#Munich Metropolitan Area

[henrymarkus]

Zero Tuition, High ROI: Attract International Talent with German Master's Programs

Germany has established itself as one of the most attractive destinations for international students, particularly those pursuing master’s programs. The country's commitment to academic excellence, coupled with its innovative industries and research opportunities, is unrivaled. What makes it even more appealing is the concept of “zero tuition” at many public universities, allowing students to focus on their education without the burden of high fees. In this article, we will explore how German master's programs offer high returns on investment (ROI), making them a magnet for international talent.

Why Germany? A Global Hub for Higher Education

Germany’s position as an educational powerhouse is no accident. With over 400 universities and 20,000 study programs, the country has been a forerunner in both science and technology, attracting some of the world’s brightest minds.

Here’s why Germany stands out:

Free or Low-Cost Tuition: Public universities in Germany offer little to no tuition fees, even for international students. This means students only have to cover living expenses, drastically reducing the financial burden of obtaining a master’s degree.

Globally Recognized Degrees: German degrees are internationally respected, especially in fields like engineering, medicine, business, and social sciences. Graduates from German universities are highly sought after by employers worldwide.

Research and Innovation: Germany is home to world-class research institutions and boasts strong collaborations between academia and industry. Students have access to cutting-edge facilities, making it a dream destination for those interested in research-based programs.

Quality of Life: International students not only benefit from affordable education but also enjoy a high standard of living in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. With extensive public transportation, student discounts, and affordable healthcare, Germany offers a balanced lifestyle for students.

Zero Tuition: Breaking Down the Financial Benefits

The financial model of many German public universities is one of their strongest selling points. While countries like the U.S., U.K., and Australia charge tens of thousands of dollars for master’s programs, Germany offers a more affordable alternative without compromising on quality.

No Tuition Fees

For many public universities in Germany, international students can attend for free. While some private institutions may charge fees, the costs are still significantly lower than in other Western countries. This “zero tuition” model allows students to graduate with minimal debt, increasing the long-term ROI of their education.

Affordable Living Costs

Although students are expected to cover their living expenses, these are relatively modest compared to other countries. The average cost of living for international students in Germany ranges between €800 and €1,200 per month, depending on the city. Even in larger metropolitan areas like Berlin and Munich, the cost of living remains competitive when considering the standard of living and available amenities.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Germany offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid programs for international students. Organizations such as the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) provide scholarships based on merit, financial need, and research interests, further reducing the financial burden on international students.

High ROI: Why German Master’s Programs Pay Off

Investing in a German master’s program yields exceptional returns, both in terms of career opportunities and personal growth. Let’s break down the key factors that contribute to this high ROI.

Access to Global Job Markets

Germany is home to numerous global corporations, including companies like Siemens, Bosch, BMW, and Volkswagen. Many universities maintain strong connections with these companies, allowing students to gain hands-on experience through internships, research projects, and collaborations. Graduating from a German university can open doors to job opportunities not just in Germany, but globally.

Stay-Back Visa and Path to Permanent Residency

Germany’s liberal visa policies further enhance the attractiveness of its master’s programs. After completing their studies, international students can apply for an 18-month job-seeker visa to find employment in the country. Once employed, graduates can apply for an EU Blue Card, a pathway to permanent residency. This long-term option is particularly appealing to international students looking to settle in Europe and build a career.

Competitive Salaries and Career Growth

Germany’s robust economy, especially in sectors such as engineering, IT, healthcare, and renewable energy, ensures that master’s graduates are well-compensated. The average starting salary for master’s degree holders in Germany ranges from €45,000 to €55,000 annually, depending on the field of study. Graduates in specialized areas like data science, artificial intelligence, and robotics can earn even higher salaries, making the investment in a German master’s program highly lucrative.

Language and Cultural Exposure

Although many master’s programs are offered in English, international students often take advantage of language courses to learn German. Proficiency in German can significantly boost a graduate's employability in Germany and other German-speaking regions, increasing their career prospects. Additionally, students gain cultural exposure and soft skills that are highly valued by employers in today’s globalized world.

Why Companies Should Partner with German Universities

Given the caliber of education and the strong emphasis on research and innovation, companies worldwide are increasingly seeking to collaborate with German universities. Here’s why partnering with these institutions can benefit organizations:

Talent Pool: Germany produces a highly skilled workforce, particularly in STEM fields. Companies can access this talent pool by partnering with universities for research projects, internships, and recruitment.

Innovation and R&D: Germany’s universities are at the forefront of research in technology, engineering, and healthcare. Collaborating with these institutions can provide companies with access to the latest advancements, helping them stay competitive in their respective industries.

Global Reach: German universities attract students from around the world. Companies looking to build a diverse workforce with international talent will find Germany to be an excellent recruitment hub.

Conclusion: Germany – The Smart Choice for International Talent

With zero tuition fees, a high standard of living, and excellent job prospects, German master’s programs present a high ROI for international students. They offer an education that is not only affordable but also globally recognized, making Germany a top destination for those seeking to advance their academic and professional careers.

For companies looking to attract top-tier talent, investing in partnerships with German universities and recruiting graduates from these institutions can yield significant returns. Whether you’re a student or a company, Germany provides opportunities for growth, innovation, and success.Ready to explore a master’s program in Germany? Start your journey today and unlock a world of possibilities!

[higherstudy]

Accommodation in Germany for Indian Students 

Overview:Finding accommodation in Germany can be both exciting and challenging for international students. With options ranging from student dormitories and shared apartments to private rentals and homestays, there's something to suit every preference and budget. Many universities offer student housing options, providing a convenient and social living environment. Alternatively, students can explore rental markets in popular cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, where they can experience German culture firsthand. It's essential to start the accommodation search early, as demand can be high, especially in metropolitan areas. Overall, with careful planning and research, students can find comfortable and affordable accommodation to enhance their experience of studying in Germany.

Types of Accommodation In Germany

Student Dormitories: Managed by universities, offering affordable shared rooms or studio apartments with communal facilities.

Shared Apartments (WG - Wohngemeinschaften): Renting a room in a flat shared with other students or professionals, sharing common areas like kitchen and bathroom.

Private Rentals: Renting an entire apartment or house independently, providing more privacy but usually higher costs.

Homestays: Living with a local family, offering cultural immersion and a supportive environment for international students.

Temporary Accommodation: Hostels, guesthouses, or short-term rentals ideal for newcomers while searching for long-term housing.

On-campus Accommodation: Some universities offer on-campus housing options, including student residences or apartments within university premises.

Cost of Accommodation in Germany

The cost of accommodation in Germany varies significantly depending on factors such as location, type of housing, and amenities. In general, students can expect to pay between €300 to €600 per month for shared accommodation or student dormitories in smaller cities or rural areas. However, in larger cities like Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt, prices can be higher, ranging from €400 to €800 or more for similar accommodation. Private rentals typically come with higher price tags, ranging from €500 to €1000 or more per month, depending on the size and location of the property. Overall, while living costs in Germany can be relatively affordable compared to other European countries, it's essential for students to budget accordingly and explore various accommodation options to find the best fit for their needs and budget.

