, that actually has a negative impact on the enjoyment of our classic Aussie reds,” said third-generation Managing Director and Winemaker Mitchell Taylor.“Taylors Cellar Door at Sea is heading out into the middle of Sydney Harbour to prove just how delicious chilled reds can be, especially during summer. And by combining the perfect view in one of the world’s most notable destinations, we have all the elements to create the perfectly chilled wine experience.”In this world-first wine tasting event showcasing Taylors’ innovative optimum drinking temperature sensors, guests will depart via exclusive water taxi from the Sydney Opera House jetty. They will arrive at Taylors’ fully appointed floating Cellar Door (a custom-fit 40-foot shipping container) where they will enjoy iconic views from within the glass-lined walls. Once inside, they will enjoy a temperature-themed wine tasting using the newly released Riedel Extreme range of glassware, all guided by British chef duo and friends to Taylors, Will Stewart and Steve Flood.All of this is created in the hope that guests will discover, through temperature, the secret ingredients to the perfect glass of wine.Taylors Cellar Door at Sea sets sail Friday 7 December to Sunday 9 December with bookings for 60-minute group temperature tastings between 11am and 9pm daily.Tickets start from $60 + booking fee each, including return water taxi service, wine tasting, and canapés curated by Will and Steve.To book tickets, visit www.taylorswines.com.au/cellardooratseaGo back to the enewsletter
Go back to the enewsletterAdam Armstrong, Silversea Cruises’ MD ANZUltra-luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises celebrated the inaugural arrival of its flagship, Silver Muse, into Sydney Harbour on Sunday 6 January 2019. The arrival of Silver Muse marks the first time in a decade that Silversea has brought one of its new vessels to Australia. Muse launched for the first time in April 2017. The ship was greeted by the Australian Girls’ Choir, singing at the pier at White Bay Cruise Passenger Terminal.“Welcoming Silver Muse to Australia and New Zealand is very special and something we have been eagerly anticipating for some time now. As the newest, most spacious and most luxurious ship to call Australia home this year, her deployment reflects our strong commitment to the local market and we are absolutely delighted that Silver Muse will return again next summer for an expanded season,” said Silversea Cruises’ Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Adam Armstrong.“This is, of course, the newest ship in our fleet, and Silver Muse truly is one of the most luxurious, boutique vessels in the world; therefore I can’t think of a better way to explore the authentic natural beauty of Australia and New Zealand.”Following her arrival in Darwin on 26 December 2018, Silver Muse’s itinerary has visited many Australian maiden ports of call as she has travelled towards Sydney. Guests aboard have enjoyed a journey down the east coast of Australia, making maiden ports of call at Cairns, Townsville, the Whitsunday Islands and Brisbane before arriving into Sydney for the very first time a few weeks ago.Silversea Cruises Chief Executive Officer, Roberto MartinoliThe arrival of Silver Muse to Sydney was celebrated on board with Roberto Martinoli, CE. He reflected on the 2018 season which saw Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd invest in the ultra-luxury cruise company.Martinoli admitted that the arrangement with Royal Caribbean had involved “very demanding negotiations” over a window of more than 12 months. But once finalised, he said the “serious business” discussions were able to be undertaken.“The good thing is the first question I had from Richard Fain, the Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean, was ‘What can we do better at Silversea? Do you have [a] wishlist?‘ And of course my wishlist was very long, and I was expecting a negotiation on that. And when I presented the list of product enhancement that we’re hoping for, he said ‘Yes, that’s fine. Go ahead.’ So we started the ‘Invictus’ project that has brought a very important product enhancement to all of our fleet.”Between now and 2023, Silversea will be adding five newbuild ships, a “sizeable increase in our capacity, and enlarging even further the number of destinations that we are already visiting,” Martinoli said, adding that Australia is a “very important market”.