#hungary 2009 thursday

[umseb]

uuuuuuuh, hungary - july 23, 2009 📷 dominic ebenbichler / alamy

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 5.11

Holidays

Aso ote Tala Lei (Gospel Day; Tuvalu)

Azores Day

Blow Bubbles For Your Cat Day

Bob Marley Day (Jamaica)

Day of the Military Police of the National Armed Forces (Indonesia)

Feynman Day

Human Rights Day (Vietnam)

International Strange Music Festival

Joan of Arc Day (Orleans, France)

Lokadagur (Iceland)

The Long and Winding Road Day

Mata Tirtha Aunsi (Mother’s Day; Nepal)

Miskolc Day (Hungary)

Mixed Race Irish Day

Moose Hide Campaign Day (Canada)

National Deer Association Giving Day

National Foam Rolling Day

National Girls Learning Code Day

National Hairy Nosed Wombat Day (Australia)

National Wear Red Pants Dy

National Technology Day (India)

Richard Feynman Day

Sex Difference in Health Awareness Day

Somerset Day (UK)

Tubeless Tire Day

Twilight Zone Day

Victoria Sponge Day

Witching Day (Isle of Man)

World Ego Awareness Day

World Keffiyeh Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Chocolate Ball Day

Eat What You Want Day

Eat Without Guilt Day

Hostess Cupcake Day

National Mocha Torte Day

2nd Thursday in May

Dress in Purple Day (Texas) [2nd Thursday]

Keller Williams RED Day [2nd Thursday]

Lanimer Day (fka Landimere’s Day; Lanarkshire & Aberdeen, UK) [1st Thursday after 6th]

One Day Without Shoes [2nd Thursday]

Independence Days

Imvrassia (Declared; 2011) [unrecognized]

Minnesota Statehood Day (#32; 1858)

Feast Days

Anthimus of Rome (Christian; Saint)

Gangulphus of Burgundy (a.k.a. Gengulf; Christian; Saint)

Ice Saints (Europe)

Majolus of Cluny (a.k.a. Maieul; Christian; Saint)

Mamertus, the first of the Ice Saints (Christian; Saint)

Ma Zu (Goddess of the Sea’s Birthday; Buddhism, Taoism)

Nimnim (Muppetism)

Nisga'a Day (Nisga'a Nation/British Columbia)

Paulus Aemilius (Positivist; Saint)

Radunitsa (Ancestors’ Veneration Day; Belarus, Russian Christians, Thomas Sunday Slavs)

Salvador Dali Day (Artology; Church of the SubGenius; Pastafarian; Saint)

Syn’s Blot (Pagan)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Lemuria (Day 2 of 3; Ancient Rome) [Unlucky to Marry.]

Prime Number Day: 131 [32 of 72]

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

Ahab the Arab, by Ray Stevens (Novelty Song; 1962)

Cats (UK Musical Play; 1981)

Cooked, by Michael Pollan (Book; 2013)

Dark Shadows (Film; 2012)

Firestarter (Film; 1984)

Fox-Terror (WB MM Cartoon; 1957)

Higher Ground, recorded by Stevie Wonder (Song; 1973)

A Knight’s Tale (Film; 2001)

MacArthur Park, by Richard Harris (Song; 1968)

The Natural (Film; 1984)

Penny Dreadful (TV Series; 2014)

Road Trip (Film; 2000)

Sniffles Takes a Trip (WB MM Cartoon; 1940)

Tales of Brave Ulysses, recorded by Cream (Song; 1967)

Turn Coat, by Jim Butcher (Novel; 2009)

Water Babies (Disney Cartoon; 1935)

Woodstock (Soundtrack Album; 1970)

Woolen Under Where (WB MM Cartoon; 1963)

Today’s Name Days

Gangolf, Joachim, Mamertus (Austria)

Kiril, Kirila, Metodi (Bulgaria)

Franjo, Mamerto (Croatia)

Svatava (Czech Republic)

Mamertus (Denmark)

Leevo, Liivar, Liivo (Estonia)

Osmo (Finland)

Estelle, Mayeul (France)

Joachim, Mamertus (Germany)

Argyris, Armodios, Dioskouridis, Methodios, Olympia (Greece)

Ferenc (Hungary)

Achille, Fabio, Fiorenzo, Marziale, Stella (Italy)

Karmena, Manfreds, Milda (Latvia)

Mamertas, Miglė, Pilypas, Skirgaudas (Lithuania)

Magda, Malvin (Norway)

Adalbert, Benedykt, Filip, Franciszek, Iga, Ignacja, Ignacy, Lew, Lutogniew, Mamert, Mira, Żegota (Poland)

Chiril, Metodie, Mochie (România)

Blažena (Slovakia)

Fabio, Francisco (Spain)

Märit, Märta (Sweden)

Asa, Ervin, Erwin, Irvin, Irving, Irwing, Marlo, Marlon, Marlow, Marvin, Merle, Merlin, Mervin (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 131 of 2024; 234 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of week 19 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Saille (Willow) [Day 26 of 28]

Chinese: Month 3 (Bing-Chen), Day 22 (Ji-Si)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 20 Iyar 5783

Islamic: 20 Shawwal 1444

J Cal: 10 Bīja; Threesday [10 of 30]

Julian: 28 April 2023

Moon: 59%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 19 Caesar (5th Month) [Paulus Aemilius]

Runic Half Month: Ing (Expansive Energy) [Day 2 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 53 of 90)

Zodiac: Taurus (Day 22 of 30)

[brookston]

Holidays 3.9

Holidays

American Paddlefish Day

Amerigo Vespucci Day

Armored Warships Day

Barbie Day

Baron Bliss Day (Belize)

Chess Prodigy Day

Day of Waiting (Elder Scrolls)

Day to Mourn Slavery

Doctor’s Day (Venezuela)

Eid Al Moalim (Teacher’s Day; Lebanon)

False Teeth Day

Festival of Primal Ooze

Get Over It Day

Hit the Panic Button Day

Joe Franklin Day

Made in UK Day (UK)

National CBDB Day (a.k.a. Central Bank Digital Currency)

National Dishwasher Appreciation Day

National Heroes and Benefactors Day (Belize)

National Lina Day

National Marcia Day

National Music Day (Indonesia)

National Shane Day

National Urban Educator Day

Panic Day (a.k.a. ... 

Absolute Total Nihilists Bang Clang Day (Los Angeles)

Bang-Clang Day

Wellness Permission League’s Panic Day

World DJ Day

World Trisomy 9 Awareness Day

Zangoose Day (Pokémon)

Food & Drink Celebrations

International Spanish Omelette Day

National Cookie Cutter Day

National Crabmeat Day

National Meatball Day

2nd Thursday in March

International School Meals Day [2nd Thursday]

Nametag Day [Thursday of Name Week]

Popcorn Lovers Day [2nd Thursday]

Railroad Day [2nd Thursday]

World Kidney Day [2nd Thursday]

Feast Days

Archytas (Positivist; Saint)

Catherine of Bologna (Christian; Saint)

Cyril VI of Alexandria, Pope (Coptic Orthodox Church)

Dominic Savio (Christian; Saint)

Erotic Dancing Day (Pastafarian)

Farvardigan (Zoroastrian)

Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (Christian; Martyrs)

Frances of Rome (Christian; Saint)

Gregory of Nyssa (Episcopal Church (United States))

Jackie the Orangutan (Muppetism)

Meatball Day (Pastafarian)

Media Hiems III (Pagan)

Millard Fillmore Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Pacian (Christian; Saint)

Saitousai (Harvest Festival; Japan)

Socrates (Humanism; Saint)

Strinennia (Festival calling birds and spring to return; Slavic Pagan)

Takaosan Hiwatari Matsuri (Fire Walking Festival; Tokyo, Japan)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Lucky Day (Philippines) [17 of 71]

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Premieres

Can-Can (Film; 1960)

Castle (TV Series; 2009)

East of Eden (Film; 1955)

Fort Apache (Film; 1948)

42nd Street (Film; 1933)

The Hotel New Hampshire (Film; 1984)

Joe Versus the Volcano (Film; 1990)

John Carter (Film; 2012)

The Joshua Tree, by U2 (Album; 1987)

Mike’s Murder (Film; 1984)

Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Piano Concerto; 1785)

The Ref (Film; 1994)

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (Film; 2012)

Sheep & Wolves (Animated Film; 2018)

Splash (Film; 1984)

State Fair (Film; 1962)

Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale (Anime Film; 2017)

Take Me Out to the Ball Game (Film; 1949)

A Wrinkle in Time (Film; 2018)

Today’s Name Days

Bruno, Franziska (Austria)

Fanika, Franciska, Nedjeljko (Croatia)

Františka (Czech Republic)

Edvin, Heido, Heivo (Estonia)

Auvo, Edvin (Finland)

Françoise (France)

Barbara, Bruno, Dominik, Franziska (Germany)

Aetios, Eliana, Filoktimon, Iliana, Lysimahos, Sarantos, Sevirianos, Smaragda, Smaragdos, Vivianos, Xanthos (Greece)

Fanni, Franciska (Hungary)

Francesca (Italy)

Ausmis, Ervalds, Ēvalds (Latvia)

Dominykas, Pranciška, Visgailė, Žygimantas (Lithuania)

Sindre, Sverre (Norway)

Apollo, Dominik, Franciszka, Katarzyna, Mścisława, Prudencjusz, Taras (Poland)

Františka (Slovakia)

Catalina, Francisca, Paciano (Spain)

Torbjörn, Torleif (Sweden)

Flavia (Ukraine)

Keely, Kelda, Kelley, Kelli, Kellie, Kelly (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 68 of 2023; 297 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of week 10 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Nuin (Ash) [Day 19 of 28]

Chinese: Month 2 (Yi-Mao), Day 18 (Bing-Yin)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 16 Adar 5783

Islamic: 16 Sha’ban 1444

J Cal: 7 Ver; Sevenday [7 of 30]

Julian: 24 February 2023

Moon: 95%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 12 Aristotle (3rd Month) [Archytas]

Runic Half Month: Tyr (Cosmic Pillar) [Day 14 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 79 of 90)

Zodiac: Pisces (Day 18 of 29)

[mandaao]

A Leviathan Timeline Thing?

So I had a wicked fun time attempting to map out when all of the events in Leviathan went down.

