Sir Fred Goodwin and Jackie Stewart jet off for a £25k shooting trip

Sir Fred Goodwin and Jackie Stewart jet off for a £25k shooting trip | Mail Online: "His disastrous time in charge of The Royal Bank of Scotland resulted in 20,000 of his staff losing their jobs.

But disgraced banker Sir Fred Goodwin seems to have put all that pain behind him as he was spotted enjoying a £25,000 shooting trip in Spain, hosted by another bank boss.

And he still appears to have his celebrity friends, as he was joined by former Formula One driver Sir Jackie Stewart who the banker hired as a 'brand ambassador' for RBS."

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Baftas 2011: The King's Speech sweeps the board

Baftas 2011: The King's Speech sweeps the board | Film | The Guardian: "a bumbling king and his wretched speech impediment – but the story worked to spectacular effect with The King's Speech last night, triumphing above all others at the Baftas.

The King's Speech was nominated in 14 categories and won in seven, including best film and best British film. An extremely good tally. Not quite a record: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid has nine, The Killing Fields eight, but equal to Slumdog Millionaire's seven, two years ago.

But it is the subject matter – 'two men in a room,' said the winning writer David Seidler last night – that makes its global success remarkable. The film tells the story of stuttering George VI, who became king reluctantly because his brother abdicated.

The awards included probably the least surprising film announcement: Colin Firth winning best leading actor, his second consecutive Bafta. Last year it was for a bereaved gay lecturer in A Single Man – this year it was for Bertie, the king who has to make the speech of his life."

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Planet Zydeco to Perform at New London Main Street Fundraiser | Zip06 - Community News from Southeastern Connecticut

Planet Zydeco to Perform at New London Main Street Fundraiser | Zip06 - Community News from Southeastern Connecticut: "Come have a ball at New London Main Street’s Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball on Saturday, February 26 from 6 – 10pm at the New London Elks Lodge at 81 Washington Street. Planet Zydeco - a lively and popular Zydeco band from New England, will perform at the event. This incredible sextet performs all throughout the Northeast. Planet Zydeco captures the essence of traditional rural-style accordion-driven dance music as it is played in clubs and dance halls in southwest Louisiana. Band mates hail from southern Vermont, western Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Their funky syncopated sound includes Rose Sinclair on accordion, Peter Pettengill and Nick Keil on twin electric guitars and harmony vocals, Alan Bradbury on bass, Doug Plavin on drums and Suzanne Wozniak on rubboard. They give nod to both Creole and Cajun tradition with covers such as Keith Frank tunes, the Ardoin Brothers, Geno Delafose and then toss in a “Jolie Blonde” and a Dewey Balfa song. Their album is recorded all live in the studio and their tunes are sure to keep folks moving on the dance floor! In addition to performing, they will conduct a free Zydeco beginner’s dance class for all those interested in learning the traditional dance. Bring your friends – no partner necessary!"

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Jordan`s life turned into Shakespeare-style drama

Jordan`s life turned into Shakespeare-style drama: "Jordan's stormy life is all set to be portrayed on stage in form a Shakespeare-style drama.

'Latter-day' writer Chris Hannan has written 'The God of Soho', inspired by Kate's marriage and divorce from Peter Andre.

It will be staged at the famous Globe Theatre in London. And the audience will be able to jeer, boo, hiss, cheer and even throw rotten fruit at the actors.

'We're all drawn to fame and magnetised by it,' the Daily Star quoted Hannan as saying."

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Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1 - Reviews, Food & Drink - The Independent

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1 - Reviews, Food & Drink - The Independent: "There's a slim chance that a couple of people reading this may have missed the hoo-ha surrounding the opening of Heston Blumenthal's new restaurant, Dinner, at the beginning of last week. Booking lines were swamped, tables booked up until some time in the next millennium, journalists stole in for sneak previews before the official launch, and overnight reviews were splashed by several newspapers– including this one.

So, like a weary battlefield messenger staggering back to base from the front line, only to find that someone has already phoned ahead with all the news, I will assume you already know the basics. That Heston Blumenthal, Britain's most brilliant and experimental chef, held out for years against opening in London, before agreeing to take over the prime space formerly occupied by Foliage in Knightsbridge's Mandarin Oriental Hotel. And that Dinner, only Blumenthal's second restaurant proper, is very much not The Fat Duck 2.0. The cutting-edge scientific techniques and madcap playfulness which characterise both his cooking style and his TV work have been set aside, in favour of a scholarly drilling down into British food tradition."

