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BLM peaceful protests are working

In the last two weeks, the United States has seen some of the most widespread protests in its history in response to the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. In addition to growing awareness, which is in itself a victory, there are many concrete changes that have already happened as a result of the current movement. Here are just a few of those major changes, with many more to come.

Police department reform

“Defund the Police” has become a popular rallying cry over the past few weeks. Although calls to defund the police are vague, and could ultimately result in a wide range of reform measures, some cities around the country have already taken steps to reallocate police funding.

In Minneapolis, the City Council announced its intention to dismantle the Minneapolis Police Department and reevaluate how the city handles emergency response and public safety. While an exact path forward hasn’t yet been defined, Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender told The Appeal, “Our commitment is to end our city’s toxic relationship with the Minneapolis Police Department, to end policing as we know it, and to recreate systems of public safety that actually keep us safe.” Multiple organizations in Minneapolis, including public schools, museums, and venues, will also be ending their collaborations with the police department.

In New York, mayor Bill de Blasio vowed to cut funding to the NYPD and reallocate part of the department’s $6 billion annual budget to youth and social services. Although the exact amount hasn’t yet been determined, de Blasio said the decision would be made by July 1. The mayor also announced his support for reforming a law that keeps police disciplinary records confidential, which would mean greater transparency in the police force.

New Yorkers have demanded change and they have been heard. A message from @NYCMayor: pic.twitter.com/xgXb5p7vWC

— City of New York (@nycgov) June 7, 2020

Los Angeles has already announced a major cut to local law enforcement, axing $100 to $150 million from the proposed budget. The money from the cuts will be reinvested in black communities and communities of color, specifically toward youth jobs, health initiatives, and trauma centers. Money will also be allocated toward those who have been victims of discrimination, as a form of reparation. California governor Gavin Newsom has also ordered state police to stop training officers to use potentially lethal choke-holds called “carotid holds.”

In Louisville, the Metro Council is set to vote on Breonna’s Law, which would limit the use of no-knock warrants. Breonna Taylor was shot and killed in her home by Louisville police in March after they used a “no-knock” search warrant. The new law would prohibit police from using no-knock warrants except in cases of imminent threat or severe offenses like murder and kidnapping.

Policy change

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One of the major difficulties facing police reform has been the power and influence of police unions. Now, officials are finally looking to hold those unions accountable. Politicians — particularly district attorneys — are being pressured to renounce campaign contributions from organizations that represent police officers. According to CNN, in New York, over a dozen public officials promised to donate contributions from police-affiliated groups to bail funds or criminal justice reform organizations. District attorneys in the California Bay Area have similarly called on the state to ban political contributions from law enforcement organizations, and several politicians have promised to donate any past contributions.

One of the biggest issues facing our justice system is the failure to prosecute police officers. Following the protests in recent weeks, district attorneys like LA’s Jackie Lacey and NYC’s Cyrus Vance Jr. have committed to prosecuting police who used excessive force against protestors while also vowing not to press charges against protesters for minor infractions. In Buffalo, New York, two officers were charged with second-degree assault for excessive force against a 75-year-old man. And in Philadelphia, an officer was charged with aggravated assault after beating a protester with a baton.

Perhaps the most important (and immediate) result of the protests has been securing criminal charges for George Floyd’s murderer. Following the protests, charges for officer Derek Chauvin were upgraded from third-degree murder to second-degree murder, and the other three officers involved were also charged.

Racist statues removed

Amid nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd and police brutality, Governor Northam of Virginia said that the…

Posted by Matador Network on Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Cities that had previously been reluctant to remove statues of racist historical figures are now facing increased pressure to remove them — and it’s working.

In Philadelphia, the city removed a statue of Frank Rizzo, a racist former police commissioner. The statue had been slated for removal for three years, but when protesters attempted to light it on fire and tear it down using a rope, it prompted the city to finally take steps to tear it down.

In Birmingham, two statues — one commemorating Confederate troops and another celebrating a Confederate officer — were taken down. It only happened after an Egyptologist tweeted instructions for how to tear down an obelisk and suggested that Birmingham residents apply the instructions to the local statues. The crowd took the hint, using ropes to try to tear down one of the statues, but the city’s mayor finished the job for them.

Richmond, Virginia, may also see the removal of one of its most recognizable monuments. A giant statue of Robert E. Lee is now slated to be removed from its visible location on Monument Avenue and placed in storage. Protesters covered the statue in graffiti last weekend, and on Thursday, Richmond mayor Levar Stoney announced the statue’s removal.

Statues aren’t just falling in the US, but around the world too. In Bristol, UK, a statue of 17th-century slave trader Edward Colston was torn down by protesters with ropes.

Editor’s note: This story is developing, and more changes will be added as the days progress.

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The post All the ways the BLM protests have brought about real change so far appeared first on Matador Network.

Greek islands Airbnbs

With Greece eager to welcome international travelers as early as June 15, now is the time to start planning your well-deserved summer getaway. Famous for its whitewashed cottages, cobblestone streets, and clear blue waters, the Greek islands offer a perfect blend of culture and nightlife. You can clink glasses of ouzo at a seaside taverna, schedule a day of wellness at a local spa, and sample many Mediterranean staples such as kalamata olives, layers of cheesy moussaka, fresh feta cheese, and the catch of the day.