Sunday, June 28

So we all know that the series kicks off the night of June 28th with the assassination of Franz and Sophie. I guess if you want to get technical the events of the first two chapters may have happened after midnight and thus really been on the 29th. (Chapters 1&2)

Monday, June 29

We for sure meet Deryn on the morning of the next day. The entire Huxley flight and rescue via the Leviathan happen on this day. Meanwhile, Alek’s squad are dealing with the S.M.S. Beowulf. (3-8)

Wednesday, July 1

On this, her third day aboard the Leviathan, Deryn was allowed to take the middy’s test (and passes it like a BAMF). (Mentioned chapter 11)

Thursday, July 9

This is the night when Alek and Volger fenced in the barn. (9)

Friday, July 10

This is likely the date of the first time we see Deryn climbing the ratlines and tending to the fléchette bats. We meet Newkirk and Mr. Rigby. It is also when we see the H.M.S. Gorgon and the kraken. The date of these events is not really confirmed but July 10th aligns best with the surrounding Alek chapters. It can safely be said that this is the date when Alek first attempts running with the Stormwalker. It is also when Alek learns about his father’s gold and they head for Lienz. (10-12)

Saturday, July 11

This is when Alek and friends are in Lienz. This is also when Alek kills the man in the rye field. (13-14)

Tuesday, July 28

Austria Hungary declares war on Serbia. (Mentioned chapter 15)

Saturday, August 1

Germany declares war on Russia. (Mentioned chapter 15)

Monday, August 3

This is when we have the scene in the middies’ mess and pick up Dr. Barlow at Regent’s Park. It is also when Alek and his men encounter the Herkules at the Swiss border. They are attacked with flares and Alek uses his father’s sword. (15-18) Germany declares war on France on this day. (Mentioned chapter 19)

Tuesday, August 4

This is when things kick off.

Deryn and Doctor Barlow go check out the bees. Great Britain declares war on Germany. German aeroplanes attack. Topside battle. Rigby gets shot. The Leviathan crashes in the Alps. Meanwhile, Alek and squad get to the castle and Volger tells Alek about the scroll that may make him heir to the throne. Then they see the Leviathan crash. (19-22)

Wednesday, August 5

A lot of this is the night of the 4th but it happens after midnight. Alek goes out on his “silly snowshoes” and goes to the crash site. He and Deryn meet and it doesn’t go well (lmao @ my precious babies). Deryn talks to Dr.Barlow about Alek and sees the eggs for the first time. Deryn then takes Dr. Barlow to meet Alek. They show him the Huxleys. Alek acts like a proper Prince and still pretty much hates Deryn. They talk about their respective technologies and go to the egg room. Then they head to the sick bay to check on Rigby and drop off the first-aid kits. Later the captain gives a speech and Deryn goes up in a Huxley. She sees Alek’s walker coming, makes a sliding escape, and holds Alek at knife-point. A meeting is held and a trade-off is organized. They prepare a sledge filled with food and spend the night in the castle. (22-30)

Thursday, August 6

They start dragging the sledge but then zeppelins come. Deryn does some dope axe moves to cut the chains holding the sledge to the walker. They fight the Kondors and Alek wrecks the walker. Alek proposes joining the Darwinists and giving them engines. It is confirmed that Dr. Barlow has figured out who Alek is. Alek tells Deryn about his parents, poor bby. (30-35)

Friday, August 7

The Herkules is back, y’all. The ship is too heavy because of dumb Volger and his gold ugh. Alek and Volger throw the gold out the window. (36-39)

Saturday, August 8

Deryn gets called to the captain’s quarters where he asks her about the Clankers and asks her to keep an eye on Alek. She tells Alek and then almost tells him her secret. Dr. Barlow interrupts and tells a bit about the Ottoman Empire situation. This is when she is revealed to be the granddaughter of Charles Darwin. The book ends with Alek questioning the eggs.    

It was nice seeing how the events of the books were spaced out. I also think it’s neat to see what days of the week they took place on and stuff. So idk if it’s boring but I thought it was fun figuring this stuff out. I think it’s safe to say that all of these dates are correct; everything lined up perfectly with the information given in the books and with actual historical events (basically when countries actually declared war on one another).

I did the other books too, and I’ll probably post them sometime later as well. Unfortunately, I did have less luck making everything work with them. A few things just didn’t add up (trust me, I tried it was very frustrating).

Also here’s some evidence to show that I was actually pretty thorough with this lol. I even used an old 2009 calendar because the days of the week lined up with those in 1914.

[kwan110]

England vs Andorra predicted line-ups: Team news ahead of World Cup qualifier tonight

After successfully getting past Group I’s big-hitters, England will have to be on guard against complacency as they prepare for a World Cup qualifier back on home turf.A capacity attendance is expected at Wembley for the visit of Andorra, who are making the trip to London for the first time since 2009.Ordinarily, Andorra would be the whipping boys of the group, but after an upturn in form in recent years, they have avoided that status – which this time around belongs to San Marino.Andorra enjoyed a rare 2-0 win over San Marino on Thursday evening, which should serve as a reminder to Gareth Southgate that Andorra are a footballing nation moving in the right direction.The England manager is widely expected to rotate his squad, after virtually fielding his strongest XI in Thursday’s 4-0 win over Hungary. เกมส์สล็อตออนไลน์

[worldticketsandhospitality]

Qatar World Cup: 66 matches and 28 years later, Spain loses a FIFA World Cup qualifying match

Spain skilled a first Football World Cup 2022 qualifying rout in fairly a while with a 2-1 loss against Sweden in Stockholm. Sweden fought against eminent loss on Thursday to get the triumph as objectives from Alexander Isaak and Viktor Claesson kept up with their group's ideal beginning to meeting all supplies for the Football World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

Fans from all over the world are called to book Football world Cup tickets from our online platforms WorldWideTicketsandHospitality.com. Football World Cup fans can book Spain Football World Cup Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.

La Roja continued to lead the pack just four minutes as Jordi Alba lifted a magnificent ball into the crate for debutant Carlos Soler to strike into the net, extending their unbeaten streak in Football World Cup qualifiers to 66 matches. Yet, the lead scarcely kept going a moment as Isaak won the ball outside Spain's case soon after play had restarted and discharged a shot into the base corner.

Sweden's second came a little more than 10 minutes into the second half as Spain neglected to clear from a corner; Dejan Kulusevski had the option to discover Claesson, who hit a shot past Unai Simon's close to posting. Spain had a chance to balance through Adama Traore, while Isaak was likewise denied the opportunity to score his second objective by a magnificent tackle from Aymeric Laporte. Nonetheless, the last score stayed 2-1 in support of Sweden.

Sweden is currently on a record-setting seven-game winning streak at home in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, including victories over France and Italy. It moves to the highest point of Group B with Spain second in front of Kosovo, Greece, and Georgia. For more to know about Football World Cup Tickets Click here

Somewhere else, European hero Italy tied Spain's reality record run of 35 worldwide games without a loss with a 1-1 draw against Bulgaria. Sweden's triumph implies England, which beat Hungary 4-0 on Thursday, presently has the best current unbeaten streak in Football World Cup qualifiers, extending back to 2009.

We are offering tickets for Football World Cup admirers can get Football World Cup Tickets through our trusted online ticketing marketplace. Worldwideticketsandhospitality.com is the most reliable source to book Qatar Football World Cup Hospitality tickets and Qatar world cup 2022 tickets. Sign Up for the latest Tickets alerts.

[whiskeyandsoccer]

Corsie to lead Scotland Women’s National TeamSunday, 10 September 2017

Rachel Corsie has been announced as the new captain of the Scotland Women’s National Team with Kim Little taking up the position of vice-captain under newly appointed head coach Shelley Kerr.

Corsie will take over the reigns from Gemma Fay who retired following Euro 2017 and will lead the side for the first time in an international challenge match against Hungary on Thursday, 14 September.

The game will act as preparation ahead of the World Cup qualifiers where Scotland have been drawn with Switzerland, Poland, Belarus and Albania.

Aged 28, Corsie has donned the Scotland shirt on 91 occasions and played in all three Euro 2017 matches.

The defender, who plays for Seattle Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League, wore the captain’s armband for Scotland-Under 19s before making her debut for her country in 2009 against France.

She has previous experience of being captain, having led Scotland in a 2-0 Cyprus Cup win over England in March 2011, the first time Scotland had defeated their ancient rivals for more than 30 years.

Upon being named captain, Corsie said: “I am really proud and incredibly humbled. I hope I can serve the team well.

“I believe my role as captain is to exemplify the attributes and the identity of the team, and help us be united in striving towards our objectives.

“I want to do my best for the team in every way and hope I can be a good link between all staff and players.

“I have huge boots to fill following the retirement of Gemma Fay who demonstrated the passion and dedication that epitomises our Scottish culture.

“The growth of this team over recent years has been enormous, and as current players, we have the responsibility and opportunity to continue that.”

Looking back on her experience of playing at Euro 2017 and meeting up with the team tomorrow for the first time since the tournament she said: “The Euros was a fantastic experience but as a group, we felt disappointed not to go further, which reflects the huge expectations and belief we have.

“We are all really excited to work under Shelley Kerr and learn from her knowledge and experience.

“I admired her as a player, and her competitiveness and desire is something I believe can help us grow and reach our next success.”

After announcing her new captain, head coach Shelley Kerr said: “Rachel is an excellent choice as she is a leader on and off the park and uses her vast playing experiences to guide the younger players.

“She has been one of the leaders in the squad for a number of years and has shown a real passion for developing other leaders within the group.

“Her role as captain will be one she embraces and she will slot into the role seamlessly.

“I’m also pleased to announce Kim Little as vice-captain. She is an incredibly talented player who is looked up to by everyone in the squad. We are wishing her well in her recovery from injury and look forward to having her back in a Scotland shirt soon.”

[thisdaynews]

Hungarian GP: Lewis Hamilton aims to return to winning ways after Germany carnage

New Post has been published on https://thebiafrastar.com/hungarian-gp-lewis-hamilton-aims-to-return-to-winning-ways-after-germany-carnage/

Hungarian GP: Lewis Hamilton aims to return to winning ways after Germany carnage

Of the current F1 drivers, Lewis Hamilton has won in Hungary six times, Sebastian Vettel has won twice, with one win apiece for both Daniel Ricciardo and Kimi Raikkonen

It was the race that had it all – spins, crashes, crazy weather and incredible results as Sunday’s German Grand Prix thrilled, amazed and excited us.

That is now three epic races we have had in a row – Austria, Great Britain and Germany – so can Formula 1’s resurgence carry on this weekend for the 12th race of the season in Hungary?

It is the last race before F1’s four-week summer break and Lewis Hamilton, ninth at Hockenheim, holds a 41-point advantage over Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, one of seven drivers to not finish in Germany.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took his second win of 2019 with Mercedes suffering their worst weekend of the season.

But the Silver Arrows will feel comforted by the fact Hamilton has won six times at the Hungaroring, including four successes in the past seven years, to be the most successful driver there with two more wins than the four Michael Schumacher managed.

The Hungaroring, just over 10 miles north-east of the centre of Budapest, first held a grand prix in 1986 and was the first race to be held behind the Iron Curtain. Then F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone wanted to stage a race in Russia but was convinced to go to Hungary instead and it has been part of the calendar every year since, and has a deal to stage races until at least 2026.

