GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – It’s a party year in canton Valais, and a double one in Zermatt. Festivities to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the ascent of the Matterhorn are gearing up. And the canton, which joined the Swiss Confederation 200 years ago, is starting its series of events, with Zermatt hosting some of them. Zermatt: […]
Archives for March 2015
100+ mid-20th c. pollutants found in Visp canal
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Measurements taken recently by two groups confirm that the canal of the Rhone river in Visp, canton Valais, was chemically polluted by local employer Lonza, from 1930 to 1976. Researchers found the presence of more than 100 chemicals, with mercury heading the list, in the water. The researchers were from WWF Switzerland […]
Swiss adopts “2 in cockpit” rule following French crash
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – Airline Swiss said Friday it is increasing security measures by adopting the “two in cockpit” rule that European airline officials are recommending in the wake of the Germanwings crash in the French Alps earlier this week. The airline said in a statement: “Swiss has resolved to modify its already-extensive cockpit safety procedures […]
Cuban rum from the US – not quite the real thing
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Travelers from the US to Cuba this year will be able to sample the real Havana Club Cuban rum, but they might not even be aware that the brand sold at home under the same name is a rip-off label brand. IP Watch reports this week that the brand name is sparking […]
S Italian bees threaten Swiss ones
BERN, SWITZERLAND – Swiss honey bees are under threat from a small beehive beetle that feeds on their larvae and honey, which is making its way north. The Swiss government Wednesday declared battle with the beetle, issuing a series of guidelines that make it illegal to import used material, hives or honey for hives from […]