How to Find Accommodation In Germany:

University Resources: Check with your university's international office or housing department for information on student dormitories, on-campus housing, or housing assistance programs.

Online Platforms: Utilize popular websites and platforms like WG-Gesucht, Immobilienscout24, or Studenten-WG to search for shared apartments, private rentals, or roommates.

Social Media: Join Facebook groups or forums specifically dedicated to housing in Germany, where students often post listings for available rooms or apartments.

Local Newspapers: Check classified ads in local newspapers or community bulletin boards for rental listings, especially in smaller towns or rural areas.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, finding accommodation in Germany presents a diverse range of options suited to various preferences and budgets. From student dormitories and shared apartments to private rentals and homestays, students have ample choices to explore. While costs vary depending on location and type of housing, it's crucial to start the search early and consider factors such as proximity to university, amenities, and overall affordability. With careful planning and research, students can secure comfortable and suitable accommodation to enhance their experience of studying in Germany.

[digiroadsabhisheksaini]

Development of the Relaxed Eating Area in Germany

The relaxed eating area in Germany has encountered critical development lately, reflecting more extensive patterns inside the country's dynamic food  service market. With an emphasis on giving a casual climate, quality food, and sensible costs, relaxed feasting cafés have caught the interest of a different segment, from families to youthful experts. This development is driven by a few key factors that are reshaping the German food  service market.

Moving Shopper Inclinations

One of the fundamental drivers behind the development of the relaxed eating area in Germany is the changing inclinations of buyers. There is an observable shift towards more casual feasting encounters that offer superior grade, yet reasonable food. German shoppers are progressively searching for feasting choices that join accommodation with an agreeable air. This pattern is a serious area of strength for especially more youthful socioeconomics who focus on experience and worth over proper eating settings.

Monetary Elements

Germany's vigorous economic plays had an essential impact in the extension of the relaxed eating area. Expanded discretionary cash flow among the working class has permitted more individuals to feast out consistently. Besides, the generally elevated expectation of living in metropolitan regions has upheld the multiplication of easygoing eating foundations. Urban areas like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg have become focal points for new eatery openings, taking special care of the two local people and travellers looking for different culinary encounters.

Advancement and Enhancement

Advancement is at the core of the easygoing eating area's development. German restaurateurs are embracing new ideas and expanding their contributions to meet the advancing preferences of customers. This incorporates the presentation of combination foods, wellbeing cognizant menus, and the consolidation of privately obtained fixings. The accentuation on maintainability and moral feasting rehearses additionally reverberates well with the cutting edge German burger joint.

Effect of Innovation

Innovation has likewise assumed a significant part in the area's development. The ascent of food conveyance applications and online reservation stages has made relaxed feasting more available than any other time. Numerous eateries have utilised virtual entertainment and computerised showcasing to contact a more extensive crowd, upgrading their perceivability and drawing in new clients. Moreover, progressions in kitchen innovation have smoothed out tasks, permitting eateries to keep up with exclusive expectations of  service and food quality.

Extension of Worldwide Chains

The passage and extension of worldwide relaxed eating anchors have added to the area's development in Germany. Brands like Vapiano, L'Osteria, and Five People have effectively infiltrated the market, offering German customers a sample of worldwide cooking styles. These chains carry with them laid out plans of action and promote methodologies that have been successful in speaking to a wide crowd.

Difficulties and Future Standpoint

Regardless of the positive development drifts, the relaxed feasting area in Germany faces a few difficulties. The business is exceptionally cutthroat, with new cafés continually arising. Furthermore, rising work and food costs represent a test to keep up with benefits. Notwithstanding, the area's versatility and flexibility propose a promising future.

The eventual fate of the relaxed feasting area in Germany looks brilliant, with advancement and buyer driven approaches expected to drive further development. As the German food  service market keeps on developing, relaxed feasting foundations will assume a crucial part in moulding the country's culinary scene, offering different and energising eating encounters for all.

All in all, the development of the easygoing feasting area in Germany is a demonstration of the German food  service market. With changing customer inclinations, monetary strength, development, and innovation driving this extension, the relaxed eating industry is strategically situated to proceed with progress. Whether it's partaking in a generous feast with family or a light meal with companions, relaxed eating in Germany offers something for everybody, making it a basic piece of the country's lively culinary scene.

[rentrebels]

RENT REBELS – Resistance against the sell-out of the city

A documentary by Gertrud Schulte Westenberg and Matthias Coers

BERLIN In the last years the capital has changed a lot. Flats that once were unattractive are now being used as secure investment objects. The transformation into owner-occupied flats and massive rent increases become an everyday phenomenon. The visible tenant protests in the vibrant metropolis of Berlin are a reaction to the growing shortage of affordable housing.

The movie is a kaleidoscope of the tenants’ struggles in Berlin against their displacement out of their neighbourhood communities. Ranging from the occupation of the Berlin town hall to a camp at Kottbusser Tor, the organised prevention of evictions and the struggle of senior citizens for their community center and age-appropriate flats, a new urban protest movement is on the rise.

A documentary by Gertrud Schulte Westenberg and Matthias Coers

D 2014 | 78 min. | German with English, Spanish, French, Italian, Greek, Czech, Polish, Romanian, Kosovar, Turkish, Farsi subtitles

Contact: schultecoersdok@gmail.com | +49 172 8925054

Cinema trailer:

Background information and reception: To date, the movie RENT REBELS has been screened more than 200 times in Berlin cinemas. Furthermore, there are other screenings with film discussions in cooperation with neighborhood initiatives, associations, institutions and political parties - up till now around 130 events in 50 cities.

In the media, the film has been discussed and commented from alternative to bourgeois press, from homeless persons’ publications, social federations’ papers or the Federal Head Office for Political Education to a speech given by Germany’s justice minister.

The film lets the tenants speak with their competencies and skills, their critique and efforts against sheepishly accepting the shortage-producing housing policies and the scarcity of the housing market.

The movie shall encourage the city dwellers not to surrender to feelings of powerlessness but to confidently take part in the shaping of their neighborhoods, areas and the city itself.

Up until the present moment, the independently produced film has been chosen for seven international film festivals, most recently for the Arquitectura Film Festival 2015 in Santiago, Chile.

At events in Berlin with tenant initiatives and the Heinrich Böll Foundation, in Munich with neighbourhood groups and the Rosa Luxembourg Foundation or in Moscow with media activists and the Goethe Institute, the filmmakers went into discussion to analyze the local and international questions of housing with the interested audience.

