Category Archives: Views

Discover Britain Magazine – October/November 2023

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DISCOVER BRITAIN MAGAZINE (OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2023 – The latest issue features Eastern delights – From punting in Cambridge to crabbing in Norfolk; Bloody Mary – Where England’s first Queen was proclaimed; London pubs – Perfectly pulled pints; Holkham Hall – Behind the scenes on the vast estate, and more…

City Views: Photographer Simon Murphy Chronicles Govanhill Area, Glasgow

BBC Scotland (November 9, 2023) – “This is my reality of Govanhill.” Street photographer Simon Murphy has been taking pictures of the of the Govanhill Community for 20 years. We follow him as he takes the final images for first major exhibition and accompanying book publication.

Govanhill is a residential district in Glasgow, Scotland, known for the cluster of gourmet delis, trendy cafes and curry houses in the Strathbungo area, along with traditional-style pubs offering brunch menus and craft beers. Pop concerts and football matches bring crowds to the Hampden Park stadium, while the edgy Tramway theatre hosts films and plays. Queen’s Park has ponds, woods and a Victorian glasshouse.

The New York Times — Thursday, NOV 9, 2023

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Behind Hamas’s Bloody Gambit to Create a ‘Permanent’ State of War

Palestinians surveying the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, last month.

Hamas leaders say they waged their Oct. 7 attack on Israel because they believed the Palestinian cause was slipping away, and that only violence could revive it.

Does the Boss Need to Weigh In on the War in the Middle East?

Many company executives are facing a dilemma about whether and how to respond to the war between Israel and Hamas.

It’s become the norm for company executives to issue notes to employees about social upheaval. But the Israel-Hamas war presents a special challenge.

‘If Not Me, Who?’: As Ukraine Seeks Troops, Women Prepare for the Call

With so much in the war against Russia hinging on refilling the ranks of soldiers, efforts are underway to draw more Ukrainian women into the army.

The End of Panda Diplomacy?

The giant pandas have left Washington. Some fans find it unbearable.9h ago

Tourism: The Top Reasons To Visit France In 2024

France.fr Explore France (November 8, 2023)With a projected 80 million visitors in 2023, France continues to be a popular destination for American and other travelers. In keeping with President Macron’s goal to make France the leading sustainable destination by 2030, travelers in 2024 will find eco-friendly innovation during their trip. Below are a few key reasons to head to the Hexagon next year.

Top Reasons to Visit France in 2024

Sporting Events

France will be the ultimate Sporting Arena in 2024 with the Paris Olympics from Friday, July 26 – Sunday, August 11, 2024 and a few weeks later, the Paralympics Games which will be held, Wednesday, August 28 – Sunday, September 8, 2024. For the first time, the opening ceremony won’t take place in a stadium but rather in the heart of Paris along the Seine River. The objective is to cut by half the carbon footprint of the Olympics. 95% of the games will take place in existing sports venues or in heritage sites throughout the Greater Paris Region and other parts of France. Think skateboarding in Place de la Concorde or beach volleyball at the Champs de Mars at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and equestrian events at the Château de Versailles. Plus, the upcoming Olympics will introduce a totally new discipline: breaking. It will complement the previous game’s inclusion of sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing, which for France will take place on one of the beautiful Tahitian islands of French Polynesia. Be sure to follow the festive Olympic torch relay. The torch will arrive May 8 in Marseille from Greece aboard the tall ship Le Belem, for a 68-day whirlwind tour in mainland France and its overseas regions. Coincidentally, Toulon in Le Var will be the second city after Marseille to host the torch on May 10.

The New York – Vendée Sables d’Olonne is another major sporting event that will take place on May 29, 2024. It is the last qualifier race before the Vendée Globe—and is the only transatlantic race to leave from the Big Apple. Before embarking on a 3,200-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean, the sailors will entertain the public with a spectacular show at the Statue of Liberty’s base, along with other pre-race celebrations on May 24. Then, on November 10, 2024, the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe, a.k.a the Everest of Seas–a solo, non-stop, and, unassisted race around the world, will set sail from the Vendee’s Sables d’Olonne. About 40 skippers will depart this seaside town which boasts magnificent beaches and one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

Cultural Happenings

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the first Impressionist exhibition, the 2024 Normandy Impressionist Festival, scheduled from March 22 to September 22, 2024, promises to be truly exceptional with an unexpected American influence. This 5th edition will showcase a major Whistler exhibit in Rouen, and the 12th edition of Rouen Cathedral’s summer sound & light show will be curated by American theatre and multidisciplinary artist Robert Wilson. Normandy has also partnered with the Paris Region for this anniversary celebration, featuring a grand exhibit titled ‘Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment’ at the Musée d’Orsay from late March to mid-July. Following that, the show will travel to the National Gallery in D.C. for a late summer to winter exhibition, showcasing around 130 paintings, works on paper, prints, sculptures, and photographs.

