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Why I Lost My Luggage (On Purpose)—And You Should Too

Amber Readmond — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 08:20:35 +0000

While preparing for a two-week trip to Europe, including a Mediterranean cruise and a solo trip to Paris, I fell down a rabbit hole on YouTube on what to wear. “Don’t wear tennis shoes, or you’ll just SCREAM ‘tourist’, and be at risk for pickpocketing!” one fashion influencer warned. The more videos I watched, the more my shopping list grew: comfortable, yet classy walking shoes, long flowy dresses, a stylish oversized tote bag, and a wide-brim straw hat. Suddenly, up popped a video about something I’d never heard of before: One. Bag. Travel. As someone experienced with lost luggage fiascos, my interest was piqued.

Easily Influenced

On the screen was vlogger Morgan Caroline showing off her packing skills as she stuffed 10 days worth of necessities all in one travel bag, a new Osprey Frontpoint 40 backpack. As a former flight attendant, I had traveled with one bag for years for work. But those trips were only 3 days at most. When I wasn’t working I mostly took road trips (because who wants to be at work when they’re not working?!). If I’m going on a road trip, everything goes in the car. What if I have extra time to learn that mandolin I bought 20 years ago, or suddenly feel an urge to finish crocheting that king-sized blanket? But watching in amazement while 10 days worth of luggage disappeared into one bag, I felt something–a challenge.

Challenge Accepted

I crawled out of the Euro-fashion rabbit hole and JUMPED into the one-bag travel rabbit hole. The more I watched, the more tips I learned, and the more excited I grew. I must admit I felt a little crazy. I was going on a lengthy cruise, NOT backpacking. Why was I making things harder on myself? But I rationalized that I would be taking a train after the cruise to spend a couple of nights in Paris, and that it would be much easier to have a backpack than carrying luggage on to the train.

On a Quest

The next day, I visited my local REI and talked to an expert backpacker who was VERY excited about my upcoming adventure. His daughter, he told me, is also a one-bag traveler, but only takes ONE outfit and a pair of flip-flops. This was an extreme I was not willing to take things to. He showed me what he said was the number one bag for backpacking Europe, which happened to be the very same backpack from the video, an Osprey Fairview 40. I bought the backpack, and headed home to start my one-bag journey.

My beloved backpack, an Osprey Fairview 40

Time to Pack!

I ditched my shopping list, and raided my closet. The key to one bag travel, I have learned, is a good compression sack (or two). I started by taking everything I wanted to pack and seeing what I could fit. I quickly learned to ditch thicker fabrics, and anything with buttons or zippers. Once everything was crammed into the bag, I cinched it down with the straps into a ball that was so compressed, it was solid as a rock. I slid in a pair of nude leather sandals that I could wear with both dress and casual clothing. I threw travel-sized toiletries, and my makeup into a small lightweight cube organizer. In a second cube, I packed snacks and goodies for the journey. I slid my laptop into the built-in sleeve, and stepped back to view my masterpiece.

My fully-packed bag, with room for souvenirs!

The laptop sleeve is on the side of the bag, positioning your laptop close to your body and further from harm

“Soooo, Where are your bags?”

At the airport counter, the agent was puzzled. “No checked bag? And you’re returning on the 10th?” she asked in bewilderment. “Nope, just this backpack.” Her curiosity turned into admiration as I explained how I had fit it all in.

Photo Credit: Deborah Dykes (My mom, who was very impressed with my packing skills)

At the cruise port, my friend was skeptical. “How could you possibly have enough in there?” But as I unpacked my clown car of a bag—seven dresses, two skirts, eight pairs of shorts, 10 shirts, two swimsuits, and more—her jaw dropped.

Everything that came out of the bag looked like crumpled-up pieces of tissue paper from the compression. I hung each item in the stateroom closet so that the wrinkles would fall out. Hanging a dress in the bathroom while I took a shower did the trick sometimes, and I carried a travel-sized bottle of Downy wrinkle releaser for more stubborn garments, which worked like magic. I never once needed something I hadn’t packed.

Change of Plans

At the end of the cruise, riots and unrest had come to Paris and my extra solo trip was canceled. I felt for a moment that I might as well have just packed and checked my bags, and that maybe it was a bit extra of me to go this extreme–until it came time to fly home.

Upon reaching JFK, I got a notification on my phone that my connecting flight home had been canceled. The weather was perfect in New York, but there had been severe thunderstorms in the midwest that derailed hundreds of scheduled flights. My new flight wasn’t until the next day, so I booked a hotel in the city. I walked past crowds of people chatting about lost luggage and hours-long customer service lines, and I headed out of the airport with my one bag on my back.

I decided to take the subway to the city. A few minutes into the ride, the subway stopped due to an emergency closure on the line. The city had buses to transport riders to the next station. As I was walking up the subway stairs to board the bus, I thought about how different this entire experience would be if I had luggage to haul.

Only Happy Accidents

In the city, I stopped and got a slice of Joe’s Pizza on the way to my hotel. I laughed to myself as I looked out the window while eating my New York cheese slice to see a cafe called “Paris Baguette”. ‘Close enough’, I thought.
I might not have made it to Paris this time, but I love New York City and was happy to be there. Instead of the frustration and exhaustion I would be feeling if I were still stuck in that airport, desperately trying to get my bags, I felt the excitement and euphoria of an unexpected adventure.

“You are now free to roam about the city…”

After checking out of my hotel, I had hours to explore before having to make my way back to the airport. Because I only had a backpack, I didn’t need to store luggage. I set out feeling lighter, freer, than ever before.

Ready to head out to the city for the day- and then to the airport!

Airline Insanity Strikes Again

Two months later, I packed for another European cruise–this time to Italy. My friend and I joked with each other about our differences in packing. She had brought three checked bags, and no carry-on. We were waiting to board when a storm blew in. Suddenly, a rogue wind hurled a luggage trailer into the side of our aircraft, canceling our flight to Rome! The airline rebooked us with their partner airline, changing our connections. After arriving in Rome, we learned that the bags from the previous plane were not transferred.

My travel companion had to wait in a four-hour line just to report her luggage missing. It took 7 days to get her luggage delivered to the ship from the airline, and she only had the clothes she was wearing. I, however, had everything I needed in one bag.

No Baggage, No Regrets

I won’t pretend that I always travel with one bag. I still pack as if I’m moving out of my house whenever I go on road trips. For longer journeys such as my recent Panama Canal cruise, I sometimes bring a roller bag (or two). But when I want to move freely and avoid travel stress, I skip baggage claim and grab my backpack, ready for any unexpected adventures that may come my way.

The post Why I Lost My Luggage (On Purpose)—And You Should Too appeared first on Midlife at the Oasis.

The Lion King on Broadway

Steffen — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 07:11:43 +0000

Looking for something spectacular to do on your next trip to New York City? If you haven’t seen one of the world’s most famous musicals yet – it’s crunch time! The Lion King on Broadway is waiting for you.

THE LION KING TICKETS

The Lion King on Broadway

The beautiful story of the lion Simba is based on a Disney movie from the 1990s which was re-interpreted by director-designer Julie Taymor. With breath-taking music, detailed costumes and amazing stage scenery The Lion King Musical takes you on a journey into the kingdom of lions, which is depicted by a colorful world of animals and nature.

The Lion King on Broadway explores the circle of life, the principles of courage, fear and the meaning of life from the eyes of the inhabitants of the African kingdom. You will be carried away into the magical world of the Lion King Musical and watch genius life-sized animal figures and stunning costumes wandering through the aisles of the audience.

The brilliant puppeteers will make you believe the roaring lions and circling vultures are real. The upbeat music is expanded with emotionally charged African rhythms and perfectly synchronized movements of the dancers.

The Lion King Musical creates a spectacular ambiance with talented actors and musicians and an impressive orchestra which are all convincing factors making it one of the best musicals of the world.

play video

The Lion King Tickets

We recommend getting your tickets before you come to New York City. It’s safe, simple and definitely most comfortable to buy the musical tickets online. The Lion King Musical is often sold out or only seats with limited views are available for purchase.

Therefore make sure you save the best seats in the Minskoff Theatre for yourself for an unforgettable experience in New York!

THE LION KING TICKETS

The Best Seats for The Lion King on Broadway

The Minskoff Theatre in New York is one of the largest theaters on Broadway. Considering the size, there are various seat categories to choose from. We’ve color-coded them for you to get a better understanding. The view from the respective seats is also a good indicator of the ticket price. The better the view, the more the tickets will probably cost you.

THE LION KING TICKETS

Is the Lion King Musical something for me?

The answer is simple: YES. The Lion King Musical is something suitable for both younger and older generations, so children will love it as much as adults. The music enchants the entire audience and makes you sing, jiggle your foot and experience goosebumps when you hear the first melody. The Lion King New York City is something not to be missed!

Der Beitrag The Lion King on Broadway erschien zuerst auf Loving New York.

4th of July Fireworks in NYC 2025

Steffen — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 06:05:44 +0000

The July 4th fireworks show in NYC is the largest Independence Day celebration in the country and one of the greatest events of the year in New York.

After last year’s Hudson River fireworks, the location of Macy’s 4th of July fireworks 2025 will return to the East River again!

In 2025 Macy’s famous 4th of July fireworks will take place for the 49th time! More than 60,000 shells and effects will be launched to fascinate the audience.

Where will the fireworks be set off?

East River, usually between 14th and 34th Street

When will the fireworks start?

The event starts at 8:00 PM

Where To See the 4th of July Fireworks in NYC

Looking for the best places to see the 4th of July Fireworks in NYC this year? Read on for a full breakdown of the streets, parks, and cruises to watch fireworks in New York City.

For everyone who’s planning their trip now and wants to know the best places to see 4th of July Fireworks in NYC, the list below will give you a start on where to see 4th of July fireworks in NYC.

As we get more information on official events, we will be updating these lists to make sure your trip to NYC for the 4th of July is as enjoyable as possible.

Fun Facts about Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

50 pyrotechnicians are in charge
almost 1,920 shells per minute
at 25 minutes this corresponds to 48,000 shells
there will be 17 different fireworks patterns
14 different effects

The Best Places to see the 4th of July Fireworks in NYC

Note: The official viewing locations for 2025 will be announced soon on Macy’s official website!

If you’re planning to go to an official viewing area, note that, typically, backpacks are permitted but coolers, lounge chairs, blankets, and umbrellas are not.

Should you not be able to be in the city to see the fireworks, then be sure to turn on NBC at 8 pm to see the live broadcasting.

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FDR Drive at East 23rd Street, East 34th Street, and East 42nd Street Fireworks Viewing

Building in Midtown Manhattan

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We’ll start with the official recommendations that Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show has shared over the past few years. In addition to the elevated platforms you can enjoy for free (just be sure to arrive early), these are great areas to set up and take in the East River fireworks display.