Each of the islands of this region has a unique landscape and offerings. Santorini is the ideal balance if you seek wellness and stunning coastal views while Mykonos is best known for its parties and dining scene. Corfu is the best choice if you want to spend your vacation immersed in nature, and Zakynthos is the photographer’s dream and the most Instagrammed island of the bunch.

If you’re considering a trip to Greece, or just want to daydream about it, here are some of the best Airbnbs you can book on the Greek islands.

1. Cycladic House, Pyrgos, Santorini

Photo: Airbnb

Centrally located, Cycladic House is a sleek, modern studio villa that combines luxury and casual elegance. You’ll be able to take in Santorini’s spectacular views, from the picturesque town of Oia to Caldera, a small volcanic formation in the sea to the west. The space features a private heated jacuzzi and lounge chairs where you can lazily sip on an espresso in the morning along with your complimentary homemade breakfast.

Photo: Airbnb

A two-minute walk from the town of Pyrgos and 15 minutes to the beach, Cycladic House allows you to venture out and explore while enjoying peace and quiet at home. The Airbnb hosts also offer a free airport transfer from Santorini airport that is located just 10 minutes away.

$230 per night, includes airport transfer

2. Infinity Suite, Pyrgos, Santorini

Photo: Airbnb

A complex of three suites, each one equipped with a private heated jacuzzi, Infinity Suite treats you to a bird’s-eye view of the coastal village of Pyrgos below. Designed for maximum coziness, the Airbnb features minimalist decor and authentic Greek furniture. Each suite has its own kitchen and lounge.

Photo: Airbnb

You’ll be able to watch the sunrise and enjoy a hearty Mediterranean breakfast on your private terrace. Here, you can wind down with a glass of Prosecco in the shared pool after a long day of exploring the island. Away from the crowds, Pyrgos is one of the quietest areas of Santorini.

$306 per night

3. House in Orno Beach, Mykonos

Photo: Airbnb

This beachfront apartment is welcoming with a modern interior, sunny patio, and a lovely view of Orno Beach. The apartment sleeps up to five with its queen-size and two single beds, including a sofa — perfect if you have a group or family. You also have access to a shared pool and a newly installed private jacuzzi.

Photo: Airbnb

With plenty of bars, restaurants, and supermarkets, Orno Beach gives you a taste of the Mykonos buzz while still keeping a two-mile distance from the island’s busiest town. The apartment offers private parking if you’re adventurous enough and want to rent an ATV and traverse Mykonos on four wheels.

$412 per night

4. Private studio in a family-run hotel, Mykonos

Photo: Airbnb

If you want to immerse yourself in the local island nightlife while still being able to retreat to a quiet space at night, you’ll find your perfect match at this beachfront family-run hotel in Mykonos. Located right next to the iconic Scorpio’s bar — a hub for live DJ sets and wellness, the hotel is operated by a local couple and offers private rooms with single or double beds.

Photo: Airbnb

The row of beach villages — Paraga, Paradise, and Platis Gialos, all within a five-minute walk from each other — is known for its bustling social scene. This hotel lies within Agia Anna Paraga in the southwest corner of Mykonos. The hotel’s studios sleep up to four guests and are equipped with a kingsize and a single bed.

$283 per night

5. Deluxe Sea view Suite at Glaronissi Beach, Naxos

Photo: Airbnb

If you’re looking to rejuvenate your soul and take full advantage of the Mediterranean sun, Naxos is the perfect island for you. Calmer and more affordable than neighboring Mykonos, Naxos has plenty of clean, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters to wash the stress away. Kick back with a glass of wine or ouzo and meditate on the rolling waves in the coastal village of Plaka.

Photo: Airbnb

The private studio is chic, cozy, and spacious, decorated in traditional Greek fashion with whitewashed walls and sparkling marble. You can watch the sunrise on the private stone patio, followed by an extensive complimentary breakfast consisting of juice, pastries, fresh fruit, bagels, and homemade cake. The village of Plaka is perfect for an evening stroll, inviting you with a myriad of family-run tavernas offering cold wine and fresh seafood.

$235 per night

6. Villa Kamaritis, Corfu

Photo: Airbnb

Located in the heart of a four-acre private garden, this island villa pampers you with a large swimming pool and allows you to decompress surrounded by a dense pine forest. You can rent a private room within the villa that comes with its own bathroom, while the rest of the space is shared with the family who owns the property. And according to Airbnb reviews, the lady of the house makes the best breakfast on the island.

$73 per night

7. Cozy studio, Rhodes

Photo: Airbnb

Rhodes is Greece’s most charming island that has managed to remain under the radar. The capital and largest territory of the Dodecanese, Rhodes is the home to thousands of years worth of history. Its quaint old town will make you feel as if you’ve stepped in the epoch of Alexander the Great, surrounded by fortress ruins and storybook towers. If you’re a history buff, you’ll feel right at home here. Rhodes offers plenty of beautiful views and easy access to the Mediterranean’s turquoise waters.

Photo: Airbnb

This cozy Airbnb is located within a housing complex and offers a large shared pool; a green, spacious lawn; and a private balcony. There is a restaurant and bar onsite, serving traditional island cuisine and cocktails.

