The Government of Canada celebrates Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi as Canada’s Newest World Heritage Site

Shantel Harris -
O t t a w a ,   O n t a r i o ,   C a n a d a - 

Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi, in Alberta

World Heritage sites represent some of humanity’s most outstanding achievements and nature’s most inspiring creations. They are considered to have Outstanding Universal Value, and are protected for the benefit of all humanity.

Today, Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi, in Alberta, was inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, took the opportunity to celebrate this ancient and sacred place as Canada’s twentieth World Heritage site, and to congratulate those involved in developing and presenting its nomination.

This significant achievement follows more than 10 years of dedication by the Government of Alberta and the Blackfoot Confederacy, including the Mookaakin Cultural and Heritage Society, with guidance and advice from Parks Canada. The site has been on Canada’s Tentative List for World Heritage since 2004.

Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi is an ancient and sacred cultural landscape where Indigenous peoples have created rock art for millennia. Thousands of petroglyphs and pictographs, the greatest concentration of rock art on the Great Plains of North America, represent the powers of the spirit world that resonate in this sacred landscape, and chronicle critical phases of human history in North America, including when Indigenous peoples first came into contact with Europeans.

With an exceptional combination of culturally significant landforms, rock art, archaeological heritage, and dramatic views, Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi (“it is pictured/written”) is a sacred place for the Blackfoot people. In Blackfoot traditions, Sacred Beings dwell among the cliffs and hoodoos, and the voices of the ancestors can be heard among the canyons and cliffs. To this day the Blackfoot feel the energy of the Sacred Beings at Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi, and their oral histories and ongoing ceremonial use of the site attest to the living traditions of the Blackfoot people.

The decision to inscribe Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List was made by the World Heritage Committee during its annual meeting, which is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The timing of this inscription is fitting as 2019 marks the International Year of Indigenous Languages. Indigenous languages are an essential part of the cultural fabric of Canada and play a critical role in safeguarding Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, worldviews, spiritual values, intergenerational learning, and the history of the landscape we know as Canada. The Government of Canada recently recognized the importance of Indigenous languages through the passage of the Indigenous Languages Act, which will reclaim, revitalize, strengthen, and maintain Indigenous languages in Canada.

In celebration of the International Year of Indigenous Languages and the inscription of this new World Heritage site, Canadians are encouraged to help support the revitalization of Indigenous languages in Canada, and are invited to visit Canada’s network of heritage places to learn more about Indigenous languages, knowledge, cultures, and traditions.

The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada said:

“I am pleased to welcome Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi to Canada’s family of UNESCO World Heritage sites. This sacred place for the Blackfoot people is now officially recognized as a cultural landscape of global significance. World Heritage sites, such as Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell stories of who we are, including the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. I would like to congratulate the Government of Alberta, the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Mookaakin Cultural and Heritage Society, and all those who played a role in the inscription of this international treasure. During the International Year of Indigenous Languages, I encourage all Canadians to explore Canada’s network of heritage places to learn more about the histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples in Canada.”

Martin Heavy Head, Elder, Mookaakin Cultural and Heritage Society / Blackfoot Confederacy said:

“For the Blackfoot people, Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi is the very heart of our ancestral land, and we believe that this place has a powerful role to play in teaching others around the world about the sacred landscape of our people. As a World Heritage site, Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi will help us continue to share our traditions, and be an inspiration to all who seek to understand their own deep and personal connections to the land.”

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Mirazur in Menton, France, is named 2019's World’s Best Restaurant

Josh Gold -
S i n g a p o r e - 

Winning restaurant Mirazur from Menton in France

The stars of the restaurant world converged at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019 awards.

This year’s event saw 26 countries across five continents honoured with a place on the list, which culminated with the announcement of a new No.1, as Chef Mauro Colagreco took to the stage to collect the double honours for his restaurant, Mirazur, in Menton, France, as The World’s Best Restaurant 2019 and The Best Restaurant in Europe 2019.

Taking over the No.1 position from Osteria Francescana, which has been elevated to the Best of the Best hall of fame, Mirazur climbed to the top from the No.3 spot in 2018.