Since they are popular spots for both New Yorkers and those visiting New York alike, there are sure to be crowds. Our advice? Only bring the essentials and try to get there as early as your schedule allows.

see Website
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Enjoy the 4th of July Fireworks at Gantry Plaza State Park

Park in Long Island City
Our Highlight

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Gantry Plaza State Park is a beautiful escape right on the East River in Long Island City. The park is very beautifully laid out, with many wooden benches (also with ergonomic design) and dunes with sand and a small green space. There are apartments and small restaurants and cafes lined up on the back of the park. The piers also add a nice touch to the park as well. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll while enjoying the Manhattan skyline across the river. Also in sight is the beautiful 59th street bridge that connects Manhattan and Queens.

see Website
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Watch the fireworks from Harriet's Rooftop Bar

Rooftop Bar in Dumbo
Our Highlight

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Be sure to check out the 1 Hotel Rooftop and Garden Bar, even if you don’t decide to stay there. You can enjoy a fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge. The bar serves great drinks and finger food.

Read more
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Domino Park Brooklyn Fireworks Viewing

Park in Williamsburg

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Sometimes the best place to see the 4th of July fireworks in NYC is the place you’ll enjoy the most. One of our favorite places is the 6-acre Domino Park in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood.

Especially if you happen to be sightseeing in that part of the city, this open park on the Brooklyn side is a great place to wrap up your day and take in the fireworks show. With its large lawns and ideal location facing the NYC skyline, you’re sure to enjoy the spectacle.

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Panorama Room

Rooftop Bar in Roosevelt Island

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The Panorama Room is a rooftop bar & lounge and belongs to the Graduate New York Hotel on Roosevelt Island. Located on the 18th floor, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of New York City. At the Panorama Room you can get fresh seafood dishes and a delicious brunch, but also various alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.

see Website
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View the 2025 NYC 4th Of July Fireworks On The Water

Cruise in Chelsea
Our Highlight

Go New York Explorer Pass: My Review 2025 | Is It Worth it?

Steffen — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:52:56 +0000

With the Go New York Explorer Pass, you can choose from more than 100 sights to see, attractions, and tours all while saving up to 50% off the regular ticket price. I am a big fan of this sightseeing pass and have used it several times during my over twenty visits to New York City.

What can you expect to discover in my article about the Go New York Explorer Pass? I want to show you how easy it is to save money in New York without having to compromise on anything. I will answer all of your questions, including:

What is the Go New York Explorer Pass?
How does the Go New York Explorer Pass work?
What attractions are included in the Go New York Explorer Pass?
Is the Go New York Explorer Pass worth it?
What are my personal experiences with the Go New York Explorer Pass?

The New York Pass 2025

Steffen — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:49:26 +0000

The New York Pass is a sensationally easy way to save money on over 110 attractions and tours, as well as at select restaurants and stores in New York. I have been to New York over twenty times; I have used the New York Pass several times and I, as well as my travel budget, was thrilled!

What can you expect to find in my article about the New York Pass? I’ll show you everything you need to know about this discount pass and how to make your travel budget go further, including:

What is the New York Pass?
How does the New York Pass work?
What’s included with the New York Pass?
Is the New York Pass worth purchasing?
I’ll also tell you about my personal experiences with the New York Pass

New York Sightseeing Pass in 2025

Steffen — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:27:38 +0000

❌ UPDATE June 2025: The provider Sightseeingpass has filed for bankruptcy! The FLEX and DAY passes can no longer be purchased or redeemed!

The New York Sightseeing Pass is one of the most popular New York passes, with which you can save a lot of money on admission to over 100 attractions in New York City. I have used it nine times during my over twenty visits and I’ll show you why I’m so convinced of its value in this article.

Since so many things have changed in 2023, I’ve completely updated this article. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me directly at steffen@loving-newyork.com!

What exactly can you expect to find in my article about the New York Sightseeing Pass? I will answer everything to ease your mind and satisfy your travel budget. You can also jump right into the section that interests you the most:

What is the New York Sightseeing Pass?
How does the New York Sightseeing Pass work?
What attractions are included in the New York Sightseeing Pass?
New York Sightseeing Pass: is it worth buying?

As many attractions have recently increased their entrance fees, the New York Sightseeing Pass pays off even faster than before. If you want to know how, then you’ve come to the right place – have fun saving money!

A quick explanation of The New York Sightseeing Pass

There is a version for every type of traveler: the DAY Pass (perfect for those who want to see a lot) and the FLEX Pass (perfect for those who want to spread selected attractions over several days).
There are over 100 attractions to choose from with both passes.
With the purchase of a Sightseeing Pass, all entrance fees at valid attractions are covered; you don’t have to pay anything extra on site. All you have to do is show your pass at the attraction’s ticket counter and in return you receive your admission ticket.
Important notes: Probably the most important difference between the two passes is the ferry to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island. This attraction is only included in the DAY option. You can visit each attraction exactly once with the New York Pass. As for the Empire State Building, you need an additional free time ticket, which is available via this link.

What is the New York Sightseeing Pass?

The New York Sightseeing Pass is a discount pass for over 100 attractions in New York City. Once paid, it gives you free admission to the attractions and tours that are included in the portfolio of the pass. It is NOT a coupon or discount on admission; you’ve already paid for everything with it.

Two options to choose from: DAY Pass or FLEX Pass

There are two versions of the Sightseeing Pass: the first option is the DAY Pass; it’s the equivalent of the classic sightseeing pass where you want to see as much as you can manage. All you have to decide is how many consecutive days you wish to go to sightseeing (e.g., “New York Sightseeing Pass for 5 days”).

What is the BEST New York Pass for you in 2025?

Steffen — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:09:19 +0000

With so many different sightseeing passes out there, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. This New York Pass comparison guide is here to help you easily spot the differences between all major New York attraction passes so that you can quickly determine the very best NYC pass for you.

I have visited New York more than twenty times and have tested every sightseeing pass multiple times on my many visits. None of the pass providers have paid me to write about them; my reviews of New York attraction passes and my experiences are 100% authentic. If you have any questions, always feel free to contact me at steffen@loving-newyork.com!

In my New York pass comparison, I’ll show you which attraction pass is the best for you. With it, you will not only save money but also time!

❌ UPDATE June 2025: The provider Sightseeingpass has filed for bankruptcy! The FLEX and DAY passes can no longer be purchased or redeemed!

Looking for a shortcut? Click here to

The New York Sightseeing Flex Pass 2025

Steffen — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:04:32 +0000

❌ UPDATE June 2025: The provider Sightseeingpass has filed for bankruptcy! The FLEX and DAY passes can no longer be purchased or redeemed!

The New York Sightseeing FLEX Pass is one of the most popular New York passes and I have used it nine times in my over twenty visits. If you want to visit the top sights in New York and save up to 40% on the entrance fee, you should definitely read on!

A lot has changed in the last few months, so I’ve completely updated this article. If you still have questions, always feel free to contact me directly at steffen@loving-newyork.com !

In this article, I will answer any questions you may have about the FLEX Pass and explain what makes it so great!

What is the FLEX Pass?
How does the FLEX Pass work?
Which attractions are included in the FLEX Pass?
How much does the Sightseeing FLEX Pass cost?
Is the Sightseeing Flex Pass worth it?
My experiences & conclusion

Note: One reason why the Sightseeing Passes pay off so quickly is the increase in ticket prices since Covid-19. Many of the attractions have really increased their prices, such as the Empire State Building, which now has ticket prices of up to $98 per person!

A quick explanation of the New York Sightseeing FLEX Pass

The FLEX pass offers over 100 attractions for you to choose from, of which you can visit 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 or 12 attractions.
You can flexibly spread your activities over all days of your visit.
You can visit any attraction only once with the New York Pass.
With the purchase of a FLEX Pass, everything is paid for, so you do not have to pay anything extra at each attraction.
To use the pass, show it at the ticket counter of your desired attraction and in return you will receive your admission ticket.
Two important notes:
For the Empire State Building, you will also need a free time ticket, which is available via this link.
The ferry to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island is not included in the FLEX Pass (you can see my alternatives here).

Do you like to keep your plans flexible and explore the city without a tight schedule? Then the Sightseeing FLEX Pass is just the right New York discount pass for you!

What is the New York Sightseeing FLEX Pass?

The Sightseeing FLEX Pass is a discount pass for over 100 attractions in New York that is valid for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 or 12 attractions. Once paid, it gives you free admission to the attractions, museums, guided tours, and boat and bus tours that are included in the pass. You won’t need to buy tickets for the individual attractions and you can save a lot of money overall!

Like the Go New York Explorer Pass, the FLEX Pass is an attraction-based pass, meaning that you decide on the number of attractions you want to visit. You don’t have to decide which attractions in advance so you can choose when and what to see after purchase. The FLEX pass is valid for 60 days after its first activation!

My tip: if you are not quite sure how many attractions to pay for, choose a smaller amount. There should be no sightseeing stress!

How does the FLEX Pass work?

When you buy the Sightseeing FLEX Pass, you first choose the number of attractions you want to visit in New York City and pay a fixed price. Be sure to use my discount code LNYOffer when purchasing to save even more!

Once in New York City, just show your FLEX pass to the ticket booth of the attraction you want to see and you’ll receive your admission ticket. If makes no difference if you have the pass printed out or on your phone!

Only a few attractions require you to reserve an additional time slot in advance. This is the case for the Empire State Building (do so at this link if you bought your FLEX Pass) and the American Museum of Natural History, as well as the walking tours. The necessity to book a time slot in advance for certain attractions applies to all New York City Sightseeing Passes..

Here’s how to best use your FLEX Pass in New York City:

Step 1: After purchasing, you will receive your FLEX Passes with your individual numbers by email. Click on “View my passes >” in the email.

You will receive this email confirmation from Sightseeing FLEX Pass New York

Step 2: Now you can see all your passes and choose whether you want to print them or download them directly to your smartphone. I recommend the latter.

I recommend downloading your pass directly to your phone.

Step 3: Have fun in New York!

Which attractions are included in the FLEX Pass?

With the Sightseeing FLEX Pass, you can choose from around 100 attractions and sights to see. These include world-famous attractions such as the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, the Top of the Rock, Edge Hudson Yards, and the One World Observatory.

The newest observation deck, Summit One Vanderbilt, is not included with any of the New York Passes.

Top sights to see with the FLEX Pass

Empire State Building
Top of the Rock
The Edge Observation Deck
Guggenheim Museum
Big Bus Hop on Hop off: 2-Day Ticket
One World Observatory
American Museum of Natural History
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

If you’re interested in New York’s most popular museums, you’re well equipped with the Sightseeing FLEX Pass. Around 30 museums are included in the program, including the popular ones like the American Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Modern Art, also known as MoMA.

