The Daily Meal Celebrates National IPA Day With America’s 50 Best Craft Breweries

The Daily Meal, the world’s largest food and drink lifestyle site, just unveiled the 2015 edition of its "50 Best Craft Breweries in America" — just in time for National IPA Day, August 7. To arrive at this definitive ranking, The Daily Meal asked readers and craft beer lovers to weigh-in with a survey unlike any other they had curated before.

“With hundreds of American craft breweries to choose from, it felt like an impossible task to determine the best,” said Lauren Gordon, managing editor at The Daily Meal, who spearheaded the project. “It’s like asking folks to choose their favorite star in the sky or their favorite petal on a flower; each is beautifully unique and appealing in its own way.”

The list started with last year's roster of best craft breweries, enhanced with more than 4,000 write-in submissions from Daily Meal readers for breweries that didn't make the list. We whittled this number down to 585 breweries from more than 20 states. Some 2,200 beer lovers voted on their choices, with an eye to taste and variety. When the results were tabulated, California was still king of craft brews, as it was last year, but there was a rise in Michigan spots, as well as those from Ohio and Colorado. Another cool trend? Out of the five New York-based breweries, three of them call Brooklyn home.

Did your favorite American brewery make the cut? You can let The Daily Meal know which brewery on the list is your favorite — or if we missed one that you love — by tweeting @TheDailyMeal using the hashtag #50bestbreweries.

Final Ranking:

RANK	BREWERY 2015
50	Tallgrass Brewing Company, Manhattan, Kan.
49	Toppling Goliath Brewing Co., Decorah, Iowa
48	Abita Brewing Company, Abita Springs, La.
47	Uinta Brewing, Salt Lake City
46	Yuengling, Pottsville, Pa.
45	Elysian Brewing Company, Seattle
44	Terrapin Brewing, Athens, Ga.
43	Prairie Artisan Ales, Tulsa, Okla.
42	Alaska Brewing Company, Juneau, Alaska
41	Dark Horse Brewing Company, Marshall, Mich.
40	Smuttynose Brewing Company, Hampton, N.H.
39	Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Md.
38	Jester King Brewery, Austin
37	AleSmith Brewing Company, San Diego
36	Sixpoint Brewery, Brooklyn
35	Tröegs, Hershey, Pa.
34	Great Lakes Brewing Company, Cleveland
33	Boulevard Brewing Company, Kansas City, Mo.
32	21st Amendment Brewery, San Francisco
31	The Bruery, Anaheim, Calif.
30	Bear Republic Brewing Company, Healdsburg, Calif.
29	Evil Twin Brewing, Brooklyn
28	Ninkasi Brewing, Eugene, Ore.
27	Great Divide Brewing Company, Denver
26	Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn
25	Odell Brewing Company, Fort Collins, Colo.
24	Goose Island Beer Company, Chicago, Ill.
23	The Alchemist Brewery, Waterbury, Vt.
22	New Glarus Brewing Company, Green County, Wis.
21	Southern Tier Brewing Company, Lakewood, N.Y.
20	Green Flash Brewing Company, San Diego
19	Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, N.Y.
18	Left Hand Brewing, Longmont, Colo.
17	Three Floyds Brewing Company, Munster, Ind.
16	Avery Brewing Company, Boulder, Colo.
15	Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pa.
14	Allagash Brewing Company, Portland, Maine
13	New Belgium Brewing Company, Fort Collins, Colo.
12	Cigar City Brewing, Tampa, Fla.
11	Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Paso Robles, Calif.
10	Oskar Blues Brewery, Longmont, Colo.
9	Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Chico, Calif.
8	Ballast Point Brewing Company, San Diego
7	Russian River Brewing Company, Santa Rosa, Calif.
6	Bell's Brewery, Kalamazoo, Mich.
5	Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, Mich.
4	Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Ore.
3	Stone Brewing Co., San Diego
2	Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma, Calif.
1	Dogfish Head Brewery, Milton, Del.

About The Daily Meal

The Daily Meal covers all this food and drink, creating a complete epicurean experience for cooks, food lovers, wine, beer and spirit connoisseurs, discerning diners and everyone in-between. Comprised of original content and video from Award winning editors, industry insiders, tastemakers and the user community, features range across the site’s multiple channels: Cook, Eat/Dine, Drink, Travel, Entertain, Best Recipes, Holidays, Lists and Community. The Daily Meal also produces much anticipated annual reports including the 50 Most Powerful People in Food, America’s Most Successful Chefs, 101 Best Restaurants in America and 150 Best Bars in America. Helmed by editorial director Colman Andrews, The Daily Meal is one of the largest food sites on the Web and the first property of Spanfeller Media Group, founded by Jim Spanfeller. Visit The Daily Meal on Facebook; follow us on Twitter.