Lewis Hamilton has won six times in Hungary – 2018, 2016 (pictured), 2013, 2012, 2009 and 2007

Hamilton won by 17 seconds last year with the Ferraris of Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen coming second and third respectively, while Verstappen’s race ended on lap five with a loss of power and Charles Leclerc, then of Sauber, failed to complete a lap because of a suspension issue.

The 20 drivers will race 70 laps of the 4.381km 14-turn circuit and the weather forecast suggests showers for the opening two practice sessions on Friday, but, sadly, it is not expected to be a wet race like the one that caused so much chaos in Germany.

Pit stops proved crucial last weekend with Verstappen stopping five times on his way to victory and the tactical strategy is often vital in Hungary.

Last year Ferrari did not do two-time Hungary winner Vettel any favours as they delayed and then botched a pit stop which inadvertently left him behind Bottas, who repeatedly blocked off and delayed the German as Hamilton disappeared into the distance.

Bottas did such a good job at holding up Vettel that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff later called the Finn a “sensational wingman”, something the driver took exception to, saying the description “hurt”.

This race has been good for Bottas’ Finnish compatriots over the years as Mika Hakkinen won in 1999 and 2000, Raikkonen took the chequered flag in 2005 and Heikki Kovalainen clinched the only grand prix success of his career in Hungary 11 years ago.

The championship and Bottas himself, who still does not know if he will be driving with Mercedes in 2020, could really do with another victory for Finland on Sunday and moving from Hungary wingman to Hungary winner.

The track

Social media

After Sunday’s race in Germany, world champion and 2019 title leader Lewis Hamilton said he expected Mercedes to “come back stronger” in Hungary

Hamilton’s Mercedes’ team-mate Valtteri Bottas was also trying to not dwell on what happened at Hockenheim

Sergio Perez was another vowing to put things right in Hungary after he was the first man to crash out in the carnage in Germany

But Williams were in a much more upbeat mood after 30-second post-race penalties for the Alfa Romeos of Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi promoted Robert Kubica up to 10th – the team’s first point of the season

Coverage details

From 2 to 4 August BBC Sport has live coverage of practice, qualifying and the race across the BBC Sport website with updates on BBC Radio 5 Live, plus live digital coverage on the BBC Sport website and app – including audience interaction, expert analysis, debate, voting, features, interviews and audio content.

You can follow all the action and the latest news on the BBC Sport F1 page and via the BBC Sport app, and catch up with analysis and interviews with the BBC Radio 5 Live Chequered Flag podcast.

Hungarian Grand Prix coverage details (all times BST) Date Session Time Radio coverage Online text commentary

Chequered Flag podcast: German Grand Prix review – download here once the race has finished

Thursday, 1 August Preview 21:30-22:00 – Listen here BBC Radio 5 Live Friday, 2 August First practice 10:00-11:30 BBC Sport online From 09:30 Second practice 14:00-15:30 BBC Sport online From 13:30 Saturday, 3 August Final practice 11:00-12:00 BBC Sport online From 10:30 Qualifying 14:00-15:05 BBC Sport online From 13:00 Sunday, 4 August Race 14:10-16:00 BBC Sport online From 12:30

Read More

[umseb]

sebastian vettel in the paddock on media day, hungary - july 23, 2009 📷 crispin thruston / alamy

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 3.9

Holidays

American Paddlefish Day

Amerigo Vespucci Day

Armored Warships Day

Barbie Day

Baron Bliss Day (Belize)

Chess Prodigy Day

Day of Waiting (Elder Scrolls)

Day to Mourn Slavery

Doctor’s Day (Venezuela)

Eid Al Moalim (Teacher’s Day; Lebanon)

False Teeth Day

Festival of Primal Ooze

Get Over It Day

Hit the Panic Button Day

Joe Franklin Day

Made in UK Day (UK)

National CBDB Day (a.k.a. Central Bank Digital Currency)

National Dishwasher Appreciation Day

National Heroes and Benefactors Day (Belize)

National Lina Day

National Marcia Day

National Music Day (Indonesia)

National Shane Day

National Urban Educator Day

Panic Day (a.k.a. ... 

Absolute Total Nihilists Bang Clang Day (Los Angeles)

Bang-Clang Day

Wellness Permission League’s Panic Day

World DJ Day

World Trisomy 9 Awareness Day

Zangoose Day (Pokémon)

Food & Drink Celebrations

International Spanish Omelette Day

National Cookie Cutter Day

National Crabmeat Day

National Meatball Day

2nd Thursday in March

International School Meals Day [2nd Thursday]

Nametag Day [Thursday of Name Week]

Popcorn Lovers Day [2nd Thursday]

Railroad Day [2nd Thursday]

World Kidney Day [2nd Thursday]

Feast Days

Archytas (Positivist; Saint)

Catherine of Bologna (Christian; Saint)

Cyril VI of Alexandria, Pope (Coptic Orthodox Church)

Dominic Savio (Christian; Saint)

Erotic Dancing Day (Pastafarian)

Farvardigan (Zoroastrian)

Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (Christian; Martyrs)

Frances of Rome (Christian; Saint)

Gregory of Nyssa (Episcopal Church (United States))

Jackie the Orangutan (Muppetism)

Meatball Day (Pastafarian)

Media Hiems III (Pagan)

Millard Fillmore Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Pacian (Christian; Saint)

Saitousai (Harvest Festival; Japan)

Socrates (Humanism; Saint)

Strinennia (Festival calling birds and spring to return; Slavic Pagan)

Takaosan Hiwatari Matsuri (Fire Walking Festival; Tokyo, Japan)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Lucky Day (Philippines) [17 of 71]

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Premieres

Can-Can (Film; 1960)

Castle (TV Series; 2009)

East of Eden (Film; 1955)

Fort Apache (Film; 1948)

42nd Street (Film; 1933)

The Hotel New Hampshire (Film; 1984)

Joe Versus the Volcano (Film; 1990)

John Carter (Film; 2012)

The Joshua Tree, by U2 (Album; 1987)

Mike’s Murder (Film; 1984)

Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Piano Concerto; 1785)

The Ref (Film; 1994)

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (Film; 2012)

Sheep & Wolves (Animated Film; 2018)

Splash (Film; 1984)

State Fair (Film; 1962)

Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale (Anime Film; 2017)

Take Me Out to the Ball Game (Film; 1949)

A Wrinkle in Time (Film; 2018)

Today’s Name Days

Bruno, Franziska (Austria)

Fanika, Franciska, Nedjeljko (Croatia)

Františka (Czech Republic)

Edvin, Heido, Heivo (Estonia)

Auvo, Edvin (Finland)

Françoise (France)

Barbara, Bruno, Dominik, Franziska (Germany)

Aetios, Eliana, Filoktimon, Iliana, Lysimahos, Sarantos, Sevirianos, Smaragda, Smaragdos, Vivianos, Xanthos (Greece)

Fanni, Franciska (Hungary)

Francesca (Italy)

Ausmis, Ervalds, Ēvalds (Latvia)

Dominykas, Pranciška, Visgailė, Žygimantas (Lithuania)

Sindre, Sverre (Norway)

Apollo, Dominik, Franciszka, Katarzyna, Mścisława, Prudencjusz, Taras (Poland)

Františka (Slovakia)

Catalina, Francisca, Paciano (Spain)

Torbjörn, Torleif (Sweden)

Flavia (Ukraine)

Keely, Kelda, Kelley, Kelli, Kellie, Kelly (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 68 of 2023; 297 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of week 10 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Nuin (Ash) [Day 19 of 28]

Chinese: Month 2 (Yi-Mao), Day 18 (Bing-Yin)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 16 Adar 5783

Islamic: 16 Sha’ban 1444

J Cal: 7 Ver; Sevenday [7 of 30]

Julian: 24 February 2023

Moon: 95%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 12 Aristotle (3rd Month) [Archytas]

Runic Half Month: Tyr (Cosmic Pillar) [Day 14 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 79 of 90)

Zodiac: Pisces (Day 18 of 29)

[brookston]

Holidays 2.1

Holidays

Abolition of Slavery Day (Mauritius)

Air Force Day (Nicaragua)

Aroma Day (Japan)

Bay Laurel Day (French Republic)

Be An Encourager Day

Bigfoot Day

Canadian Mounties Day

Car Insurance Day

CBD Day

Change Your Password Day

Coast Guard Day (India)

Commemoration of the Abolition of Slavery (Mauritius)

Conservatorship and Guardianship Abuse Awareness Day

Constitution Day (Mexico)

Cross-Quarter Day

Day of Remembrance & Respect to Victims of the Communist Regime (Bulgaria)

Dignity Action Day (UK)

FCC Censorship Day

Federal Territory Day (Malaysia)

45 RPM Record Day

Freedom from Slavery Day

G.I. Joe Day

Golden Ticket Day

Heroes Day (Rwanda)

Highlight Your Hair Day

Holiday Hugs Day - Celebrating Dedicated Platelet Donors

Hourly Comic Day

Hula In the Coola Day

Igbi (Avar people; Russia)

Inspire Your Employees to Excellence Day

International Brownie Camera Day

International Day of Black Women in the Arts

International Face & Body Art Day

Medicare Day (Australia)

Memorial Day of the Republic (Hungary)

National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools

National Breathing Space Day (UK)

National Cameron Day

National Day of the Mexican Axolotl (Mexico)

National Energy Assistance Day

National Freedom Day

National Get Up Day

National Girls and Women in Sports Day

National Heroes’ Day (Rwanda)

National Lonely Hearts Day

National People Named Dave Day

National Sean Day

National Serpent Day

National Texas Day

National Unclaimed Property Day

No Hijab Day

No Politics Day

O.E.D. Day

Robinson Crusoe Day

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Day (Manitoba)

Sandy B. Hooks Day (Lousiana)

Sherman’s March Day

Spunky Old Broads' Day

Triohonsi begins (Wolves' holiday, ends 3rd; Bulgaria)

Tupperware Sculpting Day

Visite du Pape (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Wardrobe Malfunction Day

White Rabbit Day

World Aspergillosis Awareness Day

World Galgo Day

World Hijab Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Baked Alaska Day

Dark Chocolate Day

Decorating with Candy Day

International Furmint Day

International Gruit Day

National Cake Pops Day

National Canned Food Day

Skippy Peanut Butter Day

1st Thursday in February

Kid Lit Art Postcard Day [1st Thursday]

National Sweater Day (Canada) [1st Thursday]

Optimist Day [1st Thursday]

Scout Jumuah [begins sundown 1st Thursday]

Time to Talk Day (UK) [1st Thursday]

Independence & Related Days

The Consulate of Jovak Helm (Declared; 2009) [unrecognized]

federal Territory Day (Malaysia)

Thulia (Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

United Arab Republic (Created by merger of Egypt & Syria; 1958)