“We are very close to making Australia our second largest source market, and hopefully this will happen very soon. Adam Armstrong, I am sure, will want to have this sooner rather than later, so we are very excited about being here,” he added.Without detailing exact figures, Armstrong himself said Australia was “not very far off” becoming the second biggest market for Silversea, with the goal to achieve the position in the next two to three years.“We are going to do that with Muse and with Silver Explorer, and we are going to do that by sending more Australians on all of our ships around the world,” Armstrong said.Joining Marinoli was Barbara Muckermann, CMO, attending from Monaco. They gathered to welcome friends and travel partners of Silversea to the magnificent vessel. Stephen Mahoney, GM Destination NSW, received a print of a 1744 RGS map of Australia surveyed by Abel Tasman by Emanuel Bowen, considered to be the first map published in England wholly devoted to Australia. The gift to Destination NSW was presented by Silversea Cruises and its partner, the Royal Geographical Society.Destination NSW General Manager Stephen Mahoney receiving a 1744 RGS map of AustraliaThe ship offers uncompromising levels of comfort, service and quality for the world’s most discerning travellers. On board, guests experience enhanced small-ship intimacy, spacious all-suite accommodations, expansive outdoor spaces and the most comprehensive choice of dining options at sea with eight venues – including specialty choices such as Kaiseki and Indochine – plus 24-hour, complimentary dining options throughout the ship. The vessel carries up to 596 guests in all-inclusive luxury with butler service in all suites.Silversea Cruises Chief Executive, Roberto Martinoli with wife Barbara Muckermann, Chief Marketing OfficerSilver Muse departed Sydney on 7 January for a 14-night cruise to Tasmania and New Zealand, culminating in her maiden visit to Auckland on 19 January 2019. After offering a number of sailings between Australia and New Zealand, Silver Muse will depart on her Grand Asia Pacific Voyage (Sydney to Tokyo – 74 days) and then commence her maiden season of Alaska cruises. Silver Muse will return to Sydney in 2019/20 and stay for over four months (late November to end of March).Lead image: Some of the Silversea Cruises’ Australasia team onboard Silver Muse: Julian Perri, Anne Weinert, Megan Peterie, Adam Armstrong, Leanne Fonagy and Jessica England.Go back to the enewsletter
1. No More Excess Advanced Digital Luggage Scale, £9.42If you have a tendency to take 11 pairs of shoes on a hen weekend in Alicante, you’re in danger of incurring the dreaded excess baggage fee. Avoid the shame of re-packing your personal possessions in the check-in queue, and save money, with this handy gadget.Buy on Amazon now 20. 747 Things to Do on a Plane, £8.09For those who can’t spend entire flights asleep, or peacefully drunk, here’s a host of handy hints for whiling away the hours while you’re a mile or so in the air, or at the end of the queue a mile or so from the check-in desk.Buy on Amazon now*prices correct at time of going to pressReturnOne wayMulti-cityFromAdd nearby airports ToAdd nearby airportsDepart14/08/2019Return21/08/2019Cabin Class & Travellers1 adult, EconomyDirect flights onlySearch flights Map Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Need a gift for someone who loves travel? To celebrate Cyber Monday – the year’s busiest day for shopping online – on November 26, Skyscanner presents 20 great gift ideas for globetrotting friends and family who thought they had everything. 13. Kindle PaperwhiteIt’s a Kindle, but the screen is white, like a book, like. A 25% better contrast means you get sharp, dark text, so it’s easy to read, while the built-in Wi-Fi lets you download books in under 60 seconds so when you’ve read Fifty Shades you can go straight on to the next one.Buy on Amazon now 14. ‘The Sleeper’ Fleece Travel Pillow, £9.99This inflatable horseshoe-shaped neck pillow is a comfortable companion for long trips on any mode of transport so if you have trouble sleeping in economy class, you’ll be nodding off in no time and arrive at your destination fresh as a daisy.Buy on Amazon now 15. The Lonely Planet Travel Book, £26From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, get in the mood for your next globe-trotting trip with this inspirational tome covering 229 countries & destinations, and featuring 817 captivating images. Where are you going next?Buy on Amazon now 12. Travel Press Set Coffee Maker, £16.63Knock up a quality cup of your favourite coffee, whether you’re on the train to the airport for the 06.30 to Zurich, or watching the sunrise atop a remote peak with this great gadget that doubles as a simple