September 2015 Major Events in Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay

The Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau (AAACCVB) wants to make it easy for individuals to enjoy the many exciting events and activities that will be taking place in Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay throughout September 2015. To assist individuals who are making advance plans for business or vacation travel, the AAACCVB has put together a September 2015 Major Events Calendar. For a more comprehensive overview of events large and small, visit VisitAnnapolis.org.

September

Brown Bag Lunch ToursTuesdays, September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
12:30 p.m.
Hammond-Harwood House, 19 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis
Admission: $5
http://hammondharwoodhouse.org/
410-263-4683 

Enjoy a 20-minute guided tour of the "Jewel of Annapolis," an 18^th-century Anglo-Palladian house that contains one of the finest collections of 18^th-century fine and decorative arts in the nation. Tours will address a different topic each week, including decorative arts, social history and architecture. Following the tour, participants are encouraged to enjoy their lunch in the beautiful Hammond-Harwood garden. 

Wednesday Night Sailboat RacesWednesday, September 2
First Gun: 6:10 p.m.
Annapolis Harbor
www.annapolisyc.com410-263-9279

Grab your favorite dockside seat in America’s Sailing Capital to watch midweek races where some 150 boats sail around several marks in the Bay before heading back to Spa Creek for a finish in front of the Annapolis Yacht Club. For many, the post-race party is the official beginning of the weekend.

Navy vs. ColgateSaturday, September 5
U.S. Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis
http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/navy-m-footbl-sched.html

Watch Navy play its home opener against the Patriot League’s Colgate Raiders at U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse Tours Saturdays, September 5 and 12 and Sunday, September 27
9:00 a.m. and noon cruises
Tours Depart Annapolis Maritime Museum, 723 Second Street, Annapolis
Admission: $70
www.uslhs.org415-362-7255

The two-hour tour includes 30-minute boat rides to and from the lighthouse aboard the vessel, Sharps Island, and a docent led tour of the restored interior of the National Historic Landmark built in 1875. The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse is the last screwpile lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay still in its original location. Seating is limited. Early reservations are encouraged.

Maryland Renaissance FestivalWeekends and Labor Day, September 5 through October 25
10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis
www.rennfest.com800-296-7304

The region’s premier outdoor event and second largest Renaissance Festival in the country is celebrating its 38th season at Revel Grove. Travel back in time as you immerse yourself in the culture of a 16th-century English village, complete with King Henry VIII and his court. The festival includes 200+ entertainers, ten stages, a 3,000-seat jousting arena, 122 craft shops, 48 food and beverage emporiums, games, attractions and 85 acres of complimentary parking. Let merriment abound!

48^th Annual Maryland Seafood Festival Saturday and Sunday, September 12-13
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. ; Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis
Admission: general admission, $15; seniors and active military, $10; Kids 12 and under, free; VIP individual, $65; VIP Couple, $120;
www.mdseafoodfestival.com410-353-9237

Highlights of this year’s festival include: the 25^th Annual Crab Soup Cook-off featuring Annapolis area restaurateurs and chefs in a classic Maryland Showdown, Xpogo professional pogo stick demonstrations, cooking classes, free stand-up paddle board and SUP yoga demonstrations and an inaugural Paddle for Betterment event. The family-friendly paddle competition follows the format of a poker run, where competitors paddle to checkpoints to collect playing cards. The best hands of poker win prizes. Enjoy mouth-watering food, entertainment by local and soon-to-be-discovered bands, kids’ activities and competitive beach volleyball for adults.

First Sunday Arts FestivalSunday, September 6 (and every first Sunday through October)
Noon – 5:00 p.m.
First block of West and Calvert Streets, Annapolis
Admission: Free
www.firstsundayarts.com410-263-4012

Enjoy live entertainment as you stroll along the first block of West Street and Calvert Street next to Whitmore parking garage and peruse the work of 100 local and regional artists. Local restaurants set up outside cafes that are perfect for people watching and an afternoon bite to eat. Free parking for the family-friendly event is available at the state parking garage on the corner of Calvert and Bladen Streets.

17^th Annual Arts Alive
Friday, September 11
6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis
Tickets: $150
https://www.marylandhall.org/410-263-5544 or 410-280-5640

"Swing with the Arts" at Arts Alive 17. The event kicks off in Maryland Hall’s "tent under the stars" where guests can mix and mingle, enjoy great food and wine and bid on silent auction items. The action then moves inside to Maryland Hall’s theatre for a live auction and classic swing and jazz tunes by the Craig Gildner Big Band. The orchestra pit will be turned into a dance floor for the evening’s festivities. Proceeds benefit Maryland Hall.

