Football: England beat Australia to book their place in Women’s World Cup final

16/08/2023

Australia competing in the Women's World Cup

England have booked their place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final after a deserved 3-1 victory over Australia on Wednesday.

The Lionesses, who last summer were crowned European Champions, now have the chance of becoming World Champions on Sunday. They dominated the Matildas for large swathes of Wednesday’s semi-finals, and have therefore booked a place in the final alongside Spain.

Ella Toone silenced the packed crowd in Sydney with a perfectly placed out-swinging strike from inside the box. However, Australia possess plenty of quality, not least Chelsea striker Sam Kerr, whose stunning long-range effort levelled the scores midway through the second half.

Lauren Hemp then restored England’s advantage, capitalising on some lax Australian defending. Kerr had the chance to level the scores once more, and you would have bet on her to do so. However, she struck wide on the volley from just seven yards, and with that miss, Australia’s chances of qualifying for the final at their home tournament faded.

Spain edge Sweden

England came to Sydney and silenced the “Matildas Mania”, however, the job is not yet done. England’s women’s side will be competing in their first-ever World Cup final. Sarina Wiegman’s squad will face Spain, who saw off Sweden in their semi-final.

Sweden looked to have taken the game to extra time after Rebecka Blomqvist levelled proceedings in the 88th minute. However, just one minute later, Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono’s rifled long-range effort restored La Roja’s advantage and booked their place in the final.

Given England’s status as champions of Europe, they will go into Sunday’s final as marginal favourites, but Spain, with Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas in their squad, are more than capable of taking home the trophy. Regardless of the result, a new name will be engraved on the trophy with neither side having never lifted the much-coveted piece of silverware.

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Photo source: Ignite Image

Rewind: Podcast interview with Prof. Phillip Landrigan on opening the world’s eyes to the impacts of plastic on human health

by: Cassandra Tanti

16/08/2023

www.monacolife.net · Monaco Ocean Week: World-first report into life cycle of plastics delivers shocking results

Monaco Life talks to Prof. Phillip Landrigan, member of the Minderoo-Monaco Commission, about how a new report detailing the impacts of plastic on human health throughout its entire life cycle could lead to an international cap on plastic production.

To listen to the podcast, click play in the box above.

To read the full article detailing the Commission’s report, click on the link below:

MONACO OCEAN WEEK: WORLD-FIRST REPORT INTO LIFE CYCLE OF PLASTICS DELIVERS SHOCKING RESULTS

This article/podcast was originally published on 21st March 2023.

New circus show ‘Duel Reality’ to combine romance, drama and jaw-dropping acrobatics

by: Cassandra Tanti

16/08/2023

After the success of Bohemia and Delirious, 8 Stars Monaco will this year present Duel Reality at the prestigious Salle des Princes for two exceptional performances, ahead of a European and American tour.

Duel Reality is an original circus show that tells the story of Romeo and Juliet in a unique way, featuring two competing teams who will stop at nothing to emerge victorious.

“With breathtaking acrobatics and a modern twist on a classic tale, Duel Reality promises to be an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages,” say organisers 8 Stars Monaco.

Duel Reality is produced by the Canadian contemporary circus company Les 7 Fingers and directed by Shana Carroll. The show was originally produced by and created with Virgin Voyages for the launch of Sir Richard Branson’s cruise line.

In partnership with the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports of the Principality of Monaco, and the actions it carries out for the 2023 edition of the International Day of Children’s Rights, 8 STARS Monaco will commemorate the centenary of the birth of Prince Rainier III by donating part of the profits to the Rainier III Preventorium in Madagascar.

“We are thrilled to once again push the boundaries of contemporary circus with Duel Reality,” says 8 Stars Monaco Founder Nicolas Jelmoni. “This year’s show puts a fresh twist on a classic story, showcasing an exciting and innovative way of telling a story through acrobatics, drama and love. We look forward to sharing this experience with Monegasques, residents and visitors, while supporting a worthy cause thanks to our partnership with the International Day for the Rights of the Child.”

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Everything you need to know about the Bar Sauvage experience at Maona

by: Elsa Carpenter

16/08/2023

After the hotly anticipated relaunch of Monaco’s “deliciously retro” Maona last month, the legendary bar and restaurant is extending its summer season into October with a highly exclusive Bar Sauvage experience. Here’s everything you need to know.

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer reopened an icon of the 1960s and 70s in July with the unveiling of a modern day Maona on the Avenue Princesse Grace in the nightlife hotspot neighbourhood of Larvotto.

Today’s version blends elements of the original heyday of the entirely open-air venue with all the trappings a 2023 crowd expects from such an establishment to offer everything from classic cabaret to top notch DJ sets, and from expertly made vintage cocktails to a highly luxurious menu dipping in caviar and equally fine ingredients.

*Dine and drink beneath the open sky at Maona. Photo credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer*

And that’s not forgetting the Tam Tam Room, which is located in the upstairs section of Maona and is reserved exclusively for up to 15 VIPs, who can enjoy all the quintessential Maona “euphoria”, but in a secluded and utterly serene space.

Maona’s Bar Sauvage

All of this is set to be elevated even more with the introduction of the Bar Sauvage experience from 26th August to 3rd October.

Designed as a prelude to dinner or as the perfect way to cap off an evening out in Monaco, the venue’s Bar Sauvage is embracing the very best of the 1960s party ethos.

From 7pm to 9pm, elegant music meets curated cuisine with the Piano Bar Aperitivo portion of the night. Live performances by pianist Yari will be complemented by drinks crafted by Maona’s magician-like mixologists and a refined take on a regional specialty – panisse fries – for a sophisticated start to the night.