travel mug thanks to its extra lid.Buy on Amazon now 5. Worst Case Scenario Travel Game, £9.95How do you pacify a particularly irritable lioness? What do you do when you’re attacked by a swarm of killer bees? You never know what difficulties you’ll encounter on holiday so gen up with this game that’s both practical and hilarious.Buy on Amazon now 6. Rough Guides World Bites Quiz Card Game, £11.99Where is the Tower of London? Which country has the largest population of crocodiles? Pass the time and improve your worldly knowledge with this fascinating and fun game based on the Rough Guides series. Buy on Amazon now 10. Passport Pouch, £5.69Never lose your most valuable possessions when travelling abroad with this pouch that safely slings around your neck. Suitably sized to accommodate your passport, the pouch could also hold your credit cards, driving licence, cash and other holiday essentials with total security.Buy on Amazon now 16. Swiss World Travel Mains Adapter, £10.95What do you get the globetrotter who has got all the gadgets? A compact world travel adapter, of course, which will ensure their gadgets work in more than 150 countries! Plug in wherever you are, and away you go.Buy on Amazon now 18. Travel Clothes Line, £4.48Ok, it may not be the most glamorous gift, but any traveller who has been caught in a downpour without a change of clothes – yes, it happens to us all – will appreciate this. As will anyone whose wet socks have blown off a hotel windowsill.Buy on Amazon now 11. Travel Hair Straighteners, £14.32You never know when you’ll need to deal with frizzy, unkempt hair on your travels. Half the usual size, it will ensure that you get your locks in perfect shape for a night out, and have room in your case for another pair of heels.Buy on Amazon now 17.Travels with Palin, £42.75If you are enjoying Michael Palin’s Brazil series on the telly, you’ll love the definitive DVD boxset of the charming ex-Python’s 20 years of travel programmes, all the way from his first foray across the globe, ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ to ‘Around the World in 20 Years’.Buy on Amazon now 7. Road Refresher Bowl, £10.32Keep the most important member of the family happy and hydrated on long journeys. The no-spill design deals with every bumpy ride, while reducing messy slobber by a whopping 90%.Buy on Amazon now 4. Mini Saturday Night Fever Speaker, £6.91You should be dancing, yeah! You’ll be in boogie wonderland wherever you are with this miniature speaker for your iPod or MP3 player. Its light-hearted design will put a smile on your face every time you get the tunes going. Honest.Buy on Amazon now 9. Swiss Army Knife, £27.32Along with cheese fondue and the St. Bernard, the iconic Army Knife is one of Switzerland’s most famous exports. This indispensable tool will help you out in any travel situation, from opening a beer to hand-to-hand combat.Buy on Amazon now 8. Portable Shower, £17.95If your room is short of adequate washing facilities, dispense with the unwanted odour generated by the rigours of travelling with this ingenious portable shower. Refresh yourself after a hard day’s hiking, or get ready for a night at the disco – wherever you are.Buy on Amazon now 19. Shoe Cleaning Kit in Luxury Travel Case, £18.86Creased shirts, crumpled linen and smudged eyeliner? Travelling takes a little polish off your appearance, but at least your shoes can arrive in style with this kit that’s the ideal present for the buff business traveller.Buy on Amazon now 2. Travel Guess Who, £4.99Is it a man? Does he have facial hair? Does he look a bit Danish? Guess Who is just one of a range of travel versions of classic games from Kerplunk to Connect 4, sure to keep kids of all ages amused on long journeys.Buy on Amazon now3. Trunki Trixie Ride-on Suitcase, £31.78Join the ranks of those enviously perfect families you see at airports who are actually having a good time. The way to keep the kids happy without bribing them with sweets is to empower them with their own fun luggage, preferably shaped like an animal.Buy on Amazon now Related19 Christmas gift ideas for travellersStuck for what to buy your globetrotting friends and family this Christmas?Editor’s picks: 11 top travel gifts for Christmas 2015Got a frequent traveller or a budding backpacker in your life? Want to get them something truly useful this Christmas? Look no further. We’ve rounded up the best travel gifts for Christmas 2015, from stocking fillers to the perfect package for under the tree.13 ways to be a Christmas travel heroFind out how to be a travelling Christmas angel this festive season.
