Latest news with #Tunnel
Observer
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Miu Miu Brings a Show to New York, and Everyone Can Go
Since 2011, Miuccia Prada, the patron saint of smart, messy women everywhere, has been using her Miu Miu line as a platform to commission short films by female filmmakers from around the world, including Janicza Bravo, Mati Diop and Haifaa al-Mansour. For Prada, the films, which sometimes air during her fashion shows, serve as a backdrop to her clothes, which have always explored the chaotic lives of mothers, sisters, rebels, poets and punks without ever trying to reconcile their contradictions. That has made Miu Miu the darling of the fashion industry, the rare fashion brand to experience explosive growth at a time when sales in general are slowing. Last year, during Art Basel Paris, Prada decided it was time to bring all the films together, and she enlisted Polish artist Goshka Macuga to help. The result was an immersive performance piece of sorts that involved a cast of 35 characters from the films, brought to life by 105 actors. It was such an unexpected hit, with 11,000 people visiting the Paris show during its five-day run, that she and Macuga decided to re-create it this weekend for Frieze New York. The new show, titled 'Tales & Tellers,' is being staged in the Terminal Warehouse, the cavernous late-19th-century building on the Far West Side of Manhattan, latterly home to the Tunnel nightclub. And it is an altogether darker take on the state of women than the Paris event was. (Still, wardrobe by Miu Miu.) Prada and Macuga Zoomed in to explain. The conversation has been edited and condensed. Q: There hasn't been a Miu Miu show in New York in decades, but now there is. Sort of. Why this? MIUCCIA PRADA: The clothes are an excuse to have the support of the company to create these projects where women are talking about themselves, which is very important. In my work, I have always embraced the complexity of women, the complexity of our lives, how we can succeed in developing our abilities. So it's fundamental to know what women do, what they think, in different contexts. GOSHKA MACUGA: All these different stories represent different social problems for women in different countries. Like, for example, the film which I feel very close to, 'Nightwalk' by Małgorzata Szumowska, was filmed in Poland at a time when gender issues were really repressed by our government. It was talking about this idea of liberation within a context that was not sympathetic to difference. Q: That sounds like the current state of America. Is that why you wanted to bring the show here? PRADA: Not just America. Conservatism is everywhere in Europe. We are facing these really great problems, and this moment is really scary. So it's a very crucial argument — that everybody has the right to their voice. MACUGA: We are taking it to the American, or New York, street at night and trying to imagine how a woman exists within this context. It's more threatening, it's more surreal. We're looking at the concept of inside and outside, the idea of individuals coming together in a group and being empowered. How all these individual voices can come together and make a big impact. Q: Is this also the way you raise your voice? PRADA: It's hard for me to talk about politics because I am a representative of luxury. That's a very privileged group of people, so to translate that in a real democratic way is not obvious. So I try in my own way to be political, but I have to be very careful how I make it public. MACUGA: Artists can use language that allows certain narratives to still be present, but maybe present under the umbrella of a more coded language. You're not directly addressing anything or making a statement, but you're creating the possibility for people to project certain ideas into it. PRADA: What I hope is that people who come to the show feel they can express themselves — their ideas, their problems, their weakness, their struggle. We are basically saying that change or building relationships or empowerment happens on a human level, in the instantaneous relationships that we make with other people. Q: Why is that important now? MACUGA: Clearly we cannot take for granted certain positive things that happen for women in society. Governments change, politics change, and the situation of women changes with that. PRADA: Women's liberation is not concluded at all. Sometimes, it looks like we are going backward. There is still a lot of work to do. Q: Is that what you are trying to convey with clothes? PRADA: I try to make my contribution with the instrument I have. When you make clothes, you are suggesting possible ways of being. I am fixated on the word 'useful.' I want to try to be useful. Basically, I have the Prada Foundation, our museum. I have the fashion lines. And this is something in between that seems the most promising because it is simple. There's more excitement, less pressure, attached to it. Q: What do you mean? PRADA: First, when we made these little movies, no one cared one bit. We showed them at the Venice Film Festival, in a very serious environment. Then I wanted to do an exhibit at the Prada Foundation about feminism, but while curators are used to curating objects and art, there are no curators for ideas, so it's very difficult. But adding the fashion environment attracts many more people and allows this idea to become much more popular, much more diffused. Suddenly, with this, everybody immediately understood. It somehow accelerated the process, and we wanted to push that. This is one of the miracles of fashion.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Why running vacations are the next big travel trend
