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Post date... 1994 (1) 1997 (1) 1998 (2) 1999 (1) 2000 (2) 2001 (1) 2002 (8) 2003 (2) 2004 (4) 2005 (1) 2006 (2) 2007 (11) 2008 (12) 2009 (12) 2010 (9) 2011 (20) 2012 (23) 2013 (31) 2014 (75) 2015 (77) 2016 (653) 2017 (862) 2018 (267) 2019 (82)
Election Follow-up Mission to Ghana
The European Union deployed an Election Follow-up Mission (EFM) to Ghana on 5 September 2019. The Mission was led by Mr. Tamas Meszerics, Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) for the 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana.
Author: Election observation missions team - Publication date: 23/12/2019
Association Implementation Report on Ukraine 2019
Editorial Sections: EEAS Eastern Europe Ukraine Association Implementation Report on Ukraine 2019
EU Delegation to Australia presents the 'Racism. It stops with me.' Award
Adam Goodes was a champion AFL footballer and Indigenous leader. During the final years of his career he became a lightning rod for a heated public debate that divided the nation. The Final Quarter, by Shark Island Productions, uses his story to highlight the prevalence of racism in Australia. The
The Fullerton Hotel, Sydney, 1 Martin Pl, Sydney NSW 2000, Sydney , Australia
Author: Press and information team of the Delegation to the Australia
EEAS human resources reports
The annual Human Resources Report summarises the main achievements, policies implemented and important developments in the area of human resources and administration, both at Headquarters and in Delegations. It also provides detailed statistics on the EEAS population per category, gender, age and
Indicative Strategy Paper for Turkey (2014-2020)
Editorial Sections: Europe and Central Asia Turkey Indicative Strategy Paper for Turkey (2014-2020)
Author: Press and information team of the Delegation to TURKEY - Publication date: 04/12/2019
2018 Country Report Turkey
Editorial Sections: Turkey 2018 Country Report Turkey
To protect your privacy and your personal data is essential for the European External Action Service (EEAS).
Organisation chart of the EEAS
The organisation chart of the EEAS illustrates its structure.
Is plastic fantastic? DESIGN Canberra Dialogue, 16 November
EU Ambassador to Australia Michael Pulch joins the panel discussion on the drivers, challenges and opportunities behind eliminating single-use plastics. Kicking off at 11 am on Saturday 16 November, the panel will explore contemporary issues and ideas on sustainability and resource efficiency, and
Plastique Fantastique MEDUSA Installation, Commonwealth Place, Parkes, Canberra, Australia


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Travels with Myself and Others
Days 17-18: Asian-American in London Sees An American in Paris
04/30/2017 VickieVictoria	6 Comments
Blenheim must be one of those architectural gems featured in An Outline of European Architecture by Nicholas Pevsner. I wanted to run to my tattered and worn copy on my shelf at home to see if it was. The book got me through most of my Architectural History classes, just at a time when I wondered why studying palaces like these were useful endeavors in life.
A rare English Baroque palace, Blenheim was built by John Vanbrugh. He was a controversial pick over Christopher Wren, who designed and built St. Paul's Cathedral. Van Brugh managed the project poorly and he himself had to be managed during the process. In the end he left the project in disgrace. It's funny, but I'm sure I didn't learn the project management details in architectural history, but it figured prominent in the storytelling about Blenheim.
Van Brugh was probably better known for his layout of the rooms. He originally designed an entire length of the building intended as a picture gallery. It didn't work out. Maybe there weren't enough portraits of the family. The walls were converted for use as a library. One of the photo shows how it looks like…well, an afterthought.
The Duke of Marlborough, an original Churchill, lived here. He was granted the property after winning the war against France and Prussia around 1704. The battle took place in Blindheim, Bavaria with 50,000 troops on each side.
Sir Winston Churchill was also born in Blenheim–I didn't realize that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, as they say. Sadly, I didn't find this palace very impressive, even though it is now an UNESCO World Heritage Site,
To reach Blenheim by public transportation, it takes a side trip from London through Oxford by train, then by bus to Woodstock. We stayed overnight in Woodstock (half an hour from Oxford) to visit the Palace early the next morning. Woodstockers are proud to claim their namesake that preceded Blenheim by about 500 years, and 'way before the piddly little NY town claimed the name. It's famous for glove-making.
Before the palace was open, we took an early stroll through the grounds. The rolling hills were fun to navigate among the pastoral sheep and a stray pheasant here and there. Not much going on except extensive stretches of green lawn as far as the eye can see and shady trees as shown above. No one was in sight, until we arrived back at the entrance where the tour buses were just unloading the hoards. It started to feel a little bit like St. Petersburg again so we hustled our way out of the throngs quickly.
The chapel pews?
The altar?
Ceiling of Main Hall
Organ in Library
Our friends in Bath had recommended the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, so we stopped there after Blenheim on the way back to London. The museum has an impressive ancient art and archaeological collection and many representative pieces I had not seen elsewhere. I could also continue pursuing Silk Road connections and learn more about the string of cities along it.
From what I recall, art history seems to formally begin around 3000 BC, when Egyptian civilization became established. One of the earliest pieces in the museum was from as early as 8000 BC, during the Neolithic period in Metsopotamia. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from later periods:
Luristan Bronze Axe Weapon (top), Iraq, 1250BC-1000BC
Vessel, 1200-1000 BC
Assyrian Relief, Nimrud, Iraq, ca. 900BC
Limestone Cornice, ca. 2500BC, Egypt
Bronze Utility Monument, ca. 1950, St. George's Street, Oxford
On return to London, I planned a special return visit to Fez Mangal, an "authentic" Turkish restaurant in the Ladbroke Grove neighborhood. I craved its fresh mezzes and kebabs as much as those in Istanbul. Friend and fellow traveler Karen will remember this restaurant from our 2014 visit to London. While we waited for a table SRO, we ordered our sea bream and mixed grill (with lamb, chicken, and mixed lamb kebabs) dishes in advance of being seated.