$94 per night

8. The Donkey Bay Towers, Zakynthos

Photo: Airbnb

Zakynthos has become something of an Instagram superstar over the last few years, with its romantic cobblestone streets, vibrant flowers, and clear waters. If you’re looking for a wellness destination that will also elevate your social media game, this is your spot.

Photo: Airbnb

A luxurious bed and breakfast decorated with authentic stone and flowing white curtains, this Airbnb is ideal for a romantic getaway. Overlooking the Bay of Bouka and within steps from Tsilivi Beach, the studio is private and comfortable, and the staff prides itself on enviable culinary skills which they happily put into work.

$233 per night

9. Thermesea Luxury Lodge, Hydra

Photo: Airbnb

If you’re looking to get away from it all, head over to Hydra — the low-key Greek island where most vehicles have been banned. Here, you can roam the streets freely, enjoy tons of nature, and raise a glass of mastiha at the end of a relaxing day. The island is perfect for sailing and offers stunning views all around.

Photo: Airbnb

The Thermesea Airbnb is spacious and accommodates up to three guests. You can take in the unobstructed mountain views from your lounge chair by the pool and start your day with a jaw-dropping view of the Saronic Gulf from a private 370-foot balcony. A path leads down to the beach below the villa offering a short thirty-second walk to the sandy beaches of the Aegean Sea.

$225, per night

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Overheard While Black Instagram

The Overheard While Black Instagram account has simple and straightforward images of black boxes filled with white text. The effect is stark and unsettling. Each tile contains a microaggression hurled at a Black person, a seemingly offhand or flippant statement by clueless people who don’t understand the racism embedded in their everyday interactions with Black people. The repetition of tile after tile stamped with each statement drills home how common, and how damaging, these interactions are to the people who experience them everyday.

“I thought you had a baby daddy.”

“I assume you’re paying for all this with food stamps?”

“You have a monkey brain. You need to give yourself a banana to calm down.”

Autumn Lewis, a public relations professional, founded the account on June 6. Overheard While Black already has more than 40 posts and 6,700-plus followers at the time of writing. The account speaks to a disturbing truth: Racist attitudes infect just about every office, grocery store, and neighborhood in this country. There is hardly a public space that can escape it.

“At almost every agency I’ve worked at, I’ve had some type of micro and even macro aggressions, whether it’s being told that I look more professional with straight hair, getting in trouble for wanting to take MLK day off, or overhearing a woman referring to us as ‘colored people,’” Lewis writes to me in an email. “Some of these might not be intentional, but these are all acts of racism.”

Lewis recalls that she first got the idea to call out microaggressions when her friends and some of her colleagues were shocked to hear about how she had been treated at work. They urged her to share her stories, so Lewis started the hashtag #overheardwhileblackinPR. But Lewis knew that Black people from all backgrounds and in every profession experienced similar microaggressions, and she had a feeling there were more people who would be willing to share their stories. So she expanded the hashtag into the Instagram account Overheard While Black.

“I’m tired of sweeping racism under the rug, I’m tired of receiving lower pay than my white colleagues, I’m tired of the micro insults… I’m just tired of it all,” Lewis says. “We’ve been treated wrong for centuries, and I got tired of people blaming it on Trump and saying it can all end with him out of office. People need to dig way back into history to get a better understanding of the mistreatments.”

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In the short time the account has been active, Lewis has already received 300 submissions. The volume of submissions is troubling evidence that microaggressions are more common than we think, even in work places and community spaces where some of us would like to think no racism exists — and that they are deeply hurtful comments that sometimes result in ongoing trauma that Black people harbor over months or years. Lewis thinks the account has been “therapeutic” for Black people, who she hopes feel less alone in the fight against racism when they encounter her account. There’s an element of community to the Overheard While Black account; it’s become a space where Black people can share and commiserate over similar experiences.

“A lot of black people have thanked me and are sending me good energy because a lot of these submissions are truly heartbreaking,” Lewis adds.

White and non-Black people are paying attention: Lewis has received messages from people who “have asked questions about how and why some of these are considered offensive,” but she’s also seen evidence that “people have already checked their behavior and are trying to find ways to do better.” Some friends have even reached out to apologize for past comments. As for the non-Black people who have expressed anger or disbelief at some of the posts the account has shared, Lewis hopes that they can find the insight and self-awareness “to recognize their privilege.”

“Black people can live in a constant state of discomfort based on these everyday experiences and honestly… non-[B]lack people can stand to be a little uncomfortable to create a much needed change,” she says.

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One reason Overheard While Black is so powerful is that it makes it clear that our society asks Black people to shoulder too much. Nothing about their behavior needs to change. It’s up to white and non-Black people to adjust our perspective and do our part to end this constant assault on the well-being and mental health of Black people. Part of what makes the account so powerful is that it’s a testament to how widespread racism still is. It’s also a living, growing record of what Black people must endure in their homes, their places of work, and even when they’re walking down the street. The account is a tribute to their resilience that shouldn’t even need to exist.

“I was feeling helpless with the protests and killings that were happening,” says Lewis. “I didn’t know what to do and it seemed like there was no end in sight. Now I see there is. We’ve gotten our voice back, we’re speaking up, and we’re working together.”