During screenings in a wide variety of venues, such as the faculty of architecture at the University of Naples, the Royal Geographical Society in London, the Left Forum in New York and the Urbanize Festival in Vienna, it has become apparent that the problems on the Berlin and German housing market are very little known. The same goes for the commitment of its tenants and city dwellers, despite the fact that the housing question has prompted extensive social action in many regions, metropolitan areas and cities.

[xtruss]

Demographics: Visualizing Population Density Patterns in Six CountriesPublished 20 hours ago on February 3, 2023

— By Terence Teo | Featured Creator | Article/Editing: Pallavi Rao

As of 2022, Earth has 8 billion humans. By 2050, the population is projected to grow to 10 billion.

In the last 50 years, the global population more than quadrupled. But none of this growth has been evenly spread out, including within countries.

This series of 3D maps from Terence Teo, an associate professor at Seton Hall University, renders the population density of six countries using open-source data from Kontur Population. He used popular programming language R and a path-tracing package, Rayshader, to create the maps.

France and Germany: Population Density Spikes and Troughs

Let’s take a look at how the population spreads out in different countries around the world. Click the images to explore higher-resolution versions.

France is the world’s 7th largest economy and second-most-populous country in the EU with 65 Million people. But a staggering One-fifth of the French population lives in Paris and its surrounding metro—the most populous urban area in Europe.

Many residents in the Paris metropolitan area are employed in the service sector, which makes up one-third of France’s $2.78 Trillion gross domestic product.

Unlike France, Germany has many dense cities and regions, with Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart, and Cologne all having over a million residents. Berlin is the most populated at 3.5 Million residents in the city proper, and 6 Million in the wider urban area.

That said, the relatively recent reunification of West and East Germany in 1991 meant that post-WWII growth was mostly concentrated in West Germany (and West Berlin).

Italy and Chile: Coast to Coast

In Italy, another phenomenon affects population density and urban development—a sprawling coastline.

Despite having a large population of 59 Million and large metropolitan areas throughout, Italy’s population spikes are closer to the water.

The port cities of Genoa, Napoli, and Palermo all have large spikes relative to the rest of the country, as does the capital, Rome. Despite its city center located 15 miles inland from the sea, it extends to the shore through the district of Ostia, where the ancient port of Rome existed.

Meanwhile in Chile, stuck between the Andes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, population spikes corroborate with its many port towns and cities.

However, the country is more concentrated than Italy, with 40% of its residents congregating around the capital of Santiago.

Turkey and Canada: Marred by Mountains and Climes

Though Chile has difficulties with terrain, it is relatively consistent. Other countries have to attempt to settle many different climes—regions defined by their climates.

Mountains to the south and east, a large, semi-arid plateau, and even a small desert leave few centers of urban growth in Türkiye.

Predictably, further west, as the elevation comes down to the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, population spikes begin to heighten. The largest of course is the economic and cultural hub of Istanbul, though the capital Ankara is also prominent with more than 5 million residents.

In Canada, the Rocky Mountains to the west and freezing cold temperatures in the center and north account for the large country’s relative emptiness.

Though population spikes in Western Canada are growing rapidly, highly populous urban centers are noticeably concentrated along the St. Lawrence River, with the Greater Toronto Area accounting for more than one-sixth of the country’s 39 million people.

Increasing Urbanization

According to the World Bank, more than half of the world’s population currently lives in cities, and that trend is only growing.

By 2050, 7 Out of 10 People are projected to live in cities. This congregation makes cities a beehive of productivity and innovation—with more than 80% of the world’s GDP being generated at these population centers.

It’s in this context that mapping and studying urban development becomes all the more important, particularly as policymakers try their hand at sustainable urban planning.

As Teo puts it:

“By showing where people are (and are not), they show us where political and economic power is concentrated, and perhaps where and who our governments represent.”

[forestraydentists]

London 05

Located at the tip of the Thames River, London is one of the oldest cities in the world. The city is home to the Royal Opera House, one of the world’s most famous theatres, and the British Museum, which contains artifacts from all cultures. It is also a popular tourist destination. Today, millions of people visit London every year. Most tourists are drawn to the West End, where many of the famous theatres are located.

The industrial revolution of the eighteenth century began in England and spread to other parts of Europe. It led to the growth of factories and the creation of demand for workers in urban areas. Since then, London has been one of the world’s leading centers of trade and commerce. The Bank of England is located in the City of London, which is the main financial center of the country. The City is divided into three main sections, each with its own distinctive characteristics. More about

The city’s famous red double-decker buses are a symbol of the city’s public transportation system. The London subway system was the first in the world. It is also the world’s oldest underground railway. During the Second World War, the city was heavily bombed by the Nazis, resulting in the death of over 30,000 people. The Great Plague of 1665 killed a fourth of the city’s population. In the 1970s, the inner city’s population decreased by 20 percent. It’s important to note that while London is the oldest of the megacities, it isn’t the only one. There are several other European megacities, including Paris, Moscow, and Munich.

The number of megacities around the world is increasing. According to the United Nations, there will be more than 41 by 2030. By 2050, two-thirds of the population of the planet will live in urban areas. However, rapid growth can create traffic congestion and slums. In the case of London, the infrastructure will be stretched too thin. A megacity is defined as an urban area with a population of at least 10 million. There are many different criteria that determine whether a city qualifies as a megacity. A few of the most important factors are economic and political conditions. There are also climatic and social issues to consider. In addition, there are some other benefits of a megacity. They can help to improve pollution, sustainability, and biodiversity.

The most obvious benefits of a megacity are its ability to generate wealth, create jobs, and enhance human progress. These are especially true in developed countries. It is estimated that the world’s population will grow from 7.3 billion in 2015 to 8.6 billion in 2050. As a result, more and more of the world’s wealth is moving to metropolitan areas. As the capital of the United Kingdom, London is the UK’s economic and political center. Foreign investment is pouring into the city like never before. The Bank of England is located in the city, and the value of the British pound sterling is determined there. The Bank controls the country’s money supply. Next article

Point of Interest #1 Liberty London, Regent St., Carnaby, London W1B 5AH

Point of Interest #2 District, 7 Ponton Rd, Nine Elms, London SW11 7DN

Point of Interest #3 Mansion House, Walbrook, London EC4N 8BH

Driving Directions To Forest & Ray – Dentists, Orthodontists, Implant Surgeons From Mansion House

Originally published here: https://forestray.dentist/london/london-05/

[travel-in-pictures]

Saulgrub, Bavaria, Germany 

by Nicholas Roemmelt from Austria 

Source | Google Maps

[poleteli]

Обершлайсхайм, Бавария, Германия 

Alohalars | Фотография | Карта

У нас можно забронировать дешёвые билеты на самолёт в Мюнхен из Екатеринбурга.