Festivals Beginning February 1, 2024

Carnival (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) [thru 2.27]

Fair International Film Festival (Tehran, Iran) [thru 2.11]

GrassWorks Grazing Festival (Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin) [thru 2.3]

Jaipur Literature Festival (Jaipur, India) [thru 2.5]

MegaCon (Orlando, Florida) [thru 2.4]

Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival (Reykjavik, Iceland) [thru 2.4]

Taos Winter Wine Festival (Taos, New Mexico) [thru 2.3]

Triangle Wine & Food Experience (Raleigh, North Carolina) [thru 2.3]

Winter Culinary Weekend (Beaver Creek, Colorado) [thru 2.4

Feast Days

Astina (Syrian Church; Saint)

Brigid, patron saint of Ireland (Saint Brigid's Day) [brewers]

Brigid’s Day (Pagan)

Brigit’s Day (Celtic Earth Mother & Godess of Fire, Wisdom, Poetry, and Sacred Wells; Everyday Wicca)

Candelaria of San José (Christian; Blessed)

Candlemas (Pagan)

Candlemas Eve

Chronos Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Day Sacred to Juno Sospita, Jupiter, Hercules, and Diana (Ancient Rome)

Emaculation (The Season of Intoxication begins, a.k.a. ‘Frop Harvest; Church of the SubGenius)

Festival of Dionysus begins (Ancient Greece) [thru 2.14]

First of Fettuccine February (Pastafarian)

Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch (Christian; Saint & Martyr)

Imbolc (a.k.a. Oimelc; Celtic, Pagan) [1 of 8 Festivals of the Natural Year]

John of the Grating (Christian; Saint)

Kalends of February (Ancient Rome)

Kinnia, Virgin of Ireland (Christian; Saint)

Là Fhèill Brìghde (Day when the Cailleach Beara gathers firewood; Celtic)

Landsegen (Germanic Neopaganism)

Langston Hughes (Writerism)

Lenaia  (Festival of Drama to Dionysus, Greek God of Intoxication)

Lesser Eleusinian Mysteries, Day 1 of 3 (Ancient Greece festival honoring Ceres, Demeter, Persephone, and Proserpine)

The Lucaria (Festival of the Grove to Sucellus, Gaulish God of Alcohol; Ancient Rome) [also 7.19 & 7.21]

Mac the Dog (Muppetism)

Mauni Amavasya (Day of Silence; Hinduism)

Muriel Spark (Writerism)

Pindar (Positivist; Saint)

Pionuis (Christian; Saint)

Sigebert II, King of Austrasia (Christian; Saint)

Spring Mother Celebration (Norse)

Ștefan Luchian (Artology)

Takashi Murakami (Artology)

Tapati Festival (a.k.a. Rapa Nui; Easter Island)

Terry Jones (Writerism)

Thomas Cole (Artology)

Tuppence Day (Shamanism)

Verdiana (Christian; Saint)

Zao Wou-Ki (Artology)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Sakimake (先負 Japan) [Bad luck in the morning, good luck in the afternoon.]

Unglückstage (Unlucky Day; Pennsylvania Dutch) [8 of 30]

Premieres

Ain’t Nature Grand (WB LT Cartoon; 1931)

Alice Gets Stung (Disney Cartoon; 1925)

American Gigolo (Film; 1980)

Argybargy, by Squeeze (Album; 1980)

Bartender, Turn Those Lights Off a A Shot in the Dark (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S6, Ep. 342; 1965)

Battling Bosko (WB LT Cartoon; 1932)

Big Game Fishing (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1968)

Blind Date (Terrytoons Heckle & Jeckle Cartoon; 1954)

The Bourne Identity, by Robert Ludlum (Novel; 1980)

Cagey Business (Modern Madcaps Cartoon; 1965)

Cakes and Ale, by W. Somerset Maugham (Novel; 1930)

Call Me, by Blondie (Song; 1980)

Call Mr. Fortune, by H.C. Bailey (Novel; 1920)

Call Northside 777 (Film; 1948)

Camptown Races, by Stephen Foster (Song; 1850)

Cockatoos for Two (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1947)

Cry, the Beloved Country, by Alan Paton (Novel; 1948)

Dingbat Land (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1949)

Dookie, by Green Day (Album; 1994)

Double Indemnity, by James M. Cain (Novel; 1936)

Dr. Ha-Ha (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1966)

Drum Up a Tenant (Modern Madcaps Cartoon; 1963)

Duck Fever (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1955)

The First Flying Fish (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1955)

The Fox Hunt (Terrytoons Heckle & Jeckle Cartoon; 1950)

Gag Buster (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1957)

The General’s Little Helper (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1969)

Giant Steps, by John Coltrane (Album; 1960)

Gold Diggin’ Woodpecker (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1972)

Good and Guilty (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1962)

Good Snooze Tonight (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1963)

Hair Cut-Ups (Terrytoons Heckle & Jeckle Cartoon; 1953)

Hardcase (Hanna-Barbera TV Movie; 1972)

A Hare-Breadth Finish (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1957)

Hare-Less Wolf (WB MM Cartoon; 1958)

Harvest, by Neil Young (Album; 1972)

The Hillbilly (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1935)

Hound Dog, by Elvis Presley (Song; 1953)

House of Cards (TV Series; 2013)

How to Relax (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1954)

Infinite Jest, David Foster Wallace (Novel; 1996)

It’s a Living (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1958)

Jaws, by Peter Benchley (Novel; 1974)

Jessie’s Girl, by Rick Springfield (Song; 1981)

Johnny Angel, by Shelley Fabares (Song; 1962)

The Kid from Mars (Modern Madcaps Cartoon; 1961)

Kung Fu: The Movie (TV Movie; 1986)

La Boheme, by Giacomo Puccini (Opera; 1896)

Land Grab, featuring Hector Heathcote (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1970)

The Last of the Mohicans, by James Fenimore Cooper (Novel; 1826)

Late Night with David Letterman (Talk Show; 1982)

The Lion’s Busy (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1961)

Manon Lescaut, by Giacomo Puccini (Opera; 1893)

The Man Who Fell To Earth, by Walter Tevis (Novel; 1963)

MASH: A Novel about Three Army Doctors, by Richard Hooker (Novel; 1968)

Mechanical Bird (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1952)

Miami Maniacs (Terrytoons Heckle & Jeckle Cartoon; 1956)

Michel’s Mixed-Up Musical Bird (DePatie-Freleng Animated TV Special; 1978)

The Misunderstood Giant (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1960)

Mr. Winlucky (Terrytoons Cartoon; 196)

Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens (Novel; 1837)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey (Novel; 1962)

Pandora and the Flying Dutchman (Film; 1951)

Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag, recorded by James Brown (Song; 1965)

The Phantom Ship (WB LT Cartoon; 1936)

Pink Breakfast (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1979)

Popcorn and Politics (Modern Madcaps Cartoon; 1962)

A Princess of Mars, by Edgar Rice Burroughs (Novel; 1912)

Racket Buster (Mighty Mouse Cartoon; 1949)

Reaux, Reaux, Reaux Your Boat (The Inspector Cartoon; 1966)

The Red Tractor (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1964)

Road Runner a Go-Go (WB LT Cartoon; 1965)

Romantic Warrior, by Return to Forever (Album; 1976)

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, adapted by Barbara Shook Hazen (Children’s Book; 1939)

Russian Doll (TV Series; 2019)

Sacré Bleu Cross (The Inspector Cartoon; 1966)

Same Time, Next Year (Film; 1979)

Seaside Adventures (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1952)

The Sky’s the Limit (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1965)

Slackers (Film; 2002)

A Southern-Style Breakfast or How Many Grits Can You Eat? (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S6, Ep. 341; 1965)

Stardust, by Neil Gaiman (Novel; 1999)

Space Kid (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1966)

Stage Struck (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1951)

The Story of George Washington (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1965)

Supermarket Pink (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1980)

Surrealistic Pillow, by Jefferson Airplane (Album; 1967)

The Tale of a Dog (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1959)

Three Is A Crowd (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1951)

To Be Or Not to Be (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1963)

Train Terrain, featuring Hector Heathcote (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1971)

Tropic of Capricorn by Henry Miller (Novel; 1937)

Tumblr (Social Media App; 2007)

Under the Pink, by Tori Amos (Album; 1994)

Von Heute auf Morgen, by Arnold & Gertrude Schoenberg (Opera; 1930)

Warm Bodies (Film; 2013)

Where There’s Smoke, featuring Deputy Dawg (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1962)

Whiz Quiz Kid (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1964)

Wise Quacks (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1953)

Today’s Name Days

Brigitta, Katharina, Reginald, Severus (Austria)

Trifon (Bulgaria)

Brigita, Miroslav, Sever (Croatia)

Hynek (Czech Republic)

Brigida (Denmark)

Birgit, Birgitta, Gita, Piret, Pireta, Pirja, Pirje (Estonia)

Riitta (Finland)

Ella, Siméon (France)

Maria, Neujahr (Germany)

Tryfonas, Vasiliki, Vasilis (Greece)

Fruzsina, Ignác (Hungary)

Brigitta, Geminiano, Verdiana (Italy)

Andra, Brigita, Brita, Gita, Indra (Latvia)

Brigyta, Eidvilė, Gytautas, Ignotas (Lithuania)

Birte, Bjarte (Norway)

Bryda, Brygida, Dobrocha, Dobrochna, Iga, Ignacja, Ignacy, Paweł, Siemirad, Żegota (Poland)

Trifon (Romania)

Ksenia (Russia)

Tatiana (Slovakia)

Brígida, Cecilio (Spain)

Max, Maximilian (Sweden)

Basil, Bohdan, David, Vasylyna (Ukrainę)

Birgit, Birgitta, Bret, Brett, Bridget, Bridgette , Brigitte, Brita, Britney, Britt, Brittani, Brittany, Brittney, Clark, Clarke, Langdon, Langston (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 32 of 2024; 334 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of week 5 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Luis (Rowan) [Day 12 of 28]

Chinese: Month 12 (Yi-Chou), Day 22 (Yi-Wei)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 22 Shevat 5784

Islamic: 21 Rajab 1445

J Cal: 2 Grey; Twosday [1 of 30]

Julian: 19 January 2024

Moon: 62%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 4 Homer (2nd Month) [Pindar)

Runic Half Month: Elhaz (Elk) [Day 8 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 43 of 89)

Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 11 of 28)

Calendar Changes

February (Gregorian Calendar) [Month 2 of 12]

[bluemagic-girl]

U.S. swim team struggles as iconic Michael Phelps record falls

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Kristof Milak of Hungary (best) and Zach Harting of the United States contend in the men’s 200-meter butterfly ultimate Wednesday at the environment championships in South Korea. Milak received, breaking a longstanding Michael Phelps report. (Patrick B. Kraemer/EPA-EFE) (Patrick B Kraemer/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Rick Maese

Reporter masking a assortment of subjects, together with health and safety, Olympics, authorized and political challenges in athletics

July 24 at 11:46 AM

GWANGJU, South Korea — So how are things going for the Us residents at the final huge swim meet up with ahead of next summer’s Tokyo Olympics? Just one of their most iconic records was just obliterated by a 19-year-previous Hungarian, their nationwide anthem didn’t engage in at the time Wednesday and their most important star is however sidelined with an not known illness.

