New high speed rail projects

I would love to travel on these trains.

https://dailypassport.com/new-high-speed-rail-projects-in-us/

Most stressful airport in the world

I was a little surprised by this. I guess we hit Gatwick at relatively quiet times. "London Gatwick is the most stressful airport in the world London Gatwick, the UK’s second biggest airport, came out as the most stressful airport globally to travel through. Although the number of passengers that use Gatwick is below average compared to other airports, it has one of the highest passenger density scores. Its percentage of annual delays is the second highest of the top ten, and the distance from the city centre - 43 kilometres - is the highest."

Paying to see Venice

I'm sure I've made a similar post but any excuse to post a photo of this wonderful city.

From: Daily Passport "Few places have suffered as much from overtourism as Venice, the famed Italian city of canals. For decades, massive cruise ships have unloaded thousands of passengers straight into the heart of the historic city. Although the largest craft are now redirected to the industrial port outside the historic city center, Venice still finds itself overcrowded with tourists, many of whom only come in for a day or two. Since 2011, Venice has charged overnight visitors tax on the first five nights of their stay. The amount — between €1 and €5 per person a night, varies depending on the style of accommodation, time of year, and area of the city in which visitors stay. But starting in spring 2024, day visitors will start to pay a €5 entry fee."

Alexander Calder

I may have posted this at some point but worth posting again. I just love his work.

Red Petals, Blue Moon 1972 29 1/2 x 43 1/4 in. (74.93 x 109.86 cm) gouache and ink on paper Provenance Perls Galleries, New York Private Collection, Florida, 1974 175,000

Cats will have their way

This cat doesn't seem in any hurry to come down. We've had a lot of train delays in our time but I don't think a cat was ever the cause of one.

Olympics in Paris

I'm sure the French won't let us down and there will be some pretty special and very French happenings. From: The Monocle Minute "It was once customary for Olympic host cities to stage, as part of their Games, demonstration fixtures of some, hopefully, enticing recreations peculiar to the locality (writes Andrew Mueller). In 1908, London offered bicycle polo and duelling; in 1956, Melbourne attempted to interest visitors in Australian rules football; and in 1992, Barcelona served up Basque pelota and roller hockey. This tradition has fallen, sadly, into abeyance and there are no plans to formally revive it for Paris this summer. But in the French capital’s Olympic year, one eccentric local pastime is being revived. Today, for the first time since 2011, the cobbled avenues of the city’s Le Marais district will once again serve as the course around which the Waiters’ Race is run. First held in 1914, the Waiters’ Race is exactly what it says on the tin. Entrants wear formal waiters’ attire and attempt to bolt about 2km carrying a tray bearing a croissant, a coffee and a glass of water as quickly as possible without dropping anything. It is an extraordinary spectacle, not least as it’s the only time you’ll ever see a Parisian waiter trying to do anything quickly. The comeback of the Waiters’ Race, a few months before the Olympic flame is lit, must surely prompt hopes that it is not too late for uniquely Parisian recreations to be added to the programme. Who would not tune in for the 100 metre shrug, synchronised philosophising or freestyle throwing of café chairs at the gendarmes?"

Holi

This looks like it would be a lot of fun.

From: Nice News "Holi, widely known as the Hindu festival of colors, is a joyful annual celebration at the advent of spring with cultural and religious significance. Typically observed in March in India, Nepal, other South Asian countries and across the diaspora, the festival celebrates love and signifies a time of rebirth and rejuvenation — a time to embrace the positive and let go of negative energy. For one of Holi’s most well-known traditions, celebrants clad in all white, come out to the street and throw colored powders at each other, leaving behind a kaleidoscope of pigments and joy. Festivities with music, dancing and food ensue. WHEN IS HOLI CELEBRATED? Holi is celebrated at the end of winter and the beginning of spring, on the last full moon day of the Hindu luni-solar calendar month of Falgun. The date of the festival varies depending on the lunar cycle. Typically, it falls in March, and will be celebrated this year on March 25."

A lovely dinner with Donna

We went to Minerva's last night and even have some leftovers for today.

Donut shops

It seems Canada has more donut shops than the US.