An American in Paris (see curtain call in featured photo above)
Unfortunately, despite excellent dancers and singers, the confusing and dated dialog from the original production couldn't be improved. Save your money and watch the movie.
By the way, I forgot to mention in my previous post that Bath is also a world UNESCO site.
In keeping with my celebration list, I'd like to wish dear Dresden friend Hannelore, who keeps me motivated and learning German, a "Happy Birthday" or "Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!"
ArchitectureFoodMuseum artwork
Days 12-16: A-Mews Yourself with Bathing in Bath
Arrival in London reminded us that the British are much more formal than Americans, but also friendly and engaging. Their use of the language is brilliant and a reminder of why so many of us use it throughout the world.
Our early morning walk around S. Kensington where we are staying surprised us with the V&A Museum, Imperial College, and the Natural History Museum within a half-mile radius. More intriguing were the quaint mews or back streets that used to house the horses and carriages of the gentry living in Kensington. They are homes to die for. A few little shops were tucked in for a-mews-ment. Back on the main road, we enjoyed the gigantic London Plane trees that lined Cromwell Road so majestically. They reminded me of the street trees where I grew up on Grosvenor Place in Oakland's Lakeshore District.
Veggie Wrap
Tricia in London
At mid-day, we met an old friend for lunch at the Comptoir for Lebanese food to share our missed lives together. She was, at the time we first met, a community activist working in the Fitzrovia area helping Chinese settle in London. I was doing a study of the London Chinese as part of the Branner Traveling Fellowship from UC Berkeley's Architecture Department. She helped me to connect to Chinese living and working in Soho, or London's Chinatown.
I only discovered in our conversation today, that, in addition to training at the London School of Economics, she studied at Cambridge University and visited China with a group of students from Cambridge for two months. She also lived in the Hong Kong New Territories teaching English during the time that I worked in Hong Kong as an architect.
We shared many stories about our early careers and how we chanced to meet each other. It was a great rediscovery of each other's past, ones that we had barely known or understood at the time. It was so much more meaningful, now that each of us have lived (and loved) in life. A few bruises along the way gave us greater depth and understanding of the world and each other's lives.
I encourage everyone to go and find an old acquaintance and to rediscover the time absent between yourselves. You will gain perspective and learn more about each other. Like seeing old friends, this meeting made the entire trip across the universe from San Francisco to London worth the trip alone. Life is short.
Gathering Spot for the Royal Opera Patrons
How are People Perched in Box above Everyone?
Inside the ROH
The dome of the Opera House
Curtain Call with Thomas Ades
Our first full evening was devoted to opera. I was looking forward to seeing Thomas Ades' new work, "The Exterminating Angel", based on the movie by Luis Bunuel. Modern opera has a way to go in appealing to devoted opera goers. The music, story, singing, and staging has to pair like a fine wine with the passion and drama of opera. I admit that I am a bit of a drama queen, but that's why I appreciate good opera. It has all the elements of the classic life stories, whether they occur today or the day they were written. This one didn't quite make it for me, but I'll give it a *** for effort and execution. Here's the story: http://www.metopera.org/Discover/Synopses/Eugene-Onegin/
Bathing in Bath
Center of Town
Bath Chapel
Old Lending Library
Within one and a half hours' train ride, you can get yourself to Bath. I never connected the roman orgy of bathing to Pride and Prejudice, but it's definitely alive and well in Jane Austen country.
All exteriors of buildings must be of local limestone, so the buildings are consistent and match each other beautifully.
Bath Thermae Spa
Ole Tapas Bar
A-Mews-ment
Our first official tourist act was indeed to go to the Bath Thermae Spa around the corner from the hotel. The words all seem redundant, but we did enjoy the minerva spa, outdoor roof pool with a view of the city, and the steam bath indeed peeled away any stress from traveling and overeating. I indulged in a facial. I convinced myself that I deserved it after passing up all the Baden in Baden-Baden.
The real purpose in coming to Bath was to visit friends here. They had abandoned the frantic London life for a kinder, gentler world. Bath was perfect, being only a stone's throw away but real enough to feel the quality of life run between your fingers. We luxuriated in a beautiful country home, complete with an English garden and view of the city's skyline of limestone structures tucked like sets of stellae in the rolling hills. The canals rippled just below the back of the house and offer lovely strolls to town and beyond.
Our host-catered lunch included spinach ricotta cheese in puff pastry, tibouli salad, and baked ratatouille in the shell, with hummus and homemade yoghurt on the side. Another perfect day with finest of friends, food and the fine.
More Royal Crescent
Primo Address
Royal Plane Tree
Wisteria and Storage under the street
Creaent Garden Resident
Crescent Garden
FoodPeopleSights
Days 9-11: (Upper) West Side Story
04/23/2017 VickieVictoria	10 Comments
Following our side trip to Washington DC, we are back in New York staying at The Beacon Hotel on the Upper West Side. It provides convenient and walking access to the next three days' events at Lincoln Center's Metropolitan Opera: Aida, Der Rosenkavalier, and Eugene Onegin. You might find that worse than doses of cod liver oil, but for me, it's like dying and going to heaven. You'll hear more of the gory details later.
Entrance to Riverside Park
We started off the day with the Fairway Supermarket across the street from the hotel. We loaded up with fresh Mediterranean fare (see photo above)–fresh fruits with yoghurt and granola, cucumbers and tomatoes, and veggies with protein. We are taking a break from restaurant food everyday by booking a hotel with kitchens in the rooms to cook and eat healthier.
