DEC 21 MACAU CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF CHINESE RULE

DEC 21  MACAU CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF CHINESE RULE

Unless you've been living under a rock all year long, you've heard about the protests in Hong Kong. For the last six months, a million people have taken to the streets to protest the People's Republic of China's ridiculous 'One Country, Two Systems' policy of rule. Yet a mere 65 kilometers away in Macau, this same system is thriving. This was evident yesterday, with President Xi on hand to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the handover.

Although not nearly as famous as her colonial cousin, Macau is actually much older. It was established in 1513 by Portuguese explorer Jorge Alvares...300 years before the British first sailed into Hong Kong Harbor. However, while England instituted positive policies in Hong Kong, like Common Law and self-rule...the Portuguese were different. Macau existed only as a trading center. While enterprising Brits flocked to Hong Kong, only a handful of Portuguese citizens moved to Macau.

This disparity was also on display when the two colonies were returned to the PRC in the 1990's. Hong Kong witnessed a mass migration back to the UK, with many corporations relocating as well. Meanwhile, folks in Macau welcomed the Chinese with open arms. Neglected by Lisbon for 442 years, the colony had slid economically, with a below average standard of living.

Things have changed dramatically. Today, Macau bests the third highest GDP worldwide, trailing only Luxembourg and Switzerland. How did this occur? Mega-casinos, that's how! For decades, Macau was a tough and seedy port city, lined with bars and taverns. At the heart of this was the Casino Lisboa. When the PRC took over in 1999, they decided to develop the gaming industry and the results have been stupendous.

In short, the lessons learned by the two SAR's (Special Administrative Regions) is simple. Once the seed of liberty is planted, it grows. Hong Kong was granted Common Law and individual freedoms by the British. Two centuries later, citizens refuse to give them away. However, four centuries of oppressive Portuguese rule in Macau resulted in acrimony and a desire to change. Today, the only signs of Portuguese rule are a handful of Catholic churches and street names.

DEC 14 SAUDI ARABIA GIVES WOMEN MORE RIGHTS

DEC 14  SAUDI ARABIA GIVES WOMEN MORE RIGHTS

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia lifted another restriction regarding women's rights. On Monday, a press secretary for Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman announced that Saudi restaurants will no longer be required to have separate entrances for men and women. Instead of the government mandating the policy, gender separation will be up to the businesses themselves. It's big news: Now families and couples can sit at the same table when they go out to eat.

The move is one of many sweeping reforms instituted by the rigid Middle Eastern nation. Although King Salman al Saud is still on the throne, the 84 year-old monarch is too old to rule. Hence, he named his first-born son with his third wife as regent in 2017. Since then, the 34 year-old Mohammad bin Salman has instituted numerous social reforms in the ridiculously conservative country.

Last year, the Crown Prince received praise when he lifted the ban on women driving cars. Mohammad bin Salman surely must have read the DUNER BLOG on the issue and acted accordingly. In the year since, driving schools have been busy: Over 30,000 women have passed the test and are on the road. Also important: The Prince pardoned the women activists who were arrested for driving cars in protest.

In his two years as regent, Crown Prince Mohammad has instituted a flurry of social reforms. It's clear: he is trying to put men and women on more equal footing. In July, he lifted a much criticized ban as well. Saudi Women can now travel abroad without permission from their male guardian. Any woman over 21 can receive a passport. Likewise, women can now register themselves for marriage and divorce on their own.

We here at the DUNER BLOG cheer Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for reading our blog and reforming his outrageously conservative country. But let's not forget: He still has a long road ahead of him. On the UN's Gender Inequity Index, Saudi Arabia remains in the bottom ten. Women can drive a car, but they can't live alone nor can they open a bank account. Let's hope the new Crown Prince is an enlightened despot with good in his heart...and not just a worried monarch trying to grab some positive press after the shameful Khashoggi murder.

DEC 6 THE FIVE MOST FAMOUS INTERNET CATS

DEC 6  THE FIVE MOST FAMOUS INTERNET CATS

The Internet mourned the sudden and tragic loss of one its favorite felines. Lil' Bub died on Sunday evening at the age of eight. Instantly, heartfelt messages flooded Facebook. Both Good Morning America and The View (where Lil' Bub had appeared) mentioned Lil' Bub. Why the fuss over a puss? Because cats rule the Internet. Duh! Let's check out the five most famous Internet Cats of all time.