Fancy meeting an intergalactic intelligent life form? How about hanging out with your own Oh, the loveable misfit from another planet in Fox’s latest animated adventure, Home?From strange crop circles to UFO sightings. Here are 10 of the best places around the world to go on an alien adventure:1. Sochi, RussiaResidents in Russia’s ‘M-Triangle’, a remote mountainous region east of Moscow, claim to have seen unexplained flashing lights at night, whilst others say they’ve come face to face with extra-terrestrials! But for the best chance of making new friends from another galaxy, head to Sochi. Sightings are so frequent here that UFO spotters think it could be a hub for aliens wanting to touch down on our little blue planet. 9. Bonnybridge, Scotland, UKThings are far from bonny in this Scottish town, considered the world’s top UFO spotting site. At the heart of the ‘Falkirk Triangle’, which encompasses Stirling, Fife and some suburbs of Edinburgh. Cast your eyes up and you might just be lucky enough to spot a flying saucer; with over 300 reported sighting a year, your chances are good! 5. Poirino, ItalyWhen aliens try to make contact they do it in style. Take a trip to Poirino in northern Italy, 12 miles southeast of Turin to see some cute crop circles. They could have been left by some artsy extra-terrestrials, they could be the handy work of crafty locals – we’ll let you decide. 4. Atacama Desert, ChileThis 600 mile stretch of red rocks and sandy slopes in northern Chile looks like something you’d find on Mars. One million people live here, despite there being no recorded rainfall in the region. But wait, it gets weirder! NASA have chosen the Atacama Desert to house their ALMA project. Europe, North America and East Asia are working together on this, the largest astronomical project in the world with 59 antennas searching the sky for signs of life.Read more: 10 amazing places you won’t believe exist on Earth 10. Etosha Pan, NamibiaCheck out Etosha for a slice of Saturn, without the space travel. Ethereal Etosha (meaning ‘great white place’ – for obvious reasons) National Park is twinned with a huge lake on the surface of Saturn’s moon Titan. Aside from looking like each other when viewed through a fancy space probe, they both refill from the bottom with groundwater which then evaporates, leaving behind the eerie white flats marked with sediment flows.If you liked this then read more about space travel:Skyscanner’s top 6 space destinations5 ways to be an astronautFancy going on your own adventure? For a chance to win a family trip to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, enter our competition here.Home is only in cinemas from March 20th 2015.Skyscanner is the world’s travel search engine, helping your money go further on flights, hotels and car hire.ReturnOne wayMulti-cityFromAdd nearby airports ToAdd nearby airportsDepart14/08/2019Return21/08/2019Cabin Class & Travellers1 adult, EconomyDirect flights onlySearch flights Map 7. Rio Tinto, SpainIf Mars is the red planet, then this shockingly red river in south-western Spain would not be out of place there. Although the abnormal red colour of the water is caused by pollution from mining, and not by otherworldly operations, it’s still a pretty strange sight. You’re not a million light-years away from outer space on the banks of the Rio Tinto River; scientists believe that bacteria in the river are similar to life-forms they would hope to find on Mars. 8. Wiltshire, UKThis mystical masterpiece, found on Windmill Hill in Wiltshire is one of many you can marvel at across the UK. What makes this one special is its intricate design. Even if you can’t get a bird’s eye view, it’s still fun to wander through the fields and marvel at this possible sign of life from another planet. 6. Nullarbor Plain, AustraliaCrossing this arid land in southern Australia is considered a cultural pilgrimage, an ancient route used by Aborigines and other nomadic tribes for thousands of years. It was considered uninhabitable and the British military even tested the atomic bomb here in the 1950s. However, this isolated area shows signs of life. Drivers have reported UFO sightings and claimed to have been abducted by aliens along the route. We’d suggest maybe pulling over for a nap, but still, heed the warnings on the highway signs which warn motorists to ‘Beware of UFOs’.Find flights to Australia 2. Idaho, USCan’t afford a trip on a rocket to the moon? Well, visit the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Idaho for the next best thing. Formed by the Earth’s shifting surface over 30 million years, the park looks like a lunar landscape. All you’d need is the space suit and zero gravity and you’re sorted for a space odyssey.Find flights to the USA 3. Roswell, New Mexico, USJust as in teen sci-fi TV hit of the same name, alien activity in Roswell is common. The tiny town has earned its reputation as a bed of unearthly encounters, with regular sightings since 1947, when debris from a flying saucer was allegedly found in an army air field nearby. They even have a four-day festival to celebrate all things out of this world, including a fancy dress competition for the best alien outfit. Related10 crazy events around the world for non-football fans this summerForget football, what about wife-carrying?! Check out these 10 weird and wonderful summer events around the world.Adventure Travel Around the WorldAdventure travel expert Catrionna Grant from Tucan Travel introduces the world’s top spots for exciting travel options12 holiday hotspots to suit your star sign in 2015The sun and moon are aligned to bring you the perfect trip for your zodiac sign in 2015.