But the U.S. crew feels like it has explanation for hope. Coaches on Wednesday were not nonetheless prepared to rule out Katie Ledecky’s return to these FINA globe championships. She withdrew from two situations before this week, citing unspecified clinical challenges, but officials hope she may possibly be in a position to compete in 1 or both equally of her remaining activities.

The team nonetheless has not announced a prognosis for Ledecky, but she showed sufficient advancement Wednesday to get in the water for the first time in additional than 48 several hours, however not for a complete instruction session. Her upcoming scheduled event in this article would be the women’s 4×200-meter freestyle relay Thursday. The women’s 800 freestyle, a race Ledecky has hardly ever lost in a big level of competition, commences Friday early morning.

[Katie Ledecky still not better — and her status for world championships still uncertain]

For a next straight day, Ledecky, the 5-time Olympic champion, was not at the Nambu College Municipal Aquatics Heart Wednesday wherever her teammates fell at the rear of in the medal depend and a single of the sport’s most storied marks fell from the record textbooks.

Michael Phelps was only 15 a long time previous when he very first set the planet document in the 200 butterfly. That was in March 2001. He lowered the mark seven far more periods immediately after that, most just lately at the 2009 entire world championships in Rome, wherever he posted a blazing 1:51.51.

Kristof Milak was all of 13 months outdated when Phelps ascended to the leading of 200 fly charts. On Wednesday the teen supplanted the sport’s most significant icon, ripping as a result of the pool and touching the wall in 1:50.73, virtually eight-tenths of a next a lot quicker than Phelps’ finest time.

“I imagined it was likely to be just one of the previous world documents, to be honest,” mentioned Caeleb Dressel, who’s won entire world titles in both of those the 50 and 100 butterfly. “That was brilliant.”

Moreover Phelps, no 1 else experienced ever raced down below 1:52. Milak joked afterward that he did not go away himself ample of a margin to reduce his particular most effective. “It’s a large honor to get this kind of a report,” he mentioned.

“After that swim, I do not consider anyone can go close to him,” stated fellow Hungarian Laszlo Cseh, who spent yrs chasing immediately after Phelps in the event. “It was an awesome swim.”

[China’s Sun Yang, swimmer mired in doping controversy, confronts opponent after another podium snub]

American Zach Harting concluded sixth in the race, virtually 5 seconds powering, a single of many U.S. swimmers who fell short of the podium below.

Midway by means of these entire world championships, the Us residents have managed only 3 gold medals and eight general. Australia leads all nations around the world with nine complete.

To be truthful, the U.S. staff established a large bar at the 2017 world championships. Its 38 medals ended up virtually four moments that of any other region (Russia, China and Australia every had 10). They finished with 18 golds Britain was next with four.

The 1st couple of times in Gwangju have viewed various disappointments. Ledecky, the 14-time world champion, missed out on two possible medals by withdrawing from the 200 and 1,500 freestyle and was a amazing runner-up in the 400 cost-free. The Individuals received a silver in the men’s 200 freestyle in 2017, for illustration, but no U.S. swimmer manufactured the final right here. They won silver and bronze in the men’s 100 backstroke two yrs in the past but missed the podium this time all around. Ryan Murphy, the globe document-holder in that event, concluded in fourth area, going out much too difficult above the 1st 50 and not leaving adequate in the tank for the final drive. An “age group error,” he named it. “So let down in myself for putting myself in that place.”

“It’s a great slip-up to make here and not upcoming summer time,” he stated.

[USA Swimming relies on ‘secret weapon’ and analytics to get smarter, faster]

Murphy was a part of the U.S. 4×100 combined medley relay workforce that defended its earth title on Wednesday night time. Dressel turned in a monster butterfly leg (49.33) and freestyle sprinter Simone Manuel had a prospect to swim the Americans to gold on the ultimate leg. But Australia’s Cate Campbell, the entire world file-holder in the particular person celebration, chased her down with a 51.10, extra than a second faster than Manuel, leaving the U.S. with a silver medal.

“Of program we would have favored to have been very first. That is our purpose and that should be our occupation in this article,” stated Dressel, who now has two gold medals and a silver listed here. “We acquire a great deal of pride in what we do, so a little unhappy.”

The People in america absolutely will incorporate to their full listed here with 5 relays nonetheless to be contested. Dressel is even now scheduled to compete in 3 more person events and Manuel in two. In fact, there are nevertheless 20 occasions however to be staged in which the U.S. received medals at the 2017 earth championships.

“I imagine Group United states of america has been kind of off to rough start,” claimed Lilly King, who was also part of Wednesday’s 2nd-put medley relay. 1 night time earlier, just after successful gold in the 100 breaststroke — the lone American woman to achieve the leading of the podium thus considerably — King motioned to her U.S. teammates in the stands, hoping to hearth them up.

“I really preferred to do that to variety of get the ball rolling. I felt like I needed it for them,” mentioned King, who still has the 50 and 200 breaststrokes on tap. “We want to finish the fulfill a great deal much better than we started off.”

Read through far more about Olympic sporting activities:

Noah Lyles is the fastest gentleman in track and could be the star the sport desires

Tokyo Olympics go green with medals created fully of recycled steel

U.S. swimmer Caeleb Dressel wins the 2nd of what could be a record environment championship haul

Soon after smashing vial, China’s Solar Yang provides scrutiny, controversy to swimming championships

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[kwan110]

England vs Andorra predicted line-ups: Team news ahead of World Cup qualifier tonight

 After successfully getting past Group I’s big-hitters, England will have to be on guard against complacency as they prepare for a World Cup qualifier back on home turf.

A capacity attendance is expected at Wembley for the visit of Andorra, who are making the trip to London for the first time since 2009.

Ordinarily, Andorra would be the whipping boys of the group, but after an upturn in form in recent years, they have avoided that status – which this time around belongs to San Marino.

Andorra enjoyed a rare 2-0 win over San Marino on Thursday evening, which should serve as a reminder to Gareth Southgate that Andorra are a footballing nation moving in the right direction.

The England manager is widely expected to rotate his squad, after virtually fielding his strongest XI in Thursday’s 4-0 win over Hungary. บาคาร่าออนไลน์

[newstfionline]

Headlines

Laura devastated a narrow path north of the Gulf Coast, sparing some population centers (Washington Post) Hurricane Laura carved a deadly, devastating path north from the Louisiana coast on Thursday, destroying some homes and businesses while sparing others, killing at least four residents, uprooting trees and overturning tractor-trailers, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power and dumping massive amounts of rain on the region. Even as Laura weakened Thursday morning, it still unleashed hurricane-force winds as far inland as central Louisiana, ravaging vulnerable communities before being downgraded to a tropical storm in the afternoon. “We have sustained a tremendous amount of damage,” Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) said at an afternoon news conference, even as he gave thanks that the state had been spared the worst-case scenario for which officials had braced. “We have thousands and thousands of our fellow citizens whose lives are upside down.” Downtown Lake Charles, La., took one of the heaviest hits from Laura’s brutal winds, which shredded trees, peeled off roofs, obliterated buildings and tossed lampposts into the streets. An industrial plant nearby that makes chlorine-based products caught fire, sending caustic smoke throughout the area and leading to a shelter-in-place order.

As virus rages, US economy struggles to sustain a recovery (AP) Home sales are booming. Stocks are setting record highs. Industrial production is clambering out of the ditch it fell into early this year. And yet the U.S. economy is nowhere close to regaining the health it achieved, with low unemployment, free-spending consumers and booming travel, before the coronavirus paralyzed the country in March. Not while the viral outbreak still rages and Congress remains deadlocked over providing more relief to tens of millions of people thrown out of work and to state and local governments whose revenue has withered. Every week, roughly 1 million new Americans are applying for unemployment benefits—a depth of job insecurity not seen in any single week during the depths of the 2007-2009 Great Recession. Economists say that as many businesses have reopened and consumers have begun shopping and spending more, the picture is beginning to brighten, if only fitfully. Most say the economy is growing again. Yet scars are sure to remain from the catastrophic April-June quarter, when, according to the government, the economy collapsed at a 31.7% annual rate—by far the worst quarterly contraction since such record-keeping began in 1947. Some industries, notably those involving travel and hotels and restaurants, could struggle for years. And while the number of confirmed viral infections has been declining, the threat of a major resurgence remains, especially as students increasingly return to schools and colleges. The consumers whose spending drives the bulk of the economy and the economists who analyze it are decidedly downbeat about the prospects for a return to prosperity.

Thousands gather at March on Washington commemorations (AP) Capping a week of protests and outrage over the police shooting of a Black man in Wisconsin, civil rights advocates began highlighting the scourge of police and vigilante violence against Black Americans at a commemoration of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Thousands gathered Friday near the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his historic “I Have A Dream” address, a vision of racial equality that remains elusive for millions of Americans. And they are gathering on the heels of yet another shooting by a white police officer of a Black man—this time, 29-year-old Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last Sunday—sparking days of protests and violence that left two dead.

U.S. political divide becomes increasingly violent (Washington Post) There has been a wave of politically tinged violence across the nation in recent weeks after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, rattling communities facing a toxic mix of partisanship and guns ahead of the 2020 election. In a spate of exchanges that have spanned from Kalamazoo, Mich., and Bloomington, Ind., to Chicago and Portland, Ore., people on both sides of the United States’ political and cultural divide have been filmed exchanging punches, beating one another with sticks and flagpoles, or standing face-to-face with weapons, often with police appearing to be little more than observers. On Tuesday night, the violence took an even more ominous turn when a 17-year-old whose Facebook account showed support for the pro-police “Back the Blue” countermovement allegedly shot and killed two people during the unrest in Kenosha, Wis., after police shot a Black man. “We are sort of at the stage of polarization where there are more and more people who are seeking confrontation, where they are not simply satisfied with disagreeing with the other side or yelling at the other side, but they want to confront,” said Mark Pitcavage, a historian and senior research fellow at the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism. “We are not just a polarized society—we are increasingly a confrontational society now.” Protesters have also been shot, in some cases fatally, in Austin, Portland, Louisville and Albuquerque in recent weeks.

