Matador Network's Blog, page 858

Delta retiring Boeing 777s

As demand for air travel hits an all-time low due to the pandemic, airlines are scrambling to determine the future of unused planes, particularly larger ones used for overseas routes. Delta Air Lines just announced that it intends to retire its fleet of Boeing 777s, preparing for an extended downturn in international travel. Retiring the 777 fleet is a move designed to eliminate its daily cash burn and stem some of the financial losses incurred by the pandemic’s devastating effect on travel.

In a staff memo, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said, “With international travel expected to return slowly, we’ve also made the difficult decision to permanently retire our Boeing 777 fleet — 18 aircraft — by the end of the year,” and replace them with more fuel-efficient A330s and A350-900 planes, made by Europe’s Airbus. Retiring a fleet as iconic as the 777 is not an easy decision — I know it has a direct impact on many of you who fly, crew and service these jets.”

In addition to retiring this class of airplane, the airline has attempted to reduce costs by cutting routes, shrinking payroll, and speeding up the retirement of other planes like the MD-88 and MD-90.

“Our principal financial goal for 2020 is to reduce our cash burn to zero by the end of the year,” said Bastian, “which will mean, for the next two to three years, a smaller network, fleet and operation in response to substantially reduced customer demand.”

Delta also expects to be overstaffed by more than 7,000 pilots, which seemingly signals the coming of unavoidable layoffs over the next several months.

More like this News The future of air travel is uncertain, but here’s what it might look like

The post Delta will retire its entire fleet of Boeing 777s as demand for international travel sinks appeared first on Matador Network.

Winning BigPicture contest photos

Editor’s note: These images originally appeared on bioGraphic, an online magazine about science and sustainability and the official media sponsor for the California Academy of Sciences’ BigPicture: Natural World Photography Competition.

The BigPicture Natural World Competition has just revealed its 2020 winners, and they include some of the most stunning photographs you’ll ever see.

The event is run by the California Academy of Sciences, and each year it encourages photographers from around the globe to submit pictures that celebrate Earth’s biodiversity and inspire viewers to protect it.

A contest showcasing the best photographs of the natural world is bound to cover a wide range of environments, subjects, and themes, and this competition certainly doesn’t disappoint.

The photos are divided into several categories, including Aquatic Life; Terrestrial Wildlife; Winged Life, Landscapes, Waterscapes, and Flora; Art of Nature; Human/Nature; and Coexistence, with a winner chosen for each. The grand prize was won by British photographer Andy Parkinson for his photo of a mountain hare in the midst of a snowstorm in Scotland.

All categories offer windows into rich environments from around the world, giving us a glimpse into the rich diversity of life on Planet Earth. From Kenya to Spain and even the waters of the Antarctic Ocean, these are the photographs that took the top spots in their respective categories.

Grand prize winner: “Shelter in Place”

Photo: Andy Parkinson

Andy Parkinson took this photo of a mountain hare, Britain’s only native rabbit species and its fastest-declining mammal, amid a snowstorm in Tomatin, Scotland. Although some hares ride out storms in burrows or depressions, this particular female created her own shelter, tenaciously tucking herself into a ball to stay warm.

Aquatic Life: “Berg Buffet”

Photo: Greg Lecoeur

Capturing this scene of life below the Antarctic ice required photographer Greg Lecoeur to endure some very cold waters. The photo features crabeater seals swimming gracefully around the pack ice zone surrounding Antarctica, where the animals spend their entire lives.

Terrestrial Wildlife: “Speed and Strategy”

Photo: Yi Liu

This action shot captures the pivotal moment when a cheetah lunges at its prey in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. Cheetahs begin the hunt stealthily, blending into the environment thanks to their spotted coat, before accelerating at great speed (up to 60 miles per hour) and attempting to take down their prey. This particular cheetah tripped an impala, also a very quick animal, to prevent it from escaping — an example of agility and strategy used by the species to hunt.

Winged Life: “Pond Skim”

Photo: Piotr Naskrecki

For the Mozambique long-fingered bat, summer means longer journeys to find water, and without adequate water, bats can become weak and susceptible to disease. This bat, in Gorongosa National Park at the southern tip of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, was photographed skimming over the water for a much-needed sip.

Landscapes, Waterscapes, and Flora: “A Sticky Situation”

Photo: Edwin Giesbers

When insects land on the oblong-leaved sundew to sip the nectar, they remain stuck until the carnivorous plant slowly curls its leaves around it and liquefies the prey with digestive enzymes to feed on it. If it accidentally ensnares something inedible, it immediately releases it from its grasp. This particular plant was photographed in Hatertse Vennen Nature Reserve in The Netherlands.

Art of Nature: “A River Gone Awry”

Photo: Juan Jesús González Ahumada

Along Spain’s Río Tinto river, layers of multicolored sediment mix with blood-red water to produce an otherworldly effect. This photo shows cracked mud at the river’s edge, whose coloration is caused by runoff from millennia of mining in the surrounding Sierra Morena. The pollution is so bad that the water is currently unusable by the surrounding communities, and NASA has even used the river to simulate the conditions of life on Mars.

Human/Nature: “The Cost of Cats”

Photo: Jak Wonderly

Each year the staff at WildCare, a California rescue organization, attempts to rehabilitate hundreds of birds and other wild animals mauled by cats. The 200 birds shown in this picture did not survive. The photographer, Jak Wonderly, said, “I wanted to create an image to show some of the impacts our pets have on the wildlife around our homes.” This photo was taken in San Rafael, California.