A quick walk within a half-mile radius of the Beacon Hotel yielded a wealth of new finds. Many shops are individually owned, mixed in with community gardens. Sandwiched in between Central Park on the east and Riverside Park, the Upper West Side is stocked with plenty of greenery and O2 to replenish the body and soul. A couple of retirees in Riverside were racing their model sports car through our feet as we gingerly tiptoed through the racetrack and the tulips.
Five Napkin Burgers
Tulips in Nieuw Amsterdam
Rdgar Allan Poe Lived Here
Sportscar Racing in Riverside Park
Stroller Racing
What more can you say? Food is everything in New York. You can find just about any type of cuisine or ethnic cooking, including crossovers like my favorite example of Uzbeki-Korean food. Not to beat that over a dead horse, but that level of complexity ain't in foodie-snobbie San Francisco.
Westside Market
Good enough to eat
Giant Brioche
Glassy fresh fish
Deli Takeout
After-Dinner Snacks
The evening performances at Lincoln Center are dazzled by sparkling chandeliers inside the operahouse that modestly excuse themselves from blocking anyone's view as the concertmaster plays A on the violin, the lights dim, and they retire to the very top of the ceiling.
All seats are good. The ones I selected for the series of three this time were side-saddles with box seating at the dress circle level. The $25 tickets I purchased at the very top row of the balcony in the past aren't a slouch either. You have the option of ditching the performance if you don't like it or incentive to get creative with a wild one.
What follows is our raisin d'etre for coming to NYC this time. The string of operas with curtain calls, synopses and my subjective opinion of the performance (all in: singers, staging, music, etc) for those interested:
http://www.metopera.org/__Redesign/Views/Pages/Discover/Synopses/Synopsis.aspx?id=46544&epslanguage=en
My Rating this performance: ***
Der Rosenkavalier (Renee Fleming's swan song/final performance and curtain call as an opera diva, along with Elina Garanca)
My Rating this performance: **
Eugene Onegin (with Anna Netrebko in Tchaikovsky's masterpiece)
My Rating this performance: *****
Let me know if you have ever lived on the Upper West Side or on the Lower East! What was your experience? We had been pretty stuck on Midtown or Upper East Side in the past but found that trying out these new neighborhoods gives us a very different dimension to New York City. We're encouraged to try a different neighborhood each time we come to this magnificent, multi-cultural city. I hope you will consider doing the same!
As a final tribute to our being in New York, we toasted our anniversary and a birthday with a dear friend whom we met in Hong Kong and who is a New York City native. At a rehearsal of the American Ballet Theater's upcoming Don Quixote, we caught a glimpse of Misty Copeland! What more could you ask for in a sendoff from New York City??
We're on to London, so be prepared for a British accent to the next post! (Fewer operas, Queen's Gate, then on to Bath and Blenheim)….
FoodPerformancesSights
Days 5-8: Dizzyin' D.C.
The number of museums (all free) in Washington D.C. is staggering, and deciding which ones to visit is a daunting challenge. We decided to each pick one today–and a few off the beaten path. We had already covered the most popular ones in the past with our kids–the National Gallery, the Smithsonian, the National Air and Space.
First, we headed to the U.S.Holocaust Museum. The featured photo above shows the five-story high atrium of the museum. Photos of Jewish families who perished in the Holocaust were displayed there. The chain of events leading to the holocaust were many and complex, to say the least. False evidence blamed the Jews for killing Christ.
Around 1525, Martin Luther initially embraced them. He later turned against them when they refused to convert to Protestantism. It wasn't until 1994 when the Lutheran church acknowledged Luther's anti-Semitism.
We primarily think of the Jews from Germany and Austria being sent to camps and killed there. Even more Jewish people from Romania, Poland, Russia and Lithuania were killed. Many were forced to live in ghettos segregating them from mainstream society. However, most Jews living in Italy, Bulgaria and Hungary were spared.
There were chilling graphic depictions of the camps. The arrival of American troops helped to document the horrors before evidence was destroyed. More than half of those who were liberated died within two weeks of being freed. They were already too sick to survive or were unable to digest the food they consumed.
While very sad and sobering, the museum presented an important lesson in history. Similar events could take place again. This museum teaches us the social, political, and economic circumstances behind such heinous acts and the chain of events that caused the Holocaust. You can learn more about the museum here: https://www.ushmm.org/information/exhibitions/museum-exhibitions/permanent.
In the afternoon, we made our way to the Native American Museum. While the museum is housed in an impressive building, it didn't reduce the weight of the subject and its history. The many tribes and unions between nations were systematically ignored and destroyed.
Beehive Atrium
Central Lobby with Canoe Display
Entry Lobby
The many treaties that were created between the Native Americans and the U.S. were constantly violated, despite initial good intentions. The map below shows how Americans pushed the Native Americans westward further and further from their homelands, while new settlers expanded into these territories.
Non-native Population Expansion, 1820 (Dark Red), 1850 (Rust), and 1890 (Yellow)
We welcomed the slow walk back to the hotel to ponder our thoughts from the day's deep and sobering educational experiences.
Days 7-8: The NMAAHC, Capitol Hill, and the Museum for Women in the Arts
Many of the newer Washington D.C. attractions like the National Museum of African-American History require advanced tickets. I was glad I knew ahead of time, or I would have been disappointed. The stunning new building was designed by David Adjaye and is clad in filigree bronze screen panels.
NMAAHC by David Adjaye
Inscription by James Baldwin
After being guided down to the lower floor where slavery, civil war, and segregation topics were covered, we began our long difficult journey tracing and understanding the roots of African-American history.
Everyone was very quiet and pensive as we shared the tragic stories of Africans from mostly Central and Coastal West Africa being captured by Portuguese, Dutch, British, French and Danish slave traders. By around 1800, the importation of foreign slaves was banned. Rhode Island slave traders developed and dominated a thriving domestic trade.
Less than half of the captured Africans survived the journey to the Coast or the horrific slave ships. While approximately 500,000 slaves were brought to the States, a total of around 12 million slaves were captured in Africa and sold in the New World. The largest proportion were sent to the Caribbean or to Brazil.
