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Lithuanian Capital Of Vilnius Presents A Unique Christmas Tree And Digital Festivities

As the most awaited holidays draw nearer, the official opening of the season of celebrations is usually marked by lighting public Christmas trees. In 2019 Vilnius Christmas tree was awarded the title of the Most Beautiful Christmas Tree in Europe. And this time around the Christmas tree is bound to be a reflection of the exceptional year. Instead of inviting the masses to a magical Christmas town like in the past, this year it has been designed to be safely admired at a distance. While the outside is modern, the inside of the installation reveals a traditional tree assuring everyone that, notwithstanding the changes brought by the pandemic, the Christmas spirit, like always, stays the same.

Visually, the Christmas tree looks like a surrealist picture - a modern 24-meter tall composition is surrounded by 6,000 live and fragrant branches decorated with almost 4 km of colour-changing RGB Christmas lights, 800 silver ornaments, and 150 sq. m of shining mirrors. The state-of-the-art installation is actually twofold: the spatial placement of metal structures creates several mirror-adorned areas while the inside is made to look cosy, home-like, and intimate with a live Christmas tree decorated with pine cones and lanterns. To make it eco-friendly, the lights are powered with electricity generated by processing old coffee grounds. “Although we have already faced many challenges throughout this eventful year, our community has become stronger, closer, and ready for an exceptional Christmas. Vilnius Christmas tree is exactly that - surreal, unexpected yet amazing nevertheless,” says Remigijus Šimašius, Mayor of Vilnius. This year Vilnius is also determined to keep the Christmas spirit alive by introducing alternative and responsible ways to decorate and celebrate in the city: for example, beautifully decorated areas of the city invite one to take a relaxed stroll whilst maintaining social distancing, and virtual Christmas fairs are bound to replace mass gatherings and bring the holiday spirit closer to home.

To exercise a safe and responsible environment, at the same time preserving the Christmas cheer, Vilnius has made a difficult decision to temporarily cancel some of the festive events – a traditional mass Christmas tree lighting ceremony, 3D fairy tales, Christmas train - and move others to digital platforms (live-broadcasted lighting event, e-Christmas Fair). The city has also given a lot of thought on light decorations: holiday lights will adorn the streets from the Old Town, the center, and the parks, to the neighbouring houses and shop windows, and even more remote areas of the city. Moreover, having regrouped in the endeavours to combat the coronavirus by recalling all mass gatherings, Vilnius brings in innovative solutions by exploiting the benefits of virtual reality and moving traditional Christmas fairs online – to an e-Christmas Fair. Shoppers will have the chance to purchase original gifts and products that would have been sold in a real Christmas Town around the Christmas tree. This makes the arrangement ideal for participating in Vilnius Christmas fairs without even setting one’s foot out of the house. So, this year Vilnius puts all efforts into having a safe Christmas in the hopes of making sure that next year all visitors will be able to return to the city for Christmas events in full force. Go Vilnius | the Official Development Agency of the City of Vilnius www.govilnius.lt

The Oldest Chinese Restaurant In America

The oldest continuously-running Chinese restaurant in the U.S. isn't in San Francisco or New York. It's in, of all places, Butte, Montana. The Pekin Noodle Parlor opened in 1911. Jerry Tam's parents, Danny and Sharon, were the third generation of the family to run the restaurant.

"This was a traditional mom-and-pop restaurant, where my mom used to work here, my dad worked here," said Tam. "I have four older sisters that all worked here. My first job was washing dishes. And still, I'm still washing dishes today!" Walking around the Pekin Noodle Parlor can feel like walking back in time – like its iconic booths. "They were originally put up in the early 1900s for privacy," said Tam. "This is sort of social distancing from 100 years ago," said correspondent Luke Burbank. Tam's father read that the unusual orange color stimulated appetite.

Speaking of unusual things, the Pekin is actually up on the second floor of the building. The first level, said Tam, was at one point a herbal shop. "And then we go to the sub-level, where it was all the illegal gaming." There are dusty keno boards, old betting slips, slot machines, and even the suitcase that Tam's father brought over in 1947, when he was just 14 years old: "It was just him and this suitcase." Burbank said, "It's a pretty amazing thing to think about this whole building we're in, all the people who've eaten in the restaurant, and the people who've gambled down here in the basement, all those experiences …" "… Stems from one man, his vision to come to America," Tam said. Technically, it was more than just one man, going back generations of Tam's family and extended family. The history of Chinese-Americans in the West is almost as old as the American West itself. In the 19th century, tens of thousands of Chinese, mostly men, came to work on the railroads, or in mining. But they weren't always so welcome, according to author Jennifer 8 Lee: "Starting in, like, the 1870s and onward, there's huge waves of anti-Chinese violence. You know, there were shootings, there were beatings, there was lynchings." The hatred culminated in the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. "It was the first time actually in American history that the concept of illegal immigration was introduced," said Lee. One of the ways Chinese immigrants got around the law was the so-called "lo mein loophole," which allowed restaurant workers into the country. From 1910 to 1930, the number of Chinese restaurants quadrupled.