Check out the full list of attractions included in the New York Sightseeing FLEX Pass here.

Boat tours included with the FLEX Pass

Have you ever experienced New York City from the water? It’s a brilliant experience! Included in the FLEX Pass are some of the most popular boat and ship tours:

Circle Line Landmarks Cruise
Circle Line Liberty Cruise
Circle Line Liberty Super Express Downtown
City Cruises – Alive After Five
Freedom Liberty boat tour
Manhattan By Sail – Shearwater Statue Sail

Bryant Park Picnic Performances: The COMPLETE Guide 2025

Steffen — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:05:19 +0000

The summer season is approaching fast, and in New York, that means the return of some incredible outdoor events, including one of our favorites: the Bryant Park Picnic Performances!

The Bryant Park Picnic Performances 2025 line-up has just been announced. With more than 20 free concerts ranging from opera to jazz and more, the 2025 lineup will be a perfect way to spend a beautiful NY summer afternoon. Read on for all of the most important details about this free series

The world’s largest LED planetarium opens in Prague

Dave — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 06:40:22 +0000

New York, June 2025 – Following a two-year renovation, the Prague Planetarium is reopening to the public with a transformed guest experience. The result of the modernisation project is the first fully digital LED planetarium in Europe and the largest in any planetarium worldwide, which ranks among the absolute best in the world in terms of quality. “Visitors will find the experience to be truly unparalleled. Unanimously, all those to whom the system has been demonstrated have been astounded,” says Jakub Rozehnal , director of Planetum. A technological revolution under […]

The post The world’s largest LED planetarium opens in Prague appeared first on Dave's Travel Corner.

Top Countries Where Saunas Are Popular

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 May 2025 06:18:11 +0000

Saunas aren’t just relaxing, they’re a way of life in many countries. From snowy Finland to busy cities in Japan, people everywhere enjoy the heat and health benefits saunas offer.

Wondering where saunas are most popular? This list takes you around the world to explore the top countries that truly love their sauna time.

Key Takeaways:

Explore global sauna traditions: Discover how different countries uniquely enjoy sauna culture.
Learn sauna etiquette worldwide: From quiet Finnish saunas to social Russian banyas, customs vary.
Understand regional sauna styles: Dry, steam, smoke, and stone saunas each offer a distinct experience.
Experience saunas as wellness & community: Saunas aren’t just for health—they’re cultural and social hubs.
Get inspired to sauna like a local: Whether you're in Norway, Japan, or the U.S., there's a style to try.

Top Countries Where Saunas Are Popular

Finland

In Finland, saunas are everywhere, from homes and offices to lakesides and city apartments, because they are deeply tied to Finnish identity and daily life. With over 3 million saunas in a country of 5.5 million people, it’s clear this tradition is essential. A traditional Finnish sauna is made of wood, filled with hot stones, and quiet except for the sound of steam when water hits the stones. People go in naked, relax, and may use birch branches to gently hit their skin to improve circulation. It’s a family activity, a place to connect, and even recognised by UNESCO as a cultural treasure.

Sweden

Swedes enjoy saunas as a natural way to relax and stay healthy, especially after outdoor activities or long winter days. Saunas are found in many homes, cottages, and gyms, and they’re often part of weekly routines. While similar to Finnish saunas, Swedish ones can be more modern, with softer steam and calming scents. The tradition blends quiet reflection with light socialising, making it both personal and communal. Tourists can easily experience saunas in hotels or countryside retreats, especially near lakes where a cold dip follows the heat. Saunas remain a gentle but powerful part of Swedish lifestyle and wellness.

Russia

In Russia, the banya is a cherished place for cleansing the body and spirit, shared by friends, families, and even strangers. It’s steamy, social, and full of unique customs, like using venik (birch branches) to gently slap the skin and boost health. A typical visit includes sitting in intense heat, jumping into cold water or snow, and then relaxing with drinks and conversation. These gatherings are common every week, especially in winter, and reflect deep-rooted beliefs in the power of heat and steam. More than a bathhouse, the banya is a cornerstone of Russian tradition and connection.

Estonia

The Estonian smoke sauna, especially in the Võromaa region, is so unique that UNESCO added it to its cultural heritage list. Unlike modern saunas, the smoke sauna has no chimney, smoke fills the room as it heats, then is aired out before people enter. The ritual involves heating slowly, relaxing in silence, and using natural tools like birch whisks. Families use it for bonding, and even spiritual cleansing. Its history is influenced by both Finnish and Russian traditions, yet it remains proudly Estonian. Travellers can find these saunas in southern Estonia, especially during local festivals that celebrate this ancient tradition.

Norway

Norwegians love saunas, especially as a way to enjoy nature and relax after skiing or hiking. While public saunas exist, many use cabin or floating saunas, structures on lakes or fjords where you heat up and jump straight into cold water. These floating saunas have become trendy and offer amazing views of Norway’s landscapes. Saunas are used year-round but feel especially cozy in winter. The most common styles are traditional wood-fired saunas, though electric ones are growing. Places like Oslo Fjord or Tromsø offer scenic sauna spots that attract both locals and visitors looking for calm and warmth.

Germany

Germany has a strong and organised sauna culture, with over 30 million people visiting saunas regularly. It’s not just for wellness, it’s a lifestyle. Germans take sauna rules seriously: full nudity is standard, Sauna clothing is generally not permitted, silence is respected, and cleaning before entering is a must. One standout feature is the Aufguss, a special ritual where hot water mixed with essential oils is poured over stones, creating a wave of scented steam, often with fans and music. There are famous sauna resorts all across Germany offering themed experiences. The sauna is both a peaceful escape and a cultural expression of health and order.

Japan

In Japan, saunas are part of a broader bathing culture that values purification and relaxation. While onsens (hot springs) are more famous, saunas are common in bathhouses, gyms, and capsule hotels. Japanese saunas are often smaller and drier than Finnish ones, but many also feature steam rooms. A unique Japanese version is the ganbanyoku, a stone sauna where people lie on heated slabs to sweat gently. Locals use saunas for health, stress relief, and skin care. Tourists can find authentic sauna experiences in cities and rural spas, making them an easy and enriching part of Japanese travel.

South Korea

South Korea’s jjimjilbangs are a huge part of local culture, large, 24-hour sauna complexes that offer everything from hot rooms to ice caves, snacks, and sleeping areas. Unlike traditional saunas, jjimjilbangs are social spaces where families and friends gather to relax, nap, and chat. The hot rooms use various materials like salt, jade, and clay, each said to offer different health benefits. These places are very affordable and popular among both locals and tourists. They reflect Korea’s unique blend of wellness, community, and modern convenience, turning the simple sauna into an all-day (and night) experience.

Canada

In Canada, saunas are becoming more popular as people seek natural ways to relax and stay healthy, especially during cold winters. Many Canadians have embraced Finnish-style saunas, and there’s a growing interest in infrared and steam saunas too. You’ll find saunas at cottages, spas, gyms, and even eco-retreats. They are used both socially and for personal wellness. While not as deeply rooted as in Nordic countries, sauna culture in Canada is strong and growing. Popular sauna destinations include Ontario’s Muskoka region and British Columbia’s wellness resorts, where nature and heat combine for a peaceful escape.

United States

Saunas are gaining popularity across the U.S., driven by trends in wellness, detox, and stress relief. Infrared saunas are especially popular in urban areas, known for their gentle heat and supposed health benefits. Traditional Finnish saunas and steam rooms are common in gyms and spas, while luxury resorts offer high-end sauna experiences. Usage has grown over the past decade, especially in health-conscious cities like Los Angeles, Austin, and New York. Many Americans use saunas for muscle recovery, relaxation, or skin care. While regional, sauna culture is becoming a more regular part of the American wellness lifestyle.

FAQs

Are sauna customs and etiquette the same across all sauna-loving countries?

Sauna customs vary widely: Finns value silence and nudity, while Russians enjoy lively banyas with branch massages. Germany allows nudity too, but Japan and Korea prefer modesty cloths. Scandinavia often has mixed saunas; elsewhere, genders separate. Talking? Okay in Russia, not in Finland. Always shower first, unless local rules differ. When in doubt, watch and follow!

How do health regulations impact public saunas in different countries?

Health regulations for public saunas vary by country but often share common safety practices. Europe typically has frequent inspections, while some Asian countries rely on local policies. Finland enforces strict cleaning rules due to the cultural importance of saunas. Most places regulate temperature and humidity to prevent overheating, with violations leading to fines or closures.

Do all popular sauna countries use the same type of sauna (dry vs. steam)?

Sauna preferences vary by country. Dry saunas are most popular, especially in Nordic nations like Finland and Sweden. Russians favour steam saunas, or banyas, for their humidity and rituals. Germans use both types, while Japan leans toward steam in bathhouses. Globally, dry saunas are gaining popularity due to health trends and convenience.

Are there legal or age restrictions for sauna use in these countries?

Sauna rules vary by country based on culture and safety. In Finland and Estonia, saunas are family-friendly, though very young kids are cautioned. Germany and Japan allow minors with adults. Austria often restricts access to those over 14, while the UK typically requires parental consent for teens.

What about you, what's your favourite country for saunas? Feel free to share any tips & advice below! (Image source: Unsplash)

George on Wednesday: Judge Blocks Trump’s Attempt to Fire Members of Consumer Product Safety Board, 40 Years of Schengen Agreement, Volcano Near Bali Discharges Seven-Mile-High Column of Ash, First Fully Robotic Heart Transplant in U.S.

George — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:48:12 +0000

Good morning! Today is Wednesday, the 18th of June, 2025. In this issue, George looks at how the United States has begun to position ships and aircraft in the Middle East for a possible offensive against Iran, the first fully robotic heart transplant in the United States, why a judge blocked President Donald Trump’s attempt to fire Democratic members of the Consumer Product Safety Board, 40 years of the Schengen Agreement, how many free flights a fake flight attendant took before getting caught, and the death of the brilliant pianist Alfred Brendel.

A stack of newspapers in Vienna’s Café Prúckel, each in an Original Wiener Zeitungshalter

@IN BRIEF ON WEDNESDAY

As Israel and Iran continued to trade air strikes on Wednesday, Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, said that his country would “never surrender” in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for Iran’s “unconditional” capitulation the previous day.

____________________

The United States began to position ships and aircraft in the Middle East and U.S. fighter jets have been patrolling the skies in the region to protect U.S. personnel and installations there. The movement may signal that the United States may help Israel destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities. Israel does not have the massive amount of munition it would take to destroy the Fordo nuclear fuel enrichment plant, formally the Shahid Ali Mohammadi Nuclear Facility, or the aircraft needed to deliver it; however, its close ally, the United States, does.