Lil' Bub. The runt of a litter of feral cats, "Aww! Lil' Bub" were the first words Mike Bridavsky said when he picked up the sad kitty. His friends in Bloomington, Indiana were looking for a home for the scraggly, tiny and unwanted runt. A vet visit yielded sad news: Lil' Bub suffered from feline dwarfism. His chin never developed. This resulted in his tongue constantly hanging out. This made for adorable pictures.

Maru. This Scottish Fold cat from Japan holds the Guinness World Record for the most YouTube views of an individual animal. Why? Because Maru absolutely loves getting into boxes. It's fascinating to watch this cat operate. His obsessive personality results in never-ending attempts to squeeze into any sized box. Followers worldwide just can't wait to see what Maru will attempt to do next. His coffee table picture book, I Am Maru, debuted atop the Japan book sales chart.

Colonel Meow. A Himalayan / Persian mix resulted in some extraordinarily long fur in this particular cat. How long? Try a stunning nine inches long...also a verified Guinness World Record! However, it can be argued it's not the shaggy fur that launched Colonel Meow into global Internet celebrity super-status. It's that angry, fearsome dictator scowl. This cat looks more like Chairman Meow to us!

Nala. Like Lil' Bub, Nala was the runt of her family. A Siamese / Tabby mix with absurdly large brown eyes, she was adopted by Varisiri Mathachittiphan. She proudly named him after a Hindu deity. At first, Varisiri dressed up her cat and just e-mailed them to friends and family. But before she knew it...BAM! Nala went viral and now has 2.3 million Instagram followers.

Grumpy Cat. Atlanta based rapper T.I. said it best: "I paved the way for you new cats today." Grumpy Cat was the first cat to dominate online and then sell merchandise. See, things were different in 2006. Back then, cats shared the Internet with adorable puppies and cute babies. Then Grumpy Cat burst onto the scene and changed everything forever. The kitty with the permanent frown was on everything from T-shirts, backpacks, a million memes and...wait for it...women's underwear.

NOV 23 BOLIVIA HAS A NEW "PRESIDENT"

NOV 23  BOLIVIA HAS A NEW "PRESIDENT"

2019 is shaping up to be a banner year for anti-government protests. From the streets of Hong Kong, to the bazaars of Tehran to the subways of Santiago, Chile...people are violently taking their message to the streets. However, only one has resulted in immediate regime change: Bolivia. Last week, the activist-turned-dictator Evo Morales was asked kindly by the military to leave. He instantly agreed and hopped a flight to Mexico City.

The suddenness of Evo's exit left a power vacuum in La Paz. That's when Senator Jeanine Áñez stepped up. With a Bible in her hand, she made a humble plea to the people of Bolivia. "Let me be your interim president. My only objective is to hold new elections." Who could say no? So the unassuming 52 year-old Vice President of the Senate slid into office. That was one week ago. Since then, much has changed in Bolivia.

On Monday, Jeanine did a makeover to the military. On Tuesday she selected new generals and majors. Naturally, she fired all of Morales' cabinet members and replaced them with appointees of her own liking. On Wednesday, Áñez took aim at the state-owned companies that run the economy. They now have new CEO's. What a whirlwind! In short, fourteen years of Socialism was broken down in one week!

While Anez has the backing of the anti-Socialist Trump administration, other allies are few and far between. Evo Morales is an icon of the Latin American left. Venezuela, Mexico and Cuba have all issued statements denouncing Áñez  and refusing the recognize her regime. Back in Bolivia, Evo's Socialist Party still holds a majority in the Senate. In response, La Paz saw a fresh round of protests this week.  This resulted in a Presidential decree from Áñez, granting immunity to her military. On Thursday, nine protesters were shot and killed.

What began as an olive branch has evolved into a briar patch. In an attempt to soothe matters, the UN, EU and the Catholic Church have insisted on a peace conference. They want to remind Áñez that the Bolivian Constitution states that elections must be held within 90 days after the resignation of a President. She replied that elections will happen "soon." In the meantime, let's hope Jeanine delivers on her original promise. She also needs to stop tweeting. Calling Evo Morales a "poor Indian" will not solve anything!