Mirazur’s accolade is a testament to Chef Colagreco’s love of local produce, most of which is grown in the restaurant’s three-tiered garden just metres from the dining room, complemented by a stunning French Riviera backdrop.

The chefs behind the restaurants ranked 1-50 at
The World's 50 Best Restaurants awards 2019

William Drew, Director of Content for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, said: “This year we are thrilled to see Mirazur claim the No.1 spot after rising through the ranks since making its debut on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list at No.35 in 2009: it’s been brilliant to witness its progress. This has been a wonderful, progressive year for the list as a whole, with so many new entries from all corners of the globe. We are equally delighted to welcome the seven previous No.1 restaurants into the newly created Best of the Best category.”

Spain leads the way with seven of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, including three in the top 10: Asador Etxebarri (No.3); Mugaritz (No.7); and Disfrutar (No.9). Just outside the top 10, Azurmendi in Larrabetzu, leaps 29 places to No.14 to win the Westholme Highest Climber Award 2019. France is also well represented with five restaurants in the top 50, including Arpège (No.8), Septime (No.15), Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée (No.16), Alléno Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen (No.25), as well as Mirazur.

The USA claims six restaurants in the list, including Cosme (No.23), which is helmed by The World’s Best Female Chef 2019, Daniela Soto-Innes, and two new entries: Atelier Crenn (No.35), and Benu (No.47), both in San Francisco, California.

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Uber Air comes to Melbourne, Australia in 2023

Avi Cohen  -   
M e l b o u r n e ,   A u s t r a l i a - 

Concept Art of Uber Air above Melbourne in 2023.

Uber has announced that Australia will be the first international market for Uber Air, with Melbourne selected as the third ‘pilot' city.

Melbourne will join Dallas and Los Angeles as pilot cities for the program, with test flights due to start from 2020 and plans for commercial operations to commence from 2023.

Taking Uber’s tech to the sky, Uber Air aims to open up urban air mobility, and help alleviate transport congestion on the ground. In the long term, the vision is for safe, quiet electric vehicles transporting tens of thousands of people across cities for the same price as an UberX trip over the same distance.

Susan Anderson, Regional General Manager for Uber in Australia, New Zealand and North Asia made the announcement on June 11 at Uber’s global Elevate Summit in Washington and said:

“Since we entered the market in 2012, Australians have embraced Uber wholeheartedly. Today, over 3.8 million Aussies regularly use Uber as a reliable way to get from A to B, and governments across the country have recognised the important role ridesharing plays in the future of transport for our cities.”

Susan Anderson General Manager for
Uber Australia and New Zealand

“Australian governments have adopted a forward-looking approach to ridesharing and future transport technology. This, coupled with Melbourne’s unique demographic and geospatial factors, and culture of innovation and technology, makes Melbourne the perfect third launch city for Uber Air. We will see other Australian cities following soon after.”

“The State Government of Victoria, Australia has been highly supportive, and we look forward to partnering with them to progress into this first international trial for Uber Air in Melbourne,” said Susan.

Congestion is a growing concern for cities around the world, congestion currently costs Australia $16.5 billion annually and increasing to around $30 billion by 2030.

Eric Allison, the global head of Uber Elevate, said: “As major cities grow, the heavy reliance on private car ownership will not be sustainable. Uber Air holds enormous potential to help reduce road congestion. For example, the 19 kilometre journey from the CBD to Melbourne airport can take anywhere from 25 minutes to around an hour by car in peak hour but with Uber Air this will take around 10 minutes.”

“Uber’s technology is changing the way people move around their cities — from bikes to pooled rides, we are always looking for ways to reduce the need for private car ownership. In the coming years, with Uber Air, we want to make it possible for people to push a button and get a flight.”

“We are delighted that Melbourne has been chosen as the first international trial city for Uber Air. Victoria is a dynamic, innovative tech state and an economy leading the Asia Pacific region in transformative technologies,” said the Hon Robin Scott, Assistant Treasurer, Government of Victoria, Australia who spoke at the Washington Summit.