National Treaty of Paris FestivalFriday and Saturday, September 11-12
Friday, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Treaty of Paris Center, Crown and Crab Room, Maryland Inn, 16 Church Circle, Annapolis – and at various sites throughout Annapolis
Admission: Free
http://www.treatyofpariscenter.org/202-436-5909

Enjoy a weekend of exhibits, guided and self-guided tours, films and presentations highlighting events of national significance that took place between 1783 to 1787, the years between the end of the Revolutionary War and the start of the Constitutional Convention. Host locations include: Maryland Inn, St. John’s College, U.S. Naval Academy Museum, Maryland State House, Chase-Lloyd House, Callahan House, Brice House, Capital Teas, Capital Cakes and Cream, Season’s Olive Oils and Vinegars, Mills Fine Wine & Spirits, Treaty of Paris Restaurant, Harry Browne’s Restaurant, Vida Taco Bar, Clay Bakers, Annapolis Collection Gallery and McBride Gallery.

4^th Annapolis Craft Beer and Music FestivalSaturday, September 12
Noon to 6:00 pm
U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis
Admission: Tasting Ticket, $40; Non-tasting, $20; Youth ages 12-20, $10; Kids under 12, free
www.theannapoliscraftbeerandmusicfestival.com410-263-4012

Choose from more than 120 beers produced by more than 45 regional and national craft breweries during the area’s largest craft beer event. Attend educational seminars on topics including craft beer 101 and cooking with craft beer. Enjoy live music ranging from smooth jazz, to island music, rock and roll, classics, R&B, country and more. Pair your beer with a wide selection of cuisine and check out the festival shops. Bring your own chair.

Ann Arrundell County Historical Society’s Flea Market/Craft FairSaturday, September 12; rain date: Sunday, September 13
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Historic Benson-Hammond House, Aviation Blvd. and Andover Road, Linthicum
http://www.aachs.org/ 
410-956-4809

In search of a great treasure? Check out the Ann Arrundell County Historical Society’s annual event on the grounds of the historic Benson-Hammond House.

Anne Arundel County Fair Wednesday, September 16 through Sunday, September 20
Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, 1450 Generals Highway, Crownsville
www.aacountyfair.org410-923-3400

For more than 62 years, the Anne Arundel County Fair has been amusing visitors of all ages with fun contests including hog calling and watermelon eating! Booths feature everything from homemade wine and home-brewed beer to furniture and one-of-a-kind Christmas decorations. Kids will enjoy the amusement rides, illusionist show, 4H Club animals and interactive car racing. There’s something for everyone!

Navy vs. East CarolinaSaturday, September 19 
3:30 p.m.
U.S. Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis
http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/navy-m-footbl-sched.html

Watch Navy play its first American Athletic Conference in-conference game against the East Carolina Pirates.

11^th Annual Boatyard Beach BashSaturday, September 19
5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Annapolis Maritime Museum, 723 Second Street, Annapolis
Admission: General Admission, $75; Very Important Parrot Heads, $125
www.amaritime.org410-295-0104

Event founding sponsor, Boatyard Bar & Grill, and title sponsor, KeyW, have put together a star-studded lineup that includes five of the original Coral Reefers – Michael Utley, Jim Mayer, Peter Mayer, Brendan Mayer and Doyle Grisham. Other featured world-class musicians include John Frinzi and Scott Kirby. They’re all scheduled to perform on a waterfront stage at the Annapolis Maritime Museum.

Maryland Avenue/State Circle Fall FestivalSunday, September 20
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Maryland Avenue and State Circle, Annapolis
Admission: Free
http://www.mdave.com/

Enjoy an old-fashioned street festival with merchants and vendors offering art, antiques, jewelry, fashion, home décor, crafts, food and activities for the entire family. Galway Bay and Harry Browne’s offer bistro dining, and Galway Bay provides outdoor live music from noon until 5:00 p.m. Take advantage of free parking at the state garage located at Calvert and St. John’s Streets.

Art Sherrod, Jr. in ConcertSunday, September 20
4:00 p.m.
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis
Admission: Non-Member, $25; Member, $20
https://www.marylandhall.org/
410-263-5544 or 410-280-5640

Enjoy a special performance by national recording artist and smooth jazz saxophonist, Art Sherrod, Jr. The concert celebrates the release of Sherrod’s new gospel jazz album, "Intervention."