[lageografiademicamino]

Top 10 reasons why Turin is the best Italian city to host Eurovision 2022

The Eurovision 2022 is officially open as any song released since September 2021 can be considered to compete in Eurovision next year. Usually this has been accompanied by the news of the location and exaxt dates and possibly to go with the logo, theme of the upcoming contest. However this year the wait was fashionably late as customed in Italy- the winning country of Eurovision 2021. 

17 Italian cities competed to host world’s most watched TV contest for example the Italian capital Rome, fashion and business hub Milan, culinary and musical center Bologna and of course the city where Eurovision itself origins : San Remo. Turin made it’s way to number one spot and Eurovision Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl describes it is the perfect host city!

Here are my top 10 reasons why Turin, this dark but festive city is the best choice to host Eurovision 2022! 

1. Turin is the capital of Piedmonte and significant cultural and business center in Northen Italy. All together 2,2 million people live in the city’s metropolitan area. 

2. Turin is no stranger to great international events and is best known for hosting Winter Olympics of 2006. Actually the venue is the very same PalaOlimpico (13 000 capacity). 

3. The city has an excellent location up North close to the French and Swiss borders and other major Italian metropol Milan. Besides city has it’s own iternational airport 16 km from the city with direct connections from Paris, London, Amsterdam, Munich, Barcelona for example. 

4. Italian espresso, TV, automobile industry and telecommunications have all their origins in Turin. 

5. RAI - the Italian broadcaster has significant amount of production in the city which eases the steps to organize the event. Turin has been mentioned frequently as a potential host city in Italy over the years whenever Italian artist (almost every year) has come up close to winning. 

6. Turin was the first capital of Italy. 

7. Turin is popular among Italian and international tourists and it’s famous of its multiple museums such as National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento, National Cinema Museum and National Car Museum. 

8. Turin is known by a nick name “Little Paris” or “The Paris of Italy” for its natural beauty.  

9. Besides Eurovision you can also squeeze a day trip or two to the Alps! 

10. Mole Antonelliana - the iconic tower from Italian two cent coins is in Torino!. 

Turin is definitely on my travel to do list! Do you agree with my choices and with the selection of the ESC host city 2022? 

[transsolar]

BMW München – urbane Produktion

Vision für das Stammareal im städtischen Umfeld.

Der Autohersteller baut seinen Standort in München um. Das bislang abgeriegelte Gelände soll transparente Fassaden erhalten, die Einblick in die Fertigung erlauben.

Office for Metropolitan Architecture, OMA, Rotterdam, und 3XN, Kopenhagen, gleichwertige Gewinner des Architekturwettbewerbs, haben sich für das Großprojekt zusammengeschlossen, mit im Team sind Vogt Landschaftsarchitekten, Berlin, Systematica, Mailand, GXN, Kopenhagen und Transsolar. mehr hier: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/deutschland/article/detail/T0389373DE/internationale-zusammenarbeit-gestaltet-zukunftsweisende-vision-fuer-urbane-produktion-bei-der-bmw-group?language=de

 BMW Munich - urban production

Vision for the main site in a city environment.

The car manufacturer is rebuilding its plant in Munich. The area, which had been sealed off until now, is to be given transparent façades that allow a glimpse into the production facilities.

The Office for Metropolitan Architecture, OMA, Rotterdam, and 3XN, Copenhagen, equal winners of the architecture competition, have joined forces for the large-scale project. Also part of the team are Vogt Landschaftsarchitekten, Berlin, Systematica, Milan, GXN, Copenhagen and Transsolar. read more here: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0389373EN/international-collaboration-develops-progressive-vision-for-urban-production-at-the-bmw-group?language=en

[rabbitcruiser]

Heilig-Geist-Spital, Nuremberg (No. 2)

Nuremberg is the second-largest city of the German federal state of Bavaria after its capital Munich, and its 511,628 (2016) inhabitants make it the 14th-largest city in Germany. On the Pegnitz River (from its confluence with the Rednitz in Fürth onwards: Regnitz, a tributary of the River Main) and the Rhine–Main–Danube Canal, it lies in the Bavarian administrative region of Middle Franconia, and is the largest city and the unofficial capital of Franconia. Nuremberg forms a continuous conurbation with the neighbouring cities of Fürth, Erlangen and Schwabach with a total population of 798,867 (2018), while the larger Nuremberg Metropolitan Region has approximately 3.6 million inhabitants. The city lies about 170 kilometres (110 mi) north of Munich. It is the largest city in the East Franconian dialect area (colloquially: "Franconian"; German: Fränkisch), Nuremberg was one of the host cities of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

There are many institutions of higher education in the city, including the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg). With 39,780 students in 2017, it is Bavaria's third-largest and Germany's 11th-largest university, with campuses in Erlangen and Nuremberg and a university hospital in Erlangen (Universitätsklinikum Erlangen). Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm and Hochschule für Musik Nürnberg are also located within the city. Nuremberg Airport (Flughafen Nürnberg “Albrecht Dürer“) is the second-busiest airport in Bavaria after Munich Airport, and the tenth-busiest airport in Germany.

Staatstheater Nürnberg is one of the five Bavarian state theatres, showing operas, operettas, musicals, and ballets (main venue: Nuremberg Opera House), plays (main venue: Schauspielhaus Nürnberg), as well as concerts (main venue: Meistersingerhalle). Its orchestra, Staatsphilharmonie Nürnberg, is Bavaria's second-largest opera orchestra after the Bavarian State Opera's Bavarian State Orchestra in Munich. Nuremberg is the birthplace of Albrecht Dürer and Johann Pachelbel.

Nuremberg was the site of major Nazi rallies, and it provided the site for the Nuremberg trials, which held to account many major Nazi officials.

Source: Wikipedia

[bongaboi]

Liverpool: 2019-20 Premier League Champions

30 years of hope: my life as an ardent Liverpool fan

After three decades of near misses, slips and tears, the Merseyside team’s wait for another league title is nearly over. So what does it mean to a scouser and lifelong fan?

by Hannah Jane Parkinson

I am three years old in the photograph, hugging a plastic, flyaway football. I am seven, arriving tentatively for my first training session at a local girls’ club. I am bounding back to my mother’s car, blowing hot breath on cold hands, beaming, the salt from the artificial turf embedded in the soles of my trainers.

I am eight and glued to the television, watching teen wunderkind and my Liverpool hero, Michael Owen, score the perfect goal against Argentina in World Cup 98.

I am nine. I give up one of the few days I have to visit my father to attend my first ever match at Anfield, Liverpool FC’s famous stadium. A week later, my father dies. These two events are inextricably linked in my mind, and the guilt continues to whichever day you are reading this.

I am 10 and make my first appearance in print in a feature for the local paper, the Liverpool Echo, about girls getting into football. I am quoted as saying that all my sister cares about is boys and fashion.

Twelve years old and the fuzzy letters of “Parkinson” on the back of my shirt arch down my shoulder blades.

I am 13. Our team, known as Liverpool Feds, are approached by Liverpool FC to become their official girls’ outfit. We visit Melwood, the first team’s training ground. The full-size goals loom like scaffolding.