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Elizabeth Taylor treated in hospital for heart failure

BBC News - Elizabeth Taylor treated in hospital for heart failure: "Actress Dame Elizabeth Taylor has been admitted to a Los Angeles hospital to treat symptoms of congestive heart failure, her spokesperson said.

The 78-year-old was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for the 'ongoing health problem', spokesperson Sally Morrison said.

It is not clear how long she will be in hospital, Ms Morrison added.

Dame Elizabeth has a long history of medical problems and underwent heart surgery in 2009.

'Her family and close friends are appreciative of the warm support and interest of her loyal fans but have asked that people respect her privacy and allow her medical team the time and space to focus on restoring her back to health,' a statement issued on Friday said."

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Kate Moss forgets all about Topshop with latest range of Longchamp handbags | Mail Online

Kate Moss forgets all about Topshop with latest range of Longchamp handbags | Mail Online: "Philip Green must be kicking himself.

The Topshop owner who replaced his most famous designer, Kate Moss, with his daughter, Chloe, will be rueing his decision when he sees the supermodel's latest shoot for Longchamp.

The Seventies-style photos were taken by Alasdair McLellan in Morocco and mark Kate's eighth season as the face of the French luxury bag company."

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'Epic' romance on award shortlist

The Press Association: 'Epic' romance on award shortlist: "A former rough sleeper on the streets of London is in line for a prestigious literary prize for romantic novelists.
Tom Gamble is the only man on the shortlist for the Romantic Novelists Association Novel of the Year Award for his fiction debut set in 1930s Morocco.
He said: 'I'm thrilled and honoured to be included on this shortlist.
'I've always wanted to be a writer and this turn of events is a dream come true. And to be the only man on the shortlist is even more exciting.'
Gamble, who now lives in France, said the period he spent living on the streets in London ended when he met an American girl who put him 'back on the road to recovery'.
Publisher Simon Petherick said Gamble's novel, called Amazir, was an 'epic'.
He said: 'We're so thrilled that Tom has been shortlisted for this fantastic award. It's rightly deserved.'
The other shortlisted writers for the award are Elizabeth Chadwick; Jojo Moyes; Rebecca Dean; Kate Furnivall and Sarah Duncan.
More than 200 books were submitted with the shortlist being chosen by readers.
Three judges, including Foyle's War actor Jay Benedict, will choose the winner which will be announced on March 7."

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Rolls-Royce celebrates the Flying Lady's birthday with London procession - Autoblog UK

Rolls-Royce celebrates the Flying Lady's birthday with London procession - Autoblog UK: "Many automotive anniversaries pass unnoticed, or at best get a press release and a series of pictures to mark the occasion.

But Rolls-Royce is different. This weekend saw a procession of 100 cars paraded through central London, and all in honour of the little mascot that sits proudly on the bonnet of its luxury cars.

The figurine, of a lady leaning forwards with her cloak billowing out behind her, was created by Charles Sykes in 1911.

The Spirit of Ecstacy, as the figure is called, was supposedly modelled on Eleanor Thornton, the secretary and mistress of Lord Montagu of Beaulieu."

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Thin Lizzy Star Gary Moore Dies on holiday on the Costa Del Sol

Thin Lizzy Star Gary Moore Dies | Gigwise: "Gary Moore, the rock guitarist who performed with Thin Lizzy, has died at the age of 58.

Moore died on holiday in the Costa Del Sol, Spain in the early hours of Sunday morning (February 6).

A statement on his website said: 'It is with deep sorrow and regret, that we have to announce that Gary Moore passed away while on holiday in Spain last night.

'Our thoughts are with his children, family and friends at this sad time.'"

 Celebrated rock guitarist and former Thin Lizzy star Gary Moore was found dead in a Spanish hotel room, the band's manager confirmed.

Moore, 58, started out in Irish band Skid Row before being drafted into Thin Lizzy by frontman Phil Lynott to replace the outgoing Eric Bell.

"I still can't believe it," Bell told the BBC. "He was so robust, he wasn't a rock casualty, he was a healthy guy.

"He was a superb player and a dedicated musician."

Belfast-born Moore started learning the guitar at eight and went on to forge a successful solo career between his two stints in Thin Lizzy, collaborating with George Harrison, the Beach Boys and Ozzy Osbourne.

Original Lizzy founding member Brian Downey paid tribute to his bandmate.

"I am in total shock," he said. "He will always be in my thoughts and prayers and I just can't believe he is gone."

Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham added his own respects.

"Playing with Gary during the Black Rose era was a great experience, he was a great player and a great guy," he said. "I will miss him."

Moore received critical praise for his contribution to the 1974 Thin Lizzy album, Nightlife, and scored chart success in Britain with singles, Parisienne Walkways and Out In The Fields.

Legendary singer Lynott died in 1986 after battling alcohol and drug addiction.

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Win London Fashion Weekend tickets! | heatworld.com

Win London Fashion Weekend tickets! | heatworld.com: "Fashionistas will have had the date in their diaries for months but if you haven’t managed to get your hands on tickets yet we’ve a pair of front row tickets to the style extravaganza that is London Fashion Weekend up for grabs.

As well as feeling like Anna Wintour in your front row seat there’s also over 100 different shopping stalls all offering discounts of up to a staggering 70% and whether you’re a designer addict or a high street girl there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.

And when you’re exhausted of shopping there’s hair and beauty makeovers and treatments to enjoy too.

To be in with a chance of winning follow the link to the Vodafone VIP club"

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Central Park Hotel London Is the Ultimate Place for Luxury and Comfort - Travel - Hotels and Lodging

Central Park Hotel London Is the Ultimate Place for Luxury and Comfort - Travel - Hotels and Lodging: "If you are planning a visit in London then choose to stay at the Central Park Hotel London. It is located in Bayswater and is very near the stations Queensbay and Bayswater. You can easily reach the hotel and hence you will have no problem. It is very well connected. It will take only a few minutes for you to walk from the station to the hotel.
Central Park Hotel is very close to Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park and is situated in Bayswater. It is also very close to the underground stations at Bayswater and Queensbay. The facilities that are available at this hotel are surely going to satisfy you. You need to check in the hotel by three in the afternoon and you can check out by 12 pm. You should make your reservations ahead of time by calling them or making your bookings online. If you book early, you may be able to avail discounts and offers.
The rooms at the Central Park Hotel London are well designed and furnished with light coloured furniture that blends well with décor of the room. All the rooms at this hotel are non-smoking. The rooms are available with attached bath and are well lit and spacious"

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Luxury homes ‘like London gold’

Luxury homes ‘like London gold’ | Irish Examiner: "The latest data shows how the number of sales of central London homes costing more than €5.8m follows a similar pattern as the three-month percentage change in gold prices."

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Avatar director tops Vanity Fair Hollywood rich list

BBC - Newsbeat - Avatar director tops Vanity Fair Hollywood rich list: "Avatar director James Cameron has topped a Hollywood rich list for 2010.

Actor Johnny Depp came in second place, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Adam Sandler and Robert Downey, Jr. also making the top 10 in the annual Vanity Fair magazine rich list.

The highest ranked woman was Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was in 13th place, with Marley & Me actress Jennifer Aniston in 18th.

James Cameron made an estimated $257m (£159m) in 2010 according to the list.

Second placed Depp made $100m (£73.3m), earning his cash for roles in The Tourist, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Alice In Wonderland.

Kristen Stewart's Twilight co-stars also make it into the top 20 with Taylor Lautner at number nine and British actor Robert Pattinson in 15th place."

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Top End Of The Property Market Performing Well In Morocco

Top End Of The Property Market Performing Well In Morocco: "Property buyers in Morocco are looking at prime sites located just on the outskirts of Marrakesh, it has been claimed.

According to Philip Arnott, of Morocco Properties, the strongest growth in the country's real estate sector is within the top end of the market.

This in turn has fuelled the number of major developments which are taking place on the outskirts of the city, Mr Arnott told Overseas Property Professional.

'We are finding that the middle market, in which people were looking for a second home or a small riad has gone very flat since the financial crisis,' he said.

'Our clients are looking at properties in the €2.3 million to €4.6 million bracket, particularly those which are further out in places like the Palmeraie.'"

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Freshinfo | News | All set for dinner and celebration of Morocco

Freshinfo | News | All set for dinner and celebration of Morocco: "I am delighted that we have a capacity crowd attending our 65th Annual Dinner at the Savoy, with Morocco as the guest nation. We have a great evening planned with a troupe of musicians flying in from Rabat to add a truly authentic dimension to the evening – add to this outstanding floral/produce displays by the talented Sophie Hanna of New Covent Garden Market, and a five course menu especially designed by Savoy chefs with a subtle Moroccan influence, and we have the makings of a spectacular evening. I look forward to seeing so many of you at this event and we are privileged to host HH Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui, Ambassador of the King of Morocco to the Court of St James as our guest of honour, along with members of Maroc Export and friends from key exporting companies such as Delassus and Geda. The evening will be a true celebration of our trading relations, showcasing the culture and vibrancy of this great nation."