Since 1965 Les Floralies de Nantes, a prestigious international horticultural event, will move to the nearby Vendée from May 17 to May 26, 2024. It will take place at the Domaine de La Chabotterie—an 18th-century estate spread over 118 acres of lush forest and meadows. Anticipating over 200,000 visitors, the event will showcase the imaginative creations of 200 participants hailing from France, the United States, and other countries. Aptly named ‘Flower Games’ for the 2024 edition, a nod to the Summer Olympics will feature five thematic areas: water, childhood, intellectual, physical, and garden games.

Anniversaries

These festivities and achievements would not be possible if it wasn’t for the bravery of Allied soldiers and veterans who took part in the historic D-Day Landings in Normandy. They will be honored during the 80th anniversary of this critical chapter of WWII in 2024. In addition to the June 6th landings in Normandy, it’s also the 80th anniversary of Operation Dragoon, a crucial Franco-American landing that occurred on August 15, 1944. The primary landing sites were located in Le Var County of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. After these landings, Allied forces advanced up the Rhone Valley, executing a coordinated pincer movement to cut off and engage retreating German troops. This strategic maneuver culminated in a historic meeting with D-Day veterans in Dijon on September 12, 1944.

For additional anniversaries, click here.

Transportation Updates

Starting on October 30, Air France will operate three weekly flights from Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Raleigh Durham. Additionally, in the summer of 2024, American Airlines will offer seasonal and non-stop flights from Philly to Nice.

In 2024, the French National Railroads (SNCF) will introduce—starting on the Southeastern corridor of its network—a new high-speed train called the TGV M built by Alstom. The M stands for modular (number of cars.) The new train will offer 20% more seats, a compact, aerodynamic & energy saving locomotive (20% energy savings & 32% less carbon emissions.) & new high-tech lounge car. Explore France:

The Road Less Traveled

Provence’s Le Var county is famed for Saint-Tropez but also home to France’s Grand Canyon—the spectacular Gorges du Verdon, which is worth visiting year-round. Other breathtaking spots include the red rock mountains of the Estérel Massif and the must-see Porquerolles and Port-Cros islands. An Olympic torch stop on May 17, Toulouse, known as the Pink City, is notable for architectural heritage & museums and also the world capital of aeronautics. The unsung Vendée, and Charente-Maritime house the lush & biodiverse Marais Poitevin, France’s second largest wetland. Fittingly, Nouvelle Aquitaine’s Cognac region comprised of both the Charente and Charente Maritime welcomes visitors who wish to discover that there’s more to Cognac then just the drink.

If you think Dijon is all about mustard, prepare to be surprised. Not only will Dijon host the Olympic torch on July 12, but it is also home to the captivating Cité de la Gastronomie et du Vin. It serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the three new wine centers in Beaune, Macon, and Chablis.

Finally, check out two recent additions to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Roman-era Maison Carrée in Nîmes and the Volcanoes and lush forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Le Carbet on the island of Martinique.

The New York Times — Wednesday, Nov 8, 2023

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Under Scrutiny Over Gaza, Israel Points to Civilian Toll of U.S. Wars

Praying over the bodies of children in Gaza on Sunday. More than 10,000 people have been killed in Gaza over the past month, 40 percent of them children, according to the health ministry there.

Israeli officials say it is impossible to defeat Hamas without killing innocents, a lesson they argue Americans and their allies should understand.

Ohio Votes to Establish Right to Abortion

Supporters of Issue 1, a ballot measure to protect abortion access, gathered to talk to potential voters in Shaker Heights, Ohio, in October.

The State Constitution will protect access to the procedure. The result sends a strong signal that voters are still angry about the demise of Roe.

What the Golden Gate Is (Finally) Doing About Suicides

After years of pressure from victims’ families, the installation of $217 million in steel netting is almost complete.

Flowers, both real and artificial, hang from a chain-link fence. The Golden Gate Bridge is visible beyond the fence.
A fence at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge is a makeshift memorial for those who have died there. An estimated 2,000 people have jumped to their death since the bridge opened in 1937.

Hungry (but Not for Human Contact), Americans Head for the Drive-Through

A national fixture is enjoying a fresh surge as post-pandemic customers crave speed and solitude. And restaurants are responding with a raft of innovations.

Travel: Walking Tour Of Wiesbaden, West Germany


POPtravel Films (November 7, 2023) – A walking tour of Wiesbaden, a city in the western German state of Hesse. Its neoclassical Kurhaus now houses a convention center and a casino. The Kurpark is an English-style landscaped garden designed in 1852.