Blazers, Bourbon and CigarsThursday, September 24
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
William Paca House and Garden, 186 Prince George Street, Annapolis
Tickets: Host committee, $500; VIP admission, $150/$175 beginning 8/15; General admission, $50/$75 beginning August 15
www.annapolis.org410-267-7619

Area residents and visitors are invited to enjoy an evening with blazers, bourbon and cigars. Established last year, the event is a premier gentlemen's evening in Annapolis, complete with tempting foods, drinks, cigars and clothiers from near and afar. Be a part of this gathering of the "who's who" in Annapolis, that includes local residents as well as individuals from surrounding areas.

26^th Annual Kunta Kinte Heritage FestivalSaturday, September 26
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Susan Campbell Park, City Dock, Annapolis
Admission: Free
http://kuntakinte.org/
Enjoy this celebration of African-American heritage that includes cultural music and dance, world foods and a marketplace of African and Afro-centric wares. Highlights include an Annapolis Drum and Bugle Corps procession, musical performances by KARMA Showcase Band, DiVine of Annapolis and Tribes R&B Band. Dance enthusiasts will enjoy performances by Capoeira Social Project of Baltimore, Keur Khaleyi African Dance Company, Carr’s Beach Hand Dance Club and an African dance demonstration by Lauren Kelly-Washington of BIiS Moves. The Chesapeake Children’s Museum offers many activities at the children’s tent, including craft-making and African dress-ups.

Sixth Annual Classic Wooden Sailboat Rendezvous and Race Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ; Sunday, 11:00 a.m. warning signal
National Sailing Hall of Fame Dock, City Dock, Annapolis
http://www.nshof.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=746&Itemid=260
Don’t miss this fun gathering of classic wooden sailboats that showcases their history and elegance and provides an informal opportunity to compete in a low-key race against similar vessels. Any boat under 65 feet in length whose hull is built from wood and whose design dates prior to 1970 may participate. This includes newer wooden boats built to pre-1970 designs. Festivities begin on Saturday with a public boat display, dinghy rowing races, demonstrations and talks. The warning signal for Sunday’s race will sound at 11:00 a.m.  

25th Annual West Annapolis OktoberfestSunday, September 27
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
West Annapolis – Annapolis Street from Taylor Avenue to Melvin Avenue
410-956-7278 

10 Popular Myths About Wine—Debunked

Free your palate by discarding these popular misconceptions about wine.

It happens to everyone, even those of us who taste wine for a living. Certain common misconceptions about wine become unquestioned truths. And once they harden into beliefs, they inevitably put up fences around anyone’s ability to expand their wine knowledge and exploration.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with having favorite grapes, producers, or wine regions. But limiting yourself to only those wines you know you like closes the door on the vast, unexplored territory occupied by all the wines you know nothing about. Don’t let your hidden wine prejudices fence you in!

1. Expensive wines are better wines.

Admittedly, this is often the case. But unlike other discretionary purchases, wine prices are influenced by factors other than quality. Location, image, scores and celebrity connections can elevate prices without impacting quality. On the flip side, wines from less familiar grapes, places and producers—especially imported wines—can offer surprisingly impressive quality for your budget-squeezed dollar. Consider the astonishing popularity of Argentine Malbecs, for example. Those $10 reds are flying off the shelves for a good reason. They over deliver relative to the price.

2. Big corporations only make good wine, never great wine.

This is simply not true. Big companies have deep pockets, rich resources and the talent to make boutique-style wines within the context of a mass-production facility. Not all of them rise to the challenge, but there are many that do.

3. Boutique wineries make wines that are more authentic.

Authentic is a buzzword these days, though nailing down a good definition of what makes a wine authentic is a bit of a challenge. Boutiques make wines in small lots, often focused on particular vineyards, which is one way to define authentic. Experiments in biodynamic viticulture, native yeast fermentations and fermenting in amphorae may all be considered more “authentic” than standard winemaking practices. But are such wines really better, or just different? That’s a more important consideration than some indistinct notion of authenticity.

4. Serious, ageworthy wines are always sealed with cork.

Actually, screwcapped wines can age just as well as—some would argue even better than—wines finished with cork. Some wineries, like Australia’s Peter Lehmann, use screwcaps exclusively, except for wines being shipped to the United States. But even here, more superpremium red wines are using screwcaps. There is no technical reason that those wines won’t age just as well as those finished with cork.

5. Big, tannic wines just need more time to age.

This is one of those wine myths that contain a smidgen of truth. Yes, over time, tannins drop out of solution, hence the need to decant older wines. But any wine that is unbalanced when young is likely to remain so when aged. If a wine is too tannic, too acidic or too alcoholic when young, it is not likely to have a long life ahead.