I am 14. My hero, Owen, makes the same move to Real Madrid that Steve McManaman made five years before him. This breaks my heart. Suddenly, all I care about is boys and fashion. Without really making a decision, I give up football. Cold winter nights are spent inside on the sofa watching Sex and the City. I discover live music and MySpace.

I am 15. I own the entire range of Clearasil products. A group of my schoolfriends and I take a night off GCSE revision to watch the 2005 European Champions League final in Istanbul; the first the club has reached since the mid-80s, and so it is forbidden not to watch. Liverpool are losing by three goals at half time. A lost cause. Minds wander to the second biology paper… But wait. Liverpool pull back to 3-3. And win on penalties. Pandemonium. We join the throng in the streets; the blaring car horns; the beer jumping, like salmon, from pint glasses; the embrace of strangers; the straining vocal cords.

I am 18 and living in Russia, watching games on my first-generation smartphone via a 2G internet connection. Each time a player goes through on goal the signal drops to endless buffering. Liverpool finish second in the league, four points behind bitter rivals Manchester United.

I am 26, we are bearing down on the title. Steven Gerrard in an impromptu on-pitch team talk, after a crucial win against the newly flush Manchester City, shouts hoarsely at his players: “This does not fucking slip now!” The next home game, Gerrard – one of the best players the club has ever seen, captain, scouser, Liverpool FC lifer – literally slips on the turf against Chelsea to concede a goal. We lose. Manchester City finish top of the league by two points.

I am 29. I am in Cuba, where the internet is heavily censored. But I manage to watch the last game of the season, which will be decisive. Liverpool finish the league with 97 points; the highest points tally ever for a team that doesn’t win the title. City win again. With 98 points. Liverpool do, however, win the Champions League – for the sixth time – after scoring four goals in a sublime semi-final comeback against Barcelona. The injured Mohamed Salah, watching on the bench, wears a T-shirt bearing the slogan “Never Give Up”. The T-shirt sells out.

I am 30. I have never witnessed my beloved Liverpool FC lift the title. Two months from now, this is going to change. As I write Liverpool have a 22-point lead at the top of the table. Of 84 points available this season, they have taken 79. Next Monday is the derby against Everton.

I want to untangle what this will mean to me – the fan who met Steven Gerrard a couple of years ago, grinning like a child; the fan who, two weeks ago, was unbelievably touched when current star Trent Alexander-Arnold recorded a video message to cheer her up during a bad time. What it means to other fans: those who witnessed the dominance of the 1980s, and the younger ones who have known only disappointment. And what it means, too, for the future of the area of Anfield itself.

It’s late February in the Flat Iron pub, one of the many dotted around Anfield. Steve Dodd, who is 49, is with his friends Dan Wynn, 26, and Gerrard Noble, 47. All from Somerset, they are having a pre-match drink before the home game against West Ham. Steve talks of the current Jürgen Klopp-assembled side as the best Liverpool side he thinks he’s ever seen.

The friends have been scouring the internet for places to stay in the city for the last home fixture of the season, but to no avail. “Rooms are going for £400 a night,” Gerrard says, his eyes widening. He and Steve are allowing themselves to get excited, but Dan, who like me has yet to experience a league title win, looks anxious and rubs his thighs. “No,” he says, “I don’t want to jinx it. Though I’ve been kicked out of various WhatsApp groups for being smug about all the results.” Steve tells me they weren’t prepared for it, this three-decade-long wait: “I just thought we’d go on winning.”

We talk about how important it is that Klopp’s politics match the club: Liverpool is a leftwing city; Liverpool is a leftwing club. At the last election, Labour retained all of its 14 MPs on Merseyside. The city has never forgiven the Tories for former chancellor Geoffrey Howe’s strategy of “managed decline”. Thatcher is a hated figure. But so is Derek Hatton, the former city council deputy leader and member of the Marxist group Militant. Last month, Italy’s rightwing politician Matteo Salvini was forced to deny that he had pulled out of a visit to Liverpool after the metropolitan region’s mayor called him a “fascist”. During several games last year, chants rang out for Jeremy Corbyn. The current prime minister conspicuously avoids visiting. As Gareth Robertson, who is a part of the immensely popular The Anfield Wrap podcast, with more than 200,000 weekly downloads in 200 countries, puts it to me: “Not only do we want a good football coach, we expect almost a political leader, someone who gets us, and our city, its values.” Humorously, there have been petitions for Liverpool to become a self-determined scouse state, and “Scouse not English” is a frequent terrace chant.

The club has a mantra: “This means more.” It pisses off other teams and is, understandably, dismissed as marketing speak. But isn’t it true? Isn’t the 127-year-old club what people think of when anyone, anywhere in the world, mentions “Liverpool”? The famous football team that plays in red – allowing for the Beatles, of course.

The city has another team, the blue of Everton. I have nothing against Everton. I consider Everton fellow scousers and too little a threat to focus animosity towards. In a way, the clubs are unruly siblings; we love and scrap in equal measure. Totally different personalities, but born of the same streets.

Four years ago, a man named Jürgen Klopp arrived on these streets. Or more accurately, he arrived in the suburb of Formby, renting the house from his managerial predecessor, Brendan Rodgers. Klopp is the football manager that even non-football fans like. He’s Ludovico Einaudi, seducing those previously uninterested in classical music. He is a man of principle; a baseball cap permanently affixed to his head, as though at any point he might be required to step up to the plate on a blindingly sunny day. Perhaps for the Boston Red Sox, owned by Liverpool FC’s American proprietor, John W Henry.

Klopp is erudite. He is proudly anti-Brexit in a city that voted 58% Remain. “For me, Brexit makes no sense at all,” he has said. He is a socialist: “I am on the left … I believe in the welfare state. I’m not privately insured. I would never vote for a party because they promised to lower the top tax rate. If there’s something I will never do in my life it is vote for the right.” He grew up in a humble village in Germany’s Black Forest, and it shows. There’s a saying in the region: “the hair in the soup”. It means focusing on even the tiniest things that can be improved.

He has the good looks of one of my favourite 1960s Russian film stars, Aleksandr Demyanenko. He hugs his players as though they were the loves of his life and he might never see them again. Journalists like him for his press-conference banter as well as his eloquence. He visits children in hospitals. He is funny. When Mario Götze, one of his star players at former club Borussia Dortmund, left for Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich, his explanation was: “He’s leaving because he’s Guardiola’s favourite. If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s mine. I can’t make myself shorter and learn Spanish.”

Liverpool have had many famous managers, of course. Bill Shankly (there’s a statue of him outside the ground); Bob Paisley (ditto); Kenny Dalglish. But Klopp is already being talked of as one of the best ever.