A win for journalists

From: Business Insider "Google was hit with a roughly $270 million fine on Wednesday, in part over how it trained its AI. French regulators say Google went back on its commitments tied to negotiating deals with news outlets in France for their content. The watchdog alleged Google used the journalists' content without telling them in order to teach its AI chatbot Bard — now rebranded as Gemini. Google had promised in a previous settlement to "negotiate in good faith based on transparent, objective and non-discriminatory criteria," which the regulators referred to as "Commitment 1." The regulators said there are still legal questions related to the use of news content to train AI models, but "at the very least, the Autorité considers that Google breached Commitment 1 by failing to inform publishers of the use of their content for their Bard software."

Quite an honour for Satrapi

I love the design and how she gets the Eiffel tower in there.

The Olympic tapestry designed by French-Iranian artist Marjane Satrapi is displayed in Paris, France, March 12, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab The artist said she thought she was being pranked when asked to design the piece. "When I got the call, I thought it was a hoax, but it wasn't. I was delighted. I was very delighted, very honoured, very happy but also very stressed," said Satrapi, author of the graphic novel "Persepolis", whose film adaptation won her a nomination at Academy Awards in 2008. The tapestry will be displayed on the Hotel de la Marine in the Place de la Concorde in the French capital from late June. The installation will then be moved to Nice, home of the 2030 Winter Games, after the Paralympics concludes in September. The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here. Reporting by Vincent Daheron; Writing by Julien Pretot; Editing by Lucy Marks

Françoise Gilot's artwork being shown at the Picasso Museum in Paris

"One of Picasso’s muses seems to have had the last laugh. Françoise Gilot famously walked away from the celebrated Spanish artist at the height of his fame (by the mid-1950s, Gilot’s relationship with Picasso had ended—they had two children together, Claude and Paloma Picasso). Gilot died last June in New York at the grand old age of 101. In a surprise twist, her life and art is commemorated in a small, temporary exhibition at the Musée Picasso in Paris. As we noted in our obituary, she was a tireless artist whose output spanned more than 80 years, defying simple categorisation and efforts to define her merely as a footnote in the story of her former lover."

The Booker Prize Longlist

I really haven't heard of any of these. Guess I'm out of the latest in reading these days. The Silver Bone Simpatía Not a River Undiscovered White Nights Mater 2-10 What I'd Rather Not Think About Crooked Plow The House on Via Gemito Lost on Me A Dictator Calls Kairos The Details

St. Patrick's Day in New York

It does sound pretty crazy. "Happy St. Patrick ‘s Day from Crazy New York. Yesterday was the parade which we did not go to because we had an opera to go to and today is the 1/2 marathon on the street in front of our hotel. Huge number of street blockages both days making it difficult to get around. Thousands of people on the streets. Today is last opera and then a nice dinner. Look forward to coming home. Will be in touch. Love Donna" Sent from my iPhone

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Spring Break

I'm glad to see some discouragement for this ridiculous tradition. Wouldn't it be great if the "tradition" was to help people who are struggling in their home communities. From Morning Brew "Heavy is the head that wears the “It’s a bad day to be a beer” hat. Spring break party hub Miami Beach has created an anti-tourism ad and rules to try to deter rowdy college kids from clogging up its beaches this year during spring break season, which starts this week. During two high-traffic weekends, Miami Beach said it would institute $100 parking fees for nonresidents, curfews, DUI checkpoints, beach closures, bag checks, and a much heavier police presence. The city even made a pointed video asking spring breakers to come back only when they’ve grown up a little. The Unwelcome to Miami message comes after the city said it’s seen a rise in violence over the last few years. In 2023, there were two fatal shootings during spring break. Not everyone wants to boot breakers: Civil rights advocates argue the restrictions are an overreaction largely targeting Black visitors, who have increasingly started vacationing in the area over the last 20 years. Meanwhile, some business owners say the regulations are throttling their income as spring break is one of the busiest times of the year. The discouragements might not matter…United Airlines expects this to be the busiest spring break ever, with 21+ million passengers flying from March 8 to April 21.—MM"

So much fun...Stuffed animal sleepover

Another great way to get kids interested in libraries. Description Drop off your favourite stuffed animal for a night of fun at the library. Your fluffy friend will be registered with library staff and they'll make new friends and get a behind-the-scenes look at the library. Don't worry, we'll take good care of them and you'll see photos of all the mischief and mayhem when you pick them up! Drop off: March 19th, 3:45pm Pick up: March 21st, 10:00am

You can't keep lego down...no surprise

https://www.barrons.com/news/lego-steams-ahead-despite-struggling-toy-market-5299615d#:~:text=The%20unlisted%20family%2Downed%20company,percent%20market%20share%20in%202022.