NOV 16 A HISTORY OF THE MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE BALLOONS

Thanksgiving is a mere twelve days away! As always, Americans will watch the fantastic, gigantic balloons at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. It all began in 1924 when employees at Bamberger's Department Store on 34th Street had an idea. To celebrate the holiday, they wanted to dress up in costumes and walk to work in a big group. Store owner Louis Bamberger loved the idea and decided to go for it.

To add to the pizazz, Bamberger added a marching band and a couple of floats. But why stop there? The entrepreneur contacted the Central Park Zoo and added a couple elephants, camels and donkeys to the procession. The best part was the ending. The doors of Bamberger's Department Store were flung open and Santa Claus himself was there to greet shoppers. Think of it as the original BLACK FRIDAY!

Three years later, the parade was so successful, it was drawing over a million spectators. All of which spooked the elephants and camels, so a creative replacement was implemented. Giant Kevlar helium-inflated balloons depicting favorite animals would be used instead. This proved amazingly popular, as now every fan could see them. In 1929, the Macy family bought Bamberger's store but pledged to keep the balloon tradition alive.

Felix the Cat was King of the Cartoon world and was the first character to appear in the parade. Mickey Mouse soon joined him, first flying in 1934. Back then, the helium-filled balloons were released into the sky. Each had a tag on it. If you found the deflated Micky in a New Jersey swamp weeks later, you could return it to Macy's for a prize. Sadly, one year Felix hit a power line and exploded. After this, they just deflated them.

After a three year hiatus, the parade proudly returned in 1945. It was bigger and better than ever. Thanks to TV, a slew of new cartoon characters were created. A 56-foot high Popeye debuted in 1957, followed by Bugs Bunny, Underdog and Bullwinkle J Moose. But 1968 was a banner year for the event. Snoopy made his official debut. Since then, he's been the most popular entry, appearing 40 times. Thinking the Peanuts were passe, the beloved beagle was dropped in 2016, leading to outrage. Mayor de Blasio delivered on his promise and Snoopy was back next year, never to leave again.

THE RANKINGS: Other popular cartoon characters include Garfield (18 appearances), SpongeBob Square Pants (13) and Woody Woodpecker (12). In addition, Spiderman (23) is the mot popular Superhero, besting even Superman (15). Sesame Street fares well, with Big Bird (19) and Kermit the Frog (10) in the lead. Finally, corporate cartoon creations also managed to wiggle their way into the line-up. Ronald McDonald is second-place overall, with 29 flights, followed by Pikachu (17) and Hello Kitty (11). Just in case you wanted to know!!

NOV 9 IRAN CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF US EMBASSY TAKEOVER

NOV 9  IRAN CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF US EMBASSY TAKEOVER

Forced jubilation took over the streets of Tehran this week. Monday marked the 40th anniversary of the infamous and illegal takeover of the US Embassy...a pivotal event in the Iranian Islamic Revolution. (NOTE: Forty is an important milestone in the Islamic world. The Prophet Muhammad was exactly forty years old when he met the Angel Gabriel.) While February 11th remains the official national "Victory Holiday," November Fourth is also popular, mostly due to its Anti-American basis.

For our younger readers, here's a quick recap of the Iranian Revolution: Since 1925, Persia was ruled by the Pahlavi Dynasty. (NOTE: The word 'Iran' is 'Persia' in Farsi. In 1935 the change became official) The shahs were stinking rich, thanks to the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. Over time, the royals adopted wealthy Western customs and strayed away from Islam. In 1979, the Shah was caught off-guard when an Islamic Revolution ousted him on February 11th. The US refused to recognize the new regime. Tensions boiled over in November, when extremists forcibly took the American Embassy in Tehran and held 52 US citizens as hostages.

Initially, the Iranian Revolution succeeded in the goal of more equitable wealth distribution. Iran is the world's second largest petroleum exporter...so there is a lot of cash! However, every historial will tell you: Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Forty years after the Revolution, average Iranians are wondering where the oil profits are going. In response, the mullahs just continue the spew revolutionary rhetoric and stage celebratory events like the one in Tehran this week.

Let's review how the Islamic Republic of Iran commemorates a 'Holy Day.'  Things get started early in the morning. Thousands of people gather at the elaborate tomb of Ayatollah Khomeini. The fiery leader spearheaded the movement and is revered today. Next, the masses of people march down to Azadi (Freedom) Square. Enormous speakers blare a speech by the current leader, Hassan Rouhani. It culminates with the singing of Fajr ballads and a feast of delicious lamb dishes.