Liverpool the city has evolved from its shamefully prominent role in the slave trade – in common with other major British ports – to a place with a diverse population and a well-won reputation for being friendly and welcoming. But the tragedy and scandal of Hillsborough, in which 96 fans were crushed to death in 1989 at Sheffield Wednesday’s ground, is etched into the nation’s sporting history, and its social justice record. After a 27-year-long battle to clear the names of the Liverpool fans whose reputations were smeared, after inquests that lasted two years – the longest case heard by a jury in British legal history – a verdict of unlawful killing was returned. But, as Margaret Aspinall of the indefatigable Hillsborough Family Support Group pointed out, after David Duckenfield, police commander at the ground, was cleared of manslaughter last year, no one has yet been found accountable for those killings.

The Sun, which categorically did not report “The Truth”, as the infamous headline went, but was found to have published untruths that blamed Liverpool fans for the disaster, is a red-top pariah here. The paper is the bestselling national in print, but shifts a measly 12,000 or so copies on Merseyside. A branch of Sainsbury’s was once found to be selling copies under the counter, as though they were counterfeit cigarettes. It’s a boycott that has lasted longer than many marriages.

The socially progressive values of the club extend to it supporting an end to period poverty – free sanitary products are available in every women’s loo at Anfield. Last month, the Reds Going Green initiative saw the installation of organic machines to break down food waste into water. The club even has its own allotment, which grows food to serve to fans in the main stand. It was the first Premier League club to be officially involved with an LGBT Pride event in 2012, at the invitation of Paul Amann. Amann tells me how he set up the LGBT supporters group, Kop Outs, because: “It’s essential that our voices are heard, our presence is welcomed and respected.” The group works alongside the Spirit of Shankly supporters’ group and the Fans Supporting Foodbanks initiative and has regular meet-ups. These things mean something to me: a football fan as a girl, and now as a woman. A woman who dates other women. A woman who doesn’t want to hear homophobic chants on the terraces. Or, it goes without saying, racist ones. Jamie Carragher, ex-player and pundit, has apologised on behalf of the club for its backing of striker Luis Suárez, who was banned from playing for eight matches in 2011 for making racist comments. “We made a massive mistake,” Carragher said. “What message do you send to the world? Supporting someone being banned because he used some racist words.”

Back on the pitch, some of this season’s performances have been, quite simply, balletic. Others as powerful and muscular as a weightlifting competition. Formations as beautiful as constellations. Forward surges as though our fullbacks were plugged into the mains. Possibly the best fullbacks playing today: 21-year-old local lad Trent Alexander-Arnold (known just as Trent) and the fiery Scot Andy Robertson (Robbo) are spoken about by pundits as innovators. Gary Lineker and I text, rapturously, about the two of them.

For a football team to be consistent, for a team to win the league, it must be capable of winning in many different ways. The aesthetically pleasing playing out from the back. Lightning counter-attacks. Scraping 1-0 wins in the final minutes (and, particularly at the start of this season, we have done a lot of that. It’s something Manchester United used to do in their 90s pomp, and naturally, I hated them for it). Mindful of the trauma of The Slip, the agreed club line is “one game at a time”, said again and again, as another scouse son, Pete Burns, once sang: “like a record baby, right round, round, round… ” And my God, how many of those we’ve smashed. The current side is the first in England to hold an international treble (the Champions League; Uefa Super Cup; Fifa Club World Cup). We have not lost a home game for almost two calendar years. Shortly, we’ll no doubt break the record for the earliest title win during a season; the most points across Europe’s top five leagues.

It is, even to the neutral, extraordinary stuff. It is, even to the haters, albeit grudgingly, extraordinary stuff. In 2016, one of the greatest stories of modern football was the previously mediocre Leicester City winning a surprise title. Liverpool’s dominance this season surpasses that for drama. It is watching history in the present.

Being at a game at Anfield is like being high while ingesting nothing. The stands seem to have lungs. Though You’ll Never Walk Alone has become supremely emotional, an anthem for strength and perseverance post-Hillsborough (“walk on through the wind / walk on through the rain”) it’s a song originally from the musical Carousel. It was a standout 1963 cover version by Liverpudlian band Gerry and the Pacemakers that kicked off its adoption at Anfield. “It’s got a lot of lovely major-to-minor changes at often unexpected moments that have the effect of emotionally blindsiding you,” music journalist Pete Paphides says (although he’s a United fan, so feel free to discount everything he tells me). “But it’s also obviously very hymnal, with a chorus which invites that religious ambiguity. It was Aretha Franklin’s version that John Peel played after Hillsborough and rendered himself incapable of carrying on by virtue of doing so.”

Anfield has always been something special; players from countless teams often talk of it being the greatest ground they have ever played at. Or the most intimidating. Or the most electric. But of late, there’s an extra buoyancy. The crowd salivates.

Watching the game against West Ham, we take the lead within 10 minutes, but they quickly equalise, before going ahead. We score twice more. It is our 21st consecutive home win, setting a Premier League-era record. At the end of the game, Klopp and his players applaud the Kop end, fans’ eyes glistening with both emotion and wind chill (“walk on, through the wind… ”)

Adjacent to the stadium at the redbrick Albert pub, Clara, Tom, John – all in their 20s, students, and local – and John’s dad, David, who is 53, are cheering the last-ditch win. I repeat what I asked Steve and his friends: just how excited should we all be?

“Very fucking excited,” says John. “Very fucking excited,” Tom concurs. (Scousers use swear words as ellipses. And the speed of Liverpudlian patter matches the rat-a-tat-tat of freestyle rappers.) The Albert is floor-to-ceiling in flags; unassuming from the outside, iconic inside. Across the road at the Park – the “Established 1888” sign above its door – it is Where’s Wally? levels of rammed, entirely usual for a match day. But the mood is as disbelieving as triumphant. It hasn’t happened yet, but it already feels as though people are waiting to be shaken awake from a dream. Around the corner, posters at another fan favourite, the Sandon, advertise a huge end-of-season victory party. I grab a burger at the Kop of the Range, a kebab joint not far from a scarf stall that has seen its business rocket over the past three years.

My Uber driver, Mohamed, 35, moved to the city from Sri Lanka. A massive Salah fan, he tells me his own revenue booms when the club win a game – happier fans means higher fares. “People don’t want to spend money on a loss,” he says. “If we win, the whole mood lifts. You can feel it in the car. Though when you start driving with Uber, they tell you not to mention what football team you support. Because football means a lot to people. There are many feelings involved with football.”

It’s unsurprising to me that even back in Sri Lanka, Mohamed was a fan. Liverpool is a global behemoth. The richest club in the UK outside Manchester.

A £1.7bn valuation; £533m turnover; pre-tax profits of £42m. Matchday ticket revenues increased (thanks to a regenerated £110m main stand). Visiting the club shop, there is LFC-branded gin; babygros; even a Hello Kitty tie-in range. As Richard Haigh at consultants Brand Finance tells me, next season’s kit deal with Nike is “expected to represent the largest in history. Brands will be willing to pay to have some magic dust of LFC.” There are official stores as far afield as Dubai and Bangkok.