Coexistence: “Guardian of the Giraffes”

Photo: Ami Vitale

This heartwarming photo illustrates the bond between humans and animals whose lives are intertwined. Photographer Ami Vitale has been engaged in a decades-long project documenting the bonds between the Samburu people and wildlife in northern Kenya and aims to capture the story of how the Samburu became advocates for those wild animals and their habitat. This photo was taken in Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Kenya.

More like this News Photographer captures extraordinary shots of a cross fox in Canada

The post The winning shots of the 2020 BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition will take your breath away appeared first on Matador Network.

Giant lizards invading Georgia

We already have coronavirus and murder hornets, so it makes sense than 2020 is throwing some four-foot-long lizards into the mix.

Apparently, Argentine black and white tegu lizards are spreading in Georgia and pose a significant threat to native wildlife. The lizards can grow up to four feet long, weigh over 10 pounds, and have a worryingly wide-ranging diet.

While the lizards don’t pose a threat to people or household pets, they do eat fruit, vegetables, plants, pet food, bird and reptile eggs, and small animals like grasshoppers and young gopher tortoises. According to John Jensen from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the lizards are known to displace animals by attacking their burrows, especially those of the gopher tortoise, a reptile that is protected in the state of Georgia.

Daniel Sollenberger, a senior wildlife biologist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Conservation Section told Insider, “Tegus are predators that do not belong here. We’re asking residents in the area to report them, which helps us assess the problem and remove tegus. It also helps if they can provide photos. People unfamiliar with tegus might mistake native animals such as juvenile alligators and even fence lizards with these invasive reptiles.”

The Argentine lizards are native to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, but they have become a problematic invasive species both in Florida and in the Toombs and Tattnall counties in southeast Georgia. To prevent the spread of the species and protect the native wildlife, officials are hoping to eradicate the lizards by trapping and humanely euthanizing them. The DNR is asking residents to report any lizard sightings to the agency.

More like this Wildlife 5 places with the most dangerous animals in the world (that aren’t Australia)

The post Four-foot-long invasive lizards are threatening Georgia wildlife appeared first on Matador Network.

Best train travel routes in the US

It’s time to mix up the classic US road trip or the flyover bypass blitz. Train travel is making a comeback. There’s the old school romance and allure of riding the rails. But there’s also ditching a driver, not having to pull over to use the bathroom, ample legroom, and no TSA. Train travel’s carbon footprint is minuscule compared to flying or driving, so there’s no green guilt. Best of all, the US rail routes hit craveable bucket-list destinations across the nation. So heed the whistle and climb aboard these seven standout rail lines.

1. Coastal Starlight — Seattle to Los Angeles

Photo: Pung/Shutterstock

The most consistently scenic train ride in the US is a grab bag of destination treasures. The natural glories of this West Coast route deliver mountains, forests, and coasts. But for those with more urbane needs, four cities with unique personalities also anchor the line for the best of both worlds.

Portland — “Keep Portland Weird” by joining a soapbox race, seeing the underground history of the Shanghai tunnels, or checking out a famed vegan and vampire-themed strip club. Like things a little less funky? This crunchy hipster haven is tripping over craft breweries, food carts, and gourmet doughnut wars. For a nature fix, you’re good in any direction. Grab a car and head east to the gorges and waterfall hikes of the temperate, mountainous rainforest. Or go west and road trip the acclaimed Oregon coast, making sure to spot the iconic rocks at Ecola State Park.

Crater Lake National Park — Deep and pristine, the brilliant water in this sleeping volcano is often elusive under an eerie cloud cover. To get your view of the deepest lake in the US, hop off the train at Klamath Falls and catch a trolley that covers the park’s circle drive. Outside of the park, Klamath Falls is your adventure base for rafting, fishing, hiking, biking, golfing, and the country’s oldest birding festival.

Channel Islands National Park and the coast — Many don’t realize that these five undeveloped islands are separated from 19 million people by just an hour ferry ride. For a wilder LA experience, catch the ferry at the Oxnard station and pack in everything you need to hike, camp, and kayak on your chosen island. Definitely watch for the sea lions, dolphins, and whales that frequent the islands more than people. Once back on shore head to the upscale neighbors of Santa Barbara or Malibu and treat yourself.

2. Empire Builder — Chicago to Seattle

Photo: Pung/Shutterstock

Amtrak’s northern cross-country route covers a lot of open space before it arrives at the Crown Jewel of the Continent: Glacier National Park. The mountain scenery is relentless from there until the train pulls to a stop in Seattle.

Chicago — The Windy City hubs almost all of Amtrak’s cross-country lines, and since Amtrak is notoriously late, a planned overnight is a smart idea for any connections. Enjoy Chicago’s eccentricities. Take a tour on the only river in the world that flows backward. Climb the steep steps of one of the oldest baseball fields and check Wrigley’s ivy walls. For dinner, make sure to order the quintessential deep dish pizza an hour ahead of time. Then skip the tower formerly known as Sears and go for the best views: the lounge at the top of the skyscraper formerly known as Hancock.

Glacier National Park — The world’s first international peace park straddles the continental divide and houses abundant wildlife, glacial blue lakes, and the namesake glaciers. While the park has three stops, get off at East Glacier station for the chance to hike right up to a glacier and head up to the Many Glacier Lodge. From there a ferry takes you to the trailhead. Remember that much of the park is impassable in the winter and summer brings out the huckleberries… and the bears.

