German Cities Tap Night Cabs to Give Women Safer Rides
The initiatives come as violence against females is rising across the country, with a recent surge in sexual offenses. Some users call the programs a game-changer, while experts question their effectiveness in tackling the root causes without broader interventions. The programs' success has also revealed limitations, including funding to keep them going, Marilen Martin reports. Today on CityLab:
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Forbes
3 hours ago
- Forbes
My Kingdom - For A Hunk Of Old Soviet Cement?
NOVEMBER 11, 1989: A Berlin Wall opening in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Patrick PIEL/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images) Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images On November 9, 1989, Art Harman, a then-32-year-old U.S. public policy expert, was watching television and, like the rest of the world, was shocked by what he saw. News anchors on most every station were reporting that the onerous Berlin Wall, one of the last remaining bastions of the Cold War, was falling. Video of joyous East Germans dancing on top while crossing into West Berlin, some of them even smashing off bits of concrete, was proof. Rather than just revel in shock and joy, Harman immediately looked a few steps out. Why not visit Germany right now to experience firsthand history-in-the-making, but at the same time bring back authentic Wall remnants? He figured that other Americans might want to own pieces, and that they would pay good money for the privilege. Three of Harman's friends thought so, too, and joined his intrepid team. Art Harman chipping pieces off of the Berlin Wall, November 1989. Courtesy of Art Harman First, Harman bought a roundtrip air ticket to Berlin on the now defunct Pan American World Airways, then scurried off to the local post office in McLean, Virginia, to secure some burlap mail sacks to load the concrete into when he returned stateside. He also visited a nearby hardware store to purchase crow bars, axes, sledge hammers, chisels, hammers and safety goggles for Wall demolition when he arrived in Germany. To sell the pieces when he returned, he envisioned mounting them on small Walnut wood bases. For these, he went to a trophy store. He also had some brass plates made to attach to the wood certifying that the Soviet cement as authentic. Finally, just before leaving for Europe, he contacted a Berlin guide to help with overseas logistics and to locate a good part of the Wall to work on. It was decided that Potsdamer Platz was ideal. Surprisingly, Harman and his group met no resistance when they arrived in Berlin. The East German guards, many still in uniform but without their lethal machine guns, seemed amused, almost giddy. One was even posing for photos with tourists. Art Harman with East German border guard, November 1989. Courtesy of Art Harman It was surreal, Harman says. From 1961 to 1989, at least 140 people were ied in connection with the Wall, either being shot by East German police while trying to escape, from accidents or from suicides. That structure was serious business. The actual demolition proved to be hard labor. Harman said that even though it was November, he and his friends were sweating big time. There was the choking dust, too - hence the goggles - but in the end the four had chipped off 1,000 pounds of Wall. All of the chunks were from the west side which was covered by colorful graffiti, and thus more likely to sell. One painted phrase Harman rememberers vividly: "Love Is Thicker Than Concrete." Conversely, the Wall's eastern exposure was painted bland white, probably so soldiers could more easily spot anyone trying to climb over and escape to the West. After a few days, the team had managed to fill 15 sacks with their concrete stash, and checked them in at the Pan Am counter of Berlin Bradenburg Airport. Harman says they had to pony up about $800 in excess baggage fees. Although Harman was nervous about clearing customs back in the U.S., it turned out to be easy. The agent asked what was in the sacks. When he was told it was hunks of the Berlin Wall, he laughed. "I have diamond rings and fur coats in my tariff book, but not Soviet cement," he said. American entrepreneur Art Harman with his 1,000 pounds of Berlin Wall cement, November 1989. Photo courtesy of Art Harman Harman says he still has a few hundred pounds of his historic cement left, some of it for sale on his website. A small piece will set you back at least $85. While demand has slowed considerably over the years, the biggest sales month is still November, right around the anniversary of the Wall's collapse. As for profits, Harman estimates that his total out-of-pocket costs to date are about $7,500. But he says he has sold more than $100,000 worth of product. That's a pretty nice return on investment, no matter how you hack it.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
How to ask her to be your girlfriend: A guide for shy lesbians & sapphics