Today, there are more Chinese restaurants than McDonalds. To cater to local tastes, Chinese restaurants in America created a cuisine quite distinct from the food in China. For instance, chop suey: "The word chop suey in Mandarin is zasui, which means basically odds and ends," said Lee. "So, we actually thought as the United States, for a long time, that, like, chop suey was, like, the national dish of China. This is what emperors ate!" Today the Pekin Noodle Parlor still proudly serves up its chop suey, along with all sorts of other time-honored favorites: sweet and sour shrimp, pork fried rice, and noodles.

Jerry Tam isn't sure how much longer the Pekin will be serving its noodles. Like everyone, they've been hit hard by the pandemic. But one thing is clear: His family's place in American history is here to stay. "We've been through the Spanish flu, we've been through two World Wars," said Tam. "So, I guess people in Butte, they love my father, they love the restaurant, and they would never want to see anything happen to it." Story produced by Anthony Laudato. Editor: Carol Ross. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-oldest-chinese-restaurant-in-america-pekin-noodle-parlor/

Rome Airport Poised To Try ’COVID Tested” Flights From US

ROME (AP) — Italian authorities will soon approve an experiment with “COVID tested” flights from three U.S. airports with the aim of eliminating the required 14-day quarantine for passengers arriving in Italy, Rome’s main airport said Thursday. ADR, which operates Leonardo da Vinci Airport, said that similar “COVID tested” corridors were also expected to be approved for flights between the airport and the German cities of Munich and Frankfurt. An ADR statement said that pending approval from Italy’s transport, health and foreign ministries, starting sometime in December passengers coming from New York, Newark or Atlanta airports wouldn’t have to quarantine if they test negative for the coronavirus within 48 hours of departure and also upon arrival in Rome. The experiment involves Alitalia and Delta Air Lines.

Under pandemic rules in effect in Italy through at least Dec. 3, the only passengers who can enter the country from the United States are citizens of European Union nations, relatives of EU citizens, holders of Italian residency permits or those coming for reasons of study or a few other, essential purposes like health care. Coming from the United States to Italy for tourism isn’t allowed. Nothing in the ADR statement indicated that is about to change, even as Italy reels under plummeted tourist revenues during the pandemic. ADR expressed hopes that the limited, experimental program will prove workable and be expanded by next summer. Delta Air Lines said in a statement that along with Rome’s airport and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, it has joined in a “first-of-a-kind trans-Atlantic COVID-19 testing program that will enable quarantine-free entrance into Italy.” It quoted Delta executive Steve Sear as saying that “carefully designed COVID-19 testing protocols are the best path for resuming international travel safely and without quarantine until vaccinations are widely in place.” The airline’s statement said Delta’s “dedicated trial” involving testing customers and crew would begin Dec. 19. In contrast with the ADR statement, Delta said testing would be threefold: Passengers would be tested up to 72 hours before departure; a rapid test would conducted at the airport in Atlanta; and another rapid test administered upon arrival in Rome. Travelers also would undergo one more test at Rome’s airport before departing for the United States.

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Mysterious Shiny Monolith Found In Otherworldly Utah Desert

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Deep in the Mars-like landscape of Utah’s red-rock desert lies a mystery: A gleaming metal monolith in one of the most remote parts of the state. The smooth, tall structure was found during a helicopter survey of bighorn sheep in southeastern Utah, officials said Monday. A crew from the Utah Department of Public Safety and Division of Wildlife Resources spotted the gleaming object from the air Nov. 18 and landed to check it out during a break from their work. They found the three-sided stainless-steel object is about as tall as two men put together. But they discovered no clues about who might have driven it into the ground among the undulating red rocks or why.

“This thing is not from another world,” said Lt. Nick Street of the Utah Highway Patrol, part of the Department of Public Safety. Still, it’s clear that it took some planning and work to construct the 10- to 12-foot (3- to 4-meter) monolith and embed it in the rock. The exact location is so remote that officials are not revealing it publicly, worried that people might get lost or stranded trying to find it and need to be rescued. The monolith evokes the one that appears in the Stanley Kubrick movie “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Because it’s on federal public land, it’s illegal to place art objects without authorization. Bureau of Land Management officials are investigating how long it’s been there, who might have created it and whether to remove it.