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Italy tourists may have to register

A few months ago, a summer Italian vacation was completely off the table. Now, it’s all changed. The country opened its borders to European tourism earlier this month and may do so for international tourism later this summer — but it’s not without restrictions. For most destinations within Italy, you can travel freely and don’t have to fill out any paperwork, but some of the country’s most popular tourist spots are asking people to register in advance to help track and trace any potentially COVID-19 infected visitors.

Travelers to Sardinia, Basilicata, and Puglia will be required to register with local authorities and fill out a designated form revealing where they are staying and when they intend on departing.

In Puglia, 20,000 people registered their arrival within 24 hours of travel resuming on June 3, reports EuroWeekly News.

In Sardinia, you must fill out the registration form and declare that you have no COVID-19 symptoms no more than two days before you depart. Airlines and ferry companies will ask you for the registration form before boarding a ferry or airplane.

In Puglia, you must complete an online health form and email it to local health authorities in the province where you will be staying.

In Basilicata, visitors must register using an online form, which requires an Italian social security number (you can calculate it here if you don’t have one). You can also register by calling the regional health hotline.

These measures are being coupled with Italy’s new contact tracing app, Immuni, which is being trialed in four regions. Visitors are asked to download the app and record who they come into contact with.

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How to drink bourbon

When you think about the flavors in bourbon, there’s a good chance you’re not thinking about a pack of Craisins, some hazelnuts, and a thick slice of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Yet for a recent tasting with Woodford Reserve — done via video chat, as is the norm these days — these were the foods used to explain the flavor profile of the United States’ signature spirit, along with chocolate, honey, and orange.

Bourbon is without a doubt the liquor most associated with the US. It’s what Cognac is to France, or baijiu to China, or soju to Korea. It’s made across the country (most famously, but not exclusively, in Kentucky) and inspires musicians to write songs and rich people to pay thousands of dollars for a single bottle. Most importantly, though, the spirit is a drink to enjoy for a simple reason: It tastes good and there are flavors there that will please all types of palates.

“The beauty of a balanced bourbon is there are over 200 flavors in a bottle,” Elizabeth McCall, Woodford Reserve’s assistant master distiller, said just before the video tasting started. “I look at it like a diamond, which is essentially clear, but you can see colors like yellow and blue [as you look at it closer].” When you thoughtfully taste a bourbon, there are loads of flavors you pick up on beyond it just tasting like, well, whiskey.

Photo: Woodford Reserve

There are five basic points on a flavor wheel for modern bourbon, according to Woodford Reserve’s master distiller Chris Morris. Those categories are sweet aromatics, grain, wood, fruit and floral, and spice. Some relate to foods that mix well with the spirit, like orange, while others compliment the flavors, like sorghum or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Organized tastings that include food could help new drinkers find what they like best. At the same time, it can help experienced drinkers make the most of the whiskey they have on hand by inspiring cocktails that highlight certain notes. But first, it’s important to know the basics. This is what to know about bourbon to fully experience the spirit.

To start, you need the proof.

It’s easy to pick up a glass and describe bourbon as sweet (which is true, sometimes) or that it burns the back of your throat, but properly tasting a bourbon starts with first looking at the bottle.

“It seems that most people just pick up a bottle and take a sip,” says Brian Facquet, founder and distiller at Prohibition Distillery. “They never look at the proof. They then judge the whiskey unfairly and miss all of the viscosity of whiskey left at high proof and the nuanced flavors.”

Prohibition Distillery’s bourbon is bottled unfiltered at 92 proof (46 percent alcohol by volume). Facquet says this is to allow the whiskey to be in it’s “natural state,” but he has found that high-proof whiskey can hide imperfections. So he adds a little room temperature water to it when tasting to bring down the ABV.

“I find that the lower the proof the more the whiskey speaks to you,” Facquet says.

Pay attention to age, but don’t let age rule your judgment.

By definition, bourbon must be aged for at least two years in new American oak barrels. The time spent in those barrels is a large part of what gives bourbon its signature flavor.

“Most distillers will tell you that somewhere between 60-80 percent of the flavor or the heart and soul of bourbon comes from the maturation process,” says Trey Zoeller, the founder and chief strategist for Jefferson’s Bourbon. “Once you have a great base from the distillate the barrel is king.”

The flavors from the barrel are different at two years than at five years, 10 years, or 25 years. In general, the whiskey gets smoother over time, but there’s a point in every whiskey’s life where age gets the best of it.

“There is always an apex to a bourbon’s life, and then you start to get diminishing returns [if it’s left in the barrel],” Zoeller says. “Older is not necessarily better.”

Photo: Rob Stokes/Shutterstock

High West’s master distiller, Brendan Coyle, says the idea that older is better is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about bourbon.

“Older bourbon leads to heavy caramel, vanilla, and sweetness, and eventually covers up the fresh distillate character,” Coyle says. “If that’s all [distillers are] doing then [they’re] missing a huge opportunity.”

Complicating the equation of time and bourbon is the fact that not all aging is equal. Bourbon ages differently depending on where it’s stored, so the Goldilocks age of perfect flavor is different for every brand. In other words, don’t go searching for the oldest you can find. A bourbon that’s pulled out of the barrel at the right time has a complex balance of flavors from the barrel and the fruity, floral flavors from the mash bill and the yeast. The best way to find what you like best is to try as many ages and styles as possible.