If there's one feeling that can top the initial rush of attraction—especially when it's mutual—it's that moment when you officially become girlfriends (or partners, or whatever term best fits your relationship). You've done the apps, you've conquered your gaydar struggles, and you've even made the first move and things are going great, but there is still one hurdle left—and that's defining the relationship. Why does it matter? Beyond simply making a mutual commitment, it's an acknowledgment that what you're feeling is shared, and that you're in it together. It's sweet, affirming—and, at times, totally nerve-wracking. Especially if you're the one initiating the conversation. But it doesn't have to be. There are ways to ease the anxiety: feeling confident that this is truly what you want, picking up on cues that they're on the same page, and knowing what to say when the moment comes. Listen, we get it—easier said than done. That's why PRIDE reached out to dating and relationship experts, bisexual licensed sexologist and relationship therapist Sofie Roos, and certified matchmaker and relationship expert Tammy Shaklee, for their advice on how to ask your sweetie to be your girlfriend—when you're ready to take the plunge. Are you ready? Here's how you'll know. The first step to feeling calm (well, as calm as possible) when asking the person you're dating to be your girlfriend is to first be secure in knowing that it's what you want. It comes down to both timing and a gut feeling, says Roos. 'Generally, you know you're ready when you're longing to take the next step—that it feels natural to let her become a bigger part of your life, no matter what kind of relationship you're having now.' If that's not clear enough, Shaklee says to take an analytical approach and consider dynamics that will lead to a healthy relationship, when and if she says yes. 'Have you taken the time to genuinely get to know each other, not just through constant communication and sharing, but through a range of shared experiences, emotions, mutual support, patience, and understanding?,' Shaklee asks. If the answers are yes, then chances are you're in a good place to take the next step. Just remember, there's no rush if you're not quite sure yet, adds Roos. 'Take a step back to feel whether or not this is the natural next step—something you'll feel if giving yourself some time to reflect over the situation, your relationship, and listen to your feelings.' Once you know the answer to that, you know what your next move will be, provided you feel they are on the same page with you. Which leads us to… Are they? Here's the signs to look out for. In moments like this, when you're putting yourself out there and are vulnerable, you may wish you could read your sweetie's mind. Sadly, no advice our experts can give, no matter how skilled they are, will give you superpowers—but they can offer some clues of what to be on the lookout for. Roos says to consider how they talk about you and your future together when the conversation arises. 'Does she use an 'us' when talking about the future, and does she like to make plans of things you should do together? Is there any interest in meeting your friends and family, and overall becoming a bigger part of your life?' Roos asks. If the answers are yes, it indicates they are in a similar headspace. 'That's signs of her also wanting to make things more serious and take your relationship to the next level, and move to the next step,' explains Roos. 'So pay attention to small details in her way of seeing you, and pick up the overall feeling she's giving!' Also assess how she makes you feel, says Shaklee. 'Do you feel this relationship is truly reciprocal? Do both of you feel comfortable, heard, seen and are there clear signs that your attention isn't divided by outside distractions?' she asks. Again, if the answer is in the affirmative, those are good signs that you both want the same thing. How and when to pop the girlfriend question. - Yuri A/Shutterstock You've assessed, you've considered, you've asked yourself all the important questions—and yep, you wanna do it. You wanna make your paramour your official girlfriend. But how? Here's the experts' best advice for popping the question: #1'Try to keep it quite simple, but yet personal,' says Roos, adding it doesn't have to be the most romantic moment in history. 'The most important thing is that you let her hear how you're feeling for her, and what you'd like you to become.' #2 'Picking the right moment is important,' says Roos. 'It doesn't necessarily need to be that cinematic romantic moment that might never come. However, you should be in a place where there's no stress and no distractions, so you can spend that moment with just the two of you and really have time for each other.' Shaklee adds that breakfast time is a surprisingly ideal time for the conversation since it's casual and intimate. 