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Spain's hottest import

Spain's hottest import - People - MiamiHerald.com: "Javier Bardem's A-list cheering section -- Sean Penn, Julia Roberts, Ryan Gosling and writer-director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu -- must have been thrilled by his Best Actor nomination for his emotional performance in Biutiful, which opened Friday in area theaters.

Bardem plays Uxbal, a hustler who deals in undocumented workers on the streets of Barcelona. He has two young kids, a mentally unstable ex-wife, and he is dying. The movie, which was also nominated for Best Foreign Language film, follows his struggle to provide for his children and create some sort of legacy in the short time he has left.

Roberts has called the performance ``a miracle altogether.'' Gosling called it ``one of the best things I've ever seen.'' And Penn compared its ``soulful gravitas'' to Marlon Brando's work in Last Tango in Paris."

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Costa del Sol to host 5 major sporting events in 2011 | Costa del Sol | News | The Largest English Language Newspapers in Spain

Euro Weekly News | Costa del Sol to host 5 major sporting events in 2011 | Costa del Sol | News | The Largest English Language Newspapers in Spain: "This was revealed by the Junta de Andalucia, the regional government. The Costa del Sol will hold the Andalucia Golf Open, at the Malaga Golf Parador in March. The start of the cycling event Vuelta a Andalucia will take place on February 20 from Benahavis; and stages of the national cycling tour ‘Vuelta Ciclista a España’ at the end of August; the Desafio del Buda cycling competition will take place in the Axarquia area.

In April Marbella will again play host to the Andalucia Tennis Experience. In 2011 there will be 11 events in Andalucia, which the Junta hopes will promote the region abroad.

In the rest of Andalucia other sporting events include: the Gran Premio de Motociclismo in Jerez de la Frontera in April and the Desafio Doñana triathlon.

Almeria will host the Extreme 40 Sailing Series while the Andalucia Valderrama Golf Masters wil be held in San Roque (Cadiz).

Other events include: the Andalucia Bike Race in Cordoba and Jaen; the Punta Umbria World Cross Championship in Huelva; the Euroando hiking event, and the Sierra Nevada Limite Road cycling event."

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Zsa Zsa Gabor sells house 'because we're not rich'

AFP: Zsa Zsa Gabor sells house 'because we're not rich': "Ailing actress Zsa Zsa Gabor and her husband have put their Bel Air mansion up for sale because they can no longer afford the mortgage and her medical bills, he said Tuesday.
The house is on offer for 28 million dollars, Prinz Frederic von Anhalt said, showing reporters around the 28-room, 12,000-square-foot mansion in a plush area surrounded by homes to the rich and famous.
'I am sick and tired of hiding behind those three words, 'rich and famous,' he said. 'Maybe we are famous, but we are not rich.'
Gabor's medical care costs about $21,000 a month, and the mortgage and upkeep on the house take another $35,000. 'We are talking about $56,000 I have to raise every month,' he said.
'This is why I have to sell the house. It is a must.'
The one condition for the buyer was that the ageing pair be allowed to remain in the house. 'The new owner has to pay for everything,' he said, voicing confidence that someone would offer to buy.
'Everybody is filthy rich around us, and so somebody is going to (want) the house,' he said.
The couple decided to sell after the 93-year-old actress had most of her right leg amputated earlier this month, due to an infection that doctors determined would have killed her had it not been treated."

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Ronda - San Pedro - Costa del Sol motorway,RESIDENTS have just one week left to voice their opposition to plans for a controversial motorway linking Ronda with the Costa del Sol

Ronda - San Pedro - Costa del Sol motorway | Olive Press Newspaper | News: "RESIDENTS have just one week left to voice their opposition to plans for a controversial motorway linking Ronda with the Costa del Sol.
It comes as the IU party put in an official objection to the scheme that would see large parts of the Sierra Bermeja and Genal Valley carved up to make way for the toll motorway.
While the plans have been on public display throughout January, regional environment boss Miguel Esteban Martin, believes they have not had sufficient exposure.
He has insisted that each town hall affected must have plans on display for a month.
In spite of this, he highlighted a number of important objections that have already been raised by members of the public."

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