Eight ‘Ultimate’ Experiences Await You In Ireland

Eight fabulous places on the island of Ireland feature in the latest edition of Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel List. Add them to your must-see list. Lonely Planet’s 500 “most thrilling, memorable and interesting travel experiences in the world”, now includes eight places on the island of Ireland, from breath-taking landscapes to world-class attractions. 1. The Wild Atlantic Way

The 2,500-km touring route wends its way along Ireland’s gorgeous western coastline. Overlooking golden beaches where Atlantic waves crash onto shore, teetering on the edge of majestic cliffs, skirting ancient monuments or passing through picturesque towns, it takes you on and off the beaten track to experience the essence of Ireland. 2. The Giant’s Causeway

The 40,000 hexagonal columns that make up Northern Ireland’s top attraction are the stuff of ancient earth history and legend. Formed from slow cooling volcanic rock (or the handiwork of giants) the mesmerising landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delve into its stories in the visitor centre and frame the perfect photo as the sun sets over the stones. 3. Trinity College Dublin

The sixteenth-century university in the heart of Dublin City boasts wonderful Georgian architecture including The Long Room of the Old Library, considered to be one of the most impressive libraries in the world. It is also home to the magnificent ninth-century Book of Kells, one of Ireland’s most important cultural treasures. 4. Brú na Bóinne

Ceremonial monuments older than the pyramids dot the ancient and sacred UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne. The passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, built some five millennia ago, are among the most important Neolithic sites in the world. At the winter solstice the Newgrange passage is famously illuminated by the rising sun. 5. Ring of Kerry

The subject of a million Instagram photos, the Ring of Kerry is a stunning 111-mile route around the Iveragh Peninsula. Atlantic coast, glacial valleys, lakes, mountains, beaches and craggy hillsides create an ever-changing landscape that is coloured by the vagaries of the Irish weather, while historic sites reflect the rich heritage of the region. 6. Sliabh Liag

The soaring 600m-high sea cliffs of County Donegal’s Sliabh Liag are the highest in Europe. You can get dramatic views of the cliffs from Bunglas Viewpoint but the real experience is hiking to the top to drink in spectacular Atlantic views and experience the peace of a place where time stands still. 7. Titanic Belfast

Crowned the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, Titanic Belfast extends over nine interactive galleries, with full-scale reconstructions, dark rides and innovative features that tell the fascinating story of the tragic liner from her building to her sinking in icy waters. Lonely Planet described it as “a multisensory experience that feels almost like sneaking aboard”. 8. Connemara

The Connemara Peninsula is a place of rugged, unspoilt beauty where jagged coastline meets rusty bogland and sharp peaked mountains rise into brooding skies. But it is also a place of rich language, traditional song and dance, best experienced in the joyful village pub culture of the region. Crowned the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, Titanic Belfast extends over nine interactive galleries, with full-scale reconstructions, dark rides and innovative features that tell the fascinating story of the tragic liner from her building to her sinking in icy waters. Lonely Planet described it as “a multisensory experience that feels almost like sneaking aboard”. For more details please visit: www.Ireland.com

US shows Off Its Star-Studded Expo 2020 Pavilion In Dubai, Now Scheduled For October 1, 2021.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. showed off a literally star-studded pavilion on Wednesday for Dubai’s upcoming Expo 2020, complete with a replica SpaceX rocket body beside it.

Two fog machines swirled smoke around the replica, trying to lend the impression it just landed at the still under-construction Expo site in Dubai’s southern desert. But what will be a major draw at this world’s fair remains in question as the world struggles through the coronavirus pandemic and global air travel, a key industry for Dubai, struggles to take off. Dubai’s Expo 2020, or world’s fair, represents a $7 billion bet by this sheikhdom in the United Arab Emirates that the event will boost tourism and business interest. The pandemic forced organizers to delay the start of the event by a year to Oct. 1, 2021 — putting even more pressure on the expo to turn around Dubai’s economy, which had been struggled even before the virus.

That extra time came in handy for countries participating in the event, particularly the U.S. America struggled to come up with funding for their pavilion and ended up relying on what it called “the generosity of the Emirati government” to cover its estimated $60 million cost. The pavilion’s exterior appeared finished Wednesday, but its interior remained a worksite. John Rakolta, the U.S. ambassador to the UAE, made a point to repeatedly praise the Emirati government for its donation, without offering a figure for the final cost. Asked if that Emirati donation would influence what the U.S. displayed, Rakolta called the UAE “open” and “inclusive.” “They’ve encouraged us to reach for the stars,” Rakolta said. The 3,344 square-meter (36,000 square-foot) pavilion will include a “24-minute experience” of America with moon rocks, a Mars rover and Thomas Jefferson’s Quran, Rakolta said. What an American experience means also could be open to interpretation for a Middle East audience, particularly after years of travel bans targeting predominantly Muslim nations and tensions with Iran under the current Trump administration.