As families were split up and sold, the humiliating auction blocks were used to showcase the black slaves. They were split up from families and loved ones, mothers from their babies. Both sides of the Revolutionary War and the Civil War used the issue of slavery as a strategy to rally supporters to their side. The British and Americans offered freedom to those slaves who fought in the Revolutionary Wars, and the North and the South also made promises to African Americans that often were not kept.
After slavery, it was difficult for African-Americans to survive the post-Civil war era. Many prominent leaders and heroes were featured, and there were many historic events and landmark decisions. Segregation displaced slavery and became another racist era.
The museum was split into the history and dark past on lower levels, and modern culture on upper levels. The NMAAHC offered insight and understanding of the arduous path of not only African-Americans, but the shared path of all Americans. You can read more about the museum's collections here: https://nmaahc.si.edu
The combination of these museums left a powerful imprint on my understanding and perspective of oppressed people in America. It seems more pertinent for all of us to learn about the history and development of oppression as race and religion become major issues in our current society.
The stretches between sights and buildings along the Washington Mall and Capitol Hill are far and wide, so good shoes and good planning are essential for surviving D.C. The Washington Metro provided some relief in getting between points, but the distances by foot are intimidating, even to veteran walkers like us. Thanks to L'Enfant and his grandiose French city planning scheme, the wide boulevards and diminished human scale do seem to put people in their places.
Well, the verdict is in. Yes, Washington D.C. is a pretty awesome place. I couldn't help but compare the time lapse walking between buildings with that of Versailles. We got our royal injection thanks to L'Enfant. And I'm not sure whether the Kremlin and Red Square came first or we did (around 1800), but I'm guessing that National Mall beats Moscow's in area. While we're at it, it might be worth comparing Beijing's Tian An Men Square and Forbidden City. A research project for another day.
U.S Capitol
At the opposite end of the National Monument, above are just a few grand dames on Capitol Hill: the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress.
One of Three Perfect Gutenberg Bibles
Capitol Dome x 4
Above are one of three perfect copies of the Gutenberg Bible at the Library of Congress; and Cupcakes?!? (click on image to see captions and to increase scale)
Below: interior of ornate Italian Renaissance style Library of Congress. Almost stands up to or equal with the Library in Vienna. (To see the Vienna Library, search posting from Day 27 of 2015, dated Aug. 21)
Ceiling if Gallery
Ornate Gallery
A very understated but worthwhile visit to the Women's Museum yielded some gems: a Frieda Kahlo Self-Portrait dedicated to Leon Trotsky, and friend Hung Liu's noble portraits of women who were prostitutes. Gee Kin had trouble identifying five famous women artists, but managed to come up with these and Annie Liebowitz. Sure enough, she had a photo of Dolly Parton proudly on display.
There were numerous other interesting works there, but I felt sad that these great artists (including Berte Morisot and Mary Cassatt whose works were represented) and others (I didn't see any Georgia O'Keefe) had to find a cause to be celebrated on their own and could not be integrated with the mainstream art world. Can you name five living women artists?
Frieda Kahlo Self-Portrait to Leon Trotsky
Interior Hall
Hung Liu Portraits
To top off the day at Momofuku DC: Honey Crisp with Arugula, Kimchee, and Maple Sugar; Skate Wing, and Chinese Broccoli with Cashews. Highly recommended.
Momofuku DC Interior
Honey Crisp with Kimchee, Arugula and Maple Sugar
Apologies for the long post. Combined posts will reduce the load on your Inbox!
FoodMapsMuseum artworkplanningSights
Days 3-4: A Beeline for the Highline and a New York State of Mind
A couple of years ago, I was introduced to the over-the-top experience on the Highline in the Meatpacking District of New York City. It didn't take much convincing for me to want to retrace my steps again on this visit. The clever landscaping over a derelict elevated railway track, sumptious architecture and brilliant urban planning make the short two-mile long path an essential destination for both tourists and locavores alike. New outdoor art installations have been added since the first visit, and Zaha Hadid, a world-famous architect, has a signature building under construction on the north end. (She recently passed away.)
Viewing Stand for NYC Traffic below
Green Line on the Highline
UMTA railway yard
We made another beeline in the afternoon for Brooklyn. In a posting last month, our Brooklyn buddy researched the Uzbeki-Korean Cafe Lily for us. The hour-long ride to and from Brooklyn was no sweat compared to flying back and forth to Uzbekistan for kimchee and kebabs in one fell swoop.
Thanks to the favorable review from the NY Times in February and an eyewitness account (see the special correspondent report from the February 2017 post), we were not disappointed. Okay, it was after 2pm when we descended on an empty restaurant, but hey–it was open for business.
After a deliciously simple cucumber and tomato salad, perfectly flavored and crisply fresh (exactly as I remembered the food in Uzbekistan), we slurped beef soup, prepared at the table with condiments, and tickled our palettes with a teeny lamb kebab. The highlight was an entire fried branzino for $15! The whole meal barely topped $50. This was the antidote to gourmet dining.
Whole Branzino
In Uzbeki food, simple cooking allows the inherent freshness of each ingredient to be sensed and savored with each bite. The Mediterranean emphasis is evident, but subtle. I noticed the care taken in preparing each slice or morsel of food when I visited Tashkent. Samarkand, and Bokhara (Oriental carpet namesakes) on my first world trip. Even though it is Eurasia's version of California's Central Valley, Uzbekistan does not seem to take food production lightly. Maybe it's the depletion of nearby Lake Aral where the water was used inefficiently for cotton growing, or just historical frugality. Uzbekis seem to cherish each and every fruit and vegetable they grow with love and kindness.
