Mountains of Morocco are source of new trees (From Worcester News)

Mountains of Morocco are source of new trees (From Worcester News): "WORCESTER walkers will be enjoying a host of new exotic trees in Worcester Woods Country Park next year after they were presented to the county as a prize.

The Rowan sapling trees, which can be found most abundantly in the mountains of Morocco, were given to Worcestershire County Council for its work on sustainable development in wider areas of county work.

The Council won the Eur-opean Social Fund Award for Mainstreaming Sustainable Development in recognition of sustainable principles in a scheme to help key stage four pupils across Worcestershire.

Coun Anthony Blagg, cabinet member for waste and sustainability, said: “This fantastic achievement is one example of how we apply sustainable development to everything we do.

“These attitudes and behaviours are evident in a great deal of our projects and will continue to benefit the county and its young people."

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Vegas rolls the dice on new casino | Stuff.co.nz

Vegas rolls the dice on new casino | Stuff.co.nz: "the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will need all that and more to keep the slot machines humming and its 3,000 rooms filled.

The $3.9 billion ($NZ5.2 billion) casino-hotel, which opened Wednesday night, debuts as Las Vegas still struggles to recover from a global recession that has led both leisure and business travellers to cut back on spending.

The new dual-tower resort sits on the west side of the Las Vegas Strip between MGM Resorts' Bellagio and CityCenter properties.

It has rooms with open-air terraces that offer stunning views of Vegas landmarks like the faux Eiffel tower across the street in front of Caesars Entertainment's Paris resort or the Bellagio's famous dancing fountains next door.

'People talk about the Strip and the views, but most of the buildings around here are so sealed off,' said Tammy Ayre, a visitor from Fort Myers, Florida. 'This looks really open - you can actually get outside.'"

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Rock of wages: online gaming keeps Gibraltar's residents at work | World news | The Guardian

Rock of wages: online gaming keeps Gibraltar's residents at work | World news | The Guardian: "Gibraltar's gambler-friendly laws and tax regimes are turning it into a virtual Las Vegas. The Rock has always had an eye for business that is not entirely mainstream, whether smuggling cigarettes or serving as a tax haven, but in online gambling it has hit the jackpot.

The industry employs 2,000 people , or 12% of the workforce, and has helped to insulate the local economy against Spain's harsh economic climate. Of 30,000 residents, only 600 people are unemployed. Across the border in La Línea de la Concepción, some 10,000 of the 65,000 inhabitants are out of work.

The low-tax regime attracts the industry but even so last year the government pocketed €12.4m (£10.5m) in online gambling taxes. Next year the Rock will receive 10 times as much when the gaming concerns are brought into the same tax regime as other businesses."

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Yuletide Fear: Europe cuts back amid Xmas gloom - BusinessWeek

Yuletide Fear: Europe cuts back amid Xmas gloom - BusinessWeek: "Greeks dodge riots to do their Christmas shopping. Italians planning holiday feasts quietly stuff freezers. And the needy in Ireland are literally selling the family silver.

This Christmas, Europeans are hunkering down to an uncertain future, as a debt crisis that erupted last year in Greece flares anew in Ireland, and has quickly threatened to engulf Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

A whole way of life appears to be at stake as Europe's cherished social welfare nets begin to unravel -- and the very survival of the common currency is thrown into doubt.

The new age of austerity is forcing jittery Europeans to tighten belts they've grown accustomed to loosening during the festive holiday season. But there's been as much Santa as Scrooge as families find ingenious ways to stay in the spirit of giving.

Here's how struggling Europeans are coping."

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Fulfilling a dream in Morocco | Stuff.co.nz

Fulfilling a dream in Morocco | Stuff.co.nz: "Tall and slender with a tousled head of fiery red hair, New Zealander Patricia Lebaud cuts an incongruous figure as she strolls through the narrow laneways of the Mouassine district of Marrakech in Morocco.

While men around her wear long-flowing biblical-style djellabas and the women-folk cover up in demure loose-fitting robes, securing their tresses under modest headdresses, this former Aucklander sports tight black leggings, over-sized tops, swing earrings and glittering sandals.