Russian navy conducts major maneuvers near Alaska (AP) The Russian navy conducted major war games near Alaska involving dozens of ships and aircraft, the military said Friday, the biggest such drills in the area since Soviet times. Russia’s navy chief, Adm. Nikolai Yevmenov, said that more than 50 warships and about 40 aircraft were taking part in the exercise in the Bering Sea, which involved multiple practice missile launches. Yevmenov emphasized that the war games are part of Russia’s efforts to boost its presence in the Arctic region and protect its resources. “We are building up our forces to ensure the economic development of the region,” he said. “We are getting used to the Arctic spaces.”

UNICEF reports on remote education problems (Washington Post) At least a third of the world’s schoolchildren are unable to access remote learning when their schools are closed, according to new figures by the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Experts and advocates are concerned about what that means for the long-term impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic, as schools and governments struggle to keep education on track.

Violence in Colombia (Foreign Policy) At least 39 people have been killed in a wave of violence across Colombia, adding to growing concerns that the country has yet to move past its decades-long civil war despite the government reaching an historic peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in 2016. Despite the end of large-scale warfare, groups including dissident FARC factions, smaller left-wing guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries, drug cartels, and the Colombian military continue to fight over territory in some parts of the country. Colombia has seen 46 massacres so far this year, according to local watchdog Indepaz. Some observers say the blame falls on President Iván Duque, who was always skeptical of the peace deal signed by his predecessor, saying he hasn’t done enough to implement its provisions.

Rio’s governor suspended amid widening corruption probe involving Brazil’s pandemic response (Washington Post) The governor of Rio de Janeiro state was suspended from office Friday by a Brazilian court as part of a corruption probe into alleged kickbacks amid the state’s disastrously chaotic response to the coronavirus pandemic. The accusations against Wilson Witzel, a critic of President Jair Bolsonaro, was another blow to Brazil’s leadership as it struggles with the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic amid mounting suspicion that some officials have used it to line their own pockets. It also illustrated how the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil, a country with a lengthy and notorious history of corruption, has been a bonanza for grifters and fraudsters. As states emptied their coffers to combat the gravest health crisis in national history, which has killed more than 118,000 Brazilians, officials across the country saw an opportunity to get rich, prosecutors allege.

Hungary to close borders to foreigners as of Sept. 1 to curb coronavirus infections (Reuters) Hungary will close its borders to foreigners as of Sept. 1 to curb a rise in coronavirus infections and Hungarians returning to the country from abroad will have to go into quarantine, Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s cabinet chief said on Friday. Gergely Gulyas said Hungarian citizens could leave quarantine only with two negative COVID tests. Exceptions for foreigners’ entry would be military convoys, humanitarian transit and business or diplomatic travel.

Putin Warns Belarus Protesters (NYT) President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia gave an ominous warning on Thursday to protesters in Belarus not to push too hard to topple their country’s embattled president, saying that Russia had formed a special reserve force of security officers to restore order in the event of chaos in its western neighbor. Mr. Putin, speaking in an interview with Russian state television, said he had ordered the creation of a “certain reserve of law enforcement officers” at the request of Belarus’s authoritarian leader, Aleksandr G. Lukashenko. He said the force had not been deployed yet, because “we also agreed that it will not be used unless the situation gets out of control.” Mr. Putin’s remarks sent the strongest warning yet that Russia could use force to halt more than two weeks of protests in Belarus, which he described as “perhaps the closest country to us.” While saying that Belarusians themselves must decide their future after a disputed presidential election on Aug. 9, he added, “We are certainly not indifferent to what is happening there.”

Floods kill 23 in Pakistan financial hub amid house collapses, power cuts (Reuters) Pakistan’s flooded financial capital of Karachi was plunged into chaos on Friday with power cuts, streets under water and cellphone outages caused by heavy rain as authorities said at least 23 people had been killed in downpours the previous day. Record torrential rainfall flooded major city streets and damaged homes and other buildings on Thursday, with more rain expected on Friday. Pakistan’s Meteorological Department recorded 230.5 mm of rain in Karachi on Thursday, the highest ever recorded in a single day. Rainfall in August is the highest since records began 89 years ago.

Virus lockdown brings new misery to long-suffering Gaza (AP) Ahmed Eissa, a father of two living in the Gaza Strip, was already struggling to make ends meet on $7 a day, dealing with frequent electricity cuts and worried that another war might break out. Then the coronavirus found its way into the impoverished Palestinian territory, just as Israel was tightening its blockade in a standoff with Gaza’s militant Hamas rulers, and a strict lockdown has confined everyone to their homes. Now Eissa doesn’t know how he will feed his family. “I don’t have savings and I don’t have a job, so no one would lend me money,” he said. “I won’t beg from anyone.” The restrictions imposed by Hamas are aimed at averting what many fear would be an even bigger catastrophe: a wide-scale outbreak in a population of 2 million people confined to a territory where the health care system has been devastated by years of war and isolation.

Mali junta frees deposed president (Foreign Policy) On Thursday, Mali’s newly-formed junta released deposed President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who had been ousted in a military coup last week along with the rest of the Malian government. Representatives of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were dispatched to Mali earlier this week to help find a way to return to civilian rule. They had demanded Keita’s release. Mediators from ECOWAS and the African Union have not made much headway toward the larger goal of restoring civilian rule. Part of the reason is that these organizations and their leaders lack credibility with average citizens, Adem K. Abebe argued in Foreign Policy earlier this week. That’s because they are seen as hypocritical for protecting unpopular incumbents who abuse power while denouncing military coups with widespread support. “The AU and ECOWAS have a credibility problem,” Abebe wrote. “They are not denouncing those who flout laws to hold on to power; they complain only when the military seizes it.”

Flooding in Niger kills 45, displaces more than 226,000 (AP) Officials in Niger say flooding from heavy rains has killed at least 45 people this week and forced more than 226,000 from their homes.

[bigyack-com]

Valentino Longo Wins North America’s Most Imaginative Bartender Competition

Valentino Longo, the Head Bartender at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Florida, has been named as North America’s Most Imaginative Bartender presented by Bombay Sapphire Gin. From New Orleans to Texas, and all the way north of the border in Ontario, Canada, twelve finalists made the trip to Chicago to participate in the competition, but it was the creative genius behind Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar who won the annual competition. Prior to the final round, Valentino participated in a series of competitions across the United States, including in Nashville and his current home, Miami. His talent and creativity brought him to the grand finale where he participated in three challenges - the Botanical Stage, the Canvas Challenge and the Final Cocktail Challenge.

The finalists were instructed to craft an original, new and innovative gin cocktail to present to the judges in under seven minutes. His final cocktail, The Decisive Moment used Bombay Sapphire Gin, fortified bergamot and sherry lactic blend, garnished with two drops of coconut olive oil and two drops of coffee balsamic. "Competing with eleven of the best bartenders in the US has been not just a privilege, but a true honour," said Valentino. "We all learned how much we can give and how much we believe in ourselves but mostly, we learned that we're true artists in what we do in and outside of the bar. Thank you to Bombay Sapphire and Tales of the Cocktail for giving us a platform to express ourselves, reaching spaces that we didn't even know we could. Thank you for believing in this industry." Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 15:00 to midnight, and Friday through Saturday from 15:00 to 00:30. 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[drtanstravels]

Let’s begin where I left off in my last post; we had flown from Paris to Vancouver, Canada to attend the wedding of Anna’s cousin, as well as explore the city in general. That had been a treat, but now it was time to return to France, first Colmar, then back to Paris.

Just a heads up

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 I know, a bit of an ominous date for air travel, but it was when we were scheduled to fly back to France and we did so completely hassle-free. Our nine-hour flight departed in the early afternoon and when you add in the additional nine-hour time difference between Paris and Vancouver, it was Thursday morning when we arrived and it became immediately clear that jet-lag was going to be a bitch on this leg of the trip.

Thursday, September 12, 2019 Once we had touched down again in Paris we went through immigration and then headed straight to the train station so we could make the two-and-a-half-hour train journey to Colmar in the northeast of France. But why Colmar? Well, because in September 2011, Anna and I had our wedding reception in Colmar Tropicale, a replica French village in Berjaya Hills, Malaysia. Don’t get me wrong, Colmar Tropicale was pretty cool, but I would describe it with the phrase, “Good from afar, far from good.” In typical Malaysian fashion, the place was obviously beautiful when it was first conceived, but could have been better maintained since; at the afterparty in the bridal suite the guests managed to block all four toilets and one other guest complained of a menstruation stain on the sheet in her bed when she arrived! It also seems that not everyone involved in the conception had a lot of knowledge about France, because, despite being modelled on a French village, Colmar Tropicale has a Japanese garden, and the ceiling of the main ballroom has a replica of Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement, a painting that adorns the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. It was well done, but it would be even better if it weren’t for the fact that the Sistine Chapel is in Vatican City, not France.

Because of our ties to the Malaysian version, we had always wanted to see the real Colmar and now the opportunity was here so we jumped on the train and after a brief stop in Strasbourg, we were in Colmar before too long. A bit about the place:

Colmar is a city and commune in the Haut-Rhin department and Grand Est region of north-eastern France. The third-largest commune in Alsace (after Strasbourg and Mulhouse), it is the seat of the prefecture of the Haut-Rhin department and of the subprefecture of the Colmar-Ribeauvillé arrondissement.

The city is renowned for its well-preserved old town, its numerous architectural landmarks, and its museums, among which is the Unterlinden Museum, which houses the Isenheim Altarpiece.

Colmar is situated on the Alsatian Wine Route and considers itself to be the “capital of Alsatian wine” (capitale des vins d’Alsace).

In 2013, the city had a population of 67,956, and the metropolitan area of Colmar had a population of 126,957 in 2009. Colmar is the center of the arrondissement of Colmar-Ribeauvillé, which had 199,182 inhabitants in 2013.

Mostly spared from the destructions of the French Revolution and the wars of 1870–1871, 1914–1918 and 1939–1945, the cityscape of old-town Colmar is homogenous and renowned among tourists. An area that is crossed by canals of the river Lauch (which formerly served as the butcher’s, tanner’s and fishmonger’s quarter) is now called “little Venice” (la Petite Venise).

Colmar’s secular and religious architectural landmarks reflect eight centuries of Germanic and French architecture and the adaptation of their respective stylistic language to the local customs and building materials (pink and yellow Vosges sandstone, timber framing).

We couldn’t check into our hotel until mid-afternoon so we left our luggage there and went to get some lunch and check out the town. A lot of the food in this part of France is German influenced, dishes such as pork knuckle, sauerkraut, and flammkuchen, but we lived in Germany for three months a few years back, yet have never been to this area of France so we wanted French food. We got some escargot among other things and then just strolled around this beautiful village, but at around 1:30pm I began to fade. We thought grabbing a coffee would help, but I just fell asleep at the table in the cafe with my head in my hands, I genuinely couldn’t keep my eyes open. We had traveled between four continents — Asia to Europe, Europe to North America, North America back to Europe — in just eight days and now I was paying the price for it. That extreme jet-lag I was anticipating had just kicked in, but fortunately it would pass after about an hour or two. At 3:00pm we checked into our hotel, took our luggage up to the room, showered, and that’s when Anna got her taste of it. At 4:00pm she was out like a light and wouldn’t wake up for another couple of hours, despite the fact that we had both slept well on the flight, albeit with the help of some sleeping pills.