Avantair, Inc. (OTCBB:AAIR), the only publicly traded stand-alone private aircraft operator, attributes its continued growth in an otherwise contracting marketplace to eco-friendly operations and standard-setting aircraft. As the sole North American provider of fractional shares and flight time cards for the Piaggio Avanti, Avantair is a major contributor to recent reports that business aircraft flight activity is at its highest level since last October, according to data released by Aviation Research Group/US (ARG/US).The report states: “Part 135 flying was down just 3.5 percent compared with the same month last year, while fractional activity fell 7.7 percent, ARG/US data shows. However, fractional turboprop flying is up 24.4 percent, thanks to fractional provider Avantair.” Avantair is the sole private aircraft operator of multi-engine turboprops, and is the only fractional operator experiencing flight hour growth across all private aircraft categories mentioned in the report.At a time when travelers are evaluating their transportation options, Avantair’s environmentally conscious aircraft and flight programs stimulate owner demand. Avantair’s Piaggio Avanti aircraft feature innovative engineering enabling the lowest fuel burn and carbon emissions in the industry. The aircraft fly at a brisk 450 mph while burning 40 percent less fuel than competitors; this in turn leads to an average of 35 percent less carbon emissions, as well as lower overall costs. The aircraft also feature the same size cabin cross section as a super mid-size aircraft and one of the quietest rides. The advanced design of the Piaggio Avanti lends itself to a spacious, luxurious stand-up cabin — with oversized leather seats and plenty of workspace.Setting the pace towards greener aviation, Avantair was first in the industry to offset aircraft carbon emissions by purchasing Flight TerraPass credits for all new owners. TerraPass works by funding clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction projects throughout the U.S. The TerraPass credits fund three types of carbon emission reduction programs to support: (1) clean energy such as wind; (2) farm power such as dairy farm methane digesters; and (3) landfill gas capture which reduces the impact of human waste. This allows Avantair the unique ability to provide luxurious private jet travel while also maintaining a minimal carbon footprint when compared to competitors. Avantair has offset over 5.8 million lbs. of CO2 on behalf of its owners to date.“At Avantair, we want to take responsibility for changing the conventional aviation practices by offering our customers a fuel-efficient, greener way to travel in comfort and class,” said Steven Santo, founder and CEO of Avantair.Avantair recently announced fleet expansion of three Piaggio Avanti II aircraft deliveries, with another delivery to follow this year. Avantair’s fleet growth comes despite an industry downturn of 40 percent fewer jets sold in 2009 to fractional owners, according to “Business Aviation Outlook, Fractional Ownership and Jet Cards” by Rolland Vincent Associates.www.avantair.com
Plans for a luxurious full-service marina/resort complex in Bizerte, at the northern point of Tunisia, have been announced by the Tunisian Ministry of Tourism. Located at the northern tip of the African continent, Bizerte lies at the cross roads of the Mediterranean Western and Eastern basins. First a Carthaginian then a Roman site, Bizerte was the more recently the French military base in the 1950s. The location connects to a lake offering 60 sq km of clean navigable waters, as well as a natural shelter. A combination of easy access, services, infrastructure, natural beauty, rich culture, year-round climate, offshore status and availability of large-scale technical maintenance infrastructure lead to the decision to develop here.The full services marina will offer seafront apartments for sale, commercial and retail areas, a boutique hotel, thalassotherapy center and many more amenities. The project was first approved by the Ministry of Tourism in October 2006 with the government of the country endorsing the plans in December, 2008. The developers have been granted a 50-years concession to create around 900 berths for yachts up to 150m, full marina services (including a boatyard and dry port located outside the marina), over 20,000 square meters of retail space, 17,000 square meters of parking, 48,000 square meters for residential development, a 50-room boutique hotel and thalassotherapy center and more.The marina is only 45 minutes from Tunis International Airport by highway, and a heliport is planned, as well. The Bizerte Cap 3000 Marina will offer an impressive package for yachtsmen:– competitive rates – offshore status (which provides further cost advantages for refuelling and maintenance services) – no currency restrictions, no personal income taxes, duty free import, export and bunkering – proximity to major shipyards – 800+ berths for boats from 10 to 30m long – 33 berths for super yachts (from 35 to 70m) – 9 Berths for Mega yachts (110m) with a dedicated quay and VIP receptionThe natural beauty of the region combined with excellent weather (an average of 300 days of sunshine, moderate temperatures) contribute to make of Bizerte marina an outstanding site. White-sand beaches, creeks and bays, the navigable Lake of Bizerte, and easy access to large city amenities are just a few key highlights of the location. Residents and visitors will also enjoy a varied natural environment, proximity to the UNESCOP World Heritage site Lake Ichkeul, large forests of Mediterranean pine, and more.www.tunisia.com/tunisia/bizerte-marina