The red, neo-Gothic Market Church on Schlossplatz is flanked by the neoclassical City Palace, seat of State Parliament. Museum Wiesbaden displays expressionist paintings by Alexej von Jawlensky and natural history exhibits. 

Australia Architecture: Casa Piva’s Italian Roots

The Local Project (November 7, 2023) – Casa Piva is a small yet layered architects own home defined by a slow revealing of spaces and experiences. Andrew Piva, Project Architect and Director at B.E. Architecture, refers to his home as a labour of love – it is simultaneously warm, inviting and highly functional thanks to the use of Tuscan Oak as a surface material.

Video timeline: 00:00 – Introduction to the Architects Own Home 01:11 – Behind the Design of the Home 02:12 – Enveloped in Warm Materials 03:18 – Including A Bit of Fun 04:44 – A Compact And Generous Brief 06:18 – Focusing on A Minimal Selection of Materials 06:32 – A Rational, Balanced and Calm Design

From the street, the family home doesn’t reveal too much of itself. However, upon entry, one is met with an intriguing and experiential journey through spaces that are designed around a series of small courtyards. The foremost entry into the architects own home takes place through a modest-sized door from the laneway, where one is greeted by a large and intricate brick courtyard with trees coming up through apertures in the roof – a scene reminiscent of an Italian villa. As well as providing a generous space for the dwelling, it also serves as a functional space to park cars.

Once inside, Casa Piva reveals a compressed, dark and moody ambience. This slowly transitions as you journey through the architects own home. The first glimpse of the kitchen, which is adorned with Tuscan Oak joinery, reveals the warmth and comfort the casa brings forth. The home is compact but features generously sized rooms. Within the residence are three bedrooms as well as a study, which doubles as a TV room and guest bedroom and reveals the residence’s flexibility. The master bedroom is larger and cocooned in timber.

The New York Times — Tuesday, November 7, 2023

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Israel Says It Has Split Gaza Strip in Two in Drive to Isolate Hamas’s Leadership

Smoke rising in Gaza City on Monday after Israeli strikes.

Israel’s military surrounded Gaza City as the enclave plunged into another communications blackout, sowing panic among relatives fearful of the fate of loved ones who remain there.

Trump Indictments Haven’t Sunk His Campaign, but a Conviction Might

Polls by The New York Times and Siena College show his strength in key swing states, in part because of concerns about President Biden’s age. But a conviction could be the difference in 2024.

Tech Start-Ups Try to Sell a Cautious Pentagon on A.I.

Shield AI, a tech start-up, already has a drone run by artificial intelligence being used by the Israeli military. But persuading the Pentagon to embrace the technology remains a big challenge.

Trump Assails Judge and Concedes a Role in Valuing His Empire’s Property

The former president, who also railed against New York’s attorney general in front of a packed courtroom, denied he committed fraud and called the trial “very unfair.”

Italy Views: Tour Of Villa Monastero On Lake Como

VIRTUAL TOUR Films (November 6, 2023) – Villa Monastero  is located in  VarennaProvince of Lecco, on the shore of Lake Como. The villa lies south of the village, halfway between Varenna and Fiumelatte, and includes a botanical garden, a museum, and a convention center.

The villa hosts summer courses for the “Enrico Fermi” International School of Physics, and has heard lectures by more than thirty-four Nobel Laureates.

Villa Monastero is an eclectic villa built in the Nordic style. The site was originally a Cistercian convent, founded at the end of the 12th century in Varenna, which now lies beneath the modern building. The convent grew in importance and wealth, purchasing many properties, especially around Lierna, but eventually declined to only six mothers, and was closed by papal bull in 1567.

The whole estate was purchased by Paolo Mornico in 1569, using his fortune amassed through iron mining in Valsassinia. In the 17th century the Mornico family incrementally rebuilt and decorated it in the eclectic style.

The New York Times — Monday, November 6, 2023

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Trump Leads in 5 Critical States as Voters Blast Biden, Times/Siena Poll Finds

Voters in battleground states said they trusted Donald J. Trump over President Biden on the economy, foreign policy and immigration, as Mr. Biden’s multiracial base shows signs of fraying.

U.S. Officials Fear American Guns Ordered by Israel Could Fuel West Bank Violence

“Guns in the right hands save lives!” said Israel’s minister for national security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, center.

Israel wants 24,000 assault rifles. Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right minister overseeing the police, has given rifles to civilians and is forming “security squads.”

After Lewiston Shooting, Maine’s Deaf Community Seeks to Rise Above, Again

The attack, in which four of the 18 people killed were Deaf, resurfaced previous traumas and came after decades of efforts to be recognized.

Mayor’s 25-Year-Old Fund-Raising Chief in Spotlight After F.B.I. Raid

A recent college graduate, Brianna Suggs was an unusual choice to run Eric Adams’s big-money fund-raising operation as he campaigned for mayor.