____________________

The Bank of England reported that Britain’s inflation rate remained at 3.4% in May, hitting expectations but remaining above the central bank’s target of 2%. At 3.4%, Britain has the highest inflation rate out of Western European countries that have reported Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices readings for the month.

____________________

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki discharged an 11 km (6.84 mile) high column of ash on Tuesday. The volcanic eruption on Flores, an island east of Bali, resulted in dozens of cancelled flights to the Indonesian travel hotspot, which sits on the Pacific Ocean’s so-called “Ring of Fire” that is comprised of some 130 active volcanoes that is also known as the Circum-Pacific Belt. Its length is approximately 40,000 km (24,900 miles) and it is home to 75% of the world’s active volcanoes.

____________________

The Schengen Area marked its 40-year anniversary over the weekend. On 14 June 1985, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg signed an agreement in Schengen, Luxembourg, that resulted in the abolishment of border controls some ten years later, in March 1995. Today, the Schengen Area includes 29 European states, home to more than 450 million people, and ca. 3.5 million people cross an internal border every day.

____________________

Judge Matthew J. Maddox of the Federal District Court in Maryland reversed President Trump’s firings of the three Democratic members of the five-member Consumer Product Safety Commission, which monitors the safety of products like toys, cribs, and electronics. In his ruling, the judge law noted that the law only allowed Mr. Trump to fire the officials for “neglect of duty or malfeasance,” while Mr. Trump had purported to fire them without cause.

____________________

Figure of the week: 120, the approximate number of flights that Tiron Alexander, a man who posed as a flight attendant for four different airlines, was able to fly for free. He was convicted on 5 June of entering the secure area of an airport under false pretenses and wire fraud.

____________________

@FOTO OF THE DAY

A Steinway piano awaits a performance by Alfred Brendel at Carnegie Hall

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

@WEATHER Forecast for Major U.S. and European Cities

@PASSINGS Alfred Brendel, one of the world’s greatest pianists, is dead at 94

@HEALTH Houston surgeon performs first fully robotic heart transplant in the United States

@WEATHER

New York City viewed from the air

The weather across the United States Wednesday morning as this issue went to press ranged from 70° F and occasional rain in New York City and 72° F and overcast in Philadelphia, while further south along the I-95 corridor, Washington, D.C. is seeing 78° F with occasional rain. Elsewhere, the forecast called for 76° F and rainy in Chicago, 93° F and partly sunny in Dallas, 99° F and sunny in Sedona, Arizona, 65° F and sunny in San Francisco, and 86° F and sunny in Los Angeles.

Here is the National Weather Service forecast issued on Wednesday: “Strong to severe storms may produce damaging winds, isolated hail, and a few tornadoes from the Midwest into the lower Great Lakes. These storms may also produce areas of heavy rain and flash flooding. Significant heat will continue across parts of the Desert Southwest into western Texas and north Alaska. Dangerous heat will also build into the Eastern and Central United States and continue into next week.”

In Europe, the forecast on Wednesday at noon Central European Time ranged from 19° C and partly sunny in Oslo, 11° C and rain in Reykjavík, 28° and partly sunny in Berlin, 27° C and partly sunny in Vienna, and 27° C and cloudy in Brussels. In London, the forecast called for 28° C and sunny, and the thermometer should reach 31° C with a chance of rain in Rome.

@PASSINGS

Alfred Brendel, One of the Greatest and Most Prolific Pianists of His Age, Dies at 94

Alfred Brendel, considered one of the world’s greatest pianists who bestrode the musical world for some six decades, died on Wednesday in his London home. He was 94.

His death was announced by his family in a news release.

Mr. Brendel, who was born in what was Austria but is now the Czech Republic, was a unicorn in the world of classical pianists. He had not been a child prodigy, he had little formal training compared to his peers, and, recognizing that he lacked the phenomenal memory of some great pianists had that allowed them to maintain a large repertoire with little effort, he studied by himself, listening to recordings by the great pianists of his youth and concentrating his efforts on a small number of composers that included Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Liszt, and Schoenberg.

“I never had a regular piano teacher after the age of 16,” he told the critic Bernard Holland of The New York Times for a profile written in 1981, adding that “[S]elf-discovery is a slower process but a more natural one.” He did, however, attend master classes in his native Austria with the Swiss pianist and conductor Edwin Fischer and the Austrian-born American pianist Eduard Steurmann.

This nonetheless resulted in his winning over audiences and many (but not all) critics across the globe with his philosophy that the performer is the servant of the composer. Mr. Brendel was noted for having said that he believed that the primary job of the pianist is to respect the composer’s wishes without showing off himself, or adding his own spin on the music: “I am responsible to the composer, and particularly to the piece.”

Mr. Brendel’s breakthrough came in the 1960s after a recital of Beethoven at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, the day after which three major record labels called his agent. He then began to record extensively for the Vox label.

In the early 1970s, he moved to Hampstead, London, where he lived for the rest of his life. He performed and recorded numerous cycles of Beethoven sonatas and concertos, and was one of the few pianists who, in later years, could still fill large hall such as Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Alfred Brendel was born on 5 January 1931, in Wiesenberg in Mähren, or Moravia, now part of the Czech Republic, to Albert and Ida (née Wieltschnig) Brendel. He studied piano as a child in Zagreb, Yugoslavia, now the capital city of Croatia. He later attended the Johann Joseph Fux Konservatorium in Graz and then the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien, from which he graduated in 1947 with a state diploma in piano.

Mr. Brendel’s 1960 marriage to Iris Heymann-Gonzala ended in divorce in 1972, the year he moved to London. He later married Irene (née Semler) Brendel, a union that also ended in divorce. Mr. Brendel is survived by his partner, Maria Majno, a musicologist; a daughter, Doris Brendel, from his first marriage; three children from his second marriage, Adrian, Sophie and Katharina Brendel; and four grandchildren.

@HEALTH

A hospital bed

A Houston surgeon performed first fully robotic heart transplant in the United States, a procedure that took place in March but was first revealed this week. The surgery at the Texas Medical Center involved the use of a surgical robot to give a new heart to Tony Rosales Ibarra, a 45-year-old man who was suffering from advanced heart failure.

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Kenneth Liao performed the surgery. Mr. Rosales Ibarra told the Houston Chronicle that he has not faced any setbacks in his recovery.

While Dr. Liao has used surgical robots in over 800 procedures, this was his first fully robotic heart transplant.

Tim Perry, Jonathan Spira, Kurt Stolz, Anna Breuer, and Paul Riegler contributed to this issue of George.

The mark “George,” the tagline “A daily newspaper…,” and all of the newspaper’s content, images, photographs, and associated material are subject to copyright law.

Copyright © 2011-2025 Accura Media Group

Best Dishes to Share on a Date at KELSEY’S

ntritchew — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:56:49 +0000
Reading Time: 4 minutes -
Looking for a great place to enjoy a meal on a date? Kelsey’s Original Roadhouse offers a variety of shareable dishes that make dining together easy and enjoyable. From loaded nachos and crispy wings to indulgent desserts, their menu has plenty of options perfect for splitting. Whether you’re on a first date or a casual night out, these crowd-pleasing picks can help keep the focus on good food and good company. Here are some of the best dishes to share at Kelsey’s.

Appetizers Made For Sharing

Start your meal with some tempting appetizers to set the stage for a great dining experience and lively conversation.

Four Cheese Spinach Dip

A crowd favorite, this creamy dip combines four cheeses with spinach, red peppers, and onions. Served warm with your choice of baked or fried pita chips, it’s a perfect way to kick off your meal. You can even add extra cheese or bacon for an extra treat. 450 – 620 Cals/serving; serves 2

Four Cheese Spinach Dip

Flat Pan Nachos

Opt for the giant Flat Pan Nachos for a shareable feast. This platter of crispy tortilla chips is smothered in three kinds of cheese and topped with fresh veggies like peppers and onions, with sour cream and salsa in the center. You can also add guacamole or beef chili. If the full pan seems too much, the Half Pan Nachos is a great alternative. (430 Cals / serving; serves 6) Add guacamole (15 Cals/serving; serves 6)

Flat Pan Nachos

Cheesy Garlic Honey Buns

These buns are filled with garlic butter and a savory cheese blend, then drizzled with honey. They’re so delicious, you’ll have a hard time stopping at just one! 220 Cals/serving; serves 3.

Cheesy Garlic Honey Buns

Meals To Share

Transform your meal into a buffet-style experience by ordering multiple dishes and asking for extra sharing plates.

Chicken Wings

Since 1978, KELSEY’S chicken wings have been a standout. Choose between New York-style (non-breaded) or Original Roadhouse (breaded) wings, served with carrots, celery, and your choice of blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce. 840-1350 Cals

Chicken Wings

Salt and Vinny Fish and Chips

Enjoy a hand-breaded wild cod fillet, perfectly fried and served with fries, coleslaw, malt vinegar, and tartar sauce. This classic dish is a delightful option for sharing. 1150 Cals

Salt and Vinny Fish

Fall Off the Bone Ribs

No meal at KELSEY’S is complete without trying their fall-off-the-bone pork back ribs. Slow-cooked and smothered in BBQ sauce, they come with your choice of side and coleslaw. 1290 – 2000 Cals

Fall Off the Bone Ribs

Desserts To Share

End your meal on a sweet note with these delectable desserts.

Messy Cookie Sandwich

Indulge in this delightful dessert featuring French vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two warm chocolate chip cookies, topped with chocolate and caramel sauce. 1680 Cals

Messy Cookie Sandwich

Funnel Cake Fries

These golden fried strips of funnel cake are topped with cinnamon sugar and served warm with French vanilla ice cream and your choice of chocolate or caramel sauce. It’s a fun and delicious treat to share. 750 Cals

Funnel Cake Fries

KELSEY’S Original Roadhouse on Clifton Hill offers a variety of sharable dishes that are perfect for making your date special. From appetizers to desserts, each dish is designed to be enjoyed together, making your dining experience both delicious and memorable. So, next time you’re planning a date, consider KELSEY’S Clifton Hill for an unforgettable meal.

A Guide to Free Things to Do in New Orleans

Madhurima — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:21:31 +0000

The Old City of New Orleans is famous as the cultural capital of the large swath of southern land. Jazz music plays as the backdrop of unique cultural potpourri that sprawled on the streets of New Orleans. A little bit of Europe made space to the banks of Mississippi river with the traders, parts of which are still visible through the old architecture of the city. Then came the people from Africa through the period of Transatlantic slave trade, followed by Haitians, the French and the Spanish, the Cajuns who share a close tie with the Acadians.

You can easily spend three days in New Orleans, exploring the historical parts of the city and tasting your way through the many alleys of old town. New Orleans has something or other on offer for everyone. For those traveling on a tight budget, the city offers plenty of experiences, most of them being cultural.