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Filmed over 10 years, a “60 Minutes” report this weekend shows in startling detail the progression that Alzheimer’s disease takes on a patient.CBS medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook began interviewing Mike and Carol Daly of Staten Island, New York, in 2008, shortly after Carol learned of her diagnosis. She was mildly forgetful but functional, although upset at how it had affected her ability to cook, or enjoy books and movies.“I don’t want to be like this, I really don’t,” said Carol Daly, then 65.LaPook went back to the couple, who volunteered for the project, six more times. By this January, Carol Daly was uncommunicative and slumped in a wheelchair with restraints holding her in place. She required round-the-clock care.“It broke my heart,” LaPook said of the most recent visit.While there may be clinical studies, the national Alzheimer’s Association is unaware of any broadcast report that followed a patient with the disease over this length of time in this manner, said Mike Lynch, a spokesman for the group.“We would hope that it raises awareness about the challenges these families face, given that it’s a very devastating disease,” Lynch said. “People are aware of that, but to see it really up close and personal, it will have an impact.”LaPook found the couple a decade ago when he was doing a story about research into treatment of the disease, and proposed the extended look. His first five reports were broadcast on “CBS Evening News,” and “60 Minutes” accepted his pitch to take a longer look at their experience. Considering most Alzheimer’s patients generally survive four to eight years from the initial diagnosis, Daly has already exceeded that.Just as illustrative as the changes in his wife is the progression of her husband, a retired New York City police officer. He talked bravely of taking care of her at first, viewing duties such as helping her with her makeup as returning the favour for years that she had done things for him.Years later, he said darkly of the burden of full-time caregiving: “I’m ready to put the gun to my head.”After the cameras stopped, the doctor LaPook — instead of the television correspondent — evaluated him to make sure he wasn’t truly suicidal.The report was an unusual and important opportunity, LaPook said.“I think it will take your breath away,” he said in an interview. “It is very sobering, but it is information that people need.”LaPook said he hoped viewers will realize the importance of talking about end-of-life and health care decisions while they are still able. ’60 Minutes’ report details progression of Alzheimer’s This image released by CBSNews/60Minutes shows Mike Daly, from left, his wife Carol Daly, social worker Dan Cohen and CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook. LaPook followed Alzheimer’s patient Carol Daly and her caregiver husband for 10 years in an unprecedented report that shows future sufferers and their caregivers what they may face on “60 Minutes,” airing Sunday, April 22, on CBS. (CBSNews/60Minutes via AP) 
by David Bauder, The Associated Press Posted Apr 19, 2018 12:50 pm PDT Last Updated Apr 19, 2018 at 2:00 pm PDT AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The Latest on President Donald Trump’s comments on former Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James (all times local):3 p.m.A spokeswoman for Melania Trump says it appears that LeBron James is “working to do good things” and that the first lady would be willing to visit the new school he opened in Ohio.The statement from Stephanie Grisham on Saturday came hours after a late-night tweet from President Donald Trump in which he derided James’ intelligence, saying it “wasn’t easy” to make the NBA superstar look smart.Grisham says, “It looks like LeBron James is working to do good things on behalf of our next generation.”The statement notes that Mrs. Trump has been promoting her Be Best campaign and talking to children about the “importance of responsible online behaviour.” Grisham adds that the first lady “would be open” to visiting James’ school.The statement doesn’t criticize the president.___2:50 p.m.Michael Jordan is speaking out in support of LeBron James after President Donald Trump insulted his intelligence.Trump tweeted late Friday after apparently watching an interview James did with CNN anchor Don Lemon that Lemon was “the dumbest man on television” but that he “made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do.” James was being interviewed about a school he recently opened in Ohio for underprivileged children.Trump also appeared to weigh in on the growing debate over who is the greatest NBA player of all time, James or Jordan, by writing “I like Mike!”Jordan issued a statement through his spokesperson to The Associated Press via text. It said: “I support LeBron James. He’s doing an amazing job for his community.”