Corn is crucial, but the full flavor comes from the blend.

“You can have a bourbon that’s 100 percent corn, but it would be a little one note,” says Andy Mansinne, the vice president of brands at the Indiana distilling company MGP. By law, bourbon has to be just 51 percent corn. The rest can be made up of distillate from rye, wheat, and malted barley. The various blends from distillers in the US is what makes bourbon such a diverse spirit.

MGP, for example, is perhaps best known for its rye whiskey that’s used by brands like Angel’s Envy, Redemption, Templeton, and others. MGP recently released its own bourbon with a high rye percentage called George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which is a blend of two bourbons. One is made with 21 percent rye, 4 percent malted barley, and 75 percent corn, while the other is made with 36 percent rye whiskey, 4 percent malted barley, and 60 percent corn.

“That’s the creativity, the secret sauce if you will,” Mansinne says.

A proper blend ensures that one variable (the mash bill, aging time, or the barrel, for example) doesn’t dominate, which results in a more balanced spirit.

“All of those factors impact the flavor, with the barrel char level and raw ingredients having the greatest impact,” says Victor Yarbrough, CEO of Brough Brothers Distillery. “The corn gives our bourbon its sweetness and apple notes. The barrel produces a hint of vanilla to our bourbon and the rye gives our bourbon it’s spice note.”

So what’s the best way to drink bourbon?

At the end of the tasting with Woodford Reserve, Morris made a couple of simple highball drinks with whiskey, ginger beer, and tonic. He explained that whiskey was reserved for winter months when he was first coming up in the industry decades ago, while lighter spirits were for summer.

Today, it’s less about the seasons and more about how you decide to drink it. Zoeller, from Jefferson’s Bourbon, tastes bourbon neat and typically drinks it for pleasure over a big ball of ice. Many bourbons that taste lovely neat are also in part designed for cocktails, like Brough Brothers’ bourbon. There’s certainly nothing wrong with preferring bourbon in a cocktail like an old fashioned, Manhattan, mint julep, or whiskey sour.

Zoeller says it best when it comes to how to drink bourbon: “Any way you like it.”

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Dutch PM says Black Pete should end

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte wants to put the kibosh on the Netherlands’ “Black Pete” tradition. Although he had previously defended the figure who is part of pre-Christmas celebrations, he’s now admitting it’s problematic and believes it should disappear.

In Dutch tradition, St. Nicholas brings gifts to children every Christmas accompanied by clown-like servants called “Petes” — usually portrayed by white people in black face paint wearing curly wigs and red lipstick. Petes have been criticized for their racist nature for many years.

In 2013, when asked about the racism behind the tradition, Rutte had said, “Black Pete is just black and I can’t do much about that.”

But on Thursday, Rutte was speaking in a parliamentary debate about anti-racism protests in the Netherlands, and explained that his view of the Black Pete tradition had changed over the years. Reuters reported that Rutte explained meeting people, including children, who felt discriminated against because of Black Pete, which pushed him to reevaluate his attitude.

Linda Nooitmeer, chair of the National Institute for the Study of Dutch Slavery and its Legacy, said, “The magnitude of a leader in a country stating this is enormous. You can have all the legislation you want…but if the people in power, the leader of the country, doesn’t seem to support it — and that’s what it looked like in 2013 when he said that about Black Pete — then the struggle will be harder.”

Already the tradition seems to be changing. Some celebrations simply feature Black Petes with touches of paint on their cheeks, representing chimney soot, while others include multicolored Petes no longer referred to as “Black.” Although the disappearance of Black Pete might be slow and gradual, it certainly seems to be heading in the right direction.

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Protesters adorn White House fence

Amid the Black Lives Matter protests raging on the streets of Washington DC, the White House is increasing its security measures. Apparently, that means erecting a temporary metal fence in front of the White House lawn, creating a stark barrier between presidential residence and protesters. The two-mile mesh fence has been criticized by everyone from protesters to DC mayor Muriel Bowser, who said in a news conference, “Keep in mind that’s the people’s house. It’s a sad commentary that the (White) House and its inhabitants have to be walled off.”

If the White House is the people’s house, then the fence is also the people’s fence. And they’re certainly treating it that way. Protesters have turned the fence and the surrounding area into an expressive space filled with signs, artwork, and memorials dedicated to the Black men and women who have lost their lives to police brutality.

Signs adorn the fence with messages denouncing systemic racism, demanding justice for George Floyd, and promoting the Black Lives Matter movement. One colorful message demands police-free schools, while others make it clear that racist government policies will no longer be tolerated.

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The temporary fence around the White House & Lafayette Square has turned into a memorial as well as a place for people to leave their protest signs. #DCProtests pic.twitter.com/kKce4yFwzI

— Caroline Winslow (@CarolineWinslow) June 7, 2020

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‘Dead zone’ in Gulf of Mexico 2020

Like its name indicates, the Gulf of Mexico’s “dead zone” is a very serious phenomenon. It refers to a large area of low to no oxygen in the Gulf of Mexico that appears every year. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects the dead zone to be much larger than usual — “6,700 square miles, larger than the long-term average measured size of 5,387 square miles,” explains NOAA.