'Pat-ree-chia! Pat-ree-chia!' Children and adults call out in greeting, acknowledging this foreigner who has lived in the medina or old city now for almost 10 years.

She ducks motor-scooters and push-bikes, young lads kicking football and the odd donkey-drawn cart delivering goods to neighbours. And today, as we walk together to the nearest old city gate of Bab Laksour, we come across young lads carrying live sheep on their shoulders, trying to squeeze them into boots of cars or into hand-drawn carts to take home.

'For la Fete – Aid es-Seghir,' she explains. This 'grand festival' commemorates the day when Abraham, about to sacrifice his son, Ismail, was stopped by Allah who gave him a ram to sacrifice in his place. 'Muslim families save up to buy the biggest sheep,' she says, 'and then share it at a family meal.'"

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Gibraltar set to raise taxes on online gambling companies

 Gibraltar set to raise taxes on online gambling companies: "Gibraltar has always been a tax haven for many off-shore based online gambling companies due to its low rates but now, it seems, they are set to increase tax percentages from a meagre 1% to 10%.

Whilst this may seem like an un-reasonable hike it is unlikely to scare of gambling organisations already based there as they are simply being brought into line with other companies based in the country that already pay 10% tax. Value added tax will still not apply so it will still be more viable than being based in countries such as the UK or America.

The owner of one of the oldest bookmakers in the UK, Victor Chandler said that he believes this will not make any online gambling companies based there pick up shop and move elsewhere.

Despite having such low tax rates, it is reported that Gibraltar collected over £10.5 million from online gambling companies last year. It is reported that the government have made this move to come more into line with EU regulations."

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Marc Jacobs picks transgender model for campaign

Marc Jacobs picks transgender model for campaign: "Marc Jacobs has selected a transgender model for his 2011 campaign.

Blonde-haired Andrej Pejic has been chosen to front Marc by Marc Jacobs spring/summer campaign, reports Contactmusic.

Pejic recently shot the campaign in Marrakech, Morocco, with renowned photographer Juergen Teller and will appear alongside Ginta Lapina in the ads.

Andrej has become a poster boy for fashion androgyny, thanks to his long, platinum blonde hair and feminine features and has appeared in French and Italian Vogue as well as working with Daphne Groeneveld, Freja Beha Erichsen, Iselin Steiro and Iris Strubegger. (ANI)"

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Illegal Spanish villa of Vladimir Beniachvili demolished | Olive Press Newspaper | News Spain

Illegal Spanish villa of Vladimir Beniachvili demolished Olive Press Newspaper News Spain: "Malaga’s authorities started the demolition of a 3,500 square metre house in Pinares de San Anton after a 12-year legal battle with its absentee owner.
The demolition is expected to cost a massive 300,000 euros, which will be billed to Beniachvili.
The Russian promoter and former player of Dinamo Moscow football club is now in Moscow.
But his wife Ludmila Lavrina arrived at the villa right just as the demolition workers were getting to work, supervising the removal of her luxury possessions.
“My husband has five heart bypass operations and he’ll die if he sees this,” she told the press."

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Grab a taste of Kate's royal style | Herald Sun

Grab a taste of Kate's royal style Herald Sun: "Issa London, the label worn by Ms Middleton when announcing her engagement to Prince William last month, has captured the attention of Myer as a potential new addition to its designer stable.
Singer Katy Perry opted to wear Issa gear at a recent red carpet event, thanks to the Middleton effect.
Myer spokesman Mitch Catlin said the retail giant 'is always on the lookout for the hottest international brands'.
'We jumped on Balmain, Givenchy and Temperley London. There is no doubt Issa is on the radar for our buyers,' he said.
Issa is not yet stocked in Australia.
The $550 Issa navy wrap dress Ms Middleton stepped out in when she faced the media with her beau at St James's Palace sold out within 24 hours in Britain, and sparked cheaper chain store knockoffs."