Our day was topped off by a third and final beeline to a Billy Joel concert at the mighty Madison Square Garden. Going there was already an experience itself. Watching the living songwriter/master pianist/singer/quintessential entertainer deliver a straight two hour performance without an break was a phenomenon in itself! It doesn't take the Metopera to be the pinnacle of civilization. Only the best of the best–like Billy Joel.
Here's a short clip of the stunning performance with a birdseye view from the rafters:
The next day we visited the Han Dynasty exhibit at the Metropolitan. Here are a few of the many excellent pieces on display.
Jade pieces inserted into body to seal openings
We're off to Washington D.C. today, so more museums to come….
FoodPerformancesplanning
Days 1-2: If I can't make it here, I'll make it… in SF!?!
On a cold, crisp, early, snowless morning, we landed in EWaRk–oops Newark. Land of the plenty, as hubby Gee Kin tells me. Joisey's not only the second wealthiest state (per capita) in the US of A and higher than that of California, but the most densely populated (@470 sq. m/pp). In fact, almost as dense as the Netherlands (@409 sq. m/pp)! That's a two-upper to lowly San Francisco Priders, who can claim neither for California.
Despite our early arrival from the red-eye, we managed to entertain ourselves with a brisk, let's-avoid-chills-in-our-flimsy-made-for-California-jackets-walk in NYC to the Soho area where Balthazar, a great Frenchy breakfast institution, is located. I indulged in a rare Bloody Mary (no, I didn't have a Vodka preference) with a salmon tartine and a first-time ever decaf coffee at 10am in the morning.
Our intriguing waitress was Korean-Irish and grew up in Japan. She validated my question about her origins after she told me that many people ask her if she was from one of the Stans. I guessed she might have been Uzbeki. For centuries the Central Asians have mixed their European and Asian roots into beautiful minds and bodies. It's always exciting to find them in far-flung America.
On the way back to our Lower East Side hotel, we passed the New Museum. I couldn't resist a quick peek. I learned from my personal guide, an Italian Art History major, about the museum's genesis. As a spinoff from the Whitney, this museum collects work of living artists but has no permanent collection. That poses some challenges where there is a perpetual installation on half of the building's several floors. Nevertheless, the portion that was open for Raymond Pettibon proved to be a worthwhile stop. While most of his work is focused on American iconic figures and political messages, his foray out of his graphic work into the SoCal surfing world was refreshing. See a few curly waves below.
After a break in the hotel to de-jetlag, we made it to the Pig and Khao around the corner for an early dinner. The diverse gathering of patrons and staff made the environment feel very friendly and comfortable. It reminded me about a comment from my German teacher. After she had visited New York for a week, she returned to San Francisco and was struck by how lacking in diversity San Francisco was. We were just starting to catch a whiff of the contrast between cities already.
Front Door to Pig & Khao
Chef's Prep
Cozy Tables at Pig&Khao
Green Papaya Salad and Pork Belly
The hotel is a new-age, suite hotel in the middle of the Lower East Side neighborhood. The narrow streets give this area an immediate neighborhoody feel. Despite the questionable gentrification, the owners made an attempt to link the hotel to the community by offering yoga classes and volunteering in the neighborhood. We actually went to the pop-up free food service to the neighborhood to help serve meals in the morning. It's a great way to discover another part of NYC and a departure from our usual Midtown Manhattan Pod Hotel.
Bike lanes in NYC?!? This new street striping made me think of Berlin. Pedestrians: get cross-training!
FoodMuseum artworkPeople
Pretty Philharmonie, Pretty Cities and Pretty Yende
04/01/2017 VickieVictoria	Leave a comment
The fantastic Hamburg Elbphilharmonie is a newly minted symphony hall by Herzog and DeMeuron, one of our favorite starchitects. Costing nearly a Billion dollars (nur ein Milliarde auf Deutsch, to make it sound like less in classic German humble pie) and three times the original cost, it better klingt gut! It may seem unconscionable at that price, but…at least I wasn't the project manager for that one!?! Whew!!
Nevertheless, I'm sure that it will take your breath away if you see it live. Perched high on a six-level parking podium, this building guards the Hamburg harbor. Looking like a gigantic, dry-docked cruise ship, the interior is equally impressive. Notice the scale of the building next to adjacent existing low rise buildings along the harbor. This building will change the face and pace of future symphony halls. More and younger crowds will attend to be seen and heard in these exciting venues that must include creative new productions and innovative performers in order to survive.
You can read all about it here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elbphilharmonie#
Five German Speaking Cities Ranked Top in Quality of Living Survey
A recent survey tracked the most liveable cities in the world. Of eleven top cities, five are German speaking (Munich, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf are in Germany; Zurich is in Switzerland; and Vienna is in Austria). San Francisco was the only American city ranked in the top ten aside from NYC. Berlin was #11.
The cities — 230 in total — were evaluated on 39 factors including political, economic, environmental, personal safety, health, education, transportation and other public service factors. Cities were compared to New York City which was given a base score of 100. Mercer, who conducted the survey, is one of the largest human resources companies in the world based out of New York City.
Here's the (updated) link: https://www.mercer.com/newsroom/2017-quality-of-living-survey.html
This survey may explain why I devote so much time and effort in learning German and spending a good proportion of my travels in Germany. The clues are based on the key factors cited above. They are the same reasons why I live and breathe in San Francisco. Now you know where I'd be if I hadn't left my heart here.
Pretty Yende Pretty Amazing
April 30 will be a big day for me, when I see Pretty Yende in Dusseldorf. She has a pretty strange and curious name, but once you see her perform, you will completely understand why she us called that.
Out of (South) Africa, Pretty started learning and doing opera from Age 13. Apparently enough time on the clock to soar to one of the Met Opera's youngest divas–performing in the Barber of Seville, Romeo and Juliette, and pinch hitting a few years earlier in Comte Ory. She's gorgeous, powerful, energetic, and a heavenly sensation.