The lack of oxygen in the waters of the Gulf Of Mexico is linked to an excessive amount of nutrients pollution that causes algae to overgrow, die, and decompose, diminishing the amount of oxygen and making the area inhospitable for marine wildlife.

The nutrient pollution is due to human activities throughout the Mississippi River watershed, which includes 40 percent of the continental United States. “Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in runoff and discharges from agricultural and urban areas are the major contributors to the annual summer hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico,” explains NOAA.

Photo: NOAA

The annual dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is the world’s largest recurring low-oxygen mass, and it’s been happening since at least 1950.

Nicole LeBoeuf, acting director of NOAA’s National Ocean Service, said, “Not only does the dead zone hurt marine life, but it also harms commercial and recreational fisheries and the communities they support. The annual dead zone makes large areas unavailable for species that depend on them for their survival and places continued strain on the region’s living resources and coastal economies.”

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Most beautiful modern churches

Places of worship — whether mosques, synagogues, temples, or churches — must be grand. They are, after all, meant to represent the glory of the divine on Earth. London’s Westminster Abbey and Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, to name just a few, are proof of the opulence of such spiritual structures. But although they must be striking, religious buildings do not need to be centuries old to be monumental and majestic — even contemporary churches can be so awe-inspiring that they stop both followers and atheists in their tracks. Here are seven 21st-century churches that would turn even the strictest traditionalist into a fan of modern architecture.

1. Bosjes Chapel, Western Cape, South Africa

Photo: Bosjes Chapel South Africa/Facebook

Although we tend to think that what makes a church a church is its spire-topped steeple, reaching high towards the heavens, the Bosjes Chapel is proof that we can do without one and not compromise the intended message. With a curvy white roof that looks like a cloud, and a facade made completely of glass, the Bosjes Chapel, part of the fancy Bosjes resort, seems to hover low above the tranquil Breede valley.

The entire front of the chapel, and the long and narrow path leading to the entrance, is surrounded by water, making the structure look even more surreal. From inside, the views are divine, indeed, as the unusual chapel was built in between the Slanghoek and Waaihoek Mountain ranges. Designed by Steyn Studio in London and completed in 2016, the Bosjes Chapel was inspired by Psalm 36:7, which reads, “How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”

2. Church of Seliger Pater Rupert Mayer, Poing, Germany

Photo: Meck Architekten

Completed in 2018, the Church of Seliger Pater Rupert Mayer is undeniably contemporary, with its sharp angles and unique materials, but if you look closely enough, you’ll notice that it retains the traditional elements of a steeple topped by a gilded cross and rooster. The rectangular church is divided into two elements: Its base made of grey, local stones, and its roof is covered entirely in three-dimensional ceramic tiles that catch the light in unexpected ways.

Inside is a reflection of the outside: There’s minimalistic decor with plain wooden pews; walls split into two materials and colors, grey stones and white plaster; and an angular white ceiling pierced strategically with windows to bring light into this ultra-modern church. The Church of Seliger Pater Rupert Mayer was designed by Meck Architekten and was the recipient of many architecture awards.

3. Community Church, Knarvik, Norway

Photo: Hundven-Clements Photography via Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter

A modern take on the traditional stave churches of Norway, the Community Church of Knarvik is a seriously impressive structure. Just like its medieval inspiration, the church is built in timber and is as lofty as can be — its spire seems needle-sharp. But it’s the building’s location that makes it even more stunning; constructed onto a rock cliff, it looks down on the spot where four fjords meet. The outside timber — as well as the thin, long, and almost invisible windows — are arranged vertically to draw the church even more towards the sky. Inside, it’s all timber again and extremely plain, except for a colorful and round stained glass window behind the altar that breaks the pattern of sharp angles dramatically. Completed in 2014 by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter, the Community Church of Knarvik is one of many Norwegian contemporary churches.

4. Pauluskerk, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Photo: Uwe Aranas/Shutterstock

The work of the late and famous architect Will Alsop, Pauluskerk looks nothing like a traditional church, whether it is from the inside or the outside. There’s no elegant towering heights and no cross in sight; instead the church is a bulky multifaceted building consisting of triangular shapes, much like what you’d see inside a kaleidoscope but without the vibrant colors — the structure is completely brown. The only clue that you may be looking at a church is a bell, hidden within one of the facade’s triangles, but you’ll have to look very closely to find it. Inside, it’s much more light and airy, with tall ceilings, white walls, and the beautiful light coming from the triangular windows.

There are touches of color with bright red and yellow chairs, and an abstract mural. The altar, unexpectedly located in the center of the space, is oval, and the reading stand is discrete; the organ is the only indication of the function of the space. Pauluskerk was built in 2013 as part of a modern complex, including shops and residential accommodations, called Calypso.

5. Miho Chapel, Koga City, Japan

Photo: Kikukawa

Funnel-shaped and made of stainless steel and glass, this unique chapel is located within the campus of the Miho Institute of Aesthetics and is undoubtedly the most striking building in the entire complex. Inside, the ceiling, walls, floor, and furniture are entirely made of timber, creating warmth as a contrast to the industrial look of the exterior. The conical shape of the structure and vertical lines created by the timber inside elevate the building further, while the zenithal window, shaped like a leaf, brings lights directly to the devotees below. There’s a ring chandelier, 40 feet in diameter suspended above the pews like a giant halo, to bring even more light and oomph to a chapel that does not lack any. A bold vision to strive for and a source of inspiration for the art students, the Miho Chapel is the last work of world-renowned architect I.M. Pei and was completed in 2012.