The Iranian government makes  it impossible to know the opinions of everyday people. There are no daily CNN polls rating the Ayatollah's job approval. Yet it would seem impossible for the recent US sanctions and the drastic fall of the Rial NOT to effect the lives on Iran's enormous lower-middle class. Armed with the Internet, they could easily stage a similar "Revolution" and return Persia to riches again. In fact, Iran is overdue for regime change. Look at the numbers! There was one in: 1902, 1925, 1953, 1979 and...

NOV 2 YOU CAN'T CLIMB AYERS ROCK ANYMORE

NOV 2  YOU CAN'T CLIMB AYERS ROCK ANYMORE

One of Australia's most iconic sites is Ayers Rock. Also known by the Aboriginal name, Uluru, its shape is so recognizable, its on the Outback Steakhouse logo! Anyhow, ever since William Gosse stumbled upon the 2,831 foot high peak in 1873 (He named it after his boss, Sir Henry Ayers), its been a flash point for Anglo / Aboriginal relations. While the settlers saw it as a tourist attraction, with fantastic alluvial fans and fabulous feldspar, to the Anangu people, it is a sacred place.

While the Aborigines are amongst the earth's oldest civilizations...dating back 50,000 years...this was of little relevance to the British. They saw Ayers Rock as a fun destination for the wealthy; a Victorian Bucket List site. When it officially opened as a National Park in 1958, an airstrip, hotels, restaurants and tourist shops soon followed. Although it was a "no-no" to climb Uluru, posts with linking chains were drilled into the sandstone.

As jet travel improved, the number of visitors to Uluru increased. Statistics show that one-third of the people who made the trek came specifically to climb the peak. It takes about an hour: It's only a half-mile trail, but horribly steep. There is no netting, and 37 people have fallen to their death in attempted climbs. The route chosen for the path is the most gradual ascent. Naturally, this is the same route the Anangu creation god Tjukurpa took. After decades of political wrangling, Prime Minister Bob Hawke handed the land back to the Aborigines in 1985.

While the law did forbid climbing Uluru, the only enforcement came in the form of a harshly-worded, guilt-inducing sign at the base of the trail. It failed the stem the tide. When Uluru was named a World Heritage Site in 2000, the number of annual visitors jumped to 400,000. While the vast majority behaved properly, a couple of yahoos ruined it for everyone. They carved their names in the sandstone and took chunks home as souvies. They hit golf balls, twerked in the nude and peed all over the place. (There are no bathrooms on Uluru.)

Finally, the Anangu people screamed; "Enough!" As of Friday at 4pm, not only is it against the law to climb Uluru, but violators will be fined A$600. When the clock struck four, jubilation filled the air. People danced for joy, knowing the Gods were pleased. Let's see how things progress. Since people spend tens of thousands of dollars to visit the remote site, many fear the $600 fine will just be seen as part of the trip's budget..

OCT 26 LIST OF WORLD MONARCHS AT EMPEROR NARUHITO'S ENTHRONEMENT

OCT 26  LIST OF WORLD MONARCHS AT EMPEROR NARUHITO'S ENTHRONEMENT

Japan has a new emperor! With new clothes! On Tuesday in Tokyo, Naruhito and Empress Masako were formally enthroned in a lavish and lengthy centuries-old ceremony. Since then, he's attended dozens of banquets and balls in his honor. The guest list was over 2,000 people from 180 countries. It included a flabbergasting number of the world's monarchs. Here's the list:

Belgium: Queen Mathide. Always elegant, the Belgian queen represented her nation's people at the formal reception. Since Leopold I took the throne in 1831, Belgian monarchs have quietly been present at similar coronations.

Bhutan: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Descendants of dragons, this tiny Himalayan nation is home to one of the world's oldest royal houses. Since 1616, Dragon Kings have ruled Bhutan. They have only recently been present at such events.

Britain: Prince Charles. Looking dapper, Charles put on his best face and represented the United Kingdom. Why so glum? From Holland to the Vatican to Tokyo, elder monarchs have been abdicating to let younger royals assume formal duties. Prince Charles must be wondering: "Why won't my mum?"

Denmark: Crown Prince Frederick. Danes are fiercely proud of their monarch. Rightfully so. Tiny Denmark has endured multiple invasions from her larger neighbors. Yet Germany, Sweden and Norway could never topple the Danish crown.