“The United States is a melting pot of cultures from all over the world, and there’s always going to be tension,” Rakolta said “The strength of America is after a hard-fought election to come back together to the middle and to be able to bridge some of the differences that we have.” Rakolta, a Republican appointed by Trump, added: “You only agree with about 80% of what even your own party might have to offer.” The pandemic also remained at the front of people’s minds as attendees all wore government-mandate face masks and hand sanitizers stood at the ready. Rakolta said the American pavilion’s construction had so far avoided seeing a worker contract the coronavirus. It remains unclear what the effect of the virus across the wider Expo construction site has been. Expo 2020 offered no officials to speak to reporters invited for the visit. Officials from Expo also tried to have journalists sign forms that implied they could face criminal prosecution for not following their orders and refused to allow filming of workers on the site. ___ Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP.

Ancient Madrid Market Reopens Amid Debate Over Virus Rules

MADRID (AP) — Madrid’s ancient and emblematic Rastro flea market reopened Sunday after a contentious eight-month closure because of the COVID-19 pandemic that has walloped the Spanish capital. With many major European flea markets still shut down, the Rastro’s return seems to be another example of Madrid’s bid to show that heavy coronavirus restrictions may not be necessary even among the latest surge of the virus and some sort of normality can resume with precautions. That stance has been both criticized and lauded. After lengthy negotiations, city authorities agreed the Rastro could open at 50% capacity, with half its 1,000 stalls alternating each Sunday for a maximum crowd of 2,700 people.

Police with backup drones monitored the market to avoid overcrowding. Dating back to the 1700s, the Rastro sells the usual flea market mix of antiques, clothes, furniture, bric-a-brac and curios in stalls that snake down through a warren-like district next to Madrid’s majestic Plaza Mayor square. Long a traditional meeting and drinking place, the bustling Sunday morning market used to attract thousands of tourists and residents alike. If you arrived after 11 a.m., it was almost impossible to move.

Even though not packed — with one-way pedestrian flows to prevent grouping — the Rastro’s reappearance is likely to be welcomed, another example of Madrid’s bid to keep things going. “Here we are, we are in an open space,” said Sara García, a 44-year-old owner of a jewelry stall. “We fully comply with all the rules they told us to follow. We have more security than indoor places, so it is the best place, so I say to everyone to come to the Rastro because it is a safe place.” Back at the start of the pandemic, Madrid’s hospitals and morgues were saturated. That eased in May, but a second wave this summer put the region back in the spotlight as infections soared. Nevertheless, conservative regional President Isabel Díaz Ayuso has consistently criticized the leftist national government’s attempts to curb the virus, constantly objecting to preventative measures being applied in the rest of Spain.

Díaz Ayuso insists draconian measures aren’t the answer and instead opts for lighter, more localized limitations, leaving bars and restaurants open for most of the day and cinemas and theaters too, albeit with reduced capacity, compulsory masks and social distancing. Although no one knows for sure why some regions’ figures go up or down, health data these days appear to back Díaz Ayuso, leading some German newspapers last week to talk of the “Madrid miracle.” The region’s 14-day infection rate is below 300 per 100,000 inhabitants — high still but below national and European averages and way down from the 500-plus figures Madrid was posting just weeks ago. Some experts explain the drop by the fear factor that has made Madrid residents more cautious amid increasing media scrutiny, but also because regional authorities have been favoring rapid antigen tests that are cheaper but mostly detect symptomatic cases while conducting less of the pricier, time-consuming but more accurate lab tests. Even if that would slightly skew the infection data, the straight-forward rates of hospitalization have also been unquestionably downward.

COVID-19 patients occupy around 14% and 32% of hospital and intensive care unit beds, respectively, better than many Spanish regions. Díaz Ayuso says she is “proud to be improving the rates without decreeing the closure of dozens of companies,” adding that Madrid was currently producing one in three new jobs. But some health workers are unconvinced. “Speaking like that is not appropriate when we have between 20 and 30 COVID deaths a day in Madrid,” said Jesús García Ramos, spokesman for the Satse nurses’ union in Madrid. García says that while numbers are down, Madrid’s 15,000 public health workers “are saturated.” About 1,500 are on COVID-19 sick leave and normality in hospitals “is a long way away,” he says. Many health workers are particularly furious over Díaz Ayuso’s decision to pour an estimated 50 million euros ($59 million) into a 1,000-bed hospital to help deal with coronavirus, instead of shoring up a system run down by spending cuts.

