# virgin (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 11 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover virgin. Page: Feed: --- ## [Up to $400 Loot on Select Caribbean Sailings on Virgin Voyages](https://vvinsider.com/up-to-400-loot-on-select-caribbean-sailings-on-virgin-voyages/) _2026-08-20 · Rob Sammons · News - VV Insider_ For a limited time, Virgin Voyages is offering up to $400 Sailor Loot on selected Caribbean voyages through April 2027, view the full list of eligible voyages. ## [St. Bernard on Our Lady](https://fountainofelias.blogspot.com/2019/08/st-bernard-on-our-lady.html) _2026-08-20 · elena maria vidal · Fountain of Elias_ To quote from the great Cistercian Saint and Doctor : If squalls of temptations arise, or thou fall upon the rocks of tribulation, look to the star, call upon Mary. If thou art tossed by the waves of pride or ambition, detraction or envy, look to the star, call upon Mary. If anger or avarice or the desires of the flesh dash against the ship of thy soul, turn thine eyes towards Mary. If, troubled… ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117123994067151870) _2026-08-19 · Jon Worth_ Neighbours playing music Dogs barking Souped up cars farting Mopeds phuttting The calm of the countryside 😡 ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117123212742558782) _2026-08-19 · Jon Worth_ Because I am sick of the tired old tropes from loads of people that I am going to get stuck in Germany during # LongestTrainEU I have written about it Why Germany DOES NOT worry me! https:// crossborderrail.eu/longestjour ney/#germany ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117122115495835644) _2026-08-19 · Jon Worth_ I have contacted all the railways along the # LongestTrainEU to ask how/if they would like to communicate all this So far VR 🇫🇮 - trying to identify right person Norrtåg 🇸🇪 - come visit us at our office! 😎 SJ 🇸🇪 - no reply Öresundståg 🇸🇪🇩🇰 - what can we do? Let's talk! DSB 🇩🇰 - just tell us what you do DB 🇩🇪 - no reply (but am sure I will get one) SWEG 🇩🇪 - no reply SNCF 🇫🇷 -… ## [Virgin Voyages Confirms New Wake & Dock Menus Are Coming Next Week](https://vvinsider.com/virgin-voyages-confirms-new-wake-dock-menus-are-coming-next-week/) _2026-08-19 · Rob Sammons · News - VV Insider_ Virgin Voyages has confirmed permanent menu refreshes are coming to The Wake and The Dock. While the full menus have not yet been revealed, sailors can expect new dishes, returning favorites, and more ship-specific options. ## [Virgin Voyages’ Sail & Save Offer: August 19th – 25th 2026](https://vvinsider.com/virgin-voyages-sail-save-offer-august-19th-25th-2026/) _2026-08-19 · Rob Sammons · News - VV Insider_ The Sail & Save offer has been updated with a new selection of voyages for this week. Sailings range from short 4-night Miami getaways to longer voyages between New York and San Juan, with fares starting from just $89 per person, per night. ## [New Menopause Clinic Coming in September](https://www.bvihsa.vg/new-menopause-clinic-coming-in-septempber) _2026-08-18 · Desiree Vergara · BVIHSA_ Dr. Sutherland-Vaccianna – OBGYN/Certified Menopause Specialist at the BVIHSA New Menopause Clinic Coming in September Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands – August 18, 2026 – The BVI Health Services Authority ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117116372616834747) _2026-08-18 · Jon Worth_ The complete interview I did with Green Signals about all the Channel Tunnel news is now online: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=6znQl6GI\_ts This was recorded before this week's news about paths for Virgin Trains, a solid step forward for them that should surprise no one # CrossChannelRail ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117116231835216028) _2026-08-18 · Jon Worth_ These stories that rebuilding Freiburg 🇩🇪 - Breisach 🇩🇪 - Volgelsheim 🇫🇷 - Colmar 🇫🇷 # CrossBorderRail is somehow cancelled are... sort of wrong Yes, BaWü is stopping its planning. But France has never really been in on the project from the off, and getting it included in the EU TEN-T comprehensive network did not happen either https://www. vrso.de/de/presse/pressemittei… ## [Save with community-voted codes (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/wCdvyusY9EpH) _2026-08-18 · **Sponsored**_ Search thousands of