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Prime London still appeals to Asian buyers | Easier

Prime London still appeals to Asian buyers Easier: "Despite the recession, the social and economic stability of the UK means that property in prime London areas, such as Knightsbridge, Mayfair and Kensington has retained its appeal for international buyers particularly those from Asia.
In the year from March 2009 to March 2010 London saw a 120 per cent increase in demand for UK property from Asian buyers (from Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and mainland China) who were responsible for 45.6 per cent of new-build purchases in central London.
Harrods Estates, the luxury property division of the Harrods Group, has seen increasing interest from Asian buyers, who now account for 38 per cent of their purchasers, compared with only 7 per cent in 2008.
Shirley Humphrey, Sales and Marketing Director at Harrods Estates comments: “We have seen a shift in international interest in the last two years. “The weak British pound and low interest rates all contribute to the appeal of investing in London property, and an increase in the level of prime new development London stock available, means there is more choice on the market.”
Another factor could be the increased numbers of Asian students studying in the UK. Over the last decade the number of Asian students studying in UK universities rose by 175 per cent with numbers of mainland Chinese students rising particularly steeply from just over 4,000 in 1999 to over 47,000 in 2009. Shirley comments:"

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Luxury apartment living in fail safe Chiswick | Easier

Luxury apartment living in fail safe Chiswick Easier: "looking for a safe investment, Chiswick, where Redeham Homes and Jansons West London and Thames Valley Ltd recently launched a range of luxury apartments at 520 Chiswick High Road is an ideal choice. Chiswick has experienced continuing growth throughout the recession, with property prices up by 11.3 per cent since 2009, according to Land Registry.
520 Chiswick High Road comprises just 12 two-bedroom apartments and two, two-bedroom penthouses and has already experienced excellent sales success since it launched in September 2010. Set on tree lined Chiswick High Road, the apartments complement the areas period houses and modern apartments.
Situated just 30 minutes from Central London Chiswick is not only an easy commute but boasts cafés, bars, restaurants, pubs, designer shops and boutiques. Acton Green Common runs opposite the main high street, offering a place to sit and relax and Turnham Green Park is also close by.
For families seeking homes near good schools, Chiswick has a mixture of state and public schools nearby including Chiswick and Bedford Park preparatory school, Cavendish primary school and Chiswick Community Secondary School"

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January Jones poses nude for Versace ad campaign (Photos) - Chicago Movie Reviews | Examiner.com

January Jones poses nude for Versace ad campaign- Chicago Movie Reviews Examiner.com: "'Mad Men' blonde bombshell January Jones is featured in the new Spring/Summer 2011 ad campaign for Versace. The Emmy-nominated actress appears almost completely nude, with the exception of a strategically placed purse and other accessories from the Italian luxury brand.
The retro-inspired shoot was photographed in London by famed photographer Mario Testino, who recently shot Prince William and Kate Middleton's engagement photos, according to People."

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Lady Gaga`s meat dress tops Time`s fashion statement list

Lady Gaga`s meat dress tops Time`s fashion statement list: "Pop singer Lady Gaga's infamous meat dress has been named number one fashion statement of 2010 by Time magazine.
The singer had created a frenzy when she donned the dress made from hide and cuts of meat with a matching head piece and purse.
Singer M.I.A.'s psychedelic burqa that she wore for an awards function came second followed by tennis star Venus William's corset-style red-trimmed dress in French open on third position.
Singer Prince's tunic, which had an image of a man who looked very much like him and singer Rihanna's catsuit that she wore to a German music-award festival in March wrapped up the top five.
Britney Spears' see-through dress came sixth, while producer Rita Wilson's crystal-chandelier dress has got seventh spot.
'Gossip Girl' star Taylor Momsen's rhinestone necklace that spelled out the word slave along with a dog collar attached to it is on number eight."