I have listed a bunch of free or very affordable activities in NOLA. As a first time visitor, you should indulge in these activities, and not just get wasted with the free flowing daiquiris on the streets of Bourbon Street.

The French Quarter of NOLA: The Vieux Carre

The French quarter of NOLA is an exciting place to explore on foot. I found this place similar to Galle of Sri Lanka or the Old Town of Phuket, both UNESCO world Heritage Towns.

Wandering around the famous French Quarter of NOLA is nothing less than a delight. The streets run parallel to each other.

Old world architecture. French windows, horse drawn carriages, souvenir stalls with quirky offerings, massive lobbies of old world hotels (open to public), lit up streets that sing classical jazz at the advent of dusk- NOLA French Quarter will keep you occupied for the larger part of your day. You can easily spend a day or two exploring the landmarks in the area. The plaques, the houses or shops turned into numerous museums, Christmas decor if you’re visiting during the season, there is no end to do things in the FQ of NOLA.

Look for the Mardi Gras museum, Pharmacy Museum, Voodoo Museum, Cabildo building, live jazz music, many souvenir shops which bring a riot of colours on a damp day in this swampland, plaques dating back to the European settlers’ governance period, ornate cafes- the French Quarter is a delight to explore!

Jackson square punctuated FQ and lets the river walk run by Mississippi. It’s a vibrant melting pot for artists, musicians, tourists, flea markets. But more than anything, JS is home to the old Saint Louis Cathedral. Make it inside the cathedral to witness old world glass ceiling

Walk at the Bourbon Street at Night

Bourbon Street is very much a part of French Quarter but it is rather morose in the morning. Come evening, the streets lit up in neon lights and sinful fantasies flash in front of the shop gates. This is where the iconic NOLA Nightlife unfolds.

As they claim. NOLA is the heartland of jazz music of the South. A stroll along the roads of Bourbon Street and you know they did not exaggerate.

This is where I first visited a Strip Club in the Western Hemisphere. I am just a small town girl from India, raised with a vague conditioning of puritan thoughts of women’s body. I was blown away with the performance of the women who walked the stage, and sometimes they walked on the air, with their heels inching close to 20 cm. They owned the stage, as well as the night, and I found myself shelling out dollar notes every other minute!

Learn about the Voodoo Practice in NOLA

New Orleans Vodou- a complex and multifaceted religion

Streets of NOLA are filled with shops selling Voodoo Dolls or lookalike. Somehow, the Hindu God Ganesh also makes an appearance at a Voodoo shop.

Voodoo-ism, which is a derived religion of African diaspora and is practiced even at Catholic households, is an integral part of cultural weaves of New Orleans. Pop culture has put it in a mis-constituted box of mystic romantic ghostly mansion but in reality, Voodooism is not very different than that of any mainstream religion. Do pay a visit to the tomb of the erstwhile Voodoo queen of NOLA Marie Laveau when you visit he cemeteries.

Visiting NOLA can get you a chance to lean more about the cultural aspects of Vodou. A visit to the museum can be a great start to learn about tis ancient, and often mis-constituent practice. Some of the shops sells books related to NOLA Vodou practice, that still talk about spells using graveyard dust, brick dust, gunpowder, pins and needles, candles and incense.

Take a river walk by River Mississippi

Walking the streets of French Quarter and the French Market had been an emotional overload for me until I started to walk the paved promenade by the river. The streetcar line goes right next to it. The steamboat jazz cruise sail from the harbor. NOLA skyline stands still at a distance. The riverwalk is a serene place that lets you escape from the crowd and bustle of the tourist town and sit in silence for a moment.

While I stretched my legs at the riverwalk, I could not help but notice the plaques that stated history of the transatlantic slave trades. What is today a tranquil piece of land had witnessed some of the cruelest part of human history just a couple of centuries ago.

Local Art Galleries of NOLA

While NOLA is home to NOMA (New Orleans Museum of Art), it is 20 bucks for an adult entry. Unless you visit NOMA on a Wednesday, which is a free entry day for all visitors. Be sure to secure your ticket beforehand.

Keep an eye out for the gallery and warehouses of Magazine Street, the Art District as well as the French Quarter itself.

Dr Bob’s Folk Art is particularly famous for quirky arts. By water area is famous for street art and murals.

Ride the Street Car of NOLA- One of the oldest Streetcar system of the country

The NOLA streetcar is one of the oldest running streetcar agency of the country, same as that one of San Francisco.

It’s not exactly free, but for a meagre USD 3, you can access the Street Car anywhere with an all day pass.

The journey from French Quarter to garden District is a beautiful experience on the NOLA street car. Parts of the route run through the riverfront which is a delight especially during sundown.

The Crescent Park

This is a mile and a half long narrow stretch of grass land perfect for an evening jog while the NOLA skyline basks in the glory of tourists and sunshine. An ode to the city’s industrial past, parts of Mississippi that flows by city’s old neighborhoods -Bywaters and Marigny- have been transformed into a park, which is a nice hangout spot!

The Cemetery of New Orleans

Festivals and Parades of New Orleans

While New Orleans is particularly famous for Mardi Gras, which is a unique parade not only to NOLA but to the whole of the US, NOLA

Shopping at the Royal Street of New Orleans

The French market/Jackson Square

By the river Mississippi, stands a promenade which houses the French Market. It is an old flea market which has now transgressed into a typical tourist souvenir shop which is not much different that that of the French Quarter stalls.

However, it is Jackson Square that will draw your attention. It punctuates between the French Quarter and the Riverwalk.

One of the most imposing structures of the region is Saint Louis Cathedral, also considered to be a National Historical Landmark. Do not leave NOLA until you have witnessed the stained Glass Windows of the cathedral indoors. The Catholic church is open for a large Sunday Mass.

The City Park of New Orleans

The City Park of New Orleans is what central Park is to New York, with a 1300 acre land dotted with lagoons, tremendous Oak Trees, many animals and a marvelous Sculpture Garden with some of the best exhibits of offered by NOMA, for absolutely no expenses.

However, please note, City Park can be painfully hot in the summer months. We Visited NOLA during Thanksgiving weekend, which is when things were nice and warm. Summer months can be humid!

Congo Street

On a balmy Sunday afternoon while walking aimlessly at the Armstrong park, I came across a serendipitous exhibit of drum circle. I stood there as a mesmerised audience.

Upon delving deep into the celebration, I found out this is the famous Congo Square, once a swath of green grass used for trading by the dwellers of the First Nation, Congo Square came to be a congregation space for the enslaved African Americans from early eighteenth hundred century.

They were given a day off for working the entire week. On that day, almost 500 people would meet at the Congo square, trade wares, dance and sing, form drum circle, much of this tradition would later pave way for iconic jazz music of NOPA & even parts of Mardi Gras celebrations.

Congo square, now a paved space, holds immense importance in the cultural and historical sphere of New Orleans.

The Garden District

Art Tour of New Orleans

Magazine Street at New Orleans

While these travel experiences will not cost you much, in fact nothing at all, you can spend a little and indulge in a few more activities while in NOLA just to experience the city a bit more. None of these activities will burn a hole in the pocket, be rest assured.

Taste Chicory coffee at Cafe Du Monde

Live Jazz Music on the Streets of NOLA

The Bar that rotates

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George on Wednesday: Trump Accuses Putin of ‘Playing with Fire,’ Memorial Day Holiday Travel in U.S. Was Largely Uneventful, Stars of ‘Chrisley Knows Best’ to Receive Executive Pardons, Chinese Companies Are Suggesting Dubious and Illegal Import Practices

George — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 00:19:15 +0000

Good morning! Today is Wednesday, the 28th of May, 2025. In this issue, George looks at President Donald Trump’s comment that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “playing with fire,” the end of the Memorial Day holiday weekend in the United States, pardons for the “career swindler” stars of “Chrissey Knows Best” who defrauded Atlanta banks,

An Original Heidelberg Cylinder printing press on display at the Gutenberg-Museum in Mainz.

@IN BRIEF ON WEDNESDAY

U.S. President Donald Trump accused Russia’s president Vladimir Putin of “playing with fire” after Russia launched the largest onslaught against Ukrainian cities in the last three years. Russian forces focused on mainly civilian targets like residential areas in Kyiv. His foreshadowed his comment thusly: k“What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened in Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD [capital letters Mr. Trump’s].” Dmitri Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Kremlin’s security council, had an immediate retort: “I only know of one REALLY BAD thing — WWIII,” he said.

____________________

Tens of millions of people traveled over 50 miles (80 km) from home over the past bank holiday weekend, celebrating Memorial Day, which marks the unofficial start of summer in the United States, and – aside from the predicted flight delays emanating from Newark Liberty International Airport – nothing bad really happened, no major delays, no computer outages, no planes falling from the sky, no nothing.

____________________

President Donald Trump used his clemency power to pardon the infamous reality-show Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of “Chrisley Knows Best.” The two evaded federal income taxes and defrauded Atlanta-area banks into giving them $36 million in loans. At the time of their trial (they were found guilty), prosecutors said that, while they had promoted their empire “based on the lie that their wealth came from dedication and hard work,” in reality they were “career swindlerswho have made a living by jumping from one fraud scheme to another, lying to banks, stiffing vendors and evading taxes at every corner.”

____________________

King Charles opened Canada’s parliament from the throne, a rare event. His speech outlined the domestic and economic policies of the new government, led by Mark Carney. The king also referred to a country that will remain “strong and free”, a clear rebuke to Mr Trump, who argues that it should become America’s 51st state. Prime Minister Mark Carney had invited the king to give his speech from the throne following President Trump’s repeated suggestions that Canada should become part of the United States. Charles, who is the head of state in Canada, which is a member of the Commonwealth of former British colonies, proclaimed the “True North is indeed strong and free” and reaffirmed Canada’s sovereignty.

U.S. companies are starting to receive seemingly helpful hints and suggestions about tariff compliance advice from their Chinese suppliers but much of this advice is either borderline illegal or just plain criminal.. The suggestions include falsifying country-of-origin documents, routing goods through third countries to disguise their origin, misclassifying goods, understating product value, and accepting dubious Delivery Duty Paid shipping arrangements. But beware messages bearing the words “We can avoid high duties from China,” say U.S. government officials. Following such advice can only lead to customs seizures, civil enforcement actions, million-dollar penalties, and the criminal prosecution of company executives.

____________________

Many Americans and western Europeans believe an even more devastating third global conflict could break out within a decade, this according to new polling by YouGov, a respected British international market research and data analytics firm. Those surveyed cited tensions with Russia seen as the most probable cause of any outbreak of war. The findings come just 80 years after the end of the Second World War. Between 41% and 55% of respondents in the five European countries polled – namely Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain – said they thought another world war was very or fairly likely within the next five to 10 years, a view shared by 45% of Americans.