She's planning to learn Wagner next, so get ready for some more fireworks. Don't walk but run* to the nearest operahouse where she is performing. She's slated to sing Lucia de Lamermoor and Elixir of Love next season, and I am already getting in line for tickets at the Met!
Watch the trailer for her new album here:
Incidentally, if you are a new opera lover like me, check out http://www.operabase.org for a database of all performances, opera companies, and performers throughout the world. For instance, if you search for Pretty Yende under Artists, you will see all her past, current, and future performances. It's an awesome site that I use regularly for trip and personal event planning.
A friend spotted Rufus Wainwright at the Zuni Cafe at lunchtime yesterday! There's still time to catch his performance at the Uptown in Napa tonight.
My next post will be the start of Year 4 for Travels with Myself and Others ….so fasten your seat belts…
*Strange visual as some people attending the opera require canes to get around, but that's changing!
Wishing a happy birthday this month to sister Muriel!
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Reflections on Iran (An Excerpt from Dec. 2018)
Turkey Wrap
Emphasis on Ephesus
Munchin' in München (36 hours)
Happy New Year 2020 from Munich
VickieVictoria on Searching for (Lotus) Roots: V…
VickieVictoria on Templemania in Guangdong
VickieVictoria on Antang Village Notes
Tricia on Antang Village Notes
Tricia on Templemania in Guangdong
Real Time Creative and Independent World Travel

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Treasury bonds Treasurys
Jan. Treasury STRIPS rise, as eligible securities gain
By Gary Siegel February 06, 2019, 3:00 p.m. EST 1 Min Read
Newly issued Treasury securities held in stripped form increased about $2.97 billion in January to a total of $301.182 billion, the Bureau of the Public Debt reported Wednesday.
Through the Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities program, STRIPS, about $18.402 billion of Treasury securities were reconstituted in January, down about $23.251 million from $18.425 billion in December.
Securities eligible for stripping totaled $12.950 trillion in January, up about $65.993 billion from $12.884 trillion in December.
Some $12.649 trillion were held in unstripped form.
The STRIPS program allows investors to hold and trade the individual interest and principal components of eligible Treasury notes and bonds as separate securities.
Gary Siegel
Managing Editor, The Bond Buyer
Treasury bonds Treasurys Treasury Department


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Metal Detectors Added at Phillies Spring Training Games
Phillies PR
Previous Article What's New in Food, Fashion & Fandom at the Phillies' Spring Training
Next Article Phillies 2017 Single Game Tickets On Sale
Fans entering Spectrum Field for Phillies spring training games in Clearwater, Fla. will now be required to use walk-through metal detectors immediately before their tickets are scanned. The enhanced security measures model the team's metal detector program at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
All guests will be expected to walk through metal detectors at all entrance gates, starting with the Phillies vs. Tampa Spartans game on Thursday, February 23, 2017. The added security is part of a Major League Baseball mandate stating all fans are subject to metal detection screening.
"The safety of our guests has always been one of the Phillies' top priorities," said Sal DeAngelis, Phillies Director of Operations/Security. "The addition of metal detectors is the next step in advanced security measures at Spectrum Field."
With the enhanced security measures, guests are encouraged to allow for extra time when entering Spectrum Field. Unlike the standard procedures of the Transportation Security Administration, fans will not be required to remove shoes or belts. Those who cannot pass through a metal detector will be checked with a hand-held device.
All cell phones, cameras, keys and other large metal items will need to be removed prior to passing through the metal detectors. Guests will place these items in a screening bowl alongside each individual machine in close proximity and in clear sight. Once through the metal detector, each fan can easily and quickly gather their items and proceed inside the ballpark.
These new procedures are in addition to bag checks, which are already in place in accordance with Major League Baseball security regulations. As before, bags must be no larger than 16" x 16" x 8."
Also See..
Phillies 2017 Single Game Tickets On Sale
Philadelphia Phillies Black History Month Youth Program
Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training Guest Instructors Announced
Phillies Sign Outfielder Michael Saunders #5
Philadelphia Phillies 2017 Spring Training Non-Roster Invitees


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Save up to $5,000 per person on select 2022 voyages when you pay in full at time of booking.
12 Days from Baden-Baden to Frankfurt
Get a Quote Book Now
Germany's spectacular backdrops and breathtaking natural wonders will reveal themselves as you cruise along the alluring Moselle and Rhine rivers. Uncover the best-kept secret in river cruising, the Moselle, as you sail past some of Europe's most serene, village-dotted and vineyard-lined landscapes.
Discover Baden-Baden, a city so stunning that they named it twice. Nestled in the Black Forest, the same forest that inspired the tales of Hansel and Gretel and Snow White, Baden-Baden was once a meeting place for Europe's rich and famous because of its stunning natural wonders and the healing qualities of the thermal waters there. Established over 2,000 years ago as a place for relaxation, the city's curative waters help you strike the perfect balance—with thermal waters that bubble upward from 12 natural springs sitting about 6,561 feet under the earth. Experience it for yourself with a trip to the famed Caracalla Spa or Sea Salt Grotto. Or get out, get going and take in Baden-Baden's enchanting rose gardens, parks, fountains and bridges, and the placid Oos River, on one of many active excursions.
Strasbourg, a dynamic city that has changed its nationality four times, has a lot to offer. With a UNESCO-designated City Center, over 248 miles of biking trails, and hundreds of bakeries, breweries and cafes, you won't have a shortage of ways to explore the town's undeniable charm. Savor a one-of-a-kind experience in historic Speyer, where you'll be treated to a private vinegar tasting at a captivating estate. Explore Cochem's castle-dotted hillsides with a nighttime visit to Cochem Castle, where you'll get an unmatched look at the history of the area over hundreds of years. See Germany's oldest town, Trier, and learn about its rich Roman history on a panoramic walking tour that includes the Emperor Bath, Constantine Basilica, and Karl Marx's birthplace. Embark on a tour of the neighboring country of Luxembourg and get a feel for its warm, welcoming atmosphere on a tour of its capital. And revel in the picture-perfect winemaking villages of Bernkastel and Boppard. Along the way, you'll enjoy countless wellness opportunities and excursions, and can enjoy our Traveling Lite menu onboard, featuring dishes with fewer calories as well as vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Let the enthralling Moselle and Rhine captivate you.