6. There is a perfect time to drink any wine worth cellaring.

Most wines, even cellar-worthy ones, are delicious upon release. The better wines will age well for up to a decade. Rare indeed are wines that need a decade or more to reach their peak. It is always better to drink a wine a year too soon than a day too late.

7. A massive bottle means the wine must be good.

A heavy glass bottle is certainly an indication that the winery has made a substantial investment in the packaging. It’s also quite likely that it will have a hefty price tag to match. But does that guarantee that the actual wine inside will be exceptional? Not at all. Most of the time, it simply means that it will be very ripe, jammy and aged for an extended time in expensive new oak barrels. Good for some palates, not so good for others.

8. Sweet wines are for beginners, not educated palates.

Some of the greatest wines in the world are sweet. Sauternes, ice wines, trockenbeerenausleses and so on are decadently sweet, immensely flavorful and also quite ageworthy. And generally the more educated palates are the ones that they most appeal to.

9. In poor vintages, no wines are any good.

Vintage ratings are useful as general, broad indicators of the climatic conditions in a particular region in a certain year. But in every region in every vintage, almost without exception, great wines are made and poor wines are made. Ultimately, the quality of any finished wine is a reflection of the skills of the producer, not the vagaries of the weather.

10. All wines worth cellaring are red.

Certain white wines—vintage Champagne, Sauternes, German Rieslings, and even some dry white wines from places as diverse as the Loire Valley, Western Australia, and southern Spain—are just as ageworthy as any reds. Any older wine delivers a different spectrum of flavors from what you would taste in a young wine. That’s why it’s fun to pull out an old white wine once in awhile, just as you would with a Napa Cabernet or a Barolo, and see where the wine is taking you.

BY PAUL GREGUTT

Shopping for wine? Browse wine ratings on the go with Wine Enthusiast's Tasting Guide app for iPhone and Android

Lufthansa Restaurant Service begins, Creating A Better Dining Experience

A new travel experience in Business Class on long-haul flights starting August 1st

Lufthansa Business Class passengers can look forward to a completely new service on board long-haul flights. Now, flight attendants will be placing much greater emphasis on the personal needs of the passengers that they are assigned to.  The flight crew will individually respond to guests' needs and requests similar to an upscale restaurant. After the flight attendants have personally welcomed 'their' guests on board and by name, they take their orders and set the tray tables with ceramic tableware. Service plates will replace trays and flight trolleys when meals are served directly from the galley.

After the introductory flights in June and July on the Airbus A380 routes to New York (JFK) and Miami, the restaurant service will now be launched on the A380 services to Houston, Johannesburg, Los Angeles, Miami, Delhi, New York (JFK), Beijing, San Francisco, Shanghai, Seoul and Singapore from  August 1st onwards. The service will then be introduced on flights with the Boeing 747-400 and 747-8 from Frankfurt on October 1st and the Airbus A340 fleet from Frankfurt and Munich to Asia and the Middle East on October 25th.

Special service-training courses for around 4,500 flight attendants have been occurring since May of this year. The approximately 130 flights on which the new concept has already been tested received an extremely positive response from Business Class guests. With its new restaurant service, Lufthansa is taking another major step towards becoming the first five-star airline in the Western hemisphere.

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About Lufthansa

One of the world's largest and most prestigious airlines, Lufthansa, serving 20 North American gateways, currently flies to 258 destinations in 80 countries. The air carrier offers hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. With the Lufthansa Group acquisition of Austrian Airlines, SWISS and a stake in Brussels Airlines, additional hubs include Vienna, Brussels, and Zurich. The entire Group flew a total of 106 million passengers in 2014. Lufthansa, along with its Group members and Star Alliance partners, serves over 1,300 destinations worldwide. An industry innovator, Lufthansa has long been committed to environmental care and sustainability, operating one of the most technologically-advanced and fuel-efficient fleet in the world. Its long-haul fleet to and from North America includes the Boeing 747-8 and the Airbus A380— the industries’ two most environmentally-friendly passenger aircraft. Lufthansa is the largest European operator of the A380 and was also the launch customer for the new Boeing 747-8. By 2025, Lufthansa will receive 272 new aircraft worth about €38 billion in list prices on order. Known for its premium services, Lufthansa continues to build new or upgrade existing lounge facilities across its worldwide network and will spend over €3 billion in new products and services by 2016. In 2014, Lufthansa introduced its new Premium Economy Class which offers further comfort and more personal space. By the end of 2015, Lufthansa’s entire long-haul fleet will feature all new onboard products in each class– bringing Lufthansa one step closer to becoming the first five-star airline in the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, nearly the entire Lufthansa long-haul fleet is equipped with its onboard broadband wireless Internet service, FlyNet. For more information or reservations, visit www.LH.com.

