All about the autoOn Jan. 29, 1886, Carl Benz registered the first car under patent Number 3 74 35 in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, changing the future of the world.
To commemorate the 125th anniversary of this event, Baden-Württemberg has organized Automobilsommer 2011 — 125 days of automobile-themed events, such a tours, exhibitions and visits to major auto manufacturers.
Events are divided into eight themes: origins and history; technology and research; motor sports and touring; environment and sustainability; culture, art and lifestyle; family and children; health and well-being; and travel, food and drink.
Events are still being organized, but those who want to learn about plans early can register for an online newsletter and start receiving updates as the program develops. Find more information at www.automobilsommer2011.de, which has an English-language option
It’s Liszt’s yearOn Oct. 22, 1811, Franz Liszt was born in Raiding, Hungary. He grew to become not only one of the greatest 19th-century composers and piano virtuosos, but also an influential music teacher, international star and a man who cultivated his Hungarian identity.
To celebrate the bicentennial of his birth, Hungary has organized a series of events, including concerts, operas, theater productions, conferences and exhibitions. And because he developed an international reputation, musicians from across Europe will also be participating in commemorative events. For a list in English of major ones, see http://liszt-2011.hu.
Spanish wine onlineRed wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero, reds and whites from Penedés, fine whites from Rueda, sherries from Jerez — anyone interested in knowing more about Spanish wines can find a good source at “The Spanish Wine Page” on www.jrnet.com/jrnet.
The site aims to help wine fans learn about grape varieties and wines from more than 50 recognized regions, and how to understand labels, vintage charts and reference guides. There are also itineraries for those who would like to do some wine tasting.
The English-language site also has information on olive oil, ham and travel suggestions, and an online wine shop that delivers Rioja wines throughout Europe..