Seattle — Welcome to this watery world, the source of not only the city’s activities but also its aesthetic. Amtrak’s station is near Pike Place Market where you can watch the famous fish toss and sample the seafood. From there the greater Puget Sound opens up to whale watching and cabin stays on remote islands. Back in Seattle, ‘90s nostalgia and the birth of grunge round out the other “Seattle sound.” The unofficial memorial to Kurt Cobain is at Viretta Park (take a closer look at those benches). And the Museum of Pop Culture showcases Hendrix, Heart, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam for inspiration before turning you loose on the instruments. Finish off your local nostalgic fix with a vintage pinball bar.

3. Southwest Chief — Chicago to Los Angeles

Photo: Wisanu Boonrawd/Shutterstock

This route is at its best through its namesake region, weaving through mountains and buttes before the desert stretch of southern California and finally, La-La Land.

Santa Fe — This 1610 Spanish colony capital offers up architecture, art, and authentic spice in its signature green chile dishes. You won’t see Santa Fe listed as a station — the Chief’s station is actually in nearby Lamy. Instead, Amtrak-sponsored shuttles take passengers the 16 miles into Santa Fe with hotel stops. Once in Santa Fe, art galleries, studios, and art museums turn up in even the most unlikely places. To understand part of the influences, tour the Palace of Governors and take a deeper look at the history and intersections of Pueblo, Spanish, and a young American culture. The ancient and still-inhabited Taos Pueblo to the north, a glimpse at the dominant culture of the past, makes a moving day trip.

Grand Canyon — This international star deservedly gets a lot of visitors. Whether you rent a car or shuttle to Williams and ride the Grand Canyon Railway right up to the main park lodge, try to leave the wheel (and crowds) behind as much as possible. Shuttles try to break up the traffic and take passengers to campgrounds, lookouts, and trailheads. For those looking to get in the canyon, the Bright Angel trail descends rapidly and stretches out as it follows the erosion to the Colorado River. Make sure to read the signs that help you decide how far down you should go!

Los Angeles — This downtown art deco station is a bit of a celebrity in the world of pretty train stations but most leave quickly into the city. Hollywood, Universal Studios, and Rodeo Drive call out to those on the hunt for stars. Beachgoers have a buffet selection: upscale Malibu, the carnival piers of Santa Monica, quirky Venice Beach, more laid-back beaches like Hermosa, and the surf scene of Huntington. Whether you’re putting on mouse ears at Disneyland or making a late-night In-N-Out burger stop, let go of cramming it all in and soak up that chill SoCal vibe.

4. California Zephyr — Chicago to San Francisco

Photo: Zhukova Valentyna/Shutterstock

Slashing a line through the center of the country, this route takes the Colorado Rocky Mountains head on, then relaxes through long, lonely stretches of Utah and Nevada. The Zephyr climbs one last time for the infamous Donner Pass before coming to California wine country and San Francisco.

Rocky Mountains — Simply, the stretch of railroad from Denver to Granby is one of the most spectacular rail routes in the US. Far away from highways, the train climbs, plunges, and hangs to precipices as it takes on the Rockies. The six-mile Moffat Tunnel cuts under the range before busting out directly to the base of Winter Park Ski Resort. Further down the line, the Granby station offers the western gate to Rocky Mountain National Park with mountain-chic Estes on the other side. The entire valley accommodates outdoor adventures like skiing, rafting, hiking, and biking.

Tahoe — Whether you get off at the Reno or Truckee stations, the massive and pure Lake Tahoe is just a short drive. The huge area goes far beyond its high-end reputation with a variety of lodging and a sport for every season. When not skiing or boating, nearby Donner Pass and Memorial reminds us that this now idyllic place deals up cruel winters that test humanity. If you’re looking for something lighter (and feeling lucky), South Tahoe’s Nevada casino scene is open and hoping you don’t hit big.

San Francisco — Cable cars, foggy afternoons, and that big red bridge are iconic Bay Area experiences. By all means, ride the cable car, watch the seals at touristy Fisherman’s Wharf, and walk down the shore for a treat at Ghirardelli Square. Then mix it up. Splurge for the Alcatraz night tour with special access to the creepy medical ward. Stroll the Presidio. Kick back on Hippie Hill, breathe deep, and listen for Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead. Take the ferry across to Sausalito, rent a car, and jump on Highway 1. From there, Muir National Woods and the Marin Headlands give you a whole new perspective of the city and the coastal area.

5. Adirondack — New York City to Montreal

Photo: ProDesign studio/Shutterstock

Striking in any season, once outside of Manhattan this route pulls out all the stops with its fall foliage. Just bring your passport — this line ends in the capital of Canada’s French province.

New York City — NYC can be just about anything you want it to be. The skyscrapers of Manhattan, the reminders of a country built on diaspora, the noise, and the lights. With unique character from Harlem to Brooklyn to Staten Island, New York pushes innovation in art, fashion, culture, food, and industry. You can even get green space breaks with Central Park and the newer raised Highline Park. There’s no way to do it all — pick your must-dos and leave room for the unexpected. Make sure at least once to get a sense of scale: take a ferry out to Staten or an elevator to the top of a high rise to feel little in a great big world.