____________________

Figure of the day: 104. The number concerts in Billy Joel’s record residency at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, which began in January 2014 and ended in the summer of 2024.

____________________

@FOTO OF THE DAY

Actor and “Avenue Q” original cast member Rick Lyon with one of his puppet creations, Nicky. Carmen Ruby Floyd, the original understudy for the role of Gary Coleman, is on the left.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

@HEALTH U.S. FDA selects Covid-19 strain for fall 2025 vaccines

@IN DEPTH Billy Joel Reveals Rare But Treatable Brain Disorder, Cancels All Concert Dates

@WEATHER Forecast for Major U.S. and European Cities

@PASSINGS Charles Rangel, Represented New York in Congress for 46 Years, Dies at 94

@HEALTH

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration selected the LP.8.1 Covid strain for the fall 2025 vaccines. The decision differed from recommendation of its vaccine advisory committee, the which was to stick to the strains used in the current Covid shot, which target JN.1 or one of its descendants, KP.2. Panel members did, however, said LP.8.1 was a suitable alternative. The move fueled concerns that the shots may be limited to only the most at-risk although studies by Modernaand Pfizer have demonstrated that an LP.8.1-targeted vaccine were found to induce a modestly stronger immune response to the circulating strains than the current Covid shots.

@IN DEPTH

The concert grand piano in the home of The Travelist/FBT Editorial Director Jonathan Spira

Billy Joel Reveals Rare but Treatable Brain Disorder, Cancels All Concert Dates

Billy Joel, the American singer, songwriter, and pianist, announced the cancellation all forthcoming tour dates after being diagnosed with a rare brain condition.

“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,” Mr. Joel, also known as the Piano Man after his signature song of the same name, said.

The 76-year-old artist – known for classic hits like “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” “Uptown Girl,” and “You May Be Right” – is receiving “excellent care” and is “fully committed to prioritising his health”, a statement issued on his behalf said..

The statement said that Mr. Joel’s health “has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance.”

It continued: “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.

“Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritising his health.

“He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.”

Mr. Joel has been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, or NPH, which is caused by a build-up of fluid in the brain that can cause problems with an individual’s hearing, vision and balance.

Following his diagnosis, Mr. Joel has called off 17 dates in 2025 and 2026, including shows at New York City’s Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, the latter the home of the New York Mets, as well as at Rogers Center in Toronto, Ford Field in Detroit, Scottish Gas Murrayfield in Edinburgh, and the New Orleans Superdome.

@WEATHER

The weather across the United States Wednesday morning as this issue went to press ranged from 63° F and rainy in New York City and 52° F and rainy in Philadelphia, while further south along the I-95 corridor, Washington, D.C. saw 58° F with rain. Elsewhere, the forecast called for 55° F and rainy in Chicago, 78° F and overcast in Dallas, 88° F and sunny in Sedona, Arizona, 58° F and sunny in San Francisco, and 78° F and overcast in Los Angeles.

Here is the National Weather Service forecast issued on Wednesday: “Severe thunderstorms capable of very large hail, damaging wind gusts, and a few tornadoes are possible today across parts of the central and southern Plains. Heavy rain will pose a threat for flash flooding across portions of central and coastal Texas. Thunderstorms may also cause isolated wind damage across the Southeast.”

In Europe, the forecast on Wednesday at noon Central European Time ranged from 12° C and rainy in Bergen, Norway; 11° C and cloudy in Reykjavík, Iceland; 19° and rainy in Berlin, 20° C and overcast in Vienna; and 18° C and partly sunny in Brussels to 18° C and cloudy in London and 27° C and partly sunny in Rome.

@PASSINGS

Charles Rangel, Represented Harlem in the House of Representatives for 46 Years, Dies at 94

Charles Rangel, the longtime U.S. congressman from New York City and the last surviving member of the so-called “Gang of Four,” died at the age of 94.

His death was announced by his family. A long-time friend, Lloyd Williams, the president of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, told reporters that Mr. Rangel died in Harlem Hospital, on 135th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard.

“Charlie was born on 132nd Street between Lenox and Fifth, and when he became successful he moved to 135th Street between Lenox and Fifth,” Mr. Williams said. “He used to joke about moving up – three blocks.”

Mr. Rangel was a Korean War veteran and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. The last member of “Gang of Four” coalition with Basil Paterson, who served in the New York State Senate and as Secretary of New York State under Governor Hugh Carey (his son David Paterson served as governor from 2008 to 2011); Percy Sutton, former legal counsel for Malcolm X and Manhattan borough president from 1966 to 1977, the longest tenure of anyone at that position; and former Mayor David Dinkins. They were known as the first to break down race and class barriers, cutting paths for others to follow.

“I’m a successful politician who more than happens to be Black,” he once said.

A member of the Democratic Party, Mr. Rangel was the second-longest serving incumbent member of the House of Representatives at the time of his retirement in 2017, having served continuously since 1971. He was also the Dean of the New York congressional delegation and Mr. Rangel was the first African American chairman of the influential House Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. Rangel is survived by his son, Steven; his daughter, Alicia Rangel Haughton; and three grandsons. His wife, Alma Carter Rangel, whom he met in 1964 he at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, died in 2024.

Tim Perry, Jonathan Spira, Kurt Stolz, Anna Breuer, and Paul Riegler contributed to this issue of George.

The mark “George,” the tagline “A daily newspaper…,” and all of the newspaper’s content, images, photographs, and associated material are subject to copyright law.

Copyright © 2011-2025 Accura Media Group

George on Tuesday: Russia’s ‘Absolutely Crazy’ Bombardment of Ukraine, the Death of N.Y. Congressman Charles Rangel, How Citizens of Six Nations View the Prospect of a Third World War, News of Billy Joel’s Rare Brain Disorder

George — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 00:19:15 +0000

Good morning! Today is Tuesday, the 27th of May, 2025. In this issue, George looks at Russia’s “absolutely crazy” bombardment of Ukraine, the prospect of a third world war, what strain the U.S. Food and Drug Administration picked for its Fall 2025 Covid vaccine, President Trump’s U-turn on 50% tariffs on the European Union, the death of Congressman Charles Rangel of New York, and news of singer Billy Joel’s condition after having been diagnosed with a rare brain disorder.

An Original Heidelberg Cylinder printing press on display at the Gutenberg-Museum in Mainz.

@IN BRIEF ON TUESDAY

U.S. President Donald Trump called Russia’s president Vladimir Putin “absolutely crazy” after Russia bombarded Ukraine with what the Kremlin called a “massive strike” against Ukrainian cities. Altogether, the country was pummeled by 298 drones and approximately 70 missiles. Russia later dismissed Mr. Trump’s comments, saying they were “emotional reactions.”

____________________

After being slammed by Russian missiles, Ukraine is seeking more U.S. air defense systems. Its stockpiles of weapons, sent during the Biden administration, are being used up and the Trump administration appears to be reluctant to sending more, according to multiple Ukrainian and Western officials.

____________________

Many Americans and western Europeans believe an even more devastating third global conflict could break out within a decade, this according to new polling by YouGov, a respected British international market research and data analytics firm. Those surveyed cited tensions with Russia as the most probable cause of any outbreak of war. The findings come just 80 years after the end of the Second World War. Between 41% and 55% of respondents in the five European countries polled – namely Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain – said they thought another world war was very or fairly likely within the next five to 10 years, a view shared by 45% of Americans.

____________________

President Trump changed course Sunday evening on his promises to impose huge tariffs on the European Union, just two days after asserting that the bloc has been “very difficult to deal with” and declaring that discussions were “going nowhere.” The news came after a telephone call between Mr. Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen provided “new impetus for the negotiations.” Following the telephone call, Mr. Trump announced a postponement of the June 1 deadline for a “straight 50% Tariff [sic] on the European Union” to July 9.

____________________

Just days after a judge temporarily blocked the White House from stopping Harvard from enrolling foreign students, the Trump administration renewed its attacks on America’s oldest university and announced plans to withdraw $3 billion in grants planned for Harvard and instead give them to schools that teach vocational trades.

____________________

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration selected the LP.8.1 Covid strain for the fall 2025 vaccines. The decision differed from recommendation made by its vaccine advisory committee, which was to stick to the strains used in the current Covid shot, which target JN.1 or one of its descendants, KP.2. Panel members did, however, say LP.8.1 was a suitable alternative. The move fueled concerns that the shots may be limited to only the most at-risk, although studies by Moderna and Pfizer have demonstrated that an LP.8.1-targeted vaccine actually induced a modestly stronger immune response to the circulating strains than the current Covid shots.

____________________

Figure of the day: 104. The number of concerts in Billy Joel’s record residency at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, which began in January 2014 and ended in the summer of 2024.

____________________

@FOTO OF THE DAY

Cole Porter’s Steinway piano, nicknamed “High Society,” is a prominent fixture at the Waldorf Astoria New York.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

@IN DEPTH Billy Joel Reveals Rare But Treatable Brain Disorder, Cancels All Concert Dates

@WEATHER Forecast for Major U.S. and European Cities

@PASSINGS Charles Rangel, Represented New York in Congress for 46 Years, Dies at 94

@IN DEPTH

The concert grand piano in the home of The Travelist/FBT Editorial Director Jonathan Spira

Billy Joel Reveals Rare but Treatable Brain Disorder, Cancels All Concert Dates

Billy Joel, the American singer, songwriter, and pianist, announced the cancellation all forthcoming tour dates after being diagnosed with a rare brain condition.

“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,” Mr. Joel, also known as the Piano Man after his signature song of the same name, said.

The 76-year-old artist – known for classic hits like “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” “Uptown Girl,” and “You May Be Right” – is receiving “excellent care” and is “fully committed to prioritising his health”, a statement issued on his behalf said..

The statement said that Mr. Joel’s health “has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance.”

It continued: “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.

“Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritising his health.

“He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.”

Mr. Joel has been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH, which is caused by a build-up of fluid in the brain that can cause problems with an individual’s hearing, vision and balance.

Following his diagnosis, Mr. Joel called off 17 dates in 2025 and 2026, including shows at New York City’s Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, the latter of which is the home of the New York Mets, as well as at Rogers Center in Toronto, Ford Field in Detroit, Scottish Gas Murrayfield in Edinburgh, and the New Orleans Superdome.

@WEATHER

Olaf Ryes plass in Oslo, Norway

The weather across the United States Tuesday morning as this issue went to press ranged from 69° F and cloudy in New York City and 70° F and overcast in Philadelphia, while further south along the I-95 corridor, Washington, D.C. saw 62° F and with rain. Elsewhere, the forecast called for 61° F and cloudy in Chicago, 80° F and partly cloudy in Dallas, 87° F and partly sunny in Sedona, Arizona, 60° F and partly cloudy in San Francisco, and 75° F and sunny in Los Angeles.