It's almost sunset, and the waterfront Műegyetem Wharf is just beginning to stir. The autumn heat, heavy as a weighted blanket, lingers over Budapest, yet a peculiar anticipation hangs in the air as hundreds of people gather for the Generali Night Run Budapest in late August. The 13-mile route winds through the Hungarian capital's heart, taking runners up a 100-meter hill, past the towering Buda Castle, beneath the grand arches of the Chain Bridge, and along the lower embankment, where the illuminated Parliament, Margaret Bridge, and echoing Tunnel unfold like a moving postcard. As the sun bleeds into the Danube, the rhythmic pulse of live bands and the roar of spectators transform the city into a festival of motion and adrenaline, with the night sky as a dramatic backdrop. Distance running has long been a benchmark of fitness, but it's also becoming a fascinating way for travelers to explore new destinations. 'I barely prepared—actually, I didn't run for a month due to an ankle injury,' says Drew Loynes, a Londoner who joined the night run after quitting his tech job last year to travel the world. 'I was in places where it was too hot to run or where the roads didn't feel safe. But running that half marathon in Budapest was an incredible experience and the city easily lends itself to casual running.' Loynes' story reflects a growing trend—travelers are increasingly blending fitness with exploration. Hospitality company Accor predicts that athletic adventures will be one of 2025's biggest travel trends, noting a 50 percent rise in searches for 'workout holidays' over the past year. As more people seek to achieve personal health goals, recreational sports are becoming an integral part of travel plans. With run clubs surging in popularity last year, running holidays seem like the natural next step. According to Strava's 2024 Year in Sport report, global participation in running clubs jumped by 59 percent in 2024. This momentum has prompted companies like Contiki to introduce run club trips later this summer. Designed for 18- to 35-year-olds, their flagship itinerary offers a chance to explore up to 16 European destinations—taking in iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum—on foot while fostering social connections in a club-style format. 'Run clubs represent more than a fitness trend for our audience, they're a way to connect, explore and build community in an increasingly fragmented, online world,' says Contiki chief marketing officer Lottie Norman. 'The appetite for active trips is increasing as bookings on our active itineraries surged 105 percent from 2023 to 2024, with group runs emerging as trip highlights.' Urban landscapes aren't the only draw, rugged nature is just as enticing. For Liz Gill, founder of Runcation Travel—a U.S.-based adventure outfit offering guided and self-guided running retreats across Europe and the Americas—hut-to-hut running in the Dolomites in 2016 was a transformative experience. 'It was my biggest week in the mountains at that point,' says the California native, who covered 80 miles and 7,620 meters of elevation gain over seven days. The following year, Gill introduced the itinerary to her running network, and it remains one of Runcation's most popular offerings—alongside the alpine landscapes of Mammoth Lakes, a renowned training ground for marathoners on the fringes of Yosemite National Park, and the wild expanses of Argentinian Patagonia; the latter has 15 times the waitlist this year than in winter 2024. Some of Gill's most memorable runs have stemmed from personal travels in Cuba's Viñales region, known for its tobacco farms, and Kenya's Iten, an unchallenged epicenter of distance running. 'In Viñales, you can jog along rolling dirt roads and still meet locals who'll happily point you to farms where you can buy a coffee and watch the sunrise,' she says. 'Iten, on the other hand, is all about the community—Olympians and aspiring runners training side by side. I'd head out at 6 a.m. on a Thursday, and the roads would already be buzzing. You could jump into a pack, no matter your level, and join in; one week it might be a fartlek workout, the next something entirely different.' (Related: Here are 5 places with the most incredible running trails in the world) Socializing is a major draw for those opting for running holidays. 'I love these trips because they get me out of the city and keep me on my toes (literally) in some of the most beautiful places in the world,' says Megha Doshi, a product marketing professional who has joined three of Runcation Travel's trips—to the Dolomites, Patagonia, and Chamonix. 'Coordinating something like this with friends is nearly impossible—the logistics alone, not to mention finding people who want to explore new places on foot.' While running is often a solitary activity, those who do it in groups tend to get much more out of the experience—both socially and emotionally. Still, some apprehension is natural. 'It's human nature to be intimidated by something new, but I'd encourage people to give it a try,' says Gill. 'If you live somewhere flat and see an itinerary in the mountains, don't assume you can't do it. Reach out for tips, research how to prepare—just because it's not part of your daily routine doesn't mean it's out of reach.' 