Authentic Danube & Prague
10 Days | Vienna to Prague
2023 | Go off the beaten path from Vienna to Nuremberg to Prague and uncover the scenic wonders that rest along the Danube.
Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland
11 Days | Amsterdam to Basel
2023 | Explore Europe's rich history and Jewish heritage on an incredible discovery.
Castles along The Rhine
8 Days | Basel to Amsterdam
2023 | Find inspiration in the romantic, soul-stirring beauty of the fabled Rhine.
*Select a Cruise Please choose one Rhine, Moselle & Blissful Baden-Baden
*Select a date Select a date Im not sure June 29, 2023 July 6, 2023 July 17, 2023 July 24, 2023 August 4, 2023 August 11, 2023 August 22, 2023 August 29, 2023 September 9, 2023 September 16, 2023 September 27, 2023 October 4, 2023 October 15, 2023
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text:
Change Date 15 May 1948 11 Jun 1948 30 Dec 1948 11 May 1949 23 Jul 1952 13 Jun 1956 7 Nov 1956 22 Feb 1958 19 Jul 1958 21 Sep 1964 10 Jun 1967 18 Sep 1970 8 Oct 1973 24 Oct 1973 22 Jul 1974 15 Nov 1976 19 Mar 1978 25 May 1979 22 Dec 1980 18 Aug 1982 5 Feb 1984 19 May 1986 15 Nov 1988 17 Sep 1991 18 May 1994 29 Sep 2000 22 Jul 2006
Change Chapter (1948 - 1974) The Arab–Israeli Wars (1974 - ) After the Yom Kippur War
Change Map End of Mandatory Palestine First Arab–Israeli War Israeli Victory in Palestine UN Recognition of Israel Egyptian Revolution Rise of Nasser Suez Crisis United Arab Republic Nasser's Zenith Independence of Cyprus and Malta Six-Day War Black September Yom Kippur War Yom Kippur War: Israeli Counterattack
Eastern Mediterranean 1970: Black September
United Arab
I t a l i a n
L i b y a n
Arab Republic
Kingdom of
S a u d i
A r a b i a
Republic of
T u r k e y
G r e e c e
(military junta)
S y r i a n
People's Republic of
Bulgaria(Sov. sat.)
Hashemite
Rep. of
Yugo-
Malta(UK pres.)
Akrotiri(UK)
P.L.O.
Gaza Strip(Isr. occ.)
Dhekelia(UK)
Sinai(Isr. occ.)
(co-capital)
West Jerusalem
Jul 1967–Aug 1970Sporadic Arab
clashes with Israeli
occupation forces
Sep 1967Arab states reject
peace with Israel
Mar 1968Israel attacks
PLO in Jordan
Jul 1968Ba'athists seize
power in Iraq
? Nov 1968–17 Sep 1970PLO–Jordanian clashes
in northern Jordan
Dec 1968US agrees to
maintain Israel's
military edge
Sep 1969Col. Gaddafi overthrows
King Idris in Libya
Jan 1970Soviets begin direct
support of Egypt
17–27 Sep 1970Jordan cracks
down on PLO
18–22 Sep 1970Jordan repels Syrian
intervention in north
Map Browser 18 Sep 1970… Change map… ◀ Prev Next ▶ ★ Key More… Appearance…
The Arab–Israeli Wars
1948–1974 The Arab–Israeli Wars 1974–pres After the Yom Kippur War
Black September
15 May 1948 End of Mandatory Palestine 11 Jun 1948 First Arab–Israeli War 30 Dec 1948 Israeli Victory in Palestine 11 May 1949 UN Recognition of Israel 23 Jul 1952 Egyptian Revolution 13 Jun 1956 Rise of Nasser 7 Nov 1956 Suez Crisis 22 Feb 1958 United Arab Republic 19 Jul 1958 Nasser's Zenith 21 Sep 1964 Independence of Cyprus and Malta 10 Jun 1967 Six-Day War 18 Sep 1970 Black September 8 Oct 1973 Yom Kippur War 24 Oct 1973 Yom Kippur War: Israeli Counterattack
Following the Six-Day War, forces of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) shifted to Egypt and Jordan to continue their struggle, with most eventually concentrating in Jordan. By late 1968 this was causing problems in Jordan itself, as elements of the PLO attacked Jordanian authorities and even threatened regime change. Losing his patience, King Hussein of Jordan launched an offensive against the PLO in September 1970 and, despite a Syrian attempt at intervention, expelled them from the country.