Here is the National Weather Service forecast issued on Tuesday: “Scattered to severe thunderstorms and heavy rain may produce hail, damaging winds, and localized flash flooding across portions of the southern Plains and Southeast. Another area of heavy rain will develop over parts of the Ohio Valley/Central Appalachians and create mainly localized areas of flash flooding.”

In Europe, the forecast on Tuesday at noon Central European Time ranged from 11° C and rainy in Bergen, Norway; 12° C and cloudy in Reykjavík, Iceland; 20° and partly sunny in Berlin, 21° C and showers in Vienna; and 18° C and partly sunny in Brussels to 18° C and rainy in London and 26° C and sunny in Rome.

@PASSINGS

Charles Rangel, Represented Harlem in the House of Representatives for 46 Years, Dies at 94

Charles Rangel, the longtime U.S. congressman from New York City and the last surviving member of the so-called “Gang of Four,” died at the age of 94.

His death was announced by his family. A long-time friend, Lloyd Williams, the president of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, told reporters that Mr. Rangel died in Harlem Hospital, on 135th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard.

“Charlie was born on 132nd Street between Lenox and Fifth, and when he became successful he moved to 135th Street between Lenox and Fifth,” Mr. Williams said. “He used to joke about moving up – three blocks.”

Mr. Rangel was a Korean War veteran and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. The last member of “Gang of Four” coalition with Basil Paterson, who served in the New York State Senate and as Secretary of New York State under Governor Hugh Carey (his son David Paterson served as governor from 2008 to 2011); Percy Sutton, former legal counsel for Malcolm X and Manhattan borough president from 1966 to 1977, the longest tenure of anyone at that position; and former Mayor David Dinkins. They were known as the first to break down race and class barriers, cutting paths for others to follow.

“I’m a successful politician who more than happens to be black,” he once said.

A member of the Democratic Party, Mr. Rangel was the second-longest serving incumbent member of the House of Representatives at the time of his retirement in 2017, having served continuously since 1971. He was also the Dean of the New York congressional delegation and Mr. Rangel was the first African American chairman of the influential House Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. Rangel is survived by his son, Steven; his daughter, Alicia Rangel Haughton; and three grandsons. His wife, Alma Carter Rangel, whom he met in 1964 he at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, died in 2024.

Tim Perry, Jonathan Spira, Kurt Stolz, Anna Breuer, and Paul Riegler contributed to this issue of George.

The mark “George,” the tagline “A daily newspaper…,” and all of the newspaper’s content, images, photographs, and associated material are subject to copyright law.

Copyright © 2011-2025 Accura Media Group

@BARTLEBY ON LANGUAGE: An Ode to the Penny

Jonathan Spira — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 00:19:15 +0000

A penny for your thoughts? A penny saved is a penny earned. Not a penny less. Not a penny more. A pretty penny. And finally, “a penny sav’d is two pence clear,” as Benjamin Franklin wrote in Poor Richard’s Almanack.

Indeed, such is Mr. Franklin’s association with the penny – he designed the first U.S. penny, known as the Fugio cent, in 1787 – that it has become a custom to toss coins onto his grave at the Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia to acknowledge his wisdom and wish the former holder of the tossed penny good luck. This is something that your humble scrivener has done more than once, and it continues to be quite popular, even though fans of Doctor Franklin (he had received several honorary doctorates) can see his grave, along with his wife’s, only through iron rails in the brick wall surrounding the burial ground.

Abraham Lincoln is also closely associated with the penny, something not surprising given that his visage has been on the coin since 1909. Indeed, at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, a penny is embedded prominently in the floor and museum workers typically leave a loose penny on top of it for a visiting child to find, something that happens multiple times a day.

While throughout much of U.S. history, the penny has represented thriftiness, practicality, and even luck (for penny tossers, that is), it now to at least some represents government wastefulness. That is because the penny’s seigniorage is negative. In 2005, it cost 0.97 cents to produce a penny. The following year that figure increased to 1.23 cents and the U.S. Mint said that it currently cost 3.69 cents to make one.

Over the past three decades or so, bills have been introduced in Congress to eliminate the penny, not because of the cost of production – at least in the first 15 years – but because many feared that the cost of basic products to consumers would increase if shops rounded their prices up rather than down to compensate for the lack of pennies. More recently, President Donald Trump put his two cents into the argument and asked the Treasury Department to stop minting them, citing their production as emblematic of wasteful government spending. This week the Treasury Department said it would phase out the penny, announcing that it would stop putting new pennies into circulation by early 2026. Once that process begins, there won’t be enough pennies to use in everyday cash transactions, and this will cause businesses to start rounding up or down prices to the nearest 5 cents, the Treasury said in a statement.

The late actress Penny Marshall, who was born Carolyn Penelope Masciarelli in New York City in 1943, might be the most well-known Penny of modern times, but there was also Pennie Ann Trumbull, known also as Pennie Lane, a socialite, philanthropist, and former groupie who served as the inspiration for the character Penny Lane in the 2000 film “Almost Famous,” in which she was portrayed by Kate Hudson. Perhaps billionaire heiress Penny Pritzker, a member of the prominent Pritzker family who served as secretary of commerce in the Obama administration, might have more to say on the subject given that she controls more pennies than most.

Strangely enough, or perhaps not, not all Penelopes are called Penny. The most prominent that comes to mind is Penelope Pitstop, the fictional character of Hanna-Barbera cartoons, and certainly Penelope, the queen of Ithaca who was the daughter of Icarius of Sparta and the nymph Periboea, and wife of the hero Odysseus. Certainly none of her suitors, among them many chieftains of Ithaca and nearby islands during her husband’s long absence after the Trojan War knocked at her door offering a penny for her thoughts..

(Photo: Accura Media Group)

George on Friday: Trump Threatens 50% Tariff on EU, Two Israeli Embassy Staffers Shot Dead in ‘Act of Terror,’ Sir Jony Ive to Partner with ChatGPT to Reinvent Computing, Google Adds AI Mode to Search, U.S. to Phase Out the Penny

George — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 00:19:15 +0000

Good morning! Today is Friday, the 23rd of May, 2025. In this issue, George looks at plans the United States has to phase out the penny; the horrific shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers; President Trump’s threat of a 50% tariff on EU products; a partnership between the man who responsible for the look of the iMac, the iPod, and the iPhone and ChatGPT; as well as other important news items.

An Original Heidelberg Cylinder printing press on display at the Gutenberg-Museum in Mainz.

@IN BRIEF ON FRIDAY

U.S. President Donald Trump said he will impose a 50% tariff on imports from the European Union starting June 1st, maintaining that trade talks with the bloc are “going nowhere.” He also threatened a 25% tariff on iPhones made outside the United States, further pressuring Apple to relocate production from China and India.

____________________

Two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed by a gunman outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Wednesday night after attending an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs named the two slain staff members as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, a couple who officials say were soon to be engaged. The assailant, 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez, pretended to be a bystander after the shooting and later yelled “Free Palestine!” while being arrested, authorities said.

____________________

Sir Jony Ive, the man responsible for the look of the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad, is joining forces with OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT. OpenAI is buying Sir Jony’s startup, io, in a $6.5 billion deal. “I think we have the opportunity here to kind of completely re-imagine what it means to use a computer,” said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in a video that accompanied the announcement.

____________________

Google is betting that the future of search is AI and it this week introduced an AI Mode in its search engine that will function like a chatbot. AI Mode will allow a user to start a query, ask follow-up questions, and use Google’s AI system to deliver comprehensive answers.

____________________

The U.S. Department of the Treasury said on Thursday that it would begin to phase out the penny, the lowest denomination unit of American currency. It will stop putting new pennies into circulation early next year.

____________________

In Hong Kong, positive Covid-19 samples have hit a one-year high and 30 deaths from SARS-CoV-2 have been recorded in the last four weeks. The Centre for Health Protection said on Thursday that the proportion of respiratory samples testing positive had increased to 13.7% from 6.2% four weeks prior in early April.

____________________

Germany announced that it had stationed troops in Lithuania. The move is its first permanent foreign deployment since the Second World War. The “Panzerbrigade 45”, comprising nearly 5,000 German soldiers, will be positioned near Russia’s border to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. “The security of our Baltic allies is also our security,” declared Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz, at an inauguration ceremony.

____________________

Joke of the day: “I’m sorry I don’t have a plane to give you.” The comment made by South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, to U.S. President Donald Trump in the course of their meeting in the Oval Office on Wednesday.

@FOTO OF THE DAY

Ten U.S. Lincoln head pennies from various years

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

@WEATHER Forecast for Major U.S. and European Cities

@PASSINGS   Walter Frankenstein, Who Hid from Nazis All Over Berlin, Dies at 100

@WEATHER

Departures board at Berlin Tegel Airport

The weather across the United States Friday morning as this issue went to press ranged from 56° F and rain in New York City and 61° F and rain in Philadelphia, while further south along the I-95 corridor, Washington, D.C. saw 62° F and with partly cloudy skies. Elsewhere, the forecast called for 54° F and partly cloudy in Chicago, 91° F and mostly cloudy in Dallas, 87° F and sunny in Sedona, Arizona, 57° F and sunny in San Francisco, and 75° F and sunny in Los Angeles.

Here is the National Weather Service forecast issued on Friday: “Severe thunderstorms are expected across portions of the central into southern Plains into Sunday, with large hail and severe gusts the main threats. The threat for heavy to excessive rainfall and possible flash flooding will return to the south-central U.S. Friday into this weekend..”

In Europe, the weather on Friday at noon Central European Time ranged from 14° C and sunny in Bergen, Norway; 10° C and rain in Reykjavík, Iceland; 12° and steady rain in Berlin, 15° C and cloudy in Vienna; and 15° C and partly cloudy in Brussels to 17° C and partly cloudy in London and 21å C and partly sunny in Rome.

@PASSINGS

Walter Frankenstein, Who Hid from Nazis All Over Berlin, Dies at 100

Holocaust survivor and Zeitzeuge, or contemporary witness, to the atrocities of National Socialist Germany Walter Frankenstein died at the age of 100 on April 21 in Stockholm, where he had lived since 1956.

For more than two years, he and his wife did the unthinkable, namely continuing to remain in the German capital, sometimes in plain sight, taking shelter in bombed-out buildings, abandoned automobiles, forests, and even brothels. They stripped themselves of the yellow cloth Stars of David that Jews were required to don. They burnt their identity cards, marked with “J” for Jude, and changed their surnames.

Without official papers, money, or accommodation, the odds against them were huge. For two years, they would depend on good fortune and Rettungswiderstand, a term that German historians have come to use for “resistance through rescuing” on the part of others.

They became a small group of other Jews in hiding, the so-called “U-Boote” or “submarines,” two of an estimated 6,500 human U-Boote in Berlin, Jews trying to elude Nazis by figuratively hiding like submarines, or U-Boats.

