By Jason Wilson Special to the Washington Post Sun., April 1, 2018 It’s just after dark in Vancouver’s downtown financial district, on a chilly autumn evening, and I’m gazing up at the twisting, triangular, neo-futurist Trump International Hotel & Tower, rising 63 storeys and 188 metres into the air. If you’re impressed by tall things, the Trump tower is pretty tall. But then I glance across West Georgia St., at the Living Shangri-La tower, rising 62 storeys but standing 200 metres tall. Which means that the Living Shangri-La is the tallest building here. For someone like Donald Trump who is obsessed with superlatives, it must be tough to have your name emblazoned on the second-tallest building in Vancouver. From where I stand, the Trump International Hotel & Tower is not particularly welcoming. It’s 7:30 p.m., but I see very few lights on the higher floors, and I wonder who lives in the darkened condominiums in the upper parts of … [Read more...] about What I learned by eating, drinking and sleeping at Trump resorts from Vancouver to Scotland
Scotland
Defiant Catalan academic Ponsati turns herself in to fight Spanish charges in Scotland
EDINBURGH: Catalan academic Clara Ponsati, who is wanted in Spain on charges of rebellion for her role in Catalonia's independence campaign, handed herself in at a Scottish police station on Wednesday saying she was the object of political persecution.Ponsati, a former Catalan education minister who is currently a professor at Scotland's prestigious University of St Andrews, is fighting extradition because she believes she will not get a fair trial in Spain.She will seek bail and a full hearing for charges which also include one of misuse of public funds in the organisation of a referendum on Catalan independence in October 2017 which was deemed illegal under Spanish law."Clara remains defiant, resolute and is determined to fight back," her lawyer Aamer Anwar said when the two arrived at the police station.They were greeted by supporters waving the "estelada" Catalan independence flag."She does not believe that the Spanish courts can guarantee independence, human rights or justice," … [Read more...] about Defiant Catalan academic Ponsati turns herself in to fight Spanish charges in Scotland
Scotland boss McLeish searching for rhythm over results
Sport Scotland manager Alex McLeish says his side is a work in progress and he is prepared to sacrifice results during the ongoing international friendlies in order to find the right balance in his team. 24 Mar 2018 10:55PM Bookmark REUTERS: Scotland manager Alex McLeish says his side is a work in progress and he is prepared to sacrifice results during the ongoing international friendlies in order to find the right balance in his team.McLeish, who replaced Gordon Strachan as Scotland manager last month, handed five players their debuts during Friday's friendly against Costa Rica.The much-changed side, including newcomers Scott McTominay, Scott McKenna, Kevin McDonald, Oliver McBurnie and Jamie Murphy, put in a laboured performance in the first half as the Central American visitors won 1-0 at Hampden Park.McLeish, however, was not too disappointed with the defeat."It's a building process. They're a well-drilled team and we're a work in progress and still to get the team to … [Read more...] about Scotland boss McLeish searching for rhythm over results
McLeish’s second spell as Scotland boss starts with Costa Rica defeat
GLASGOW: Alex McLeish saw his second spell as Scotland manager start with a defeat as Costa Rica won 1-0 in a friendly international at Glasgow's Hampden Park on Friday. A Scotland side showing four debutants was undone by Marco Urena's 14th-minute goal in a repeat result of Costa Rica's victory over the Scots at Italia 90 — the Central Americans' first match at a World Cup finals. Both Costa Rica manager Oscar Ramirez and former Aberdeen defender McLeish played in that match, with Scotland's defeat something of a surprise. Times have changed, however, and with Costa Rica set to make their fifth World Cup finals appearance at Russia 2018, while Scotland's 20-year wait to take part in a major tournament goes on, Friday's result was no shock. "I would expect common sense to prevail," said McLeish, who won seven of 10 games in charge during his previous spell in 2007, including a famous 1-0 win away to France, as Scotland narrowly missed out to Italy for Euro 2008 qualification. "I … [Read more...] about McLeish’s second spell as Scotland boss starts with Costa Rica defeat
O’Shea ‘destroyed’ as Scotland condemn Italy to 17th straight loss
ROME - Italy coach Conor O'Shea conceded he was "destroyed" as Scotland snatched a last-gasp 29-27 win to break Italian hearts in a thrilling Six Nations finale at the Stadio Olympico in Rome on Saturday. Greig Laidlaw celebrates after his last gasp penalty earned Scotland a 29-27 win over Italy at the Stadio Olympico in Rome Italy had dominated, leading 17-12 at half-time but suffered their 17th straight defeat after a 79th minute penalty by Greig Laidlaw handed Scotland third place in the tournament as the Italians finished with the wooden spoon for the third time in five years."I'm destroyed for the lads and the fans but we've seen our future, the style and the game that we want, the quality of our young players," said Italy coach Conor O'Shea."There's so many positives. I'm really, really proud of our players they put in a great performance, and played some amazing rugby."Scotland's slim title hopes had been extinguished with defeat to Ireland last week but they propelled … [Read more...] about O’Shea ‘destroyed’ as Scotland condemn Italy to 17th straight loss