Luxembourg: Grand Duke Henri. While Luxembourg was a big-time player in the days of the Holy Roman Empire, since then this micro state has struggled to exist. The current house dates back to Napoleonic times.

Malaysia: King Abdullah Pahang. Japan and Malaysia have had a historically rocky relationship. However, when Malaysia created an Islamic constitutional monarchy in 1957, Tokyo formally recognized the new king.

Monaco: Prince Albert. C'mon! This one is a no-brainer! This tiny principality lives for occasions like this. In fact, the House of Grimaldi has been present at coronations, royal baptisms and papal christenings since 1160!

Netherlands: King Willem-Alexander. Yes, he's on the Dutch throne. But all eyes are always on Queen Maxima. Best dressed yet again! Like Princess Di, she impresses fashionistas worldwide with effortless style and grace.

Spain: King Felipe VI. Similarly, this king also gets over-shadowed by his equally glamorous wife Queen Letizia. However, standing tall at six foot-three, King Felipe casts a long shadow in many ways. It's astounding that someone from the House of Bourbon is still on a throne.

NOTE: There are no monarchs in the Western Hemisphere. Likewise, Africa has many regional kings, but only Morocco and Swaziland are an actual countries

OCT 19 WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR HALLOWEEN CANDIES?

OCT 19  WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR HALLOWEEN CANDIES?

Halloween is a mere twelve days away! And you know what that means: Women wearing inappropriate costumes to work, way to many pumpkin flavored foods and...of course...CANDY! When shopping, you want to buy the type that will please trick-or-treaters the most. Thankfully, the DUNER BLOG found a recent survey to answer this important question.

#1 REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS. 36%. There is just something magical about mixing chocolate and nuts. Each is good alone, but when combined they become glorious. Contrary to the "You got your chocolate stuck in my peanut butter" commercial, H.B. Reese did not come up with the idea by accident. Nope, the Hershey employee experimented with raisins, mint, toffee, coconut, etc. before finally deciding upon peanut butter.

#2. SNICKERS 18%. The most famous product from the famed Mars Family also combines chocolate and peanuts...but this time with caramel. Named after a horse in the Mars stable, Snickers owes a large part of its appeal to aggressive advertising. Hungry? Why wait? It's So Satisfying! Over the past 50 years, Snickers has partnered with NASCAR, FIFA, The Olympics, Super Bowl and even Mr. T.

#3. M&M'S 11%. The second-most popular candy from the Mars Company employs one of the most basic principles of marketing: People are drawn to bright colors. Forrest Mars got the idea from the similar British candy Smarties, which has chocolate covered in a colorful candy shell. In 1941, he designed an oval shaped version. Each one is stamped with a lower-case 'm.'

#4. HERSHEY BARS. 6% America's iconic chocolate bar owes its success to never changing. First produced in Central Pennsylvania in the year 1900, Hershey's secret is using fresh milk from the plentiful dairy farms in the area. This gives it that creamy flavor and that fluffy consistency. They also have stayed true to the same shape, size and packaging. If it ain't broke...

#5. SKITTLES 5%. The lone non-chocolate based is fruit-flavored Skittles. Trying to capitalize on the popularity of M&M's, Mars developed a similar candy, replacing the chocolate center with some odd sugar ball. Instead of an 'M', Skittles have an 'S' on their equally colorful shell. The coolest moment Skittles ever had was when NFL running back Marshawn Lynch ate them to celebrate a touchdown.

OCT 11 WHO ARE THE KURDS?

OCT 11  WHO ARE THE KURDS?

It's another confusing week for international diplomacy in the year 2019. Conflicting Trump Tweets may or may not have resulted in conflict in the Middle East. This time, it's a Turkish invasion of Northern Syria. Specifically, President Erdogan is delivering on a campaign promise to establish a 20-mile wide "safe zone" along the Syrian side of Turkey's southern border. This breaks an American promise to Kurds. Most folks are hazy when it comes to this group, so let's review the basics.

Behind the Arabs, Persians and the Turks, Kurds are the fourth largest ethnic group in the Middle East. That's 35 million people. The Kurds trace the lineage back to the Ancient Medes. Kurdish Kings fought against the Roman Empire and Genghis Khan. Converts to Islam, their kingdom thrived high in the Caucasus Mountains. It all came to an abrupt end in 1501 when the Ottoman Empire invaded. The Kurds have been fighting the Turks ever since.