'Irrespective of travel, running is known to boost cardiovascular and joint health, aid fat loss, improve energy levels, and enhance bone density—potentially preventing osteopenia and osteoporosis,' says doctor Kruti Khemani, an AHPRA-registered sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapist and founder of Mumbai-based Continuum Physiotherapy and Rehab LLP. 'It can also improve sleep quality and help you adjust to new time zones faster, easing jet lag.' Research also shows a strong link between running and mental well-being, with some individuals experiencing a 'runner's high'—a short-lived but intense feeling of euphoria. According to a study by David J. Linden, a neuroscience professor at Johns Hopkins University, this post-run bliss is likely due to endocannabinoids, natural compounds in the body similar to cannabis. Unlike endorphins, endocannabinoids cross the blood-brain barrier, promoting relaxation, reduced anxiety, and an overall sense of calm. Other benefits include improved focus, memory, and mood elevation. (Related: The brain has a secret survival trick to endure a marathon) 'Physical health benefits don't come overnight, so preparation is key,' advises Khemani. If you're transitioning from running on flat pavements to uneven trails, slopes or rocky surfaces, share the details with a trainer, physiotherapist, or coach to tailor your training. If self-training, start at least six-to-eight weeks in advance, incorporating gym work to strengthen key muscles. Running long distances increases the risk of repetitive stress injuries (RSI) and acute issues like ankle or ligament strains, especially on unfamiliar terrain. Uphill and downhill stretches can strain the knees, so pacing is crucial. 'If unexpected challenges arise, adjust your pace to allow for recovery. Don't treat it like a marathon,' says Khemani. Warm up, stretch before and after runs, stay hydrated, and carry electrolytes to prevent cramps. Footwear matters—don't switch shoes, terrain or distance last minute, or risk injury. Nutrition also plays a role: Hydrate regularly, opt for water and nutrient-rich foods, and avoid dehydrants like alcohol, caffeine, and greasy meals before the runs. 'Go low on carbs and high on protein to fuel your runs effectively,' says Khemani. Gill notes that, compared to other sports or activities, runners love to lounge. Having a comfortable space to relax or access to a massage can make a big difference. (Related: The definitive list of running shoes for every kind of runner, according to pros) Pooja Naik is an independent journalist whose work has appeared in BBC Travel, National Geographic Traveller UK, Lonely Planet, Conde Nast Traveller India, and other outlets. Follow her on Instagram.
Iraqi News
19-04-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Grand Faw Port Submerged Tunnel Second Section Completed by GCPI
GCPI Announces Completion of Placing the Second Section of the Submerged Tunnel at the Grand Faw Port Baghdad - INA The General Company for Iraqi Ports announced today, Saturday, the completion of the Placing of the Second Section of the Submerged Tunnel as part of the Grand Faw Port Project. The Company's Director General, Farhan Al-Fartousi, said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The engineering teams implementing the Submerged Tunnel Project were able to complete the Placing of the Second Section of the Tunnel after implementing a complex engineering operation that took place under the Khor Al-Zubair Navigational Canal, with a digging depth of 23 meters and a water level of 12 meters above the section." He added, "The completion of the Placing of the Second Section represents a qualitative advance in the implementation of the Submerged Tunnel and enhances the pace of work towards the completion of this strategic project, which is the first of its kind in Iraq and the Middle East." He explained that "the second section was entirely manufactured inside the designated dry dock, measuring (126) meters in length and weighing (45) thousand tons. It was equipped with advanced systems for balancing and steering, enabling it to be lowered and connected with high precision to the first section, becoming an effective part of the tunnel's structural framework." He pointed out that "the total length of the tunnel sections in contact with the water, including the sections within the Khor Al-Zubair Canal and the Umm Qasr approach, currently stands at (441) meters out of (1244) meters." He explained that "the tunnel, whose total length exceeds (2.4) km, is being implemented using the submerged tunnel method and to international specifications unprecedented in Iraq and the region." He added that "the tunnel will constitute a vital artery linking the Grand Faw Port to the Umm Qasr Port via an underwater land corridor, as part of the integrated transportation system, and will contribute to strengthening Iraq's role as a pivotal hub for maritime and land transportation in the region." According to the statement, Al-Fartousi praised the combined efforts of Iraqi personnel and the implementing foreign companies, saying, "The accomplishments we are witnessing today are the fruit of fruitful cooperation between Iraqi minds and international expertise, and reflect Iraq's ability to confidently move forward with the implementation of mega projects that match international standards."