___1:45 p.m.A number of athletes are jumping in to defend NBA superstar LeBron James after President Donald Trump insulted his intelligence.Trump tweeted late Friday after apparently watching an interview James did with CNN anchor Don Lemon that Lemon was “the dumbest man on television” but that he “made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do.” James was being interviewed about a school he recently opened in Ohio for underprivileged children.Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe tweeted Saturday: “It should be beneath the dignity of a sitting POTUS to take racist shots at D. Lemon and Lebron James.”NBA player Karl-Anthony Towns tweeted: “So let me get this straight: Flint, MI has dirty water still, but you worried about an interview about a man doing good for education and generations of kids in his hometown?”___9:40 a.m.President Donald Trump is turning his wrath on basketball superstar LeBron James.Trump tweeted late Friday that James was interviewed “by the dumbest man on television,” CNN anchor Don Lemon, but that he “made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do.”The president ended his tweet by saying “I like Mike!” — seeming to side with Michael Jordan in the debate over whether he or James is the greatest NBA player of all time.James has long been critical of Trump. In his interview with Lemon, he said he’d consider running for presidentif he believed he was the only person who could stop Trump from being re-elected.James had just opened a school for underprivileged children in Ohio. Trump is travelling to Ohio on Saturday for a campaign rally. FILE – In this May 27, 2018 file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James celebrates a basket against the Boston Celtics during the second half in Game 7 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, in Boston. President Donald Trump has unleashed a withering attack on James, deriding the intelligence of one of the nation’s most prominent African-American men ahead of a rally in the NBA star’s home state of Ohio. Trump blasted James after an interview with CNN anchor Don Lemon in which James deemed Trump a divisive figure. Meanwhile, the president’s wife, first lady Melania Trump, has offered kind words for the NBA star and his work on behalf of children. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File) The Latest: Mrs. Trump spokeswoman: LeBron doing good things
by The Associated Press Posted Aug 4, 2018 10:45 am PDT Last Updated Aug 4, 2018 at 4:40 pm PDT AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email
by Jocelyn Noveck, The Associated Press Posted Nov 20, 2018 8:27 am PDT A new documentary recounts in searing detail the final days of war correspondent Marie Colvin.Colvin was killed in shelling from Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces in 2012 in the city of Homs, where she was documenting civilian suffering.“Under the Wire” is directed by Chris Martin and based on the book by photographer Paul Conroy, Colvin’s longtime professional partner. He was next to the 56-year-old reporter when she was killed, and badly wounded himself. French photographer Remy Ochlik died in the same attack.The documentary is part of a flurry of projects about Colvin within just a few weeks. They include “A Private War,” with an acclaimed performance by Rosamund Pike as Colvin, and the new book “In Extremis.”Jocelyn Noveck, The Associated Press This image released by Arrow Media shows photographer Paul Conroy, left, with war correspondent Marie Colvin in Misrata, Libya. A new documentary recounts in searing detail the final days of Colvin, who was killed in shelling from Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces in 2012 in the city of Homs, where she was documenting civilian suffering. (Paul Conroy/Arrow Media via AP) AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email Film captures final days of legendary war reporter
LOS ANGELES — The Academy Awards this year have a record number of female nominees, but women are still lagging behind in the top categories.In the 20 non-gendered categories, 52 women are nominated, up eight from last year. Yet there are no female nominees for directing, cinematography, editing, score or visual effects. And overall, men make up over 75 per cent of this year’s Oscar nominees.The directing category gets the most scrutiny because of the power the position holds on a film set and in the industry. There have been only five women ever nominated for best director and only one winner in Kathryn Bigelow.Film academy president John Bailey says that parity is an industry matter, not just an academy matter.Lindsey Bahr, The Associated Press by Lindsey Bahr, The Associated Press Posted Feb 20, 2019 10:05 am PDT Oscars: A record year for women, but is it progress?