community-verified coupon codes — 100% free, no account needed. ## [Unwind: Spa Day at the W Hotel Dallas](https://girlsonthego.substack.com/p/unwind-spa-day-at-the-w-hotel-dallas) _2026-08-18 · Girls on the Go · Girls on the Go_ It's time to decompress after a beautiful summer ## [Virgin Voyages 2026 Eat & Drink Festival: Latest Details Revealed](https://vvinsider.com/virgin-voyages-reveals-2026-eat-drink-festival-lineup/) _2026-08-18 · Rob Sammons · News - VV Insider_ Virgin Voyages has updated its 2026 Eat & Drink Festival lineup ahead of its August 27 launch, with a new Manor event, refreshed menus, and immersive experiences across select voyages fleetwide. ## [St. Helena the Empress](https://fountainofelias.blogspot.com/2018/08/st-helena-empress.html) _2026-08-18 · elena maria vidal · Fountain of Elias_ My patron saint. She discovered the True Cross. Father Mark Kirby said : Saint Helena was not merely collecting relics for posterity. Her discovery of the True Cross saved the Orthodox Catholic faith from being submerged in a sea of speculative philosophies that denied the true Flesh and Blood of Christ. Saint Helena’s discovery points to the God who became man and suffered death on a real cross… ## [Two New Taxi Inspectors Issue 53 Citations as Commission Seeks $1M More for Enforcement and Technology](https://vinews.org/posts/two-new-taxi-inspectors-issue-53-citations-as-commission-seeks-1m-more-for-enforcement-and-technology) _2026-08-17 · News From the Virgin Islands - VI NEWS_ The V.I. Taxicab Commission is asking lawmakers to increase its fiscal year 2027 budget to approximately $1.5 million, saying its approved $554,637 operating budget is insufficient to adequately staff the agency, expand enforcement, improve collections and replace outdated paper-based systems. ## [Three-Story Prinsens Gade Apartment Plan Advances; Historic Board Approves Three Other St. Thomas Projects](https://vinews.org/posts/three-story-prinsens-gade-apartment-plan-advances-historic-board-approves-three-other-st-thomas-projects) _2026-08-17 · News From the Virgin Islands - VI NEWS_ The St. Thomas-St. John District Commission of the V.I. Historic Preservation Commission advanced preliminary plans for a three-story apartment complex at 45-46 Prinsens Gade last week while also approving structural, solar and fencing work at Crown House, demolition of a deteriorating retaining wall at Electra House and installation of a roof-access ladder at 48B Norre Gade. ## [Nearly 700 Attend Innovative Housing Construction Summit Focused on Homeownership](https://vinews.org/posts/nearly-700-attend-innovative-housing-construction-summit-focused-on-homeownership) _2026-08-17 · News From the Virgin Islands - VI NEWS_ Nearly 700 people participated in the second annual Innovative Housing Construction Summit held across St. Thomas and St. Croix, reflecting strong demand for affordable homeownership opportunities in the U.S. Virgin Islands. ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117111599921261458) _2026-08-17 · Jon Worth_ P.P.S. Since I wrote this thread The Guardian has re-titled its piece It WAS "Virgin Trains gets go ahead to run services to Europe in new blow to Eurostar monopoly" It now IS "Virgin Trains a step closer to running services to Europe in blow to Eurostar" ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117111134569238430) _2026-08-17 · Jon Worth_ P.S. If you're going "yeah but it's Virgin, waaa waaa", really, give it a rest. Look at the shit show of the West Coast Main Line after Virgin were replaced by Avanti (and Avanti is 30% Trenitalia, one of the other Eurostar rivals, so maybe whine about Trenitalia too? If only you knew?) And - above all - Eurostar needs a great big kick, as the company is complacent. Question is just who can do it ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117110996645439849) _2026-08-17 · Jon Worth_ I researched all of this in depth last year - a LOT more background in my report: https:// crosschannelrail.eu/crosschann elrail/crosschannelrail-report/ But the crux: the MOST IMPORTANT from here is who can get trains ordered, approved and ready to run through the Channel Tunnel! P.S. Gemini not mentioned here as they're less far along 8/8 ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117110989719357321) _2026-08-17 · Jon Worth_ Redevelopment of Paris Gare du Nord is also planned, and is due to be completed by 2029 - so before either Virgin or Trenitalia can run https://www. leparisien.fr/paris-75/nouveau -hall-eurostar-vegetalisation-circulation-apaisee-a-paris-la-gare-du-nord-du-futur-attendue-en-2029-17-12-2025-55XASMU3LJEALHEY52ZCQ2IWSI.php 7/8 ## [PixelRift — Platforming with Level Editor (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/1loqa8yQdzyl) _2026-08-17 · **Sponsored**_ Includes a built-in level editor, campaign with elemental heroes, and boss encounters. ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117110988874407241) _2026-08-17 · Jon Worth_ Meanwhile London St Pancras Highspeed (formerly HS1 Ltd) is proceeding with the re-engineering of the check in area at St Pancras: https://www. newcivilengineer.com/latest/in terview-hs1-ltd-on-taking-a-phased-approach-to-enlarging-st-pancras-international-capacity-06-02-2025/ So there will be capacity for at least 1 more train per hour there, at peak, and 2 more trains per hour off peak 6/8 ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117110988335814383) _2026-08-17 · Jon Worth_ For details of what Trenitalia ordered, see: https:// railway-news.com/fs-group-orde rs-19-high-speed-trains-for-paris-london-channel-tunnel-service/ So Virgin is a bit ahead of Trenitalia with paths (which, given there is plenty of capacity on the infra, is quite easy) and Trenitalia is ahead of Virgin regarding the trains 5/8 ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117110987852388933) _2026-08-17 · Jon Worth_ Trenitalia, another rival, has ✅ Maintenance capacity in 🇫🇷 (Maisons Alfortville) ✅ Order placed for Hitachi trains It doesn't have ❌ Track access for St Pancras & HS1 🇬🇧 ❌ Track access in Channel Tunnel (easy) ❌ Track access in 🇫🇷🇧🇪 (quite easy) ❌ Stabling or maintenance in 🇬🇧🇧🇪 (medium) 4/8 ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117110987276466440) _2026-08-17 · Jon Worth_ Virgin Trains now has ✅ Maintenance capacity in 🇬🇧 (Temple Mills) ✅ Track access for St Pancras & HS1 🇬🇧 It doesn't have ❌ Track access in Channel Tunnel (easy) ❌ Track access in 🇫🇷🇧🇪 (quite easy) ❌ Stabling or maintenance in 🇫🇷🇧🇪 (medium) ❌ Order placed for Alstom trains (hard, costly, slow) 3/8 ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117110986529612860) _2026-08-17 · Jon Worth_ Also ultimately the framing of this is off. Eurostar, even now, is not using as much capacity as it did in 2019 This is not Virgin somehow pinching track capacity from Eurostar - it is using \*spare\* capacity on the infra 2/8 ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117110985592274636) _2026-08-17 · Jon Worth_ Ah here we go again "Virgin Trains gets go ahead to run services to Europe in new blow to Eurostar monopoly" says The Guardian https://www. theguardian.com/business/2026/ aug/17/virgin-trains-services-to-europe-eurostar This is an IMPORTANT AND EXPECTED STEP but BY NO MEANS SUFFICIENT to allow Virgin to start services! Quick # CrossChannelRail 🧵 1/8 ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117110489171216093) _2026-08-17 · Jon Worth_ As rivals to Eurostar are in the news again today (this time: Virgin), I researched all of this \*in a lot of depth\* last year The report is here: https:// crosschannelrail.eu/crosschann elrail/crosschannelrail-report/ In short: YES there is capacity for what Virgin wants to do, they are serious with their plans # CrossChannelRail ## [Northeast Resident Rates for Virgin Voyages Sailings](https://vvinsider.com/northeast-resident-rates-now-available-for-virgin-voyages-sailings/) _2026-08-17 · Rob Sammons · News - VV Insider_ Northeast (NY, NJ, CT, MA) Residents can save up to 15% on select Virgin Voyages. Enjoy selected voyages with these special rates! ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117105877187484103) _2026-08-16 · Jon Worth_ A few updates to the # LongestTrainEU page today https:// crossborderrail.eu/longestjour ney/ - now with the complete new timetable, and answering some of the most common "but did you think about that?" sort of questions And mostly yes, I did think this through 😀 # CrossBorderRail ## [Insider Weekly for 16th August 2026](https://vvinsider.com/insider-weekly-for-16th-august-2026/) _2026-08-16 · Rob Sammons · News - VV Insider_ Virgin Voyages Northern Europe 2028 now on sale, Nordic voyages future video, Europe sale extended, Last Chance VV Insider giveaway, Valiant Happenings Cast 12 ## [Trade Smarter With IBKR (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/1mQrOBPB64To) _2026-08-16 · **Sponsored**_ Join Interactive Brokers through a referral and start investing with low-cost global access. ## [The Splendor of Heaven](https://fountainofelias.blogspot.com/2026/08/the-splendor-of-heaven.html) _2026-08-16 · elena maria vidal · Fountain of Elias_ From Art for the Liturgical Year : The radiance of the gilded dome of heaven draws attention upward to where Christ welcomes his mother, body and soul, into the splendor of Heaven, where she shares the glory of her Son’s resurrection. 4 Four concentric circles of light surround the figure of Christ while golden bands of light holding the nine tiers of angels compose the dome of heaven. Saints… ## [Meet & Greet on 8/22 to Celebrate 1000 Friends on Facebook!](https://girlsonthego.substack.com/p/meet-and-greet-on-822-to-celebrate) _2026-08-15 · Girls on the Go · Girls on the Go_ Join us at the AT&T Discovery District for Games and Get-to-Know-Yous ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117100762872393139) _2026-08-15 · Jon Worth_ And last but not least there are going to be 50 # LongestTrainEU postcards printed - to give to train staff along the route, telling them they were part of the record bid! # CrossBorderRail ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117100756537783179) _2026-08-15 · Jon Worth_ And the # LongestTrainEU plaques are ordered Someone at Kemijärvi and Lagos will each get one of these They're ordered from a firm called Laserliebe - Laser Love But no I am not engraving plaques for a loved one 😀 # CrossBorderRail ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117100471675969526) _2026-08-15 · Jon Worth_ # LongestTrainEU merchandise is ready! 🎉 T-shirts & more with the new logo here: https:// crossborderrail.myspreadshop.d e/ And there is also an updated version of the classic # CrossBorderRail logo as well Each purchase makes a very small financial contribution to my work, and next 2 days there's 25% off ## [VIDEO: Virgin Voyages’ New Nordic Voyages Could Signal a Bigger Shift](https://vvinsider.com/video-virgin-voyages-new-nordic-voyages-could-signal-a-bigger-shift/) _2026-08-15 · David Todd · News - VV Insider_ Mega RockStar suite review, upgrade bid value, service misses, Barcelona transfer issues, and whether the splurge was worth it. ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117099085923996038) _2026-08-15 · Jon Worth_ Here's the proposed timetable for when the Hungarian section of Budapest - Beograd finally opens, possibly this autumn: https:// menetrend.kti.hu/wp-content/up loads/2026/08/2.-150-menetrend-tervezet-2.pdf 8x a day Budapest - Beograd, trains wait 30 mins for border controls at Kelebia Let's see when exactly it will open though! # CrossBorderRail ## [The Assumption and Gender](https://fountainofelias.blogspot.com/2021/08/the-assumption-and-gender.html) _2026-08-15 · elena maria vidal · Fountain of Elias_ The Church Life Journal : It is important to realize that this dogma was not invented in the 1950’s. As Pope Pius XII’s encyclical points out, this tradition is found in the ancient liturgical books of both East and West. It is also attested to by St. Sergius I, Pope in the late 7th century, who even prescribed a litany to be prayed on the feast. But this feast−although solidly grounded in the… ## [A Mystery Bigger Than Ourselves](https://fountainofelias.blogspot.com/2019/08/a-mystery-bigger-than-ourselves.html) _2026-08-15 · elena maria vidal · Fountain of Elias_ In meditating upon the mystery of the Assumption we remember that nothing is impossible with God . Gaudeamus! ...Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a festival in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at whose Assumption the angels rejoice and all together praise the Son of God. This is no mere earthly joy; it is the joy of heaven spilling over, cascading down through the choirs of angels… ## [The Assumption of Mary](https://fountainofelias.blogspot.com/2019/08/the-assumption-of-mary.html) _2026-08-15 · elena maria vidal · Fountain of Elias_ And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars....(Apocalypse 12:1) On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII in the bull Munificentissimus Deus defined the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The teaching that the Immaculate Mother of God was taken body and soul into heaven at the close of her… ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117094119766424163) _2026-08-14 · Jon Worth_ Right! We have a NEW TIMETABLE for # LongestTrainEU https:// crossborderrail.eu/longestjour ney/ Norrtåg has fixed the connections in Boden, so I am not stranded there 👍 Theoretically in the future such changes are to be published 5 months and not 3 weeks ahead 🤷‍♂️ This means I will have time for small events in Stockholm and København - details tbc ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117093796575356807) _2026-08-14 · Jon Worth_ Streisand effect this week: DB stung by Dunja Hayali ZDF documentary Photo of the week: Old Preußische Ostbahn HQ in Bydgoszcz Elsewhere this week: Caledonian Sleeper on Green Signals Calendar: Connecting Europe Days, 28 September to 1 October 2026 ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117093794384585749) _2026-08-14 · Jon Worth_ Odd week: An Alstom EMU for DSB finds its way to Romania Bad week: Moldova - Romania night train conforms to the Eurovision stereotype Very bad week: RheinRuhrBahn air conditioning cannot cope at temps above 26°C Gadgetbahn of the week: A battery tram is not going to work as a train in Moldova ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117093791773651747) _2026-08-14 · Jon Worth_ In this edition Analysis: The # CrossBorderRail method Bullshit Meter: Arriva NL to run international high speed trains Good week: Leo Express manages to run to Przemyśl Also a good week: Italy and Austria able to do what France and Germany cannot - getting Alstom EMUs to work cross border ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117093788914375389) _2026-08-14 · Jon Worth_ Phew 🥵 Trying to get the first post-summer newsletter out was tough Hard to get back into it But it turned into quite a bumper edition in the end 👇 https:// jonworth.eu/the-crossborderrai l-method-and-a-post-summer-break-round-up/ ## [(untitled)](https://gruene.social/@jon/117092756695132688) _2026-08-14 · Jon Worth_ YES! It's FIXED 🎉 Norrtåg now allows a 3 minute change in Boden, meaning I should avoid being stranded there for 5 hours on my # LongestTrainEU trip ## [Prayer, Mortification and Fraternal Charity](https://fountainofelias.blogspot.com/2019/08/prayer-mortification-and-fraternal.html) _2026-08-14 · elena maria vidal · Fountain of Elias_ On the feast of the Franciscan martyr St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe it is a privilege to read o ne of his homilies translated from Polish by Fr. Angelo . I once had the privilege of meeting the Catholic Polish officer Franciszek Gajowniczek for whom St. Maximilian gave up his life. Mr. Gajowniczek told us that before the saint was led away he turned and gave him a beautiful smile. In the words of the… ## [Mariology in the Franciscan Order](https://fountainofelias.blogspot.com/2019/08/mariology-in-franciscan-order.html) _2026-08-14 · elena maria vidal · Fountain of Elias_ From The Marian Room : The Franciscan Mariologist, Fr. Peter Damian Fehlner, was not only an expert on the writings and teachings of St. Francis and St. Bonaventure, but those of St. Maximilian Kolbe, as well; thus he was proficient in tracing the golden thread of “Mary’s presence and continuing influence” at the outset of the Franciscan order to the present day, as seen in the following: In the… ## [BVI honours Hodge after historic Commonwealth Games win](https://vinews.org/posts/bvi-honours-hodge-after-historic-commonwealth-games-win) _2026-08-13 · News From the Virgin Islands - VI NEWS_ The BVI has honoured its Commonwealth Games athletes, with record-breaking sprinter Adaejah Hodge receiving special recognition for her historic gold-medal performance in Glasgow. ## [Public Hospitals Questioned on Mounting Debt, Billing Issues in 2027 Budget Hearing](https://vinews.org/posts/public-hospitals-questioned-on-mounting-debt-billing-issues-in-2027-budget-hearing) _2026-08-13 · News From the Virgin Islands - VI NEWS_ The Virgin Islands’ public hospitals face mounting debt, unpaid employee withholdings and delayed government allotments as they seek nearly $192 million in combined fiscal year 2027 operating budgets.