The Nurse Isabel Zendal emergency hospital, built in less than six months, is supposed to open shortly, but it’s still not clear who will staff it. Díaz Ayuso hopes personnel from other hospitals will come voluntarily, but hasn’t explained what the already strained centers they come from will do with fewer staff. “I think we are the only ones in the world to have done such a thing, and that says it all,” García Ramos said, pointing out that there are whole wings in Madrid hospitals that aren’t in use due to a lack of resources. “It would have been more useful to fit out those areas, improve the infrastructures we already have and reinforce them with nurses and other health workers,” he said. __ AP writer Aritz Parra and Alicia León in Madrid contributed to this report. __ Follow AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

Tunnel Plan Near Stonehenge Gets UK Government Consent

LONDON (AP) — The British government went against the recommendations of planning officials Thursday, approving controversial plans for a road tunnel to be built near the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge in southern England. The project, which is aimed at trying to ease traffic along a stretch of road widely prone to gridlock, has been touted for decades but has faced vociferous opposition from local residents as well as archaeologists. The A303 highway, which is a popular route for motorists traveling to and from the southwest of England, is often severely congested around the single-lane section of road near Stonehenge. As part of widespread improvements, a two-mile tunnel will be built that will effectively remove the sight and sound of traffic passing the site, and cut journey times.

The decision by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps goes against the recommendation of the Planning Inspectorate, which warned of “permanent” and “irreversible” harm arising from the project, unseen in the site’s history. However, according to the Department for Transport, Shapps was said to be “satisfied that on balance the need case for the development together with the other benefits identified outweigh any harm.” Proponents of the upgrade, which Highways England has estimated will cost 1.7 billion pounds ($2.2 billion), say it will dramatically ease congestion and eventually help the local environment. The agency expects the fieldwork to start in late spring next year, with the main five-year construction phase expected to start by 2023. “This transformational scheme will return the Stonehenge landscape towards its original setting and will improve journey times for everyone who travels to and from the southwest,” the agency’s chief executive, Jim O’Sullivan said. Opponents of the scheme, who have a six-week window to appeal to Britain’s High Court, have for years voiced worries about the potential damage to the environment, wildlife and potential archaeological finds underground. The Stonehenge Alliance, which has campaigned against the tunnel, said it “deeply regrets” a decision that will be greeted with “shock” around the world. The group added that the plan will breach the U.K.’s international treaty obligations “not to damage” the World Heritage Site. Historian, author and broadcaster Tom Holland, who is president of the Stonehenge Alliance, said the group will oppose the “shameful” decision as vigorously as possible. “The decision to inject a great gash of tarmac and concrete into Britain’s most precious prehistoric landscape is one that ranks simultaneously as spendthrift and sacrilegious,” he said. Hopes that the project wouldn’t win approval were raised in June when it emerged that a team of archaeologists had discovered a ring of at least 20 large shafts within the site, a short distance from the standing stones.

Ancient Greek God’s Bust Found During Athens Sewage Work

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A bust of the ancient god Hermes, in good condition, was discovered in central Athens during sewage work, authorities said Sunday. The Greek Culture Ministry said that the head, one of many that served as street markers in ancient Athens, was found Friday and it appears to be from around 300 B.C. — that is, either from the late fourth century B.C., or the early third century. It depicts Hermes at “a mature age,” the ministry said, in contrast to his usual depictions as youthful.

The head is in the style of famed Greek sculpture Alcamenes, who flourished in the second half of fifth century B.C., the ministry said. After serving as a street marker, the head, at some point, had been built into the wall of a drainage duct, the ministry said.

Luxury Scrub Island Resort In British Virgin Islands To Reopen Dec. 1

SCRUB ISLAND, British Virgin Islands – Situated on its own private island in the British Virgin Islands, the AAA Four-Diamond Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina is now taking reservations in advance of their (Tuesday), Dec. 1, 2020 reopening. Tucked along a rugged cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands, the resort has offered a serene haven for travelers since opening in 2010, providing exceptional on-island experiences and an ideal location for island-hopping exploration of the best of the BVI. The resort will once again welcome overnight guests and marina visitors, following a months-long closure of the entire Caribbean territory earlier this year due to the coronavirus. Having completed extensive preparations to safely welcome guests back, the resort has reactivated its online reservation system.

“We’ve been working diligently to comply with the travel protocols laid out by the BVI government, and to make sure the return of our guests as safe as possible so they can relax and enjoy this fabulous island retreat,” said resort General Manager Michael Schoonewagen. “Our resort guests have the entire island to themselves, with ample space to spread out and enjoy the stunning natural Caribbean beauty in complete privacy. And the marina is perfect for those who want to venture out on a wide variety of land and sea excursions that still meet health and safety measures.”

The resort offers several overnight options for guests and sailing vessels, with 52 guest accommodations, including suites with gourmet kitchens, spacious living areas and private/oversized balconies, as well as a collection of two-, three-, four- and six-bedroom villas, and a 55-slip marina with five for mega yachts up to 170 feet. Two private beaches, a waterfront infinity pool, an intimate spa, world-class dining, and on-site access to dive and sailing charters complete the overall experience on Scrub Island. A year-round tropical climate, balmy breezes and crystal-clear waters are the perfect setting to enjoy other island adventures, such as hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling and more. An on-site boutique with high-end resort wear and accessories, sundries shop with grab & go options, and full-service provisions store with gourmet foods, fresh produce, meats, seafood, beer, wine, spirits and more are all available to resort and mooring guests. In accordance with guidelines established by the British Virgins Islands government, all overnight guests at Scrub Island must adhere to a set of specific protocols and restrictions, which are outlined on the destination’s official travel website. As a member of Marriott’s prestigious Autograph Collection, the resort also follows the brand’s Commitment to Clean program, providing a safe environment for guests and staff. For reservations or more information, visit ScrubIsland.com or call (877) 890-7444.