Where was this when I was taking Math?

Abstract. "This study evaluates the impact of Rori, an AI powered conversational math tutor accessible via WhatsApp, on the math performance of approximately 1,000 students in grades 3-9 across 11 schools in Ghana. Each school was assigned to a treatment group or control group; the students in the control group continued their regular math instruction, while students in the treatment group engaged with Rori, for two 30-minute sessions per week over 8 months in addition to regular math instruction. We find that the math growth scores were substantially higher for the treatment group with an effect size of 0.37, and that the results were statistically significant (p < 0.001)."

Sunflowers

I will never tire of seeing sunflowers.

"The first people settled in what’s now Kansas at least 12,200 years ago. Archaeologists know this because they’ve found the bones of mammoths and other animals with markings from human tools on them, a sign that humans had hunted the creatures. Kansas’ name comes from the Kansa Native American tribe, which means "People of the South Wind." Kansas' nickname, the Sunflower State, comes from the fields of sunflowers that bloom there. These flowers are grown for their seeds and oil." Source: National Geographic

Specialty licence plates

Great to know the fees go to good causes.

Florida lawmakers this week approved a new lineup of specialty license plates, including an homage to the late Jimmy Buffett. State of play: House Bill 403, sponsored by St. Pete Beach Republican Rep. Linda Chaney, passed the House on Feb. 22, and the Senate unanimously on Monday. It will now head to Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk for approval. The big picture: The new designs will add to more than 100 specialty plates already for sale. The fees from the plates go toward corresponding charitable organizations. About 2.2 million vehicles have such plates, per the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The most popular designs are Endless Summer (134,545), Helping Sea Turtles Survive (108,388) and University of Florida (92,251). Here's a sampling of the new plates, which cost $25 annually, per the bill analysis: 🦜 Margaritaville. The fees from this plate will head to the Buffett-founded organization Singing for Change to provide grants to nonprofits in communities impacted by disasters. 🏘️ The Villages: May All Your Dreams Come True. A slightly dystopian nod to Central Florida's massive retirement community, the money will go toward The Villages Charter School. 🐟 Clearwater Marine Aquarium. These fees will go toward — you guessed it — the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. 🛥️ Boating Capital of the World. This one's for the "Below Deck Mediterranean" fans: Fees will go toward a charity founded by celebrity Captain Sandy Yawn to bolster the maritime workforce. ♻️ Recycle Florida. Take your environmental do-goodery to the next level with this plate, the fees from which will benefit the Recycle Florida Today Foundation.

A golden rooster....how perfect for Notre Dame's new spire

New Notre Dame spire now topped with golden rooster Unveiling marks milestone in reconstruction of ravaged cathedral Gareth Harris 8 March 2024 Share The reconstructed spire of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris has been unveiled, almost five years after the fire that destroyed the historic monument located on Île de la Cité in the Seine river. The 96-metre-tall spire, made of oak, is crowned with a golden rooster and a cross. In an Instagram post (7 March), the official Notre-Dame reconstruction account says that the “oak frame has been revealed… the spire, under its leaded ‘skin’, is a masterpiece of carpentry, [made] entirely of oak wood.” Adorned with a new golden rooster reimagined as a phoenix with flamed feathers, the iconic cathedral is a French landmark and is the most famous Gothic cathedral of the Middle Ages. The rooster is a “French emblem of vigilance and Christ's resurrection,” according to The Associated Press.Feb 15, 2024

A lego flower shop

From "Small Joys" I think if there was a contest about what these flowers were made of I don't think many people would come up with lego bricks.

International Women''s Day

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia International Women's Day International Women's Day (IWD) is a holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women's rights movement. IWD gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.[3][4] Spurred by the universal female suffrage movement, IWD originated from labor movements in North America and Europe during the early 20th century.[5][6][7] The earliest version reported was a "Women's Day" organized by the Socialist Party of America in New York City on February 28, 1909. This inspired German delegates at the 1910 International Socialist Women's Conference to propose "a special Women's Day" be organized annually, albeit with no set date;[8] the following year saw the first demonstrations and commemorations of International Women's Day across Europe. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, IWD was made a national holiday on March 8;[9] it was subsequently celebrated on that date by the socialist movement and communist countries. The holiday was associated with far-left movements and governments until its adoption by the global feminist movement in the late 1960s. IWD became a mainstream global holiday following its promotion by the United Nations in 1977.[10] International Women's Day is a public holiday in several countries. The UN observes the holiday in connection with a particular issue, campaign, or theme in women's rights.[6] History