The entertainment continues after dinner too with a special drinks menu featuring an excellent spirits and champagne selection to share between friends.

For a place to kickstart an exceptional night out or as a place to wind down and reminisce, Maona hits all the right notes.

Maona’s Bar Sauvage is open from 7pm until 2am in August, and thereafter 1am. Reservations are a must as it’s fairly common for all seats to sell out, even before the introduction of the Bar Sauvage experience.

For more information, please click here.

Visit Maona yourself with our Instagram video. If you can’t access the post below, click here.

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Featured photo credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer / Guillaume Grasset

France is home to almost three million millionaires, according to UBS report

by: Stephanie Horsman

16/08/2023

While the number of millionaires around Europe and the greater world tumbles, France’s population of nearly three million millionaires is staying stable.

Over 3.5 million people saw their millionaire status go up in smoke last year, according to the 2023 Global Wealth Report that was co-published on Tuesday by UBS and Credit Suisse banks, marking the first time such a considerable shift has occurred since the 2008 financial crisis.

SEVERAL FACTORS

Global private wealth took a tumble last year due to several factors, but notably high inflation, and the number of adults with assets over $1 million or €915,000) fell from 62.9 million at the close of 2021 to 59.4 million in 2022. Though a sharp decline, the report states that there are four times more “dollar millionaires”, that is people with a net worth of $1 million, than in 2000.

The so-called “fourth industrial revolution” also gets a look in as a cause, as lightning-fast development of technologies are changing the way the world operates.

Paul Donovan, the chief economist at UBS, said, “The global economy is experiencing a period of astonishing economic alteration. The sweeping changes of the fourth industrial revolution represent the most dramatic structural upheaval in 250 years. Revolutions, it turns out, are revolutionary – social as well as economic relationships will be challenged by this process.”

FRANCE

However, France, which has nearly three million millionaires living within the borders according to the report, saw its numbers remain relatively stable in 2022, with no decrease recorded on the previous year.

This is in marked contrast to other similarly developed countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Japan and Germany, who all saw a drop in their respective millionaire populations.

France harbours 4.8% of the world’s total millionaires, the third highest percentage globally.

Statistics for the Principality of Monaco were not included in the report.

OTHER FINDINGS

Regionally, wealth loss was “heavily concentrated” in North America and Europe, whose joint losses hit nearly $11 trillion (€10 trillion), whilst Pacific Asia lost $2.1 trillion (€1.9 trillion).

The biggest losers by country were the United States, Japan, China, Canada and Australia, whilst the largest wealth increases were recorded for Russia, Mexico, India and Brazil.

“This year’s Global Wealth Report reveals valuable insights about the state of our economy and society, as well as the shifting meaning and potential of prosperity,” said Iqbal Khan, President of Global Wealth Management at UBS. “This sweeping analysis of household wealth covers the estimated wealth holdings of 5.4 billion adults around the world and across the wealth spectrum.”

Interestingly, the study found that “overall wealth inequality also fell in 2022, with the wealth share of the global top 1% falling to 44.5%,” and that global wealth is expected to soon be on the rise again. The report estimates an uptick of 38% in the next five years. Middle income markets will drive the trend.

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Photo source: Alexander Kagan, Unsplash

The Americans are back: France sees massive jump in tourism in 2023

by: Stephanie Horsman

16/08/2023

Despite high prices and inflation concerns, thousands of Americans are falling in love all over again with their perennially favourite destination: France.

While some of it may be down to the “Emily in Paris” effect, thousands of American tourists are flooding into the French capital and the Côte d’Azur after years of “staycationing” brought on primarily by the travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic.

Nothing, not even high prices, cost of living woes or inflation, is keeping travellers from the States away from France this year, with data from US-based AAA Travel showing a 40% leap in bookings through May of this year, going up an additional 14.4% for July and August, surpassing even 2019 levels by 5%.

THE TOP TIER

France’s tourism sector has made an astounding recovery, with last year adding an eye-watering €57.9 billion to the coffers of businesses and touristic sites all over the country. Americans alone spent €5.5 billion – up 34% compared to three years ago – despite overall US tourist numbers being down from 4.7 million in 2019 to 3.7 million in 2022.

This can partly be explained by the “type” of American coming to France. The wealthy and über-wealthy, who have seen increased buying power, are hearty spenders when they go abroad. A study put out by Atout France, France’s tourism development agency, found that this group, on average, stays eight days, alone or as couples, in four-to-five-star accommodations or châteaux, and belong typically to Generation X or those born between 1965 and 1980.

France is also appealing to Americans due to the dollar to euro exchange rate, which is pretty favourable at the moment, and after years of travel privations, they are ready to treat themselves.

Whilst the vast majority go to Paris, up to 70% by some accounts, the Côte d’Azur still holds mythical status for Americans, and many make detours to the region or come to stay outright.

FRENCH RIVIERA

Though the numbers aren’t yet in for the 2023 summer season, they appear to be keeping up with those from last summer, despite the spring figures being slightly lower than the previous year. Americans account for 12% of the total number of tourists to the region, second only to Germans.

With multiple direct flights from the US into Nice Airport, it’s a convenient place to travel to, and as people look for more than just sun, sea and sand out of their holidays, the region has kept pace, offering a plethora of cultural events like art shows, music festivals and theatre, as well as sporting events, such as the Ironman, Monaco Grand Prix, Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters for tennis and the upcoming Rugby World Cup, which is expected to attract 140,000 tourists from all backgrounds.

Basically, this means that when walking down the streets of Monaco, Nice or Cannes this summer, expect to hear plenty of American English again. They’re back and they’re ready to spend!

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Photo source: Kit Suman, Unsplash

Day: 16 August 2023