Saratoga Springs — Far from the city, Amtrak stops at Saratoga, a famous respite for the well-heeled, turn-of-the-20th-century New Yorkers (and mobsters). These characters mixed springs spa relaxation and a heavy pour of vice with horse racing, gambling, and pearl-clutching “dens of debauchery.” These days you can still take in the spas, the horse racing, rounds of golf, and trips into the massive Adirondacks State Park.

Montreal — This French-Canadian city makes the bucket list stop as an Amtrak terminal. While you cross an international border, it really feels like you just crossed an ocean. Brush up on some French, see the European styled Old Port and Basilica, and climb to the top of Mont-Royal for the best view. Montreal cooks up far more than poutine, but make sure to grab a bowl somewhere. If you can, take in a hometown Habs hockey match and expect special rivalry fireworks if it’s against the Boston Bruins.

6. Palmetto — New York City to Savannah

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

From the Big Apple to the Hostess City of the South, the Palmetto runs through original colonies and some of the most storied destinations in US history.

Philadelphia — As the birthplace of a nation, Independence Hall and the nearby Liberty Bell are must-see stops for first-time Philly visitors. Once you’ve hit your fill of history in the dozens of options in the area, jog up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for your own Rocky moment. You’ve earned one of the city’s famous cheesesteaks; good luck picking amongst the heated contenders. If you’re looking for something more modern, try the newer Wonderspaces Interactive Gallery or the funky mosaic Magic Gardens.

Washington DC — It’s very possible to spend a week in the US capital without leaving two square miles. The Smithsonian campus homes massive museums on everything from art, history, and aeronautics to American Indian and African American history and culture to the Holocaust. Tour the Mall for a concentration of the most prestigious memorials and see Congress and the White House with the right clearance. Just a subway ride across the river is Arlington National Cemetery with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, John F. Kennedy’s eternal flame, and the home of Robert E. Lee. If you want to go a bit further from the center, check out the cobblestone streets of Georgetown and the wider city’s busy theater scene. Make sure to get away for a day and cruise down to Mt. Vernon to see the life George Washington wanted instead of being a king.

Charleston — The Holy City may have a lot of steeples, but it’s also a great city for food. Prepare to spend a lot of time brunching and exploring industry innovation when it comes to southern and seafood. Between meals, a harbor cruise by Ft. Moultrie, and tour of Ft. Sumter invokes Charleston’s impact in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. The area is full of beautifully preserved plantations, but if you want a full look at the involuntary side of this history, McLeod Plantation Historic Site covers both the free and enslaved peoples’ experience and the birth of Gullah/Geechee heritage.

Savannah — The Hostess City of the South is known for five things: One, 24 squares that make it feel like one big garden. Two, a general lack of caring what others do. Three, an openness to any party occasion. Four, the second-largest St. Patrick’s celebration in the US. And five, last and least if they had their preference, “The Book.” Take the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil tours if you like, but make sure to stroll through other squares and let the city’s timelessness soak in. Then grab a cocktail, y’all, and keep your eyes peeled for the fun because in Savannah something is always happening.

7. Alaska Railroad

Photo: Martin Capek/Shutterstock

Used to being left to its own devices, the Last Frontier has its own rail company, and once again, they get the job done. Icefields, glaciers, and the highest point on the continent are an easy jaunt from Anchorage.

Denali — Not only the highest point in North America, Denali is also one of the toughest mountains in the world to climb. But if you’re not an expedition climber, the national park still has plenty to offer. The Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star drops passengers off right at the park’s gate. From there you can choose a narrated tour bus or a non-narrated hop-on/hop-off bus. The park offers plenty of hiking and camping opportunities, but the best way to see wildlife is actually on the buses. If you can, stay overnight at a lodge or with campground clearance to increase your chances of a clear day for wildlife and summit spotting.

Seward — Heading south from Anchorage, the Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic ends at Seward’s Resurrection Bay. From here you can easily visit Kenai Fjords National Park to witness the 40 glacial flows of Harding Field. When open, short trails let you walk right up to Exit Glacier or you can cruise and kayak the greater bay. Overnight cabins are available in the park, and ample tourist accommodations thrive in Seward, but if you don’t want to spend the night, the train gives you seven hours to explore before heading back to Anchorage.

Fairbanks — Once a Gold Rush boomtown, Fairbanks persists as a gateway to the backcountry, the largest city this far north on the continent. Part of the attraction to visiting the Golden Heart of Alaska is simply saying you made it to the Great North. But the town also offers up historic river cruises with gold rush touches, an elaborate ice carving museum, and one very Game of Thrones-sounding Museum of the North that details this harsh life. The sled dogs that made the boom possible still have a place in city life for those that want to mush. And if you stay a bit you might see a real thrill: the northern lights.

More like this Train Travel The world’s most epic train journeys to remote places

The post The best US train routes for bucket-list destinations appeared first on Matador Network.

Trespassing injury at Yellowstone

A woman who illegally entered Yellowstone National Park fell into a thermal feature on Tuesday and suffered burns, according to a report from CNN. The trespasser told park rangers that she was attempting to take photos of the Old Faithful Geyser when she lost balance and fell into the hot water. Yellowstone National Park has been closed to the public since March 24 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After exiting the feature, the woman entered her car and proceeded to drive through the park, where park rangers contacted her. Upon learning of her burns, the rangers contacted Flight for Life, and the woman was flown to the Burn Center at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Authorities have not released the woman’s name nor her current condition.