Correction! There was a short span when the Kurdish Kingdom rose again. Mahmud Barzanji was the monarch for two years. Why so brief? After the first World War, the sprawling Ottoman Empire was carved into a dozen new nations. Syria and Iraq made the cut, but Kurdistan did not. The Treaty of Sevres instead broke up Kurdistan and placed it into the above two nations and Turkey as well. It was a slap in the face to the Kurds...a people with a unique language and an ancient history.

In the next hundred years, the Kurds became a marginalized minority in all three nations. Conditions were the worst under Turkish President Kemal Ataturk. He re-named them "Mountain Turks" and mocked their inferior culture. A similar fate was also seen by the peoples just north of Kurdistan. Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan also lost their chances at nationhood after World War One. Instead all three became neglected Soviet Republics.

While the three other Caucasus countries gained freedom in 1991, Turkey still keeps its Kurdish population under wraps. They thwart any attempts of nationhood. Things changed in the 2000's. Civil wars in both Iraq and Syria resulted in an armed autonomous Kurdish state. Until recently, the Kurdish army served a pivotal role in liberating ISIS held areas, doing the dirty work along side US forces. The Kurds were hoping for some recognition afterward...maybe an independent nation? Nope. Abandonment again. Welcome to the confusing world of US diplomacy in 2019.
   

OCT 4 YOU CAN'T SIT ON ROME'S SPANISH STEPS ANYMORE

OCT 4  YOU CAN'T SIT ON ROME'S SPANISH STEPS ANYMORE

For many travelers, the BEST PART of going to Rome isn't stately St. Peters, the ancient Forum or tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain. Nope, for them the best the Eternal City has to offer is eating a gelato while sitting on the Spanish Steps. In addition to fantastic people-watching, the stairs offer a stunning view of the Plaza de Spagna and the Via del Corso. Yet as of last week, city authorities have banned this beloved tourist practice. The size of the crowds have made it unfeasible. Let's answer the basic questions!

Why are they called that? They're in Italy...not Spain! The 174 steps were constructed by the Spanish in 1725. At the time, Spain was part of the House of Bourbon, which also controlled Sicily and Naples. Eager to control the Papal States as well, they constructed an enormous embassy in Rome. To link it with the plaza below, a grand staircase was needed.

Aren't there hundreds of other scenic stairs in Rome? Good point, but what separates this staircase is the fact it was built by the Bourbons. As with Versailles, over-the-top opulence is a must. A unique, triangular design incorporates straight flights at different angles. Wedged in between are vistas and terraces filled with colorful azaleas. From the start, this gorgeous public space has been a popular hangout.

How did the steps become internationally famous? The first instance that comes to mind must be the 1952 movie Roman Holiday. Ridiculously charming Audrey Hepburn happily eats gelato whilst seated on the staircase. Dashing Gregory Peck approaches... 150 years prior, poet John Keats lived in an apartment overlooking the stairs. It also features prominently in the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel Tender is the Night.

What will the cops do to violators? At first, offenders will be given a verbal warning. Cards have it written in a variety of languages. But if you continue to loiter, it will be a hefty fine of €160. A second violation will cost you €400. While many feel this is unfair, the truth is it's against the law to loiter on any public staircases in Rome.

Is McDonald's to blame? Yes. There were HUGE protests back on March 20th of 1986. That's when the first ever McDonald's opened in Italy. What enraged Romans was the fact that the Fast-food giant wasn't at the airport or a shopping mall...it was right on the Plaza de Spagna. Allegations of city officials accepting bribes were not unfounded. Yet the result has been the slow-but-sure change of businesses. The square is now littered with Starbucks, Burger King and Pizza Hut! Yuck.

SEPT 28 BEIJING'S NEW DAXING AIRPORT IS PHENOMENAL

SEPT 28  BEIJING'S NEW DAXING AIRPORT IS PHENOMENAL

Once again, the DUNER BLOG turns its attention to the People's Republic of China for yet another engineering achievement. Last time, it was the Shanghai-Beijing 300 km/hr bullet train above the ground. Before that, it was a record-setting skyscraper. This time, it's the opening of Daxing International Airport in Beijing. Xi Jinping was there, cutting the ribbon at the main concourse. He called it an "airport built for the future." Let's see why..