'It's a great time to be calm, clear, and level-headed in having a legit conversation. Whether you make it on your own, or meet out for a special table for two,' she says. #3 'Be straight up with how you're feeling. Even though it's super scary to open up this way, it always turns out so much better if you're putting your heart out on that plate and let her know exactly what you want and how you're feeling,' Roos advises. If you're tongue-tied, Shaklee says something along the lines of the following communicates what you want and what you're feeling, but also gives them some space to consider their feelings, too: 'Let's be serious for a sec. I truly enjoy you, your company, your friendship, and really hope to make some more fun memories together. I admire and respect about you your kindness, drive, fun personality, your way in the world that I think is so rare and significant, etc). I'm into making it an exclusive thing, and want to give you time to think about it. I respect your answer either way.' What to do if they say no? Even when you've set yourself up for success, it can still not go the way you hope—otherwise it wouldn't be so nerve-wracking. So it's best to also prepare for them to say no, too, say the experts. 'Getting a no is always a risk, and most of the times not anything personal, even though it easily can feel that way,' says Roos. The key, she says, is to try and focus on gratitude for the honesty.' 'Respond with kindness and respect,' adds Shaklee. 'Continue being the person she's clearly drawn to, the one she may grow to feel more aligned with in time. People move at different emotional paces, and not every 'no' is permanent.' But most of all, you should also be proud of yourself for being brave and putting yourself out there. 'Pat yourself on the back for being so brave to ask someone this!' says Roos. And don't give up on love! Experts cited: Sofie Roos, a bisexual licensed sexologist, relationship therapist and author at relationship magazine Passionerad Tammy Shaklee, a relationship expert, certified matchmaker, and founder of H4M Matchmaking. This article originally appeared on Pride: How to ask her to be your girlfriend: A guide for shy lesbians & sapphics RELATED What to do when your girlfriend wants an open relationship How to date a girl: 15 ways to woo your first date Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
United Airlines Flight Declares 'Mayday' amid Engine Failure
The Munich-bound flight from Washington Dulles Airport landed safely after more than 30 minutes in the air on July 25NEED TO KNOW United Airlines pilots declared a "Mayday" shortly after departing Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia last week The Munich-bound flight carrying 219 passengers experienced a left engine failure, according to radio recordings All passengers and crew deplaned safely after the "mechanical issue," according to a United spokespersonPilots operating a United Airlines flight declared 'Mayday' after experiencing an engine failure shortly after takeoff last week. On the evening of Friday, July 25, United flight 108 departed Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia. The Munich-bound flight operating a Boeing 787 carried 219 passengers and 11 crew members. But as the plane ascended to 10,000 feet, the pilots noticed an issue. 'Failure, engine failure, left engine, United 108,' pilots told air traffic controllers in a recording obtained by You can see ATC on YouTube. 'Declaring an emergency.' 'Mayday, mayday, mayday,' they added while flying at 5,000 feet. Air traffic controllers immediately instructed the pilots to make a right turn and return to the airport, given the clear airspace. But as the plane turned around to land, the pilots determined the aircraft was too heavy since it was fueled for a transatlantic flight. It forced them to stay in the air until they were cleared to adjust the weight of the passenger jet. After closing a second loop around the airport and dumping the necessary amount of fuel, crews were able to land at IAD after more than 30 minutes in the air. All passengers and crew deplaned safely A spokesperson for Washington Dulles told PEOPLE the plane landed safely and was checked by Airports Authority Fire and Rescue personnel then towed to a gate. According to the airline, the plane experienced a 'mechanical issue.' 'United flight 108 to Munich returned to Washington Dulles shortly after takeoff to address a mechanical issue,' a spokesperson shared in a statement with PEOPLE. 'The plane landed safely, and all passengers deplaned normally at the gate.' They added the flight was canceled and the carrier made alternate arrangements for travelers. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Earlier in July, a Delta Air Lines flight departing Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) was forced to turn around after one of its engines appeared to burst into flames after takeoff. The Friday, July 18, flight 'landed safely' after a reported engine fire, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In video footage captured by YouTube channel L.A. Flights, flames appear out of the plane's left engine. 'Delta flight 446 returned to Los Angeles shortly after departure following an indication of an issue with the aircraft's left engine. As nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and crew, the flight crew followed procedures and safely returned to the gate,' a Delta spokesperson shared in a statement with PEOPLE. The Delta representative added all 226 passengers deplaned normally and were accommodated on a new aircraft. The FAA confirmed it will investigate the Los Angeles incident. Read the original article on People