No repercussions have yet been announced for the woman, but the National Park Service has plenty to build a case for punishment on. Trespassing near the Old Faithful Geyser is an ongoing problem at the park. Two men who illegally trespassed to the cone of the Old Faithful Geyser earlier this year were arrested, jailed for 10 days, and ordered to pay a $540 restitution. They were also given five years of probation and banned from the park for the same amount of time.

“Visitors must realize that walking on thermal features is dangerous, damages the resource, and illegal,” said Park Chief Ranger Sarah Davis in a statement about the sentencing in January. “Law enforcement officers take this violation seriously. Yellowstone National Park also appreciates the court for recognizing the impact thermal trespass can have on these amazing features.”

More like this Parks + Wilderness The actual differences between national parks, monuments, and recreation areas

The post Woman suffers burns after trespassing in Yellowstone National Park appeared first on Matador Network.

Greetings without shaking hands

“I don’t think we should ever shake hands ever again,” Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and member of the US Coronavirus Task Force, said last month.

Calling it a habit “we’ve got to break,” Fauci went on to call handshakes “one of the major ways that you can transmit a respiratory illness.”

This is not the first time the handshake has been questioned. During the SARS outbreak several years ago, many places put a pause on handshakes. In many US schools, fists bumps between students and teachers replaced handshakes — and the change has been permanent.

Yet in most of the world, the handshake has been a persistent feature of social and corporate life. Particularly in the business world, it’s seen as a prerequisite for negotiations and deal-making.

“The handshake, along with the smile and eye contact, are the key areas to engaging with people,” said Philip Sykes, Principal at The British School of Etiquette, in a conversation with Matador. “It depends on where you hail from, but predominantly in the business world. And I think it’s become the norm in many countries to greet someone with the extension of a hand and a handshake.”

Yet in the face of this pandemic, and with the threat of new viruses in the future, it may be time to wave goodbye to the handshake. Fortunately, we can draw upon plenty of examples from around the world on how to greet people.

One thing we won’t miss is the power plays that are sometimes built into the handshake. While a firm handshake is best, Sykes cautions against using it to establish dominance. “It’s not a bone crusher, because no one wants to come across as being too dominant.”

“I think there’s something in a handshake which is human connection,” says Michael*, a London-based entrepreneur who has worked professionally on five continents. “When you look someone in the eye and you shake their hand, it’s part of relationship building and the human connection.”

He acknowledges, though, “There are some people who will use a handshake as a sign of power. They’ll squeeze your hand, or I’ve had a couple of handshakes where someone’s tried to turn their hand on top of mine, sort of like they’re already positioning.”

Moreover, even in the business world, the handshake is often relegated to men. From Argentina to Austria, the handshake comes only with the first introduction to female colleagues. After they’ve established a relationship, female workers are expected to kiss their other colleagues on the cheek.

In Switzerland, the workday begins with greetings to your fellow employees: a firm handshake and look in the eye between male colleagues, and the three left-right-left cheek kisses for the women. Beyond the difficulty of establishing proper eye contact in between air kisses, the distinct greetings establish a subtle difference in how different gendered colleagues relate.

In fact, physical workplace greetings can be so fraught that even before the current crises, many employees wanted to see less of them. A UK workplace survey last year found that three-quarters of UK employees wanted to see less physical contact in the workplace.

Other cultures can teach us alternatives

Photo: Popartic/Shutterstock

At a time when even the fist bump has gone by the wayside, the question becomes how we can connect to each other. In an effort to distance while holding onto a vestige of physical contact, we’ve seen the world trying out the awkward elbow-tap.

Sykes is not a fan of the approach. “I think the touching elbows and the touching of feet, it’s gimmicky. I don’t think there’s much depth in it,” he said.

In the absence of physical contact, eye contact can take its place. “Your eye contact is about building trust. About looking into the other person’s eyes, being able to connect with that person. It shows respect as well,” said Sykes.

Sykes recommends to his clients and friends the hand on the heart.“The hand of the heart is my first go to, and I’m sort of sharing that with people,” said Sykes. “You see in the Muslim faith and certain Arab cultures, they often tap their heart twice when they meet you. It’s a lovely gesture because it’s the heart and the soul, and we connect obviously through our emotions. That for me is the number one go-to.”

The other one would be a namaste, a Hindu salutation common in India and other Hindu countries, and known to yoga practitioners around the world. “I think that’s always a lovely one. The two hands together, just near your chest, and a slight little head nod as well. Again, I think it’s a nice way to connect,” said Sykes.

Either way, the point is to look someone in the eyes, but not to stare. “I’d make sure I’m connecting with my eyes, long enough to know what the color of your eyes are,” Sykes said.

While Sykes also appreciates the Japanese bow, he feels it’s better suited to a social context. “I think a bow is an incredible way to connect with people. On a business level, unless you are Japanese or connecting with the Japanese, I wouldn’t really go towards the bow.”

Michael agrees. While he feels a bow of the head is respectful, a bow from the waist can denote deference in some cultures. “You bow in front of your god, you bow in front of royalty,” he said. “That’s why I think bowing would be hard for some people, because it has connections with subservience.”

Michael’s choice would be namaste: “It’s gracious, and it’s beautiful in the way you clasp your hands and you bow your head and you look at someone.” Yet he adds, “But that’s a particular part of the world.”