Cat Island

This would be a fun place to visit. SHANGHAI — The happiest place on Earth for cats might just be here, on Cat Island, a feline playground just a few miles from Shanghai Disneyland. While humans whoop and whirl at the latter, the 400-plus kitties who call Cat Island home rest in the shade of specially constructed grass-covered play tunnels or loll about in pagodas. They cross a wooden bridge to stalk through pear orchards, the intrepid among them even venturing into the horse stable.

Beautiful small towns around the world

We've been to #1 and #10. Not much likelihood we'll get to anymore now. 23 Most Beautiful Small Towns Around the World — From Popular Spots to Hidden Gems https://www.travelandleisure.com/most-beautiful-small-towns-around-the-world-7108516?utm_source=feedingcuriosity.com

One of the windiest places on earth

I always did want to get to Newfoundland but I don't like wind so perhaps it's just as well we didn't get there. I do love the painted houses.

From: Daily Passpprt "Located on the easternmost point of Canada’s easternmost province is St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador — and one of the windiest places in the country. From October to April, the windiest months of the year, the breeze blows at an average of 13 mph; for the remainder of the year, the average wind speed is 10 mph. In 2021, the city recorded 143 days with gusts of over 37 mph and 12 days when the gusts reached over 62 mph. On top of that, St. John’s is also one of the cloudiest, foggiest, snowiest, and wettest places in Canada. St. John’s first came to prominence in the early 16th century when the Basques, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and English all took advantage of its strategic harbor and fishing opportunities at various points. The first permanent settlers took root in the 17th century, and today the city is famous for its colorful row houses located in the harborside downtown district. Towering above the city to the north is Signal Hill, where walking trails lead to scenic viewpoints and the historic Cabot Tower."

Unicorns

What fun! Good on whoever is spreading this little bit of joy. "Finding a unicorn in Providence is like, well, finding a unicorn. Locals have spotted the mythic beasts perched in window sills, sitting on steps and laying in plain sight on streets. They elicit amusement from their claimants, who stash them away and carry them home. One took hers to drinks at a local bar. Their less than two-inch stature makes them easy to miss. But their neon hues and satin-like sheen catch the eye of the hunter, who might almost walk by before realizing they’ve stumbled upon a treasure. Such was the case with this Providence Journal reporter who, after two excursions through the city on a Monday, found one resting in the window of Nick-a-Nees, the South Street watering hole."

A lovely evening

We had dinner and watched the movie "The Holdovers" with Donna last night. We always enjoy our time together and the movie was interesting as well. It was about a cranky history teacher at a remote prep school who is forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a grieving cook and a troubled student who has no place to go.

A lovely time with old friends

Susan and Chris, our old neighbours in Victoria, were in town yesterday and we had a great lunch together at The Sylvia. Clare was in town from Pittsburgh visiting them so we got to see her again too.

Killer whales

While I am sorry for the fishermen and all the people affected by this, I do think we can't endanger the killer whales. These magnificent animals must be allowed to thrive. I think a compromise solution could be really pushing the advantages of "catch and release".

From: The Times Colonist The Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ proposal to expand foraging zones for southern resident killer whales and close more areas to the chinook salmon fishery could have a “devastating” impact on Port Renfrew. The town on the southwest tip of Vancouver Island is heavily reliant on anglers who flock to the area in the summer and early fall to catch the premium sports fish, known for its meat and vigorous fight. The problem is, the endangered killer whales, just 75 animals, rely on chinook as their main food source, prompting the DFO proposal to expand existing foraging zones in place since 2019 on Swiftsure Bank in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The expanded closures could potentially reach right up to shorelines surrounding Port Renfrew, where most small-boat anglers and charter companies fish from April to October. The Swiftsure Bank encompasses an area extending south of Port Renfrew to past Bonilla Point Lighthouse. “This basically closes [Port Renfrew’s] fishery … it could be devastating,” said Chris Bos, president of the South Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition. “Port Renfrew is known as a fishing destination, but if you can’t catch and keep a chinook there, people will go elsewhere.”