MH370 Search: More Debris Found On Beach

Police take away an item found washed up on Reunion Island days after a wing-part was sent to France examination

Police collecting an object from a beach on La Reunion

• Share on Twitter
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• Share by emailA 'metallic' object that could be from the missing plane MH370 has been found washed up on Reunion Island, say Sky sources.Sky's David Bowden said it was discovered in a different location to the flaperon which is currently undergoing tests in France to find out if it is from MH370.The flaperon was found on a beach in the town of Saint-Andre. Bowden said the new object was found closer to the capital Saint-Denis.

A 'metallic' object that could be from the missing plane MH370 has been found washed up on Reunion Island, say Sky sources.

Sky's David Bowden said it was discovered in a different location to the flaperon which is currently undergoing tests in France to find out if it is from MH370.

The flaperon was found on a beach in the town of Saint-Andre. Bowden said the new object was found closer to the capital Saint-Denis.

Pictures taken before police took the object away show a twisted piece of metal with symbols etched into it, with a handle that looks as if it is made from leather or plastic.

Bowden said that although it is not known if the object is from the doomed Malaysia Airlines flight or from a Boeing 777, it had Chinese and Malaysian writing on it and was thought to be from the inside of an aircraft.

He said it was taken away by police in an aluminium case that was just over 30cm (one foot) long.

Bowden said he approached the officers on Reunion and was told: "No comment."

It was earlier thought that the object found was the door of a plane, but Bowden said that did not now appear to be the case.

Malaysian officials, who were said to be heading to La Reunion on Saturday, have said they want to expand the area being searched for debris to other aviation authorities in other parts of the Indian Ocean.

It comes after other reports that debris that could have come from the plane washed up previously on beaches on La Reunion but was burned because it was not thought significant.

MH370 disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in March 2014.

The latest find comes as the wing part that was found earlier on Reunion arrived at a French laboratory for analysis.

Video: MH370: Timeline Of Events

The debris, which was first flown to Paris, was driven to a military base near Toulouse, which specialises in analysing aviation wreckage.

Air accident experts will examine the wreckage to determine whether it belongs to MH370.

If confirmed, the discovery could offers hope of an explanation to the families and loved ones of the 239 missing passengers and crew.

Aviation experts say the component may have stayed afloat due to air pockets in its structure and is almost certainly part of a Boeing 777.

Experts will attempt to verify the serial number of the wing-flap before conducting further tests to establish why it separated from the rest of the plane.

Investigators believe someone on board MH370 may have switched off its transponder, which allows it to be located, before flying it thousands of miles away from its intended course.

Source: www.news.sky.com

10 Tips For Flying With Babies And Toddlers

Getty

Flying with kids is never easy, but a little preparation before the flight can go a long way.

For a lot of us, flying is already nerve-wracking. But flying with a baby is a hundred times harder than flying alone. First, there's the gear that you have to bring. Then, there's the limited space issues. And then, there's the baby itself. Will she sleep? Will he cry? Will your seat mates understand or just give you dirty looks? In one year, I've made a total of three transcontinental trips with two babies and three short jaunts from LA to San Francisco. Here's what I learned along the way.

Pack what you need, and then some. I once heard about a family with a baby getting stuck on the tarmac and running out of milk and diapers. Ever since then, I've always packed a carry-on with enough food, snacks, toys, and diapers in case we get delayed either coming or going. This will make your diaper bag bulkier and heavier than you'd like, but it means you won't have to hold a screaming baby with an overflowing wet diaper on the tarmac. You should also pack an extra pair of kids' clothes, especially if you have a toddler, as there will be at least one major spill while in-flight.

Bring a dish towel. When I first started flying with a baby, I would bring not just my own big pack of baby wipes but also a few sheets of paper towels in case of major spillage. But I've since upped my game and carry a dish towel as well. It proved especially useful on a flight from New Jersey to Los Angeles when my daughter got sick just before landing. Luckily, Virgin America also gave us a special biohazard kit so that we could clean up the mess on our own.

Pay for extra legroom. If you can afford it, upgrade to a seat with extra legroom. It makes holding a lap child much more comfortable, plus there's more room on the ground for your bulky diaper bag. You can even lay the baby down on the ground on top of a blankie. Though airline regulations state children are allowed to sit on your lap until they are two years old, we suggest buying a seat for your kid if they are over 18 months old, especially if it's a longer flight. That way they can sit in their own seat, play with their toys, and if you're lucky, take a nap.