Building a new language of greeting

Photo: fizkes/Shutterstock

Michael says that it’s important to find a greeting that will work across cultures. “It would have to be understood, you’re kind of creating a new cultural habit.”

In fact, now is the perfect time to create those new habits since we are all greeting each other remotely anyway. Even if you wanted to start a meeting with a handshake right now, you probably couldn’t — because your meeting is via Zoom.

Rather than using video-conferencing as an excuse not to have a formal salutation, you should be extending the same courtesies to your video audience, says Sykes. Even through Zoom, he recommends a thoughtful tone, as in, “Good morning. How are you?”

And when it’s time to end his Zoom call, Sykes said, “If I’m saying goodbye to my audience, I may do the namaste. I may also then go to the hand to the heart, so it might even be a combination.”

Looks like you really don’t need that handshake after all.

*Source’s last name was requested to be withheld.

More like this Sustainability Why coronavirus conspiracy theories are so dangerous for both humans and wildlife

The post The handshake is dead, but other cultures can teach us to greet without contact appeared first on Matador Network.

Bumble and Airbnb virtual dates

Dating apps are a tricky business these days. We have more time than ever to sit around and mindlessly swipe left or right, but actually going on a date is a complicated prospect in the era of social distancing. Awkwardly FaceTiming with your match, or having a bizarre date where you stay six-feet apart the whole time, aren’t exactly the romantic beginnings you’ll want to tell your grandkids about. To make online dating easier, Bumble and Airbnb are partnering to offer virtual online experiences, so you can share an experience together from the safety of your respective homes.

“To help star-crossed matches connect from afar,” said Airbnb, “Airbnb is releasing a collection of Bumble-approved Online Experiences perfect for spicing up virtual dates and engaging with each other in fun, meaningful ways.”

Among these experiences are a tarot reading, a meet-and-greet with the wooly sheep of a New Zealand farm, a pasta-making lesson with Italian chefs, a “drink and draw” in Lisbon, and a private jazz concert.

To celebrate the launch of the partnership experience, Bumble is sponsoring a contest where 100 Bumble users will be chosen to receive free virtual dates. The contest is open to all US residents, runs until May 28, and you can enter through the app by answering the following question: “If you could plan a first date anywhere in the world, where would it be and what would you do?”

While you’re waiting to see if you’ve won, you might as well expand your horizons. Since Zoom dates make distance irrelevant, Bumble has expanded its distance filters to allow users to match with anyone, anywhere in their country.

More like this Sex + Dating Tinder sent me to Toronto to find love, and I fell in love with solo travel instead

The post Bumble partners with Airbnb to offer unique virtual first dates appeared first on Matador Network.

Detroit-style pizza guide

Thankfully, the rest of the world has caught on to the cheesy wonder that is Detroit-style pizza, but when I was growing up in Michigan, that was the only kind of pizza I knew. I didn’t realize how special the crispy crusts were, with cheese caramelized right out to the edges. And as far as the shape went, which most people tend to fixate on, I grew up assuming square was the classic pizza shape. I caught on to the triangle style the rest of the country knows and loves after a while, but it was too late at that point. New York thin crust, Chicago deep dish, and, yes, even those wood-fired, hand-made pizzas in Rome were forever ruined for me. Sorry, but Detroit’s pizza stole my heart first.

The best place to grab a Detroit-style pizza

Photo: Buddy’s Pizza/Facebook

Here in Michigan, we tend to have strong opinions, but one thing we can agree on is that Buddy’s Pizza is the place to go for the best Detroit pizza. Detroit-style pizza was invented at Buddy’s, all the way back in 1946.

“The original recipe was a family secret of a cook at our Six Mile and Conant location,” Katy Dean, Buddy’s Vice President of Marketing, tells me. “The recipe was passed down to her by her Sicilian immigrant parents, and then carefully crafted and adjusted.”

While Detroit-style pizza was originally based on a Sicilian recipe, it has its own flavor profile and characteristics that make it totally distinctive from the original Italian iteration — and from every other style of pizza in America.

Blue pans

Photo: Kye Jung/Shutterstock

Many roundups of the world’s best pizzas – which have recently started to feature Detroit’s well-deserving masterpiece – define Detroit style by its signature square shape. This is where they go wrong. The secret to Detroit pizza isn’t its shape but what gives it that shape: the pizza pan.

Back in 1946, when Gus and Connie Piccinato were busy making the first pizza that would come to be known as quintessential Detroit style, they had a conundrum. They didn’t have any pizza pans. They were, however, able to borrow some blue steel pans from a local automotive plant. These pans “originally functioned as car parts pans — it doesn’t get any more Detroit than that,” Dean tells me.

Detroit, or Motor City, has long been the heart of the automotive industry, and it makes sense that the same heart, soul, and steel that go into our cars go into our pizza as well. According to Dean, Buddy’s still uses a version of the blue steel pans to create its iconic pizzas.

“The way these pans are seasoned over time adds to the unique flavor of the dough,” she says.

Inverse layering

There’s another characteristic that defines Detroit pizza, besides the years of steel pan seasoning. In real Detroit pizzas, the toppings are layered backward. This means the pepperoni is laid down directly on the dough, so the twice-proofed dough soaks up the meaty, spicy flavors. The cheese (preferably Wisconsin brick) is next, spread all the way to the edges of the pan where it caramelizes to create the signature, crispy, cheesy crust. This also seals the pepperoni down into the dough, for enhanced flavor. Finally, two stripes of tomato sauce are ladled on top of the cheese.