THE DESIGN.  Nicknamed the starfish, Daxing has five identical concourses connecting in the middle. Architect Zaha Hadid researched what angers airline passengers the most. Unsurprisingly, the top gripe is walking long distances. So she drew up this new scheme that guarantees travelers won't have to walk more than 600 meters from security to the most remote gate.

THE CEILING. The word used most often to describe PKX (its official abbreviation) is sparkling. This is because the ceiling is comprised of 8,000 super-shiny windows. They are set at differing angles and reflect the sun's rays to every corner of the terminal. That's a lot of ground to cover. Ginormous Daxing is a whopping 700,000 square meters...about 100 soccer fields.

THE GARDENS. Growing in this ample sunlight are five ancient-Chinese style gardens. The main concourse has the China Garden, complete with a Koi Pond. You can also unwind in the Countryside Garden or sip tea in the Tea Garden. We'll pass on the Porcelain and Silk Gardens.

THE SECURITY. Perhaps the most impressive innovation is the new security technology. Instead of showing your passport at check-in...then again at security...then one more time at boarding...at Daxing International you'll only need your smile. 5G facial recognition upon entry will be relayed to security and the departure gate, so put that passport away. This tech can process 260 people in one minute.

THE ROBOTS. Another complaint Zaha Hadid encountered about airports was a lack of assistance from staff. To aid the human employees, a fleet of artificial intelligence-powered smart robots roam the terminal. They'll help you find a parking sport, tell you your gate number, deliver your food and message your back.

The timing of the opening was critical. See, Tuesday is October the First, the top Communist holiday in the People's Republic of China. Since the PRC is turning 70 this year, Xi Jinping wanted the give the country a real nice present. Most importantly, Daxing is projected to pass  Atlanta as the busiest airport worldwide in 2024. Yet another time China replaces the USA atop a worldwide ranking..

SEPT 20 WHITE HOUSE RENOVATIONS THROUGH THE YEARS

SEPT 20  WHITE HOUSE RENOVATIONS THROUGH THE YEARS

Earlier today, Melania Trump proudly opened the doors of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for a State Dinner. When Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his lovely wife Jenny entered the Diplomatic Reception Room, they were the first people to see the fabulous re-model. Everything sparkled. In the center, Melania added a intricate rug depicting all 50 state flowers. Likewise, she refurbished the Green Room décor. Also, the walls in the Red Room were so faded, people called it the Pink Room. Not any more. To salute our current First Lady, we'll look at similar White House renovations through the years.

EARLY YEARS. After getting torched in the War of 1812, the Presidential Mansion was painted white to cover up the burn marks. Or so the story goes. The first remodel came in 1828, after Andrew Jackson's inauguration. The "People's President" invited everyone into the White House for a drink and thrashed the place.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR. When he abruptly took office in 1880, Vice President Arthur turned his attention to the building itself rather than the duties it represented. He replaced the dismal décor with up-to-date Victorian flair. While the flamboyant purple furniture is long gone, his giant Louis Comfort Tiffany screen still graces the main entrance.

TEDDY ROOSEVELT. When Roosevelt moved into the White House, he brought dozens of pets with him: Eight horses, five dogs, three cats, two snakes a couple of guinea pigs and flying squirrel. Staffers demanded more space and the West Wing was constructed. At the heart of the new addition was the Oval Office.

FDR. The uncertainty of World War Two made the White House a vulnerable target. Under FBI pressure, Roosevelt had the East Wing added. In addition to giving the building balance, it also provided an underground bomb shelter to protect the Chief of Staff in case of attack. It's still in use, but it's now called the Presidential Emergency Operations Center.

HARRY S TRUMAN. After the war, President Truman continued renovating the aging White House. In fact, he shut the whole building down and moved to the Blair House for his entire four year term. During this period, the entire steel frame was replaced and new spaces were created. For the first time, the White House was officially open to the public for tours.

JOHN F. KENNEDY. Like Melania, Jacqueline Kennedy had an acute sense of style and grace. As First Lady, she completed a thorough re-decoration in attempt to restore the building's historical legacy. With the help of the DuPont family, she recovered paintings, tapestries and art treasures that had previously been auctioned away. She famously displayed them all on a TV special.

RICHARD NIXON. As an avid bowler, Vice President Nixon noticed some of the space in the underground additions was not being properly used. When elected President eight years later, he converted closets into a one-lane bowling alley. It's still in use today, and has been a favorite hideaway for many presidents since.