Uber also announced partnerships with leading Australian companies, Macquarie, Telstra and Scentre Group, owner and operator of Westfield in Australia and New Zealand and will work with key existing partners including Melbourne Airport who collectively will support the infrastructure and telecommunications needed to create a successful urban aviation network.

“As the gateway to Melbourne for tens of millions of travellers each year, we can see fantastic potential for Uber Air in the future. We look forward to continuing this exciting conversation, and working with government, regulators and our local communities to make this happen,” said Lorie Argus, Chief of Parking & Ground Access at Melbourne Airport.

“Macquarie Capital is excited to be partnering with Uber Elevate on the development and electrification of the skyports that will support vertical takeoff and landing, as well as determining the best market structures and models for this infrastructure,” said Greg Callman, Global Head of Energy Technology at Macquarie Capital. “We look forward to leveraging our expertise in infrastructure, charging, and energy, along with innovation driven by Uber and other partners to accelerate the move toward electric air mobility.”

“Telstra is excited to be part of a truly momentous point in time for Melbourne on the world stage. Our network strength, coverage and leadership in 5G, along with our ongoing work on drones and related standards, will support Uber’s incredible technology and innovation to develop a service we have all imagined would one day be possible,” said Andrew Penn, Chief Executive Officer, Telstra.

“We will be working closely with Uber over the next 12 months to assess what network infrastructure, connectivity requirements and other capabilities would be needed to support airspace mobility in urban centres. It is a testament to Telstra’s network and technology capability that we are part of this exciting future,” said Penn.

“Scentre Group is pleased to have been selected to work with Uber Elevate as preferred infrastructure partner and alongside other companies, government and regulatory agencies to explore future mobility options for our customers. Today’s announcement recognises the strategic locations of our Westfield centres, which are regarded as integral social infrastructure because of their close proximity to customers, communities and transport hubs,” said Cynthia Whelan, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer, Scentre Group.

“Our partnership with government and business is a significant part of the Uber story in Australia. We will continue to work with communities and governments to ensure that we create an urban aviation rideshare network that is safe, quiet, environmentally conscious and supports multi-modal transport options,” said Susan Anderson.

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Eyal Shani Opens Seven North - a New Culinary Destination in Vienna’s Neubau District

Josh Gold -
V i e n n a ,  A u s t r i a - 

Eyal Shani, Credit: Facebook

Renowned Israeli chef, Eyal Shani opens his second endeavour in Vienna, Seven North. Located in the ground floor space of the soon-to-launch Max Brown 7th District hotel, the restaurant brings influences from the Mediterranean to the vibrant Neubau area.

The new hotspot for eating and drinking features the chef’s world-famous whole roast cauliflower dish, as well as a wide variety of cocktails.

“I am extremely excited to be joining Vienna’s vibrant seventh district and cannot wait to bring a slice of my world to Max Brown Hotels. It’s a match made in heaven, as our ethos is about making our guests feel welcome, as you would in your own home.” Says Eyal Shani. “Seven North will bring together a range of colourful, balanced dishes, focused on my all-time favourite ingredient, the humble vegetable.”

Seven North Cuisine, Credit: Daniëlle Reizevoort

Shani will bring his signature emphasis on fresh, seasonal vegetables and spices, to a South Mediterranean inspired menu. There will be a choice of small sharing plates (starting from 7 Euros), larger dishes designed for groups of four or more (from 13 Euros) and a complementary list of old and new world wines.

Small sharing plates will include bruschetta of melted chickpea with homemade tahini; a charred beetroot carpaccio; and Shani’s infamous roasted cauliflower. Larger dishes include fresh fish and seafood, meat dishes including a juicy lamb Kebab served in a herbed focaccia with seasonal vegetables and a range of pastas. Marrying typical Middle Eastern delicacies with an energetic kitchen and a passion for fresh and simple ingredients, Shani will create a unique addition to the Viennese food scene.

Central Bar, Credit Steve Herud

The restaurant is characterised by a central bar and open kitchen set in a large dining room reminiscent of food halls and bustling marketplace eateries commonly found across the Levant. Reclaimed furniture pieces combine with velvet furnishings and wood finishes to create a warm, understated interior designed for social gatherings.