Travelore News: FAA Statement On Boeing 737 Max Return To Service

FAA Statement on Boeing 737 Max Return to Service

FAA Administrator Steve Dickson today signed an order that paves the way for the Boeing 737 MAX to return to commercial service. Administrator Dickson’s action followed a comprehensive and methodical safety review process that took 20 months to complete. During that time, FAA employees worked diligently to identify and address the safety issues that played a role in the tragic loss of 346 lives aboard Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. Throughout our transparent process, we cooperated closely with our foreign counterparts on every aspect of the return to service. Additionally, Administrator Dickson personally took the recommended pilot training and piloted the Boeing 737 MAX, so he could experience the handling of the aircraft firsthand.

In addition to rescinding the order that grounded the aircraft, the FAA today published an Airworthiness Directive specifying design changes that must be made before the aircraft returns to service, issued a Continued Airworthiness Notification to the International Community (CANIC), and published the MAX training requirements. These actions do not allow the MAX to return immediately to the skies. The FAA must approve 737 MAX pilot training program revisions for each U.S. airline operating the MAX and will retain its authority to issue airworthiness certificates and export certificates of airworthiness for all new 737 MAX aircraft manufactured since the FAA issued the grounding order. Furthermore, airlines that have parked their MAX aircraft must take required maintenance steps to prepare them to fly again. The design and certification of this aircraft included an unprecedented level of collaborative and independent reviews by aviation authorities around the world. Those regulators have indicated that Boeing’s design changes, together with the changes to crew procedures and training enhancements, will give them the confidence to validate the aircraft as safe to fly in their respective countries and regions. Following the return to service, the FAA will continue to work closely with our foreign civil aviation partners to evaluate any potential additional enhancements for the aircraft. The agency also will conduct the same rigorous, continued operational safety oversight of the MAX that we provide for the entire U.S. commercial fleet.

Sweden’s Gothenburg Named The World’s Best Sustainable City To Visit In 2021 By Lonely Planet

“With aspirations of being fossil-independent by 2030, the green shoots of sustainability are already starting to show in Gothenburg,” says Lonely Planet. Other reasons behind Lonely Planet’s pick include Gothenburg being the first city in the world to issue Green Bonds to accelerate investments in climate-oriented solutions, 97% of the city’s public transport running on renewable energy, 95% of its hotels being eco-certified, a low-emission zone in the city center, and an airport that is certified to the highest level of the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme.

This year, the Best in Travel list has been refocused to showcase transformative travel, which encourages travelers to find authentic and mindful moments during their journeys. In 2021, Lonely Planet is looking at the important changes taking place globally, from sustainability to diversity, and shining a light on the destinations and individuals shaping the future of travel.“Once again, Gothenburg has demonstrated that we are a world-leading destination in terms of sustainability,” says Peter Grönberg, CEO of Göteborg & Co, the city’s destination marketing organization. “We – the city and its tourism industry – have worked long and hard to focus on sustainability issues,” explains Katarina Torstensson, Sustainability Officer at Göteborg & Co. “Our ambition has been to create a fantastic city to live in, featuring a broad offering, and taking both the environment and people into consideration. Many bold, determined, innovative people and organizations contribute towards – and share – our vision for sustainable development." > Find out more about sustainable Gothenburg: goteborg.com/en/sustainability > For more information on the Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2021 list: lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Goes Up; Lighting Dec. 2

NEW YORK (AP) — A 75-foot (23-meter) Norway spruce arrived Saturday at New York City’s Rockefeller Center to serve as one of the world’s most famous Christmas trees. The tree was trucked in early Saturday morning and later lifted into its spot by a crane. The tree will be decorated over the coming weeks, and its more than 5 miles (8 km) of lights will be illuminated at a ceremony at 7 p.m. Dec. 2, according to NBC, which is broadcasting the event. No in-person spectators will be allowed this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the network said on the “Today” show Saturday.

The tree was donated by Al Dick of Daddy Al’s General Store in Oneonta, in central New York. Tishman Speyer, the company that owns Rockefeller Center, has said it’s especially proud to keep up the tree tradition this year. The pandemic has spurred the cancellation of some other New York holiday customs, such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

Tampa Museum Of Art Highlights African American Artists In "Living Color"

Tampa Museum of Art Highlights African American Artists In "Living Color" The Tampa Museum of Art opens a new exhibition presenting works by artists known as the Highwaymen, who painted the rich colors of Florida's natural scenes.