“The sequence of the toppings impacts the flavor of the pizza significantly,” Dean says. “The consistency and taste created by this sequence is what makes Detroit-style pizza so special.”

I have to agree. In my opinion, Buddy’s does it best, but if you’re attempting to make Detroit pizza at home, this inverse layering is a step you can’t miss — without it, it doesn’t count as Detroit style.

For the love of Detroit pizza

Photo: Buddy’s Pizza/Facebook

As Detroit pizza’s reputation has grown over the years, so has the business that started it all. Buddy’s has grown to the point that there are now 16 locations across lower Michigan. You can find the same quality at any of the Buddy’s locations, but my personal favorite, after the original Conant street location in Detroit, is the one in the town of Novi. It’s my tradition to stop here on my way home from Detroit airport — I order a massive antipasto salad and a classic pepperoni pizza, and it feels exactly like what it is: coming home.

Of course, I won’t be making runs to or from the airport any time soon. And while I’m staying at home in Michigan, I’ll be sure to continue enjoying this pizza I love so well. Dean describes Detroit pizza as a “unifier.” I’ve lingered over the cheesy goodness of Detroit pizza for years, and I have to agree. For those further afield, you can still try to make your own Detroit-style pizza. Just remember to layer your toppings backward, and use the oldest steel pizza pan you can find.

More like this Food + Drink 7 pizza styles you need to try to understand true Italian pizza

The post An ode to crispy, super cheesy Detroit pizza appeared first on Matador Network.

Twitter work from home announcement

Twitter may have once again changed the world.

On Tuesday, CEO Jack Dorsey emailed the entire company (interestingly opting not to Tweet it) effectively telling all employees they could continue working from home, if they so desired, forever. Jobs that require people to be present — like server maintenance — will still need to come in. But by and large Twitter’s workforce will now be allowed to telecommute full-time, even in a post-pandemic world.

Dorsey’s email was first obtained by BuzzFeed News and went on to say the company’s offices would likely not open until September, and that all in-person events would be canceled until the end of 2020. Twitter began allowing most of its workers to work from home in March, like many companies, and hinted at a permanent shift later that month when HR head Jennifer Christie told CNBC, “I don’t think we’ll go back to the way we used to operate.”

Other Silicon Valley heavyweights have also embraced the work-from-home ethos for the long term, as both Google and Facebook have announced their offices won’t reopen — even for limited staff — until early summer. Facebook upped the ante saying employees who didn’t require physical presence could work from home until the end of the year.

Twitter may be the first domino in a WFH chain reaction

This announcement isn’t just huge for Silicon Valley. It also represents the first major American company to move to an all-remote workforce following COVID-19 and may serve as the first example of a major shift in the way we work. And even where we live.

Twitter won’t be the first company to have a remote workforce. Countless startups looking to avoid commercial rent, and diversify their workforce, also have staff operating from their living rooms or on the road. As do many online media companies, including Matador Network.

But Twitter’s example shows large companies both in tech and other fields that remote working is a viable option, even for organizations steeped in in-person tradition.

“People who were reticent to work remotely will find that they really thrive that way,” Christie told BuzzFeed News in March. “Managers who didn’t think they could manage teams that were remote will have a different perspective.”

And though tech companies have long been on the forefront of workplace innovation, this may signal the largest shift yet.

Not that remote working was a new concept at all; it has been growing in popularity steadily for 15 years. A 2017 study from Global Workplace Analytics showed that nearly four million people worked from home at least half the time, up 44 percent over the previous five years. That number was also 91 percent higher than 10 years before and 159 percent higher than it had been in 2005. Still, many traditional corporate companies have resisted change.

Working from anywhere means we might not need to live in expensive cities to find jobs

With more Americans realizing they don’t need an office to do their jobs, and the cost of living in job centers growing every year, the move to working from home may also signal a shift in where we choose to live. Whereas at one time you had to live in Silicon Valley to make a Silicon Valley salary, now you can live in places where $100,000 gets you more than an improved garden shed in someone’s backyard. It also means that companies could hire more people with mobility issues or other disabilities, people who need to balance childcare, or simply those without the privilege to bet big on a move to the big city for an entry-level job.

Assuming travel opens back up, this also means people can move even more freely throughout the country than they have before, with things like commute times and proximity to work rendered relatively meaningless. That may also go on to affect housing costs and property values, as anyone who’s played excessive hours of SimCity probably already knows. Expensive real estate won’t be limited to areas close to commercial centers, and we may see a new wave of affordable housing hitting our cities. Or, possibly, a mass exodus to smaller, more livable communities.

With less demand for commercial office space, rents in office buildings and commercial zones may also drop considerably, causing a market correction in many densely populated urban areas.

None of this is an impossible extrapolation, though it’s also not a guarantee. Expensive, large cities still offer amenities people don’t have in more-affordable places. And simple economics would dictate that if employers in Silicon Valley, New York, and other expensive cities no longer need to factor in cost of living in their salary offers, they won’t. But it’s nice to think, for a fleeting minute anyway, that our generation might be able to have a job that pays well and an affordable mortgage. And maybe even do something as crazy as save for retirement.