6. Våler kirke, Våler, Norway

Photo: Rasmus Norlander via Espen Surnevik

An architectural competition to replace the church of Våler was launched after it burnt down in 2009, having stood in the town since 1890. Over 230 proposals from 23 countries were received, but architect Espen Surnevik’s stunning design won and was completed in 2015. Clad in thin vertical strips of pine wood, the church could almost pass for a primitive structure made of straw, if not for its assuredly modern two pyramidal roofs and 28 windows. Inside, pale birch wood throughout (except for the flooring) keeps the space simple — even the lighting, consisting of hanging light bulbs, and the seating arrangement of single minimalistic chairs all perfectly aligned, are stripped of any extravagance.

7. El Señor de la Misericordia Church, Monterrey, Mexico

Photo: Vimeo + Moneo Brock

El Señor de la Misericordia contains all the elements of a traditional Catholic church: a tall bell tower (141 feet), a public square before its entrance, stained-glass windows, an altar, a nave, chapels, etc. But they have all been modernized to cement the religious building solidly in the 21st century. Painted white and adorned with striking angular shapes and pointed edges, the church’s exterior is solemn and simple, yet grand. Surrounded by mountains, the brightness of the church stands out, and the building acts as a stunning landmark for the city of Monterrey. Inside, the small but beautiful stained-glass windows display geometric patterns, and the effigies in the chapels and the confessional are all contemporary artworks.

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Portugal travel guide summer 2020

Summer travel was starting to feel like a distant memory when Portugal announced its plans to welcome back tourists, Americans included, this June. And not just because last summer’s getaways are already a year behind us. As COVID-19 brought international travel to a standstill this spring, any hope of going abroad in the ensuing months has seemed as distant as the big, bright star our planet orbits in a year.

Portugal is no consolation prize for the travel starved, however. It was top of the list for countless vacationers even pre-pandemic. For several summers, the streets of Lisbon and Porto have been as tightly packed as the sardines the Portuguese famously tin, and the Algarve’s beaches have been as speckled with sunbathers as they are grains of sand.

Under normal circumstances, all that activity is part of Portugal’s appeal. It’s small and social, throwing tourists and locals together in close, cobblestoned quarters. But travel in the COVID-19 era will be anything but normal. Rather than contribute to the crowds that are soon to descend on western Europe’s Atlantic coast, consider a more socially distant itinerary that, any other year, could be branded as off the beaten track. At the very least, do your part to abide by local regulations and take the same precautions abroad as you would back home.

Here’s everything you need to know about planning a safe, responsible, and undeniably one-of-a-kind trip to Portugal this summer.

What to know before booking a flight

Portugal entered the third and final phase of its plan to reopen on June 1. International visitors are once again welcome and exempt from the mandatory 14-day quarantine imposed elsewhere. Currently, tourists from the US, UK, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, Venezuela, and all EU member nations except Spain and Italy are allowed to enter Portugal by air. Non-EU travelers from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Lichtenstein are invited to book flights, as well.

TAP Air Portugal, the country’s flag carrier, reinstated its nonstop service between Newark and Lisbon on June 4. It’s currently operating two flights per week. Over the next couple of months, the airline also intends to resume connections to mainland Portugal and the Azores islands from Boston, Miami, Toronto, and Montreal.

While TAP is not imposing passenger limits, measures are being taken to uphold strict hygiene standards, including eliminating in-flight magazines, limiting meal and beverage services, and distributing only disinfected packaged products. Passengers are requested to wear masks and curb their movement around the cabin for the duration of their flights. Upon arrival at the Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and Azores airports, travelers will also pass through newly installed body temperature measurement systems.

Where to stay when you land

There are two main factors to consider when choosing an accommodation that will decrease your COVID-19 exposure: contact and cleanliness. Experts have recommended booking entire Airbnbs whenever possible as person-to-person transmission carries the greatest risk of spreading the virus. Airbnb has also introduced new cleaning protocols to give travelers peace of mind, including implementing a vacancy period between bookings. Note that participation is not mandatory for hosts, though guests are able to see which hosts are compliant.

For hotel stays, the Portuguese tourism authority has created a Clean & Safe seal to spotlight accommodations committed to upholding the hygiene standards put forth by the Directorate-General for Health. To earn a stamp of approval, hotels must meet requirements such as supplying personal protective equipment for employees, giving guests access to sanitizers on every floor, following careful instructions for cleaning rooms and disinfecting common areas, training employees in interaction etiquette, and holding staff to daily self-imposed health checks. Accommodations must also have a dedicated space for travelers who are infected with, or suspected of having, COVID-19.

Keeping your distance in urban centers

Social distancing is the status quo throughout Portugal, which travelers are expected to respect. This is particularly essential in crowded cities and tourist centers like Lisbon, Porto, and Lagos in the Algarve.