Charge up your gadgets before the flight. You might be able to survive if your phone or tablet is on low battery life during a flight because you can always read a magazine or watch TV. But for a toddler, you better have that iPad or portable DVD player charged to its full capacity before the flight.

Prepare for the worst of TSA. Inconsistent TSA searches are a reality for families, especially when baby food and bottles of milk are involved. Once, at LAX, a TSA agent stripped all the labels off my to-go bottles of baby formula, saying that the machine couldn't test the bottle through the labels. (That was new.) Be sure to factor an extra 20-30 minutes at security into your travel times.

Get your gate-check tickets first. After you make it through security, go straight to the gate and get your gate-check tickets for your stroller or car seats or both. Then, you can let the kids play and burn off energy. As for what to check and what to gate-check, I still haven't found the magic combination. But usually, I gate-check at least one stroller and then regular check the car seats. (Some parents fly with car seats but I haven't done that as I dread having to lug the car seat through security.)

You don't have to board at family boarding time. After first class and priority boarding, airlines typically give families the chance to board before the rest of the plane. This can be great because it gives you access to the overheard compartments and gives you a chance to get settled in without feeling rushed. However, if you've got a squirmy baby or an overactive toddler, boarding before the rest of the plane just means you have to sit in a tight space for a little bit longer. Depending on your child, you may want to wait until the last possible moment to board.

Feed the baby during takeoff and landing. This is a tried and true tip for flying with babies. Make sure to breastfeed the baby or give them a bottle of milk or a sippy cup of water at takeoff and landing to help their small ears adjust to the plane pressure. And anytime you notice the pressure getting rough on your own ears, be sure to give the baby something as well, even if it's just a pacifier.

Bring both toys and treats. I usually buy my daughter small little toys before our trip and break them out on the plane. A plane ride is also a great time to break out some special treats like lollipops. The first time my daughter ever had a lollipop was on descent into LAX last fall. She went from screaming and crying, "No seatbelt, no seatbelt!" to telling everyone around us "I have a lollipop! I have a pink lollipop!" in just a matter of seconds.

Know that the flight will end at some point. When I fly cross-country now, I try not to look at my watch until I am really desperate. There's nothing worse than looking at the time during a flight and realizing only an hour has gone by and you've still got four more to go. While I, and everyone else who's ever flown with kids, can give you tons of advice on what to bring and what to do, there's not much you can do when the cabin door closes and the plane pushes away from the gate. So just make the most of what you brought on board with you and pray that your little one doesn't have any major blowouts, spills, or meltdowns. And that your seat mates are parents, too.

This article originally appeared on Jaunted.com in 2013. It has been updated.

Written by Juliana Shallcross and Jaunted, www.cntraveler.com

12 Things To Do In Rio de Janeiro

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - 

Rio 2016: 

1. Hiking and trekking in Tijuca National Park

Tijuca National Park covers an area of 15 square milesaround Rio de Janeiro. This huge conservation area embodies some of the best views of the city, including Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer, and Pedra da Gávea – a steep rock, paradise for climbers.

Tijuca National Park is the largest urban forest in the world and hikers can be spoiled with its hundreds of miles of trails, greatvariety of fauna, flora and an impressive wildlife.

2. Dancing time at Lapa

Lapa is one of the most bohemian neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro, known for its lively social scene and cultural events. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy live Brazilian music and to risk some Samba and Forró moves.

Located at the historic center of Rio's downtown, Lapadistrict has many restaurants, bars and clubs, with an open-air party vibe that brings the streets to life on the weekends.

3. Picnicking at Rio’s Botanical Garden

Created by Dom João VI in 1808, the Botanical Garden is home to rare species of flowers and plants, with a very important botanic collections recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.

Great option for families with kids, the Botanical Garden has picnic tables, playground, plenty of space to run around. Kids can have also the opportunity to watch out little monkeys and colored parakeets playing on trees.

4. Watch a Game at Maracanã Stadium

Whether you are a “futebol” fanatic or not, watching a match at the most famous stadium is definitely something not to be missed. What makes watching a soccer game in Maracana a unique spectacle? The passion of Brazilian supporters, the drums, fireworks and colored banners waving to the sound of the team’s anthems.

Maracanã Stadium was opened in 1950 to host the World Cup, and was renovated for the 2014 tournament. The stadium held the 2014 World Cup final match and will host the opening and closing Olympics ceremonies.