Boston Globe
18-04-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
See the Boston Marathon course in our interactive map
Participants reach the halfway point in Wellesley, where they will be greeted by the 'Scream Tunnel' near the Wellesley College campus. Hundreds of spectators enthusiastically support runners, boosting the energy for the second half of the course. Wellesley also marks where the course changes roads, leaving Route 135 for Route 16. The course slopes downward, dropping more than 100 feet in elevation as it approaches Mile 16 in Newton. Newton presents the biggest obstacle in the course. As they turn onto Commonwealth Avenue, runners will confront four hills — most notoriously, Heartbreak Hill. Participants will climb 175 feet of elevation throughout Newton. On the bright side, runners get their first view of downtown Boston as they reach the top of Heartbreak Hill, four miles in the distance. Advertisement Next, runners can take a breather and cruise downhill through Boston College and Cleveland Circle to reach Beacon Street. From there, runners will trot through Brookline, Coolidge Corner, and Kenmore Square before a final stride down Commonwealth Avenue. Entering the city, it's time for the home stretch. With a right turn onto Hereford Street and a left turn onto Boylston Street, a mere four blocks remain between the runners and the finish line at Copley Square. Advertisement Finally, after running through eight different towns and enduring fluctuating elevation and challenging hills, the sounds of the cheering supporters energize the runners one last time as they cross the finish line. After participants are pick their medals, the excitement continues at the meeting area along Stuart Street between Berkeley and Clarendon Streets, where athletes unite with family, friends, and supporters for a well-deserved celebration after 26.2 miles. Boston Marathon course map Rumsha Siddiqui can be reached at
Associated Press
16-04-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Kapsch TrafficCom Completes Fort Lauderdale Tunnel Rehab Project
DULUTH, GA / ACCESS Newswire / April 16, 2025 / Kapsch TrafficCom is proud to announce the successful completion of the Henry E. Kinney Tunnel Rehabilitation and Pedestrian Plaza project in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This transformative project, led by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), enhances both transportation infrastructure and community spaces, setting a new standard for urban integration. 'The Henry E. Kinney Tunnel project is a shining example of how we can blend safety, mobility, efficiency, and community enhancement. It represents a commitment to creating spaces where people can connect and thrive,' says Kapsch TrafficCom North America President JB Kendrick. 'We're incredibly proud to be part of this initiative, and it truly shows how North American leaders look to Kapsch when they need reliable, innovative solutions for critical infrastructure.' Begun in 2021, the three-mile tunnel features a state-of-the-art SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system that incorporates multiple systems for tunnel safety, traffic management and core elements like lighting and air conditioning in the tunnel. The system also provides real-time data, automated alerts and remote system controls. This allows transportation authorities to detect and respond to incidents quickly, ensuring minimal disruptions and greater efficiency. The systems are designed to improve traffic management and safety, ensuring a seamless flow of vehicles through the tunnel and surrounding areas. Additionally, the project included milling and resurfacing SR 5/US-1 from Rio Vista Boulevard to the southern end of the tunnel, the installation of intelligent transportation systems along SR5/US-1, an extension of the tunnel top to accommodate a pedestrian plaza with new fountains, seating facilities, redesigned brick pavers, artificial turf, and landscaping. The tunnel is just one of many major tunnel, bridge, airport, and major highway projects led by Kapsch TrafficCom in North America, where the company handles more than 650 million vehicle crossings in the Northeast alone. More information on Kapsch TrafficCom SCADA projects in North America can be found here: Press | Kapsch TrafficCom Follow us on LinkedIn Kapsch TrafficCom is a globally renowned provider of transportation solutions for sustainable mobility with successful projects in more than 50 countries. Innovative solutions in the application fields of tolling, tolling services, traffic management and demand management contribute to a healthy world without congestion. With one-stop-shop-solutions, the company covers the entire value chain of customers, from components to design and implementation to the operation of systems. Kapsch TrafficCom, headquartered in Vienna, has subsidiaries and branches in more than 25 countries and is listed in the Prime Market segment of the Vienna Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: KTCG). In its 2023/24 financial year, about 4,000 employees generated revenues of EUR 539 million. Press contact: Sandra Bijelic Head of Corporate Communications Kapsch TrafficCom AG Am Europlatz 2, 1120 Vienna, Austria P +43 664 628 1720 [email protected] SOURCE: Kapsch TrafficCom AG press release