1 Jul 1967–7 Aug 1970 War of Attrition▲
Following defeat in the Six-Day War, the United Arab Republic (Egypt) began a series of commando, air, sea, and artillery strikes against Israeli positions in the Sinai from July 1967, prompting Israeli counterattacks. In 1968 the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) started mounting raids from Jordan into Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, leading to a number of Israeli reprisal attacks into Jordan. After several years of this intermittent conflict—which saw increasing Soviet involvement in Egypt's defence and growing US support for Israel—a cease-fire agreement was reached in August 1970.in wikipedia
1 Sep 1967 Khartoum Resolution▲
At the 1967 Arab League summit in Khartoum, the attending Arab heads of states of Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, and Sudan signed a resolution calling for an end of the Arab oil boycott declared during the Six-Day War, an end to the Yemen Civil War, and economic assistance for Egypt and Jordan. Most famously, the resolution insisted on continued belligerency with Israel in what became known as the "Three No's": "no peace with Israel, no recognition of Israel, no negotiations with it".in wikipedia
21 Mar 1968 Battle of Karameh▲
In March 1968, in response to Palestinian fedayeen (militant) incursions, Israel launched a large scale offensive on the Jordanian town of Karameh, where the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) had made its headquarters. Despite attacking with some 15,000 troops and 47 tanks—and killing perhaps 200 PLO and Jordanian combatants—the Israelis failed in their attempt to capture Yasser Arafat, the PLO leader.in wikipedia
17 Jul 1968 17 July Revolution▲
In July 1968 General Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr launched a coup in Iraq, deposing the "weak" Nasserist president, Abdul Rahman Arif, and bringing the Iraqi Regional Branch of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party to power. The coup solidified Ba'athist rule in Iraq for the next thirty-five years, with al-Bakr's deputy, Saddam Hussein, succeeding him as president in 1979.in wikipedia
? Nov 1968–17 Sep 1970 Fedayeen attacks in Jordan▲
Following the Six-Day War (1967) and especially after the Battle of Karameh (March 1968), Palestinian fedayeen (militants) began converging on Jordan, undermining the Jordanian government's authority in the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)-operated refugee camps of the north. From November 1968 intermittent clashes broke out between the fedayeen and Jordanian authorities, culminating in a number of assassination attempts on King Hussein himself. In early September 1970 three planes were hijacked by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine—an offshoot of the PLO—and blown up after the removal of the 371 hostages, placing Jordan in a state of crisis.in wikipedia
27 Dec 1968 Qualitative Military Edge▲
Prior to 1968 the United States was not a close ally of Israel and other countries, such as France, provided most of Israel's arms imports. This changed in late 1968, when the Lyndon Johnson administration introduced the concept of Qualitative Military Edge, committing the US to maintaining Israel's technological, tactical, and other military advantages over its numerically superior adversaries. As a first step in this new stance, the US announced the sale of 50 F4E Phantoms to the Israeli Air Force.in wikipedia
1 Sep 1969 Al-Fateh Revolution▲
In September 1969, while King Idris I of Libya was in Turkey for medical treatment, a group of Libyan Army officers under the leadership of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi seized power in Benghazi and proclaimed the Libyan Arab Republic. The coup pre-empted Idris' abdication and the succession of his heir the following day. The coup was quickly accepted throughout the country and international recognition of the new government, the Revolutionary Command Council, soon followed.in wikipedia
22 Jan 1970 Soviets in War of Attrition▲
In January 1970 President Nasser of the United Arab Republic (UAR) secretly flew to Moscow to request new SAM batteries and increasing Soviet support in the wake of Israeli successes—aided by US-supplied aircraft—in the 1967–70 War of Attrition. The Soviets agreed to Nasser's requests, increasing Soviet personnel in Egypt from about 3,000 to over 10,000 (plus 100–150 Soviet pilots) by 30 June. This brought Soviet forces into direct confrontation with Israel, leading to the death of 58 Soviet personnel and the downing of several of their aircraft by the end of the conflict.in wikipedia
17–27 Sep 1970 Black September▲
Facing escalating confrontations with fedayeen (militant) concentrations of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in northern Jordan, King Hussein ordered the Jordanian Armed Forces into Amman and other cities to restore government control. The fedayeen resisted the Jordanian offensive for ten days, until Hussein finally agreed to an Egyptian brokered peace agreement. Nonetheless, the conflict weakened the PLO's position in Jordan and in its aftermath the Jordanian government purged itself of Palestinian influences.in wikipedia
18–22 Sep 1970 Syrian Intervention in Black September▲
In response to the Jordanian crackdown on fedayeen concentrations in northern Jordan the previous day, Syrian forces with Palestine Liberation Army markings crossed the border on 18 September 1970. The Jordanian Army managed to stop the Syrians north of Irbid and, four days later, King Hussein ordered in the Royal Jordanian Air Force. With the Syrian Air Force refusing to join combat—possibly due to a power struggle within the Syrian government—the Syrian troops were swiftly ejected from Jordan.in wikipedia
1970 1970s Algeria Cold War Egypt Iraq Israel Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Libya maps North Yemen Palestine Russia September September 18 Sinai Sudan Suez Canal Zone Syria United States USSR Yemen


We've continued ordering Plated.com meals since my first post about Plated. In fact, I've put up unboxing videos on my YouTube channel for all of the meals (feel free to catch up if you really want to).
This week, we opted to try something really different. We've had fish, chicken, and steak aplenty from Plated, but we hadn't seen duck before! I wondered if this would taste like Peking duck did when I was young. It was also our first dessert order from Plated.
#Platedpics Asian Duck Tacos with Pickled Cucumbers. Tasted Luke the best Peking duck I've ever had!
The result? Oh, yes, it tasted absolutely DIVINE. The pickled cucumber side dish was an interesting complement, but the duck completely stole the show. I will have dreams about this meal. It was not difficult to prepare; the duck breast was seasoned with salt and pepper and Chinese five-spice blend (which I would not have thought to use on meat), pan-seared and then roasted through. Absolutely, utterly delicious. Completely worth the burns I got from grabbing the fresh-from-the-oven handle of my pan without a mitt.
The apple crisp, on the other hand, was something of a disappointment. There wasn't really enough cinnamon-sugar seasoning to suit us (easy to remedy) and the topping was more mush than crisp. I tried to improve that slightly by switching to broil for a few minutes, and ended up with burnt. I did like the spiced pecans, which were tossed with chili powder and then oven roasted for a few minutes. The chili powder didn't stick well, so maybe toss with a bit of butter or oil AND the chili powder, but great flavor on that part. The vanilla ice cream was an attempt to rescue the burnt, and was not very successful.
I'd rather have had more duck.