After a three-hour power nap we were back on the street! Earlier in the day we had seen a restaurant that looked like it had a bit of potential called L’Arpège so that was the plan for dinner. We walked through the main restaurant to take a seat in the garden, where we would both eat from their degustation menu before heading out to a bar for the night. Take a tour of Colmar, as well as a look at our superb dinner:

We’ve arrived!

Anna in the street

I’m not sure what the deal is with the corn hanging out the front

One of the more traditional buildings

Looks like we’ve found where we’re having dinner

In a courtyard where we had coffee

Another area of town

I really liked this building for some reason

Escargot for lunch

I’m not sure who this is supposed to be

Looking down the canal in Little Venice…

…and back in the opposite direction

Finally in our room

Heading back out after a nap

A church in town

In the garden of L’Arpège

If these are the entrees, we’re going to eat well!

Also, we thought it would be fun to try and recreate some of our wedding photos from Colmar Tropicale during our stay in the real Colmar eight years later. The first attempt came at about midnight that night as we were walking home from the pub and I gave my phone to a random guy to try and capture the moment, completely unrehearsed. I think he pretty much nailed it:

2011

2019

Friday, September 13, 2019 Another reasonably condemned date on this trip within a matter of days, but so far everything excluding the jet-lag had been great! For Friday 13th, Anna had organised a tour of wineries around the region. Now, I don’t drink wine and I know nothing about it, besides that the ones that come in a foil bag with a tap inside a box, in Australia referred to as ‘goon‘, are generally considered to be shite, yet were also once the drop of choice for rebellious Australian teenagers. Anyway, our tour was through a company called L’Alsaciette and we’d be spending the day traveling around on L’Alsaciette’s ‘Alsatian specialties along the Wine Route’ Food & Wine Tour with our guide, Arnaud, and a retired wine-making couple from California joining us as well:

This refers to the Food & Wine Tour “on the Wine Route”: in our 9-seater minibuses, enjoy a day to get a taste of Alsace and its culinary and gourmet traditions!

One-day getaway in 7 stops (9:15am – 6:30pm)

1° stop : Meeting point in the historic heart of Colmar for a traditional breakfast

2° stop : Head to Eguisheim (favourite village of the French people – France2) for a first wine tasting sharing a tarte flambée at a winemaker’s site and enjoy a walk around the village.

3° stop : In another village, you will enjoy the main course, set in the middle of a vineyard, with 1 matching glass of Blanc d’Alsace or Pinot noir!

4° stop : Discover the “favorite village of the french people” (2017 – TV show on France 2) : Kaysersberg

5° stop : Wine tasting with cheeses from Alsace at one of our excellent partners

6° stop : Visit of a wonderful village on the wine route : Riquewihr

7° stop : Return to Colmar towards the Little Venice, to enjoy a desert on a terrasse along the waterfront!

We would make a few extra stops along the way and even though the description says that Kayserberg was supposed to be the fourth stop, due to traffic it was moved up the list a bit and pushed Eguisheim down the itinerary. A little background information about Kayserberg, the first port of call after breakfast:

Kaysersberg is a former commune in the Haut-Rhin department in Alsace in Northeastern France. On 1 January 2016, it was merged into the new commune Kaysersberg-Vignoble.

The inhabitants are called Kaysersbergeois. The name is German for Emperor’s Mountain.

The high fortress that dominates the city serves as a reminder of both its strategic importance and its warlike past. Together with the rest of Alsace-Lorraine, Kaysersberg was annexed by Germany during a period of 48 years, between the Franco-Prussian War and the First World War.

Kaysersberg is one of the finest wine-growing areas in Alsace. The first vines were brought there in the 16th century from Hungary, and wine production is still an important aspect of the town’s economy today. Wine produced from the pinot gris variety is a local specialty.

This village was significantly smaller than Colmar, but just as beautiful so naturally we enjoyed just exploring the place. It was also the town where chef and travel writer Anthony Bourdain took his life inside his room at Le Chambard hotel in June 2018.

With many of the buildings in these villages we would be visiting, there are a few things worth noting about their appearance, especially of the wooden beams:

The Mann: Composed of vertical and slanting beams, the Mann takes the shape of two Ks opposed one to another. Evoking the silhouette of a man, the shape is a sign for virility and physical force.

The St. Andrew’s cross (croix de Saint-André): Very common in Alsace and in Germany, the St Andrews cross forms an X shape that is found in headlight windows or at the top of gables. It can be seen in the decoration of panels or on the balustrades of balconies. The cross is a sign of multiplication and fecundity, for men as well as for animals. When it is doubled, it signifies the union of two beings.

The diamond-shape (losange): Also very common in Alsace in headlight window, the diamond-shape is the sign of femininity and motherhood.

The combination of the diamond-shape and the St. Andrew’s cross is often seen in Alsace, in houses and in stables. It signifies multiplication and fecundity, which means a large family and a significant livestock size.

The curule seat (chaise curule): It is comprised of the two curved arms of the S, an exaggerated shape of the St. Andrew’s cross, and is often found in headlight windows. However, it significance differs: it refers to the home of a “chief” or an important character of the village. In Ancient Times, the curule seat was the chair upon which Roman dignitaries were entitled to sit.

Arnaud also told us that even the colour of some buildings had religious meaning for those who had once lived there; red was protestant, blue was catholic, and yellow was Jewish. You might be able to spot some of the symbolism in these photos from Kaysersberg, as well as pictures from the other villages we would visit throughout the day:

Entering Kayserberg despite the sign

Anthony Bourdain’s final check in

Anna and a fountain in a town square

Another poor attempt at recreating our wedding shot

Outside of a church

The entrance

The interior

Both of us behind the fountain now

Winding our way through the streets

That portion jutting out has stood the test of time, but still doesn’t look structurally sound

Anna near a bridge dating back to 1514

Some interesting buildings across the river

Looking back over the river through Kayserberg

A fort in the background

Now it was time to make our first drinking stop of our tour, A winery in Ammerschwihr by the name of Domaine Léon Heitzmann, one that specialises in “biodynamic” beverages, which is in no way as scientific as it sounds. Sure, they use cow manure instead of fertilisers, shun pesticides, and handpick all of the grapes, but their website tells the absurd, yet true, basis of the Heitzmann winemaking process (translated):

The estate is fully managed biodynamically since 2008. The biodynamic is a cultural practice called biological, ecological. These practices use only natural fertilizers and “fighting methods”. In 1924, Rudolf Steiner inaugurated the biodynamic approach to agriculture during a course for farmers.

He had then introduced the idea of ​​reconciling agricultural work with certain phases of the moon. Subsequently, several farmers have participated in various experiments which allows us today to scientifically affirm certain correlations between the movement of celestial bodies and the development of plants.

Principles of biodynamics: Two tools are used in biodynamics: the preparations and the lunar calendar. The preparations are made of mineral, vegetable or animal specific materials. Used in dilution, they are for the earth and the cultures a homeopathic balm.

The calendar, meanwhile, contains a wealth of information on the different rhythms of the moon, planetary positions and so on to allow the work of the vine at the most opportune moment.

Yeah, that sounds to me like the type of thing that white people with dreadlocks do, but if you believe in it and think it works for you, so be it. Again, I know nothing about wine and can’t even appreciate it in the slightest, but our American counterpart commented that the French grand cru just tastes weird compared to that from California and that the Californian variety is far superior. I’m fairly certain our guide, the winery host, and even Anna beg to differ. I did enjoy the cheese, though.

After the winery it was time for lunch, this time at a traditional family-owned restaurant in Niedermorschwihr called Caveau Morakopf, which serves as a reminder of France’s awful history of slavery. Hell, even Niedermorschwihr’s coat of arms is of an African slave! A look around Domaine Léon Heitzmann, including some posters they had in the winery about the finer points of biodynamics, as well as our lunch:

Out the front of the winery

Aging wine

A sculpture carved out of an old vine

Some information about the preparation stage of biodynamics

I definitely have my doubts about the second characteristic

The Californian couple, a winery manager who may have overestimated the moon’s abilities, Anna, and myself

A bright building in Niedermorschwihr

Out the front of the restaurant

The silhouette of a slave on the window

Another on the napkin

Lunch

A wine cask sticking out of the wall of another building

We then had a look around the village of Kientzheim before visiting a vineyard, but there was one major problem; it was now after 1:30pm and that jet-lag was kicking in again like clockwork. While we were looking around Kientzheim we were given the background of a classic statue in a fountain in the town centre of a boy holding a bunch of grapes and maybe I was just delirious as a result of how tired I was, but the statue kept conjuring up the same image every time I looked at it:

Was this the inspiration for…

this?

Even as I now sit here clear-headed, I can’t help but believe that statue in Kientzheim was of a very young Michael Jordan. We continued exploring Kientzheim, but I was fading fast. We were soon back in the bus and on our way to the vineyard, but it was almost impossible to keep my eyes open again, even once we were there and walking around, and it wasn’t because of the insane amount of insects there, either. Seriously, there were clouds of insects flying around everywhere, some areas so thick that they made everything look hazy! The American couple were a little put off by all the bugs, the woman seeming a little intimidated, but Anna and I live in the tropics so it was no big deal for us. The scenery was breathtaking, but all I wanted to do was sleep, walking like a zombie as we were led through the rows and rows of grapevines.

Once inside the winery, Dopff au Moulin, we were greeted by the manager who was getting around with a walking stick, due to breaking her leg several months earlier in an accident on a Vespa, occurring only about a month after she had bought it. Unlike the previous winery, Dopff au Moulin didn’t rely on the cycles of the moon to help the vines grow, they just did things the normal way. The wine tasting was soon underway, but I didn’t want a part of it, I just wanted to close my eyes for a bit, all the information and tasting notes were going in one ear and out the other, not that it would’ve meant much to me had I been fully-conscious. It’s not that I’m ignorant, it’s just that when they tell me something about the wine, it’s flavour and aroma, etc., and then I taste the wine I just don’t get any of it. I guess I’m just meant to drink beer, that’s one I do enjoy and can appreciate the finer points. Now, because I was completely out of it I just wanted to zone out, I didn’t want a glass of wine, I just want to shut my eyes, but I kept getting offered more and more drinks, despite constantly saying “no,” not an acceptable answer in this situation. Rather, that just means I prefer a different drop, not the one being presented, leading Arnaud to kept suggesting different options, explaining that I can just spit it in a bucket, but unable to accept a “no” and me getting a little more irritated each time, until he came to what would be an obvious conclusion under ordinary circumstances — I must be hungover from the previous night. Anna backed me up, explained about how much we had traveled in little over a week, and that I was just extremely jet-lagged, because the exact same thing happened at the same time the day before. That’s when everyone finally understood and let me fade for a bit. More of Kientzheim, the vineyards, and inside the winery:

That’s a lot of grapes

The entrance to the walled village of Kientzheim

Inside the walls

Looking from the outside

That clock tells me I’m getting sleepy

A cemetery in a vineyard

Anna outside of Kientzheim

Grapevines as far as the eye can see

A blue building this time

Early 20th century wine-making equipment

More grapes

All of the white spots you see in this photo are insects

Token panoramic shot

Trying my best to stay awake

When we had finished with the winery we were back in the van and I probably nodded off for a bit, but we were making our way to the village of Riquewihr:

Riquewihr is a commune in the Haut-Rhin department in Grand Est in north-eastern France.

