Imagining nations telling national tales

Vladimir Putin says Russia wants to leave its doping “shortcomings” in the past, even as it faces questions regarding data tampering.The Russian president tells a televised sports conference that his country is complying with the World Anti-Doping Agency “to the fullest extent.”WADA has said data handed over by Russia in January shows signs of selective editing and asked the country’s sports ministry to explain.Putin says “our country, our athletes, are first of all interested in leaving in the past all shortcomings linked to anti-doping issues.” He also calls for Russian athletes to compete “without any limitations.”Russians competed as neutral athletes at last year’s Pyeongchang Games when their national Olympic committee was suspended for doping. It has since been reinstated.___More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports … [Read more...] about Putin wants to leave doping issues in past amid data inquiry

Southwest Airlines has evacuated a flight over a hydraulic issue that cropped up after landing at Chicago’s Midway International Airport.Southwest tells reporters that the Monday flight from Austin, Texas, had an issue with a redundant system that powers the main landing gear. Online flight records say the flight arrived about 35 minutes late, landing at about 9 a.m. and spending about 45 minutes on the runway before arriving at a gate.WGN-TV reports the plane turned off the runway upon landing and stopped short of the terminal building. It notes city fire officials say no injuries were reported.The Daily News reports the 137 passengers and the five crew members used airstairs to exit the plane. They were then bused to the main terminal. … [Read more...] about Hydraulic issue leads Southwest to evacuate plane in Chicago

NEWBURY, England — He is a farmer, she says, and she is a farmer’s wife. They are active in their community. She writes a bit on the side, her writing room only recently having been wired for electricity.On my recent visit to her home, she was warm and welcoming. Her yellow Lab, Bella, followed her closely as her mistress ushered visitors into the house.And oh my. What a house. Two hundred rooms. Forty bedrooms. Silk wallcoverings in one room, 16th century Spanish leather wallcoverings in another. An original Van Dyck. A display on Egyptology, in honor of one of the previous occupants who just happened to have discovered King Tut’s tomb.Hundreds of other treasures make it abundantly clear that you are not in Kansas anymore. You are, instead, on the set of “Downton Abbey,” but it’s not a set at all. It is Highclere Castle, and when Season 4 begins Sunday for American viewers of the wildly popular PBS show, it is this magnificent home they will see, … [Read more...] about Under the spell of Highclere Castle and ‘Downton Abbey’

One size does not fit all when it comes to traveling and exploring the world. For plus-size globetrotters, that presents some challenges along the way, whether it’s too-snug airplane seats or spa robes meant for someone of more diminutive stature. Take heart, though—the problems are surmountable. Where there is a desire to take a journey, there are workable solutions to ensure grand experiences. Tips for Plus-Size Travelers Here are tips geared to fellow voyagers of size, gleaned from my own travels as a Rubenesque gal who has racked up visits to more than 70 countries. Choose Size-Friendly Airlines In the U.S., most airlines require that you be able to lower both armrests and buckle up your seatbelt (using one extender). That’s the litmus test in determining whether you may be required to buy an adjacent (aka “comfort”) seat. If you do need an additional “comfort” seat, you’ll need to call the airline directly to book them. Policies … [Read more...] about 9 Tips for Savvy Plus-Size Travelers

By Christopher Hill on Oct 09, 2019 in Africa, Argentina, Australia, Europe, Fiji, Italy, New Zealand, Oceania, Regions, South Africa, South America, Western Europe We are well into the Rugby World Cup, hosted for the first time in an Asian nation – Japan. This year’s event is set to be the most openly contested ever – so hard to pick the winner, with at least 6 countries laying plausible claim to the title. Japan’s historic win over one of the favourites, Ireland, has set the tournament alight, and made Scotland nervous. This is an opportune time to feature some of the destinations that feature prominently in the Rugby World Cup, and outline how you can make a difference when you travel to them. 1. New Zealand Current Cup holders, no rugby world cup list is complete without featuring New Zealand. When you go, go for as long as you can, as there is so much to see, and there are activities to suit all traveller types. From breathtaking hikes to sublime food … [Read more...] about Meaningful trips inspired by the Rugby World Cup