John W Henry has won the support of the fans for his positive handling of the club. And yet, despite this huge wealth, Anfield is the 10th most deprived neighbourhood in the country. Boarded-up houses surround the stadium. The club has not covered itself in glory in the past, accused of buying up properties in unscrupulous ways. But it is hoped that local enterprises, such as the community-run Homebaked cake shop and new housing association properties, will make the neighbourhood better.

Last week, we were knocked out of the FA Cup in a match against Chelsea. Or, as I call that fixture, Kensington versus Kensington. (In Liverpool’s “Kenny”, 98% of residents are among the most deprived 5% nationally. In London’s, residents earn three times the national average.)

In the league, there has been a blip. Last weekend we finally lost. And we lost 3-0 to, with the greatest respect, Watford; not a bad side, but a side ensconced in a relegation battle. Arsenal, who once went a whole season unbeaten (“the Invincibles”), and are keen to keep that record, tweeted from the official club account: “Phew!”

But I am not panicking. It’s possible Dan from the Flat Iron is panicking. But Klopp isn’t panicking. In typical fashion, he said the fact we played an absolutely awful game of football was “rather positive… ”

“A couple of years ago,” our hero reminds us, “I said we wanted to write our own stories and create our own history, and obviously the boys took what I said really seriously. It is so special. The numbers are incredible.” In a nod to Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous line that his greatest challenge was “knocking Liverpool right off their fucking perch”, Liverpool chief executive Peter Moore says now: “We are back on our perch.” As The Anfield Wrap’s Gareth says: “In a dream scenario, a period of dominance follows. Not so long ago that dream was just that. Now, it’s a reality that is much easier to imagine.”

Four more games. Eyes on the prize. For me, at last, 30 years in the making, eyes on the prize.

[kerovous]

Lohausen 2018_20 by Henning Pietsch Via Flickr: "Düsseldorf Airport (German: Flughafen Düsseldorf,; until March 2013 Düsseldorf International Airport; IATA: DUS, ICAO: EDDL) is the international airport of Düsseldorf, the capital of the German state North Rhine-Westphalia. It is located approximately 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) north of downtown Düsseldorf, and some 20 kilometres (12 mi) south-west of Essen in the Rhine-Ruhr area, Germany's largest metropolitan area. Düsseldorf is the third largest airport in Germany after Frankfurt and Munich handling 24.5 million passengers in 2017. It is a hub for Eurowings and serves as a focus city for several more airlines. The airport features three passenger terminals and two runways and is able to handle wide-body aircraft up to the Airbus A380." Quelle: Wikipedia Besuch bei den Parkhäusern des Düsseldorfer Flughafens.

[11graphs]

Nike versus Adidas

🔥 NIKE ($NKE) ⚡️VERSUS⚡️ ADIDAS ($ADDYY) 🔥  Which one is your favorite stock?

Nike is an American multinational corporation that is engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, and worldwide marketing and sales of footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services. The company is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, in the Portland metropolitan area. It is the world's largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel and a major manufacturer of sports equipment, with revenue in excess of US$24.1 billion in its fiscal year 2012 (ending May 31, 2012). As of 2012, it employed more than 44,000 people worldwide. In 2014 the brand alone was valued at $19 billion, making it the most valuable brand among sports businesses. As of 2017, the Nike brand is valued at $29.6 billion. Nike ranked No. 89 in the 2018 Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations by total revenue.

Adidas is a multinational corporation, founded and headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, that designs and manufactures shoes, clothing and accessories. It is the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe, and the second largest in the world, after Nike. It is the holding company for the Adidas Group, which consists of the Reebok sportswear company, 8.33% of the German football club Bayern Munich, and Runtastic, an Austrian fitness technology company. Adidas' revenue for 2018 was listed at €21.915 billion. - *Remember this isn't investment advice, just general information only. Any investing involves risks.* - ❤️ Like | 👇 Save | 📣 Share | 💬 Comment 🏆 Many thanks for your support 🏆 - 👉Follow @11Graphs for more👈 👉Follow @11Graphs for more👈

[newstfionline]

Headlines

Social distancing could last months, White House coronavirus coordinator says (Washington Post) Some form of social distancing will probably remain in place through the summer, Deborah Birx, the White House’s coronavirus task force coordinator, said Sunday—the same day several governors expressed optimism about the course of the virus and outlined their plans for a piecemeal reopening of their economies. After weeks of being told to simply stay home to halt the spread of the virus, individuals and business owners are now facing more complex decisions about how to proceed. In places where restaurant dining rooms are reopening, is it safe to go? Is it a good idea to return to the hair salon for a much-needed trim? And for business owners facing a litany of new guidelines about how to reopen without endangering their workers or customers, are the risks worth it?

Las Vegas and the jobs crisis (NYT) As the bottom fell out of the American economy, few places were hit harder than Las Vegas, where a full one-third of the local economy is in the leisure and hospitality industry, more than in any other major metropolitan area in the country. Most of those jobs cannot be done from home. Nearly 350,000 people in Nevada have filed for unemployment benefits since the crisis began, the highest number in the history of the state. Applied Analysis, a Las Vegas-based economic research firm, estimates the city’s current jobless rate to be about 25 percent—nearly double what it was during the Great Recession—and rising. “From an analytical standpoint, this is unprecedented,” said Jeremy Aguero, a principal analyst with the firm. “We have no frame of reference for what we are seeing.” Before the crisis, Nevada’s economy was one of the fastest growing in the country. Then, practically overnight, the glittering Vegas strip shut down, throwing thousands of waiters, bartenders, hotel cleaners and casino workers out of work, often without severance or benefits, and leaving the most bustling and storied stretch of the state’s economy boarded up and empty.

Bolsonaro Pulls Back Justice Minister Pick as Critics Cry Foul (Foreign Policy) Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has postponed the appointment of a new justice minister after numerous news reports suggested Bolsonaro loyalist Jorge Oliveira would be the favorite for the role. The decision follows an explosive few days at the top of Brazilian politics as allegations of presidential corruption mount and public confidence in Bolsonaro’s handling of the country’s coronavirus epidemic crumbles. The latest episode began on Friday with the abrupt resignation of Justice Minister Sergio Moro, after Bolsonaro had fired the head of Brazil’s equivalent to the FBI, Maurício Valeixo. In his resignation press conference, Moro alleged Bolsonaro had fired Valeixo for personal and political reasons relating to ongoing federal investigations into Bolsonaro’s children. Immediately following Moro’s remarks, Brazil’s chief prosecutor asked the Supreme Court to authorize an investigation of Moro’s accusations against Bolsonaro. Writing in FP last week, Eduardo Mello observed that Brazilian lawmakers will be loath to remove Bolsonaro if that risks empowering Vice President Hamilton Mourão, a retired four-star general. “While most in Congress know that Bolsonaro’s populist rhetoric is a threat to them, they also think that having a general with no links to the country’s political power brokers is a bigger risk at the moment,” he wrote.