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TORONTO — The Art Gallery of Ontario says its much-touted Infinity Mirror room will open to the public in May.The Toronto gallery purchased the $2-million art installation with the help of a crowdfunding campaign that raised $651,183 from more than 4,700 donors last November.The campaign followed a popular exhibit last spring, in which more than 165,000 people saw the Instagram-friendly exhibit, Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors.The gallery says its new Infinity Mirror room, titled “Let’s Survive Forever,” features mirrored orbs suspended from the ceiling and arranged on the floor. Up to four people can enter at a time, and spend up to one minute inside.The room opens to the public May 25 but donors who contributed $25 and more can see the room first, beginning April 5. AGO members can see it beginning April 23.Access is included in general admission and visitors will have to reserve a same-day time slot.The Canadian Press AGO says its new Infinity Mirror room set to open in May A section of Yayoi Kusama’s “All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins, 2016,” is seen in the Art Gallery of Ontario’s exhibition, “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors,” in Toronto on Tuesday, February 27, 2018. The Art Gallery of Ontario says its much-touted Infinity Mirror room will open to the public in May. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young by The Canadian Press Posted Mar 5, 2019 10:34 am PDT AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email
In this 1938 photo provided by Sotheby’s, painter Diego Rivera poses with a gas mask in Casa Azul, Mexico. The image is part of a collection of photographs by Nicholas Muray up for auction on Friday, April 5, 2019. (Nickolas Muray via Sothebys via AP) by Sigal Ratner-Arias, The Associated Press Posted Apr 3, 2019 3:06 pm PDT NEW YORK — Frida Kahlo with her head wrapped in bandages. Diego Rivera posing with a gas mask. Miguel Covarrubias at the beach.The photographs of the three Mexican painters and other works by Nickolas Muray, many of them never seen before, are going on sale this week in New York.The images, dating from around 1925 to 1946, are among 78 portraits by the renowned Hungarian-born American photographer, who had a decade-long affair with Kahlo after meeting her in 1931. They will be auctioned Friday as part of Sotheby’s “Photographs” sale, each with a starting price of $15,000.“It is the first time that such a large group of photographs by this artist, by Nickolas Muray, go on sale,” Sotheby’s specialist Aimee Pflieger told The Associated Press in a recent interview.The anonymous consigner originally bought them from the photographer’s estate, according to the auction house.Muray met Kahlo and Rivera through Covarrubias, whom he befriended while working for Vanity Fair, where Covarrubias served as a cartoonist. They later introduced him to other prominent figures of the arts.There are at least 20 photographs of Kahlo, Rivera or both of them together.Pflieger noted that the collection “doesn’t necessarily show the progression of the relationship between Frida and Nickolas, but it does show this incredibly wide range of people that were involved in their circle.”Portraits of composer Carlos Chávez, muralist Roberto Montenegro and actress Margo Albert are some examples.Many photos of Kahlo shot by Muray have become iconic, like one from 1939 in which the painter appears with her hair braided through with purple yarn and wrapped around her head in a sort of crown while a deep magenta shawl drapes her shoulders. Some are currently on display at the Brooklyn Museum, as part of “Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving.”But Pflieger said the ones in the sale are much more intimate.The collection can be seen at the auction house in New York or online, at www.sothebys.com.___Follow Sigal Ratner-Arias on Twitter at https://twitter.com/sigalratner.Sigal Ratner-Arias, The Associated Press Unseen photos of Frida Kahlo by her lover to be auctioned AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email
April 30, 1999Brad, Ruggero, and Dario preparing a form behind the metal shop.
August 25, 2004The Landscaping Department continues to upgrade areas around the site. One of the walk ways in front of the Ceramics Apse is under repair. [Photo & text: sa]The Landscaping Department continues to upgrade areas around the site. One of the walk ways in front of the Ceramics Apse is under repair. [Photo & text: sa] Landscaping coordinator Yoshimi, Mika and workshopper Craig Moore are trawling a smooth surface. Landscaping employee Josh Krimmel takes photos. [Photo & text: sa] Workshopper Yoshimi Kato and Construction volunteer Mika Kawai screed concrete into the prepared form. [Photo & text: sa]