The Tampa Museum of Art (TMA) continues to celebrate and honor the richness and complexity of Florida's cultural tapestry with its newest exhibition, Living Color: The Art of the Highwaymen. Opening November 19 and on view through March 28, 2021, Living Color brings together 60 paintings from five outstanding private collections, featuring the works of the core group of Florida Highwaymen. These celebrated African American artists depicted the state's natural environment and rich tones through their unique self-taught painting styles.

The Highwaymen produced artwork from the 1950s to the 1980s. Artists including Al Black, Mary Ann Carroll, Willie Daniels, Johnny Daniels, James Gibson, Alfred Hair, Roy McLendon, Harold Newton, Sam Newton, Willie Reagan, and Livingston Roberts, painted as a means to making a living, and many were quite successful, especially Alfred Hair and Harold Newton. Facing limitations imposed by the racial prejudice of their time, Highwaymen artists had little or no formal training or access to conventional art markets. To overcome these obstacles, they produced large numbers of works that could be sold at affordable prices, often door-to-door and sometimes from their cars' trunks along such thoroughfares as Route 1. "We're pleased to be able to bring Living Color to Tampa because this exhibition speaks to the resourcefulness and resilience of this group of artists. The Highwaymen, based in and around Ft. Pierce, developed their own creative community during a time in Florida's history that coincided with an economic boom in the state and African Americans fighting for equal rights," said Joanna Robotham, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Tampa Museum of Art.

Furthering the momentum of TMA's centennial year, Tampa Bay residents can look forward to studio art classes and educational programs offering in-depth insights into the Highwaymen artwork. Groups of four or more can schedule a private virtual tour, and groups of 10 or more can schedule an in-person tour of Living Color and any exhibition at TMA by visiting TampaMuseum.org/Adult-Tours/. The exhibition is organized by the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) and curated by Gary Monroe in collaboration with Hansen Mulford, Senior Curator at OMA. A fully illustrated catalogue published by OMA in conjunction with Living Color is available at the TMA Museum Store. The Tampa Museum of Art presents this significant exhibition to the Tampa Bay area thanks to the sponsorship support by the Gobioff Foundation, the Sauders Foundation, Brown & Brown Insurance, and others. As the Tampa Museum of Art sets its sights on the future, continuing to partner with businesses and individuals will help the Museum grow a legacy of art and culture in Tampa that inspires and represents all community members. About the Tampa Museum of Art Founded in 1920, the Tampa Museum of Art inspires the residents of the Tampa Bay region and others around the world by providing engaging exhibitions and innovative educational programs that emphasize ancient, modern, and contemporary art. The Museum houses one of the largest Greek and Roman antiquities collections in the southeastern United States. As one of the region's largest museums devoted to the art of our time, the Museum's permanent collection also embraces sculpture, photography, painting, new media, and more. New online programs add to the year-round studio art classes, lectures, and tours that provide children, teens, and adults with opportunities to discover new perspectives and learn different art-making techniques. Likewise, through unique community partnerships, the Museum offers outreach programs that provide art therapy interventions and meaningful modes of self-expression to vulnerable segments of the population. Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, next to the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Tampa's Riverwalk, the Tampa Museum of Art leads as both a cultural institution and a community museum dedicated to celebrating the diversity of its home city. General Hours and Information The Tampa Museum of Art is open seven days a week, Monday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm and Thursdays from 10 am – 8 pm. The Museum's phone number is (813) 274-8130, and the website is TampaMuseum.org. The Museum's address is 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza. Tampa, FL 33602.

Federal Guidance to Fly Healthy This Holiday Season

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Departments of Transportation, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security and State have established a new web portal where airline passengers can obtain updated information on how to Fly Healthy this holiday season. The portal walks you through every step of the process: plan your travel; at the airport; aboard the aircraft; arrival at your destination, and returning home. Passengers making plans to return to air travel during the COVID-19 public health crisis are encouraged to visit the portal before heading to the airport. The experience as an airline passenger begins at home, planning and taking precautions to help everyone have a safe journey while preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Following these and other federal travel guidance will help ensure airline passengers can Fly Healthy for the holidays and safely negotiate all aspects of air travel. Recommendations include, among others:

Trip Planning: Before booking your trip, check for international travel advisories and destination-specific COVID-19 risk. Refer to individual state, territorial, tribal, and local government websites for domestic travel advisories and information about quarantine or other restrictions.

At the Airport: Once you arrive at the airport and exit your vehicle, start wearing your mask. This includes on shuttle buses, trams and any time you are outside your own vehicle on airport grounds.