By the end of the war, they were among the 1,700 Berlin Jews who were still alive after spending the war in hiding. Their sons were the youngest of only 25 German-Jewish children who had survived. After a few years in Palestine and the new State of Israel, Frankenstein moved with his family to Stockholm, where he retrained as an engineer and worked on the development of Sweden’s nuclear energy.

In his words of warning to younger generations, Mr. Frankenstein emphasized that antisemitism did not begin with violence, but rather with silence. When far-right politicians began to run for political office in Germany, he renewed his German citizenship so that he could vote against them.

Tim Perry, Jonathan Spira, Kurt Stolz, Anna Breuer, and Paul Riegler contributed to this issue of George.

The mark “George,” the tagline “A daily newspaper…,” and all of the newspaper’s content, images, photographs, and associated material are subject to copyright law.

Copyright © 2011-2025 Accura Media Group

George on Wednesday: Chinese Solar Equipment Has Secret ‘Kill’ Switches; Musk to Cut Back on Political Spending; the death of Walter Frankenstein, Who Hid from Nazis All Over Berlin; FAA Orders Cutbacks in Flights at Newark Airport

George — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 00:19:15 +0000

Good morning! Today is Wednesday, the 21st of May, 2025. In this issue, George looks at Elon Musk’s plans to cut back on political spending, why some of Israel’s allies are condemning its expansion of the war in Gaza, how Chinese manufacturers have secretly planted kill switches in equipment used at solar farms, and the latest in how the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority is address flight delays at Newark Liberty International Airport.

An Original Heidelberg Cylinder printing press on display at the Gutenberg-Museum in Mainz.

@IN BRIEF ON WEDNESDAY

Elon Musk said he plans to cut back on future political spending, adding that he had “done enough.: The billionaire was the Republican Party’s top donor last year, contributing by some estimates more than $290m. His presence in the Trump administration has resulted in a backlash against his electric-vehicle company. He also said he intends to stay on as Tesla’s CEO for another five years.

____________________

Israel’s allies are condemning its expansion of the war in Gaza. Britain, France, and Canada termed the Israeli plans for escalation “disproportionate” and “egregious” at a time that the United Nations is warning of the potential for famine there.

____________________

The Federal Aviation Administration told ordered airlines to throttle back flying at Newark Liberty International Airport to help relieve congestion and reduce delays at the airport. The airport suffered multiple days of disruption after a series of outages took radar systems offline and hobbled communications between air-traffic controllers and pilots. Under the interim order, now in effect, arrivals and departures will be capped at 28 each per hour while runway construction is under way.

____________________

Engineers have discovered “kill switches” that are built into Chinese manufactured components that could allow Beijing to remotely cripple power grids and trigger blackouts. They have been found in equipment at U.S. solar farms in Chinese-made power inverters that are used to connect solar panels and wind turbines to electricity grids.

@FOTO OF THE DAY

A freight train that was used to deport Jews to the ghettos and extermination camps in Poland

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

@BARTLEBY Whither Leo? What an Uncle, a Baseball Player, an Actor, and Now a Pope Have in Common

@WEATHER Forecast for Major U.S. and European Cities

@PASSINGS   Walter Frankenstein, Who Hid from Nazis All Over Berlin, Dies at 100

@BARTLEBY

The extended Hacker-Spira-Director family. Uncle Leo is standing in the rightmost position.

Whither Leo? What an Uncle, a Baseball Player, an Actor, and Now a Pope Have in Common

Your humble scrivener had an Uncle Leo growing up. He was an agreeable enough chap, married to my mother’s sister, Beatrice. The word “leo” of course means “lion” in Latin, and, and as our astute readership knows, that in turn derives from the Greek “λέων,” also meaning “lion.”

Come to think of it, your scrivener doesn’t think he ever saw his Uncle Leo roar. He was more of the quiet, unassuming kind, it seemed, with a dry sense of humor.

On Thursday, the name “Leo” was in the headlines again, not because of baseball or the cinema or even Attila the Hun. Rather, it was because Cardinal Robert Prevost, whose election as the Bishop of Rome on the second day of the papal conclave stunned the Roman Catholic world, chose the name “Leo” as his regnal name.

Immediately after Cardinal Prevost was elected, and accepted the election, he was asked by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, “By what name shall you be called?” The newly minted pope chose “Leo XIV” as the name by which he will be known. The senior Cardinal Deacon, or Cardinal Protodeacon, Dominique Mamberti, then appeared on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica to proclaim the new Pope, informing the world of the man elected Pope, and under which name he would be known during his reign.

Read full story here

@WEATHER

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

The weather across the United States Wednesday morning as this issue went to press ranged from 54° F and rain in New York City and 55° F and rain in Philadelphia, while further south along the I-95 corridor, Washington, D.C. saw 58° F and with cloudy skies. Elsewhere, the forecast called for 48° F and cloudy in Chicago, 82° F and mostly cloudy in Dallas, 75° F and sunny in Sedona, Arizona, 64° F and sunny in San Francisco, and 85° F and sunny in Los Angeles.

Here is the National Weather Service forecast issued on Wednesday: “Heavy to excessive rainfall may lead to flooding today over southwest Pennsylvania into northern West Virginia, and western Maryland. Severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening in the Mid-South and across Eastern North Carolina. An extended period of hot weather is forecast for parts of coastal southern California including Los Angeles from today through Thursday.”

In Europe, the weather on Wednesday at noon Central European Time ranged from 11° C and partly sunny in Bergen, Norway; 15° C and mostly sunny in Reykjavík, Iceland; 21° and partly sunny in Berlin, 20° C and partly cloudy in Vienna; and 16° C and partly cloudy in Brussels to 17° C and partly sunny in London and 21° C and partly sunny in Rome.

@PASSINGS

Walter Frankenstein, Who Hid from Nazis All Over Berlin, Dies at 100

Holocaust survivor and Zeitzeuge, or contemporary witness, to the atrocities of National Socialist Germany Walter Frankenstein died at the age of 100 on April 21 in Stockholm, where he had lived since 1956.

For more than two years, he and his wife did the unthinkable, namely continuing to remain in the German capital, sometimes in plain sight, taking shelter in bombed-out buildings, abandoned automobiles, forests, and even brothels. They stripped themselves of the yellow cloth Stars of David that Jews were required to don. They burnt their identity cards, marked with “J” for Jude, and changed their surnames.

Without official papers, money, or accommodation, the odds against them were huge. For two years, they would depend on good fortune and Rettungswiderstand, a term that German historians have come to use for “resistance through rescuing” on the part of others.

They became a small group of other Jews in hiding, the so-called “U-Boote” or “submarines,” two of an estimated 6,500 human U-Boote in Berlin, Jews trying to elude Nazis by figuratively hiding like submarines, or U-Boats.

By the end of the war, they were among the 1,700 Berlin Jews who were still alive after spending the war in hiding. Their sons were the youngest of only 25 German-Jewish children who had survived. After a few years in Palestine and the new State of Israel, Frankenstein moved with his family to Stockholm, where he retrained as an engineer and worked on the development of Sweden’s nuclear energy.

In his words of warning to younger generations, Mr. Frankenstein emphasized that antisemitism did not begin with violence, but rather with silence. When far-right politicians began to run for political office in Germany, he renewed his German citizenship so that he could vote against them.

Tim Perry, Jonathan Spira, Kurt Stolz, Anna Breuer, and Paul Riegler contributed to this issue of George.

The mark “George,” the tagline “A daily newspaper…,” and all of the newspaper’s content, images, photographs, and associated material are subject to copyright law.

Copyright © 2011-2025 Accura Media Group

GV North America

Why I Lost My Luggage (On Purpose)—And You Should Too

Easily Influenced

Challenge Accepted

On a Quest

Time to Pack!

“Soooo, Where are your bags?”

Change of Plans

Only Happy Accidents

“You are now free to roam about the city…”

Airline Insanity Strikes Again

No Baggage, No Regrets

The Lion King on Broadway

The Lion King on Broadway

The Lion King Tickets

The Best Seats for The Lion King on Broadway

Is the Lion King Musical something for me?

4th of July Fireworks in NYC 2025

Where To See the 4th of July Fireworks in NYC

Fun Facts about Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

The Best Places to see the 4th of July Fireworks in NYC

FDR Drive at East 23rd Street, East 34th Street, and East 42nd Street Fireworks Viewing

Enjoy the 4th of July Fireworks at Gantry Plaza State Park

Watch the fireworks from Harriet's Rooftop Bar

Domino Park Brooklyn Fireworks Viewing

Panorama Room

View the 2025 NYC 4th Of July Fireworks On The Water

Go New York Explorer Pass: My Review 2025 | Is It Worth it?

The New York Pass 2025

New York Sightseeing Pass in 2025

A quick explanation of The New York Sightseeing Pass

What is the New York Sightseeing Pass?

Two options to choose from: DAY Pass or FLEX Pass

What is the BEST New York Pass for you in 2025?

The New York Sightseeing Flex Pass 2025

A quick explanation of the New York Sightseeing FLEX Pass

What is the New York Sightseeing FLEX Pass?

How does the FLEX Pass work?

Here’s how to best use your FLEX Pass in New York City:

Which attractions are included in the FLEX Pass?

Top sights to see with the FLEX Pass

Boat tours included with the FLEX Pass

Bryant Park Picnic Performances: The COMPLETE Guide 2025

The world’s largest LED planetarium opens in Prague

Top Countries Where Saunas Are Popular

Key Takeaways:

Top Countries Where Saunas Are Popular

Finland

Sweden

Russia

Estonia

Norway

Germany

Japan

South Korea

Canada

United States

FAQs

Are sauna customs and etiquette the same across all sauna-loving countries?

How do health regulations impact public saunas in different countries?

Do all popular sauna countries use the same type of sauna (dry vs. steam)?

Are there legal or age restrictions for sauna use in these countries?

George on Wednesday: Judge Blocks Trump’s Attempt to Fire Members of Consumer Product Safety Board, 40 Years of Schengen Agreement, Volcano Near Bali Discharges Seven-Mile-High Column of Ash, First Fully Robotic Heart Transplant in U.S.

@IN BRIEF ON WEDNESDAY

@FOTO OF THE DAY

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

@WEATHER

@PASSINGS

Alfred Brendel, One of the Greatest and Most Prolific Pianists of His Age, Dies at 94

@HEALTH

Best Dishes to Share on a Date at KELSEY’S

Appetizers Made For Sharing

Four Cheese Spinach Dip

Flat Pan Nachos

Cheesy Garlic Honey Buns

Meals To Share

Chicken Wings

Salt and Vinny Fish and Chips

Fall Off the Bone Ribs

Desserts To Share