Seven North follows Shani’s opening of HaSalon in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen last month and adds to his roster of eateries including: North Abraxas; Port Said; Romano and HaSalon in Tel Aviv – and Miznon, which can be found in Paris, Vienna, Melbourne and New York City.

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Animated Character Helps Tourists Visiting the Isle of Skye

Peter Thomas -
L o n d o n ,   U K - 

Meet Donald from Skye

Visitors to the Isle of Skye will now be welcomed by Donald, who will answer their questions and give them important information whilst staying on the island.

The creation of local businessman Calum MacDonald, it is hoped that Donald from Skye will act as a friendly face for the island and even build up his own following with his trademark ginger beard, kilt and quirky catchphrases.

Donald from Skye is an animated character and the star of a short film about the island. Donald, assisted by his trusted companion Fergie the Tractor, tells visitors to Skye all they need to know – from where to stay and what to do, to how to drive safely on the roads and where to park.

Donald on one of Skye's many spectacular beaches

Visitors can ask Donald any questions they have about their visit and a short animated film of Donald from Skye will be available on Donald’s YouTube channel; acting as a unique and informative source for anyone wishing to visit Skye.

Commenting on the launch, Donald from Skye said: “Without a word of a lie, I’m Donald from Skye! I’m here with my pal Fergie the Tractor to help anyone who’d like to visit this beauty of an island that I’ve called home all my life. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to get a tasty meal or have a wee dram; looking for a tour from a local like me; or need somewhere to rest your wee head for a few nights – I’m the man for the job and can tell you everything you need to know.

“I’ve got my own short film, giving information on Skye, and, can you believe it, I’ve even got a range of merchandise! Have a wee look at my YouTube channel and go to the website to ask me anything about the island. Fergie and I hope to see you soon on Skye!”

Creator Calum MacDonald was inspired by a previous drawing by his niece, Sadie MacDonald.

Calum MacDonald and Donald at Quiraing

Calum said: “In November 2017, following on from Skye receiving negative publicity during that summer, I was inspired by a drawing my niece had drawn of her family. I came up with the idea of creating a character from Skye, acting as a friendly face for the island and having him help solve the problems Skye was facing.

“Without a word of a lie, I’m Donald from Skye”

“Since then Donald has developed into an animated character and is the star, along with Fergie the Tractor, of his own animated film. Donald and Fergie answer any questions visitors might have about Skye on the website and we hope to add further episodes of Donald from Skye soon.”

“The Donald from Skye website acts as a hub of information for visitors, with business listings, a ‘recommended by Donald’ list and clips of Donald and Fergie. Donald from Skye is also on social media, allowing visitors to see updates and recommendations from Donald directly on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.”

“I hope Donald from Skye will be informative and entertaining for both tourists and locals, and enhance their experiences on this beautiful island.”

Visit: DonaldFromSkye.com

The Sun rising on Scotland's beautiful Isle of Skye

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The Century Project for Seattle Space Needle

Shantel Harris -
S e a t t l e ,   U S A - 

Seattle Space Needle

Olson Kundig Design Principal Alan Maskin has led the Century Project, a historic renovation of Seattle’s iconic Space Needle.

Maskin’s design is, in all ways, about expanding views. Removing walls, barriers and floors and replacing them with structural glass created a dramatically updated visitor experience.

With 196% more glass than before, Maskin’s new design gives the Space Needle’s annual 1.3 million visitors a physical and emotional experience defined by awe-inspiring views of Puget Sound, the city of Seattle and the Space Needle itself.

Space Needle glass floor

Olson Kundig’s transformation of the landmark tower is focused on revealing the ingenuity of the original structure, parts of which, including the mechanics of the revolving floor, will be made visible for the first time. Improving the visitor experience was a primary design directive, with the revolving glass restaurant floor being a key component. This new transparent floor will provide a 360-degree rotating window that guests can walk on, revealing a new view down the Needle’s steel superstructure to the Seattle Center campus below.

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