Major attractions and location establishments have reopened with regulations around how many people are permitted in highly trafficked areas at one time. Restaurants and bars are required to limit their number of patrons, theaters have been marked to reflect reduced seating, and landmarks may control the flow of traffic to help sightseers social distance. Masks are also mandatory in enclosed spaces such as shops, eateries, supermarkets, and indoor attractions, as well as on public transportation, which is operating at two-thirds capacity. Taxis and rideshares are similarly required to keep the front passenger seat free and only fill two-thirds of the vehicle’s remaining space.

Tour operators, travel agencies, and other tourism-related ventures are also eligible for Portugal’s Clean & Safe certification. That includes museums and monuments, restaurants and cafes, golf courses, and rental car companies among other services and establishments. Seal or no seal, remember to keep taking the precautions you grew accustomed to back home, such as opting for takeaway instead of dining in.

Look to Portugal’s third, fourth, and fifth cities

It’s hard to talk travelers out of visiting the places that put Portugal on their radar in the first place. But if ever there was a time to stray from the beaten path, it’s during a global pandemic.

Luckily for city-dwellers, tourism tends to concentrate in Portugal’s capital and second city. Instead of inundating Lisbon, consider anchoring your trip in a city like Guimarães, a World Heritage site that served as the country’s first capital and has a population of around 50,000, roughly one-tenth of Lisbon’s permanent residents.

Evora, Alentejo’s regional capital, has a similarly modest population and UNESCO-designated city center, yet it’s far more spacious, opening to a patchwork countryside whose cork trees, vineyards, and farmsteads run like seams along undulating hills. Even Coimbra, Portugal’s liveliest university town, manages to stay pleasantly sleepy while the students are away during summer, despite having a permanent population of around 150,000.

If you’re planning a beach retreat, the easiest way to avoid the masses is to skip Faro and Lagos. Faro is the Algarve’s largest city, home to the regional airport and some 100,000 residents, while Lagos has long drawn the most tourists. Smaller towns like Tavira, Praia da Luz, and Odeceixe on the Alentejo border promise the same blonde and turquoise coves, plus all the fresh seafood, with only a fraction of the beachgoers to compete for sunbathing spots.

Hit the beach but respect the rules

Like elsewhere, social distancing is now mandatory at the beach. Visitors are required to maintain five feet between themselves and beachgoers outside of their party, as well as 10 feet between umbrellas, which can only be rented between morning and 1:30 PM. Group sports requiring more than two players are prohibited, excluding water sports, though pedal boats are banned. Bars and cafes are open, though seating is limited to respect distancing measures.

To help sunseekers find a secluded beach, green, yellow, and red signs are placed around the shore to let visitors know how full the beach is, signifying low, high, and full capacity, respectively. For a complete list of rules and regulations outlining COVID-19-safe beach conduct, visit the Portuguese Environmental Agency’s website.

Set up camp somewhere more remote

Camping may be the most reliable way to maintain a healthy social distance during your summer travels, no matter where the wind takes you. In Portugal, campsites and motorhome parks are currently open but limited to two-thirds capacity.

There’s only one national park in all of Portugal. It’s hardly Yosemite, but Peneda-Geres National Park, about an hour and a half north of Porto and a half-hour west of the Spanish border, makes for a pleasant place to pitch a tent nonetheless. Forested hikes follow along the Homem River, uncovering sneaky little waterfalls, which you have access to at the Parque Cerdeira campground. There, you’ll also find amenities like bathrooms equipped with showers, a small market and restaurant, and sports like zip-lining and horseback riding.

Smack in the center of Portugal, midway between Lisbon and Porto, the Redondo Lodges invite tent, caravan, and campervan campers to set up a temporary home amid orchards, pines, or fields. Outdoor activities range from hiking to wakeboarding to foraging for wild mushrooms, depending on the season. The campsite is located in Tomar, a city any traveler would be lucky to be based outside of with its massive aqueduct and striking castle and convent, both of which double as museums preserving the city’s Knights Templar heritage.

Campers can have a beach retreat in the Algarve, too. The Yelloh! Village Turiscampo in Lagos is not exactly remote, with cottage rentals and communal facilities including multiple pools and a wellness center, but there are places to pitch a tent or park an RV.

The beaches around Lagos can get congested, though. For something truly remote, consider wild camping a half-hour west in Praia Boca do Rio. It’s difficult to get a straight answer as to whether or not wild camping is technically permitted in Portugal, but it is common practice. There are no amenities in Praia Boca do Rio, just a long shoreline and empty coves that are ripe for paddleboarding. So, if you do decide to go for it, that’s where to go.

Consider skipping the mainland

To really get away from it all, you could set your sights on Madeira or the Azores, both autonomous Atlantic archipelagos belonging to Portugal. After all, even the islands themselves are socially distanced. Tourism in the Azores has picked up over the past few years, but most visitors flock to São Miguel. Escape to Graciosa, Flores, or Santa Maria instead.

If you end up visiting the Azores, note that travelers are required to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test up to 72 hours before their departing flight, get tested upon arrival and stay isolated pending the results, or opt into a voluntary 14-day quarantine in a designated hotel. Similar measures are currently in place in Madeira, where the mandatory quarantine will be waived beginning July 1. You can learn more about visiting Madeira this summer here.

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