Aboard the Aircraft: Wear your mask aboard the aircraft, practice good sanitation, and maintain as much social distance as possible. Be sure to pack extra masks for yourself and your party in your carry-on.

Arrival at Your Destination State, local, and territorial governments may have travel restrictions in place, including testing requirements, stay-at-home orders, and quarantine requirements upon arrival.

Returning Home: You may have been exposed to COVID-19 on your travels. Regardless of where you traveled or what you did during your trip, take action to protect others from getting sick after you return. The Federal Aviation Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Transportation Security Administration, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection collaborated on the guidance supporting these recommendations. Additional information to better protect airline passengers, crew, and other airport workers can be found in the Runway to Recovery publication, a joint guidance initiative from the Departments of Homeland Security, Transportation, and Health and Human Services https://www.transportation.gov/flyhealthy

South Africa Reopens To Foreign Travelers Amid Virus Creep

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — In an effort to revive its tourism industry, South Africa has opened up international travel to visitors from all countries, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced. South Africa will now admit foreign visitors providing they produce negative COVID-19 test results, Ramaphosa said in a broadcast address Wednesday night. This step, making South Africa one of the world’s countries most open to international travel, comes as cases of the disease are slowly increasing in the country. Ramaphosa said his government will closely monitor any signs that international visitors increase transmission rates.

“By using rapid tests and strict monitoring we intend to limit the spread of the infection through importation,” said Ramaphosa. “We expect that these measures will greatly assist businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors.” After closing its borders as part of one of the world’s strictest lockdowns imposed at the end of March, South Africa has gradually reopened, resuming international flights on Oct. 1 but not admitting travelers from countries with high infection levels. Now that restriction has been removed, Ramaphosa said. With a cumulative total of more than 740,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including just over 20,000 deaths, South Africa has nearly 40% of Africa’s total number of more than 1.9 million reported cases, including 46,272 deaths, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. South Africa, with a population of 60 million people, has reported a disproportionately high level of cases for the continent of 1.3 billion in 54 countries. At its first peak of COVID-19 in late July, most of South Africa’s hospitals succeeded in coping with patients. Hospitalizations and deaths dropped in August and September but in recent weeks, cases have begun to climb. The 7-day rolling average of daily new cases in South Africa has risen over the past two weeks from 2.74 new cases per 100,000 people on Oct. 28 to 2.85 new cases per 100,000 people on Nov. 11. The 7-day rolling average of daily deaths in South Africa has risen over the past two weeks from 0.09 deaths per 100,000 people on Oct. 28 to 0.10 deaths per 100,000 people on Nov. 11. South Africa’s upward creep is part of an increase across the continent. Africa’s top public health official said the continent has seen an average 8% rise in new coronavirus cases over the past month.

“We expected it to happen,” John Nkengasong, director of the Africa CDC said Thursday, warning that when the virus comes back for a second wave, “it seems to come back with a lot of full force.” The African continent is “at a critical point in the response,” he said, again urging governments and citizens to follow public health measures. Testing across Africa remains a challenge, with 19 million tests conducted so far. Countries with the highest increase of cases in the past week include Congo at 37%, Kenya at 34% and Nigeria at 17%. In South Africa, Ramaphosa warned that citizens must remain vigilant to try to prevent a fresh resurgence of the disease, warning that the Eastern Cape province is experiencing a worrying increase. The number of new cases in the province has risen 50% in the past week and the total number of new cases in the last 14 days is around 145% higher than the previous 14 days, said Ramaphosa.

The president announced that South Africa has extended the country’s current COVID-19 restrictions, requiring people to wear masks in all public places, businesses and stores to keep people distanced and a nighttime curfew from midnight to 4 a.m. In one relaxation, liquor sales can now resume to ordinary trading hours. Ramaphosa said that the country was looking to secure a significant supply of COVID-19 vaccines when tests show they are effective and safe. “South Africa is collaborating with several multinational pharmaceutical companies to obtain a safe and effective vaccine for our people and is contributing towards the availability of the vaccine in the rest of the continent,” said Ramaphosa. “We are working through the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to acquire and fund a vaccine for the African continent. It is estimated that Africa will need around $12 billion and 750 million doses of an effective vaccine.” Last week, South African pharmaceutical firm Aspen Pharmacare announced a deal with the U.S. firm Johnson & Johnson to manufacture its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, if it is approved in South Africa and internationally. Aspen said that it would have a capacity to produce 300 million doses of the vaccine. The COVID-19 outbreak has taken a toll on South Africa’s economy since the lockdown was imposed in March. South Africa lost up to 2.2 million jobs in the second quarter of the year, taking the unemployment rate to a record high of 42%, according to official statistics. Africa’s most developed country slipped further into recession in the second quarter of the year, contracting by 51%. Its economy is expected to shrink by up to 8.2% in 2020, its central bank announced last month.