5. Tour Rio’s Art Museums

Rio de Janeiro is home of many cultural Institutions and museums that houses collections from renowned international and Brazilian artists. Here some of the most important: Museum de Arte do Rio (MAR), Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro (MAM), Museu de Arte Contemporanea de Niteroi - MAC (famous for it’s design by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer)

Two more Museums are under constructions and should be open by the start of the Olympics. The Museum of Tomorrow, designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava, will be a science museum scheduled to open in the second half of 2015. The Museum of the Image and Sound (MIS) is getting a new house at Copacabana beach and may transfer its collection to the new building in thebeginning of 2016.

6. Surfing waves at Rio’s beaches 24/7

Rio is definitely the place to be in the water. A little over 45 minutes drive from downtown Rio, the beach of Prainha is known as one of Rio’s best spots with breakers up 12-15ft high. For an urban ride, Arpoador beach, located between Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, is one of the most unique places. Arpoador is known as the places where every night, “Silver Surfers” shed their business suits for wet suits and practice Night Surfing. The beach is uniquely illuminated to allow surfers to see incomingwaves at night.

The Barra da Tijuca beach, close to the Barra Olympic Park, has also good waves along its 11 miles of shore. Barra is also the place to practice kite surfing, a sport that is getting very popular in Rio de Janeiro, thanks to a combination of good weather and wind, and the cariocas’ love for beach sports.

7. Blend in with the locals at the Rio Long Shores

From popular places like Copacabana and Ipanema, to a more secret, hidden and tranquil beach like Grumari, a day on the white sand beaches of Rio is a relaxing and cultural experience. Cariocas love their beaches and many of those stretches of sand can be described by a particular group of regulars and/or activities, creating a rich mosaic of the city.

Rio’s urban beaches are marked by “Postos”, and travelers will find many kiosks along the sand that sell cold beverages and food. Also, many vendors go around selling kangas, beachwear, iced-tea, coconut water, and “salgadinhos” (salty snacks). Sport is very present along the shore with soccer, surfing, stand-up, cycling, jogging, volleyball and Futevolei.

8. Stretch your wings over Rio de Janeiro

The sweet wind, the weather and the stunning hills and scenic views prime Rio for the hang gliding sport. The city offers flyers the gorgeous ocean, lush forests and the necessary spirit for the adventure.

Pedra Bonita, in the Tijuca National Park, has a ramp where hang gliders take off towards Pepino Beach.

9. Savour the “essence” of Rio de Janeiro

The carioca spirit cannot exist without its “botequim or botecos”. Hanging out with friends at their favorite bars, sipping icy cold draft beer (Chopp), eating Brazilian appetizers or “aperitivos” is what makes this city so lively and friendly. Plates of fried cassava, cod balls and “pasteis” (a pastry filled with cheese, meat or shrimp) or coxinhas (small chicken croquettes ) blend the city’s Portuguese and African origins and are simple irresistible.

You can find also many bar specialized in “cachaças” where you can taste the finest Brazilian production. Saturday is feijoada day in Rio de Janeiro, and it’s easy to find a place where you can taste the tradicional brazilian dish.

10. Discover Santa Teresa

Go for a walk in the charming and quiet cobblestone streets of Santa Teresa. The neighborhood offers a collection of cafes, restaurants, and art shops surrounded by a 19th-century architecture.

Some highlights are: The Escadaria Selaron (Selaron Steps), a work by the Chilean-born Jorge Selaron, who covered the staircase with colored ceramic, mirrors and tiles from all over the world. Also, the Cultural Centre Parque das Ruinas, with its beautiful views over Guanabara Bay, and the Museu Chacara do Ceu, which brings works of renowned Brazilian artists such as Candido Portinari, Di Cavalanti, Volpi, Iberê Camargo and Manabu Mabe.

11. Biking the Marvelous City

Biking is a good way to explore Rio de Janeiro, and the bikelanes along the beaches and lakes offer spectacular views. The Bike Rio – the oranges bikes you can rent around the city – is very easy to use and a month pass cost only R$10.00 (US$ 3 dollar circa), or R$5,00 (US$ 1.5 circa), for a day pass.

You have also many specialized companies that rent bikes and offer bicycle Tours around the city, helping travelers explore alternative routes and discover stunning views. Some of the routes can include mountain ride to Chinese View, Corcovado, and Christ the Redeemer or trails in the Tijuca Forest.

12. Experience Early Glimpses of the Olympics

Rio de Janeiro is already in the Olympics Games mode, with the “Aquece Rio” or “Warm-up Rio” test events taking place until May 2016. During this period, 40 competitions will be staged in the city, providing a great opportunity to know the Olympic Venues and to watch your favorites athletes.

To mark one year to Rio 2016, in the beginning of August, the city will conduct the triathlon and equestrian tests. The events will put a spotlight at Copacabana and Deodoro Venues.