A popular tourist attraction for its historical architecture, Riquewihr is also known for the Riesling and other great wines produced in the village. Riquewihr looks today more or less as it did in the 16th century. It is officially one of the most beautiful villages in France, or Les plus beaux villages de France. It is located on the Route des Vins (The Wines Road), close to Colmar.

Riquewihr was one of the few towns in the area not to be badly damaged during World War II. The town is surrounded by its medieval fortificationsand is overlooked by a castle from the same period that is today a museum.

There is a museum about Alsace during World War II and a torture chamber (La salle de torture).

The village is a member of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (“The most beautiful villages of France”) association.

Riquewihr was yet another stunningly beautiful place, here’s how we saw it as soon as we entered:

Entering Riquewihr

Going through the gates

One of the first things you see when you enter is this store selling bizarre shoes

I wouldn’t want to have to climb those after a big night out

Going down one of the main streets (some birds had the same idea)

There was more to this village that would also make it a significant stop for us — We had shown Arnaud photos of Colmar Tropicale and he had noticed that one of the buildings was a reasonably close replica of one of the most famous buildings in Riquewihr, Dolder Tower. Of course we had to get a reproduction photo, but it was almost impossible to get one without a ton of people in it and holding up countless more so we just settled for the building alone:

Our wedding in Colmar Tropicale

Dolder Tower in Riquewihr

After Riquewihr we ended up at what was supposed to be one of the first stops on the tour and the highlight for me; another small village, this time called Eguisheim and I was beginning to wake up again. If you didn’t click that link, in 2013 Eguisheim was voted was the Village préféré des Français, or the Favourite French Village, and it looks to me like it deserved that distinction, despite the fact that I’ve only seen a handful of French Villages, all of which are located in the same region. One thing you’ll notice when you look through the photos of Eguisheim are the enormous stork nests on the roofs of a lot of the major buildings. I know storks are rather large birds, but these nests can be over two metres (6’7″) wide! Enough of me trying to describe it, take a look at Eguisheim for yourself:

Not sure which side to take

Explaining the colours of the buildings

A map of Eguisheim

It’s unbelievable that this one is still standing

That’s one skinny building

A church complete with a stork nest

Another statue

Nearer the church

A closeup of one of many stork nests

The building next to the church has a giant stork nest too

After we had finished in Eguisheim, Arnaud dropped us back at our hotel so Anna could deal with her very own jet lag, but he gave us a good tip; he would later be drinking at a bar called Les 3 Singes, which he said could get pretty lively on a Friday night. Another former-colleague of mine, Tanya Procyshyn, informed me that the last restaurant in which Anthony Bourdain was documented as eating, Wistub La Petite Venise, was in Colmar and when we went we had no problem getting a seat. It was a simple restaurant, nothing particularly special, but the food was still good and it was merely a coincidence that I ordered the pork knuckle, the same dish Bourdain dined on and one they are planning on naming after him. Anna just spent most of her time laughing at the fact that there was a guy sitting behind me in the restaurant wearing an almost identical shirt to a really strange limited edition one I had bought in Spain several years earlier. After dinner we went to Les 3 Singes and met up with Arnaud, as well as making a ton of new friends on a really fun night. I’m still not sure if it was the best idea, but the first time we were in France we realised that the French had never heard of Pepe Le Pew so some people were amused, others probably a little offended, when I showed them an old Pepe Le Pew cartoon on Youtube. We still had a great time having a laugh, as well as some deep and meaningful conversations with Arnaud and everybody else that night, despite their first viewing of the slightly rapey skunk, and it was the perfect end to a great day. Now let’s view Wistub La Petite Venise and Les 3 Singes:

In front of Wistub La Petite Venise

Our choices for the night

Anna looking stoked with her order

The guy over my left shoulder is in the weird shirt that I’ve worn in previous posts

Anthony Bourdain’s final dish in a restaurant

Now in Les 3 Singes

Doing shots with Arnaud

The sign inside

Some other people we got chatting to that night

Saturday, September 14, 2019 It was the day we were to return to Paris, but we wanted to make the most of our remaining time in Colmar by have one last walk through the town and getting lunch in a local food market. For me the market was all new, I thought I had just stumbled upon it that day, but apparently we went to the very same market just two days prior, but I was so out of it due to jet-lag that I had no recollection of it whatsoever. This time was different, however, because it was before 1:30pm and I could still function like a regular human being. After the market we jumped back on the train to Paris and this time it was extremely crowded with almost no room for our luggage so we had to spread it in different areas of the carriage. Add to this the continuing jet-lag for us both and the stench of body odour and aftershave on the train, making it a ride we’d rather forget, but we made it to our destination safe and sound. We caught a taxi to our new hotel and as soon as Anna took her suitcase out of the car and started to walk I had to warn her that she was about to wheel it through a pile of dog shit. She then pivoted to check and almost stepped in another load. Yep, we were definitely back in Paris, but this time it was a far nicer area. Our hotel was 1K Paris, a Peruvian-themed hotel with a restaurant called Inka and La Mezcaleria, a mescal bar upstairs. We loved our time in Peru a few years back, especially the food, so we knew we were going to have fun in this place.

After the obligatory afternoon nap we were back downstairs to have dinner at Inka, making the most of their ceviche bar, as well as ordering some mains to share. Once dinner was done, Anna looked up some bars in the area and it turned out that just down the road there was a speakeasy in the back of a taco shop, one of several taco shops in this part of Paris. When we arrived at the shop the line was out the door and you could hear that most of the customers were from the US, the majority of whom looked like they were probably studying in Paris. The place was packed, but we made our way through the crowd to an unmarked white door at the back of the restaurant. We went through the door and down a flight of stairs, finding ourselves in this great little bar that had only had a small group of people when we first arrived, but expanded to being standing room only as the night progressed. We were later joined in the bar by one of our friends and Anna’s colleague, Shamira Perera, but once it became too crowded we decided to take him back to show him how cool our hotel was by bringing him to the mescal bar. We stuck around for a couple more drinks in La Mezcaleria, but it was getting kind of late so the three of us decided to go upstairs to hang out in our room for a bit, a woman from the neighbouring room coming out to scream at us for being too noisy in the process. Time for Shamira to go back to his hotel room and for us to go to bed, I think. Some photos from our first night back in Paris:

Our room in 1K Paris

Our room had the same chairs as we have in our apartment in Singapore!

These seats in the lobby were awesome!

Looking up in Inka

Dinner is served, obviously had to get ceviche

The Ceviche Bar at Inka

Anna in the bar beneath the taco shop

Saturday, September 14, 2019 Anna had to give a short talk at a conference later that afternoon, but we still had time to have a look around our new area of Paris, the 3rd arrondissement, and it was the nicest district we had visited in either of our previous trips. Our first stop was lunch at yet another market, we walked around and looked at all of the incredible-looking food, but we ultimately settled upon a stall called Les Enfants du Marché, this particular outlet having some really good seafood. We ordered some clams and a grilled octopus, before going to a nearby cafe for a coffee and some cake, and then looking around another part of the city. Anna loved the shopping there, but I was more interested in a strangely dressed man who kind of resembled a court jester and his extremely weird bicycle. I know that in the first post in this story when we initially went to Paris I thought I saw the most bizarre bike I had ever seen, but it had nothing on this thing. I guess the only way to describe this man is that, if this were a video game, I’m fairly certain he would be selling something I’d need for a later mission.

We walked around for another hour or so and then Anna needed to head back to the hotel to collect her stuff and go to the conference at which she was speaking, but I continued to stroll around the city until she was done. It was our last night in Paris so we had to do dinner properly, leading us to have five-courses from a degustation menu at a place called Korus. Our meal consisted of cuttlefish and shiitake mushrooms, white tuna and green beans, Simmental beef fillet, and several other dishes plus dessert, served with a beer or wine pairing. Definitely a great conclusion to fantastic couple of weeks away.

After dinner we went home to pack for our flight the following day and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise that I had forgotten my pickles that I bought in Vancouver on the previous leg of our expedition, because Anna had purchased so much wine after we had got back to France, particularly on the winery tour in Colmar. Combined we were allowed four litres (one gallon) of alcohol upon return to Singapore and Anna asked me to put it all in my luggage, however, it made my suitcase incredibly difficult to close and almost impossible to lift, as well as definitely exceeding the airline’s weight limit. Instead, Anna made room for it in her far emptier suitcase and I got stuck carrying a bunch of her shoes in my hand luggage. Our last day in Paris:

Some things are lost in translation

A small portion of the market

Some of our lunch options

Mussels!

Our grilled octopus

The stall where we had lunch

Anna getting excited about cakes again

“I’ll take one estus flask, a megalixer, and three mushrooms please.”

I’m still baffled by his bike

One last statue

Are they selling Beyonce’s urine?

At least they’re honest

Here’s our dinner menu, the rest of the photos are the dishes

We made it back to Singapore fine, Anna giving another talk in the Philippines two days later before a weekend away in Bali with some friends. Our jet-lag lasted at least two weeks after we returned and I had an appointment with my neurologist soon after who recommended I don’t go on any trips quite this hectic in the future. My first visit to Canada was brilliant and we loved Vancouver. Colmar was absolutely beautiful, the people were so much fun, and on our return to Paris we learnt that where you stay can make a huge difference. Still, before anyone takes their dream vacation in Paris, I think this article is essential reading.

Also, in keeping with a recent trend, although not a disaster of the same magnitude, there was still a newsworthy event in the immediate aftermath of this trip; four people were killed in a knife attack in a police headquarters in Paris. Let’s hope everything is fine in South Korea after our visit to Seoul this week!

Concluding our hectic trip back by coming back to France Let's begin where I left off in my last post; we had flown from Paris to Vancouver, Canada to attend the wedding of Anna's cousin, as well as explore the city in general.