So as Twitter has gone from a microblogging site for one-liners to where our president announces foreign policy, you may be able to add “demographic shifter” to its resume as well. Whether a wave of working from home overtakes the country post-COVID-19 remains to be seen. But given that that same Global Workplace Analytics survey showed 9 percent of people reporting increased morale with flexible work arrangements, it may be the most likely of all the premonitions we hear of what the uncertain future to come.

More like this Lifestyle Pro tips for working from home, from the Matador staff who do it year-round

The post Twitter allowing employees to work from home forever could signal the end of the office appeared first on Matador Network.

Moroccan grey wine

Known for its signature mint and Berber tea, Morocco is often overlooked by wine enthusiasts despite its extensive role in the viticulture of the 20th century. Although a Muslim country where alcohol consumption is not prevalent, Morocco is, in fact, the producer of a fine wine that can easily rival your favorite rosé. Meet grey wine, or vin gris.

An extremely light style of rosé, vin gris is made from red grapes in a style most associated with white wine practices. After the juice of red grapes is pressed out, there’s little-to-no maceration with the skins, meaning the pressed liquid doesn’t mix with the solids for long. The color of red wine comes from the grape skins, and for vin gris, the short skin contact adds just a clear, faintly pink hue. Finally, the juice is left to ferment.

Morocco’s northern parts in the zone of Fes, Meknes, and Berkane offer favorable conditions for winemaking. Sheltered by the Atlas mountains and open to the cooling influence of the Atlantic, these regions are perfect for the growth of red Rhone varieties like syrah, grenache, and carignan, which are the building blocks of vin gris.

Morocco’s winemaking history is one of peaks and valleys, and its origin leads back to Phoenician times. Winemaking came to a halt when much of North Africa converted to Islam around the seventh century BCE. Then, due to France’s colonial influence in the early 1900s, Morocco returned once again to winemaking. By 1950, it was one of the world’s largest exporters of wine and a key supplier to Europe.

Morocco gained independence from France in 1956 according to the Treaty of Fes, and its winemaking endeavor was once again put on hold until the 1990s.

Then, under the rule of Hassan II, investment from wine families from France and Spain started coming in, reviving viticulture and bringing grey wine back to the table. Today, Morocco’s wine production is thriving with over 40 million bottles produced annually. A large quantity is exported to Europe, while wine is locally served to travelers and non-Muslims at restaurants and riads (the term for a guesthouse run by a local) as allowed by the law.

Grey wine is exciting, yet subtle

Photo: Château Roslane Boutique Hôtel & Spa/Facebook

What should you expect when tasting grey wine for the first time? The style is most heavily influenced by French rosé, and grey wine embodies the fresh fruit and acidity often associated with the wines of Provence in the south of France. One brand to try is Domain de Sahari vin gris du Maroc, a local favorite with a light-bodied, slightly fruity, crisp flavor. This is a delicious and inexpensive bottle that diners in Marrakech are likely to see at the table along with some oysters or a warm bowl of harira, the local bean soup.

Morocco’s main vineyard regions lie up north, including the Meknes-Fes area as well as Berkane and Casablanca, which have a shale and gravel sand soil ideal for vines. The close proximity to the ocean and the protection of the Atlas mountains contribute to keeping a warm, steady temperature year-round. Wine enthusiasts can visit the country’s top vin gris wineries and gain firsthand experience of the growing, harvest, and production process. All that is required is to book an appointment in advance.

Where to go wine tasting in Morocco

Photo: Château Roslane Boutique Hôtel & Spa/Facebook

Château Roslane: Located in the El Hajeb region of Meknes, this winery entices with top-notch gastronomy and unobstructed panoramic landscapes. The 1,730-acre estate produces fair-trade wines that benefit the local community and staff. L’Oliveraie, the in-house restaurant, has an extensive menu, with options like foie gras, salmon tartar, traditional bean soup, souffle, and more. The wine list includes local chardonnay from the Atlas mountains, as well as grenache and chenin blanc wines from Domaine Ouled Thaleb. You can choose to go for a wine-tasting experience by making an appointment with the estate, or make a weekend out of it and stay at the luxury boutique hotel located at the very heart of the estate.

Domaine de la Zouina: Around since the 20th century, this winery is rich in history and tradition and is home to 285 acres of vineyards and olive trees where travelers can fully take in the beauty and tranquility of the Moroccan countryside. The winery is most recognized for its signature Volubilia label, which includes a grey wine made of caladoc, mourvedre, and marselan grapes that’s aged in a stainless steel tank for four months. Visitors can choose from one of four wine-tasting experiences and tours, including the La Zouina signature tour of the premises that includes a tasting of four wines paired with dried fruit, goat cheese, and olives. For those who have more of a sweet tooth, the estate offers a Garden of Delights tour where you’ll taste five wines from the Volubilia and Epicurea line, accompanied by five specialty chocolates.

Domaine du Val d’Argan: Established in 1994, this winery was a pioneer in the wine production of the coastal region of Essaouira. The estate produces 13 wines, including a vin gris called Perle Gray. The winery has a bed and breakfast on the premises where guests can take in the sprawling countryside landscapes and have a tailor-made meal where local Essaourian recipes such as mauve salad, beldi chicken, and Argan goat are paired with five wines in the Perle family from the estate.

More like this Wine In Portugal’s Alentejo, wineries battle climate change with creativity

The post Moroccan grey wine is the alternative to rosé you need to try this summer appeared first on Matador Network.