Chile plans coronavirus certificates (Foreign Policy) Chile is moving forward with a plan to issue “release certificates” to those who have recovered from the coronavirus. The plan, according to Chile’s top health official, Jaime Manalich, would mean holders would be “freed from all types of quarantine or restriction, specifically because they can help their communities enormously since they pose no risk.”

Virus spreads fear through Latin America’s unruly prisons (AP) The spreading specter of the new coronavirus is shaking Latin America’s notoriously overcrowded, unruly prisons, threatening to turn them into an inferno. The Puente Alto prison in downtown Santiago, Chile, had the largest of Latin America’s largest prison virus outbreaks so far, with more than 300 reported cases. The prison’s 1,100 inmates are terrified. Social distancing is hard to practice in jail. Latin America’s prisons hold 1.5 million inmates, and the facilities are often quasi-ruled by prisoners themselves because of corruption, intimidation and inadequate guard staffs. Low budgets also create ideal conditions for the virus to spread: There is often little soap and water and cell blocks are crowded.

As Europe confronts coronavirus, the media faces a trust test (Nieman Reports) By and large, European COVID-19 coverage is not increasing the public’s trust in the media. In an Edelman survey, journalists were the least trusted information source on the coronavirus, falling behind politicians and healthcare CEOs. This response follows five years of declining trust in the European Union’s media, and in some countries, the numbers are quite stark. About a week into Italy’s COVID-19 lockdown, a TradeLab study found that only 16 percent of those surveyed believed news on the pandemic was balanced and transparent.

Dutch teens sail across Atlantic after becoming stranded in Caribbean (Washington Post) When the global pandemic made air travel impossible, a group of Dutch high school students stranded in the Caribbean got home the old-fashioned way—sailing a 200-foot schooner across the Atlantic. The 25 teenagers on board the Wylde Swan sailed into the port of Harlingen and were reunited with their families on Sunday, roughly five weeks after leaving the island of Saint Lucia. Many of the students had minimal sailing experience when they signed up for an educational program aboard the two-masted schooner and had anticipated spending only six weeks cruising the relatively calm waters of the Caribbean. They eventually embarked on a journey of nearly 4,500 nautical miles across the ocean. Along the way, the students gradually got past their seasickness and watched dolphins swim alongside the vessel. One 17-year-old told the Omrop Fryslan Dutch radio station that it had been “an even more exciting journey than what I had signed up for.”

Face masks become mandatory in public across most of Germany (Washington Post) Most federal states across Germany implemented rules on the wearing of face masks in public on Monday, amid hopes that it will allow businesses to reopen without sparking a second wave of infections. The details differ between federal states. For instance in Berlin, face masks are mandatory on public transport, but violating the rule will not be penalized. In Munich and other cities, however, the rules are expected to be more strictly enforced with hefty fines. Face masks are now also mandatory in supermarkets and other shops across much of the country.

Dry Germany, drying Rhine (Bloomberg) Germany’s spring showers haven’t materialized this year, and that’s drying out the country’s most important river (the Rhine), prompting concerns that key industrial goods might have trouble making it to their destination. Typically one of the wettest months, Europe’s biggest economy has received just 5% of its normal April rainfall so far, according to Germany’s federal weather service. It’s on course to be the driest month since records began in 1881.​

The right to work from home (Bild am Sonntag) German Labor and Social Affairs Minister Hubertus Heil has called to enshrine the right to work from home into German law, in a move that could become more common as advanced economies emerge from their coronavirus epidemics. “Anyone who wants to, and whose workplace allows it, should be able to work at home—even when the coronavirus pandemic is over,” Heil told Bild am Sonntag.

Saving Czech pubs (Worldcrunch) With more than 90% of pubs closed due to lockdown measures, the Czech Republic has been deprived of an emblematic part of its culture. In response, Czechs have spent 7 million CZK (257,124 euro) since the beginning of April on beer and food vouchers to be consumed in better times, reported iROZHLAS.cz. Started by the Czech Beer and Malt Association, the site “Zachraň svou hospodu!” (Save Your Pub!) enables concerned drinkers to buy vouchers in order to support their favorite bars and restaurants through the coronavirus shutdown, and use them whenever the cash-strapped pubs reopen.

Mideast economies take massive hit with oil price crash (AP) Iraq is planning painful cuts in social benefits relied on by millions of government workers. Saudi Arabia will likely have to delay mega-projects. Egypt and Lebanon face a blow as their workers in the Gulf send back less of the much-needed dollars that help keep their fragile economies afloat. The historic crash in oil prices in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic is reverberating across the Middle East as crude-dependent countries scramble to offset losses from a key source of state revenue—and all this at a time when several of them already face explosive social unrest. While some Gulf countries can rely on a cushion of foreign currency reserves, nowhere in the region are the circumstances more dire than in Iraq, where oil sales fund 90% of the state budget. Iraq saw massive protests in the past months by a populace angry over the weak economy and rampant corruption—and the turmoil could erupt again. Cutbacks in spending will only add to the pain for a population struggling to get by under coronavirus restrictions.

Lebanese defy coronavirus lockdown and block roads, protesting deteriorating economy (AP) Protesters took the streets across Lebanon late Sunday, blocking roads and highways to protest the worsening economy, in defiance of a coronavirus-triggered lockdown and curfew imposed by authorities, according to the country’s official news agency. Sunday’s demonstrations were the latest to rock Lebanon in recent days, even as a lockdown and a dusk-to-dawn curfew remained in place. The coronavirus pandemic has deepened Lebanon’s worst economic crisis since the nation’s 15 year civil war that ended in 1990. Since October, hundreds of thousands have demonstrated against the government and its elites, decrying corruption and other mismanagement that has crippled the economy.

Netanyahu confident of U.S. backing on annexation (Foreign Policy) On Sunday, Benjamin Netanyahu told a pro-Israel Christian group, the European Commission for Israel, that he was confident the United States would give its blessing to a planned annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank in a matter of months. A condition of Netanyahu’s newly formed coalition with Benny Gantz is that Washington must approve any annexation decision first. Writing in Foreign Policy on April 23, a trio of seasoned Israeli military commanders warned Netanyahu against such a move. Ami Ayalon (a former chief of the Israeli Shin Bet security service), Tamir Pardo (a former director of the Mossad), and Gadi Shamni (a former commander of the Israel Defense Forces Central Command) argued that annexation would undermine Israeli security and could spark a popular backlash in Jordan and Egypt—endangering hard-won peace treaties with those countries. “This irreversible step, once taken, is likely to trigger a chain reaction beyond Israel’s control,” they wrote.