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British Fashion Council names 18 rising London designers - Fashion, Life & Style - The Independent

British Fashion Council names 18 rising London designers - Fashion, Life & Style - The Independent: "The NEWGEN recipients for Autumn/Winter 2011 sponsored by Topshop are as follows:
Catwalk sponsorship:
David Koma, Holly Fulton, Louise Gray, Mary Katrantzou and Michael van der Ham.
Presentation sponsorship:
Christopher Raeburn, Craig Lawrence, JS Lee, JW Anderson (film presentation) and Nasir Mazhar.
Installation sponsorship:
Dominic Jones and Jordan Askill.
Exhibition sponsorship:
Chau Har Lee, Christopher Raeburn, Craig Lawrence, David Koma, Dominic Jones, Fannie Schiavoni, Felicity Brown, Heikki Salonen, Holly Fulton, Jordan Askill, JS Lee, JW Anderson, Louise Gray, Mary Katrantzou, Michael van der Ham, Nasir Mazhar, Thomas Tait and Yang Du."

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I decided to live in Marbella for two reasons. Firstly, they have the best climate in the world which attracts rich people from all over the world and also because Morocco is close by, where the most beautiful women in the world live.

Blic Online Boban Petrovic’s confession: "- “I decided to live in Marbella for two reasons. Firstly, they have the best climate in the world which attracts rich people from all over the world and also because Morocco is close by, where the most beautiful women in the world live. I had my yachts and planes in Marbella, hung out with the rich folk and agreed big deals at parties,” said Petrovic."

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Blic Online | Boban Petrovic’s confession

Blic Online Boban Petrovic’s confession: "- “I decided to live in Marbella for two reasons. Firstly, they have the best climate in the world which attracts rich people from all over the world and also because Morocco is close by, where the most beautiful women in the world live. I had my yachts and planes in Marbella, hung out with the rich folk and agreed big deals at parties,” said Petrovic."

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Miu Miu Opens New London Flagship

Miu Miu Opens New London Flagship: "December 12, 2010 - London, UK – Reported by Elite Traveler, the Private Jet Lifestyle Magazine

The opening of Miu Miu’s latest flagship—which kicked off on December 3rd with a festive cocktail party and private dinner—attracted a star-studded crowd.

Actresses Jessica Alba and Abbie Cornish stopped by the new two-story space on 150 New Bond Street, which was designed to transport revelers back in time to the 1920s. Grand window displays and cozy areas for lounging evoked the feel of an elegant hotel lobby. Post-soiree, a private dinner was held at Lancaster House, with notables from London’s thriving art, fashion and music scenes in attendance."

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Hackney Christmas Markets – From quirky to traditional | Hackney Hive

Hackney Christmas Markets – From quirky to traditional Hackney Hive: "Ridley Road Market, London, E8. Over 165 stalls offering a range of quality goods at very competitive prices. Choose various goods and foods from Asia, Africa, Caribbean, United Kingdom and the Mediterranean including the latest ladies and men’s fashion and accessories, lingerie, footwear, toiletries, electrical, electronics, household goods and of course traditional and exotic fruit and vegetables. The usual trading days and times are: Monday to Thursday 6am to 6pm. Friday and Saturday 6am to 7pm.
Broadway Market, E8. Just off Lansdowne Drive, London Fields. A farmer’s style market with good quality fashion, foods and arts. It is at its busiest on Saturdays between 7.30am to 6.00pm. As 25 December falls on a Saturday, the market will open on Friday 24 December from 9am to 3pm.
Hoxton Market, N1. Located in Shoreditch, just off Old Street. Selling food, ladies and men’s fashion, footwear, household goods and toiletries. The usual trading days and times are: Monday to Saturday from 7.30am to 6pm. Please note, the busiest day is Saturday.
Kingsland Waste Market, E8 on the A10 between Middleton Road and Richmond Road. You can pick up tools, car and bike accessories, various small secondhand goods, fruit and vegetables. This is a Saturday only market from 7am to 3pm.
Well Street Market, E9. Just between Morning Lane and Kenton Road.You can pick up various items including toiletries, clothing and footwear. This market opens daily from 9am to 4pm. It is at its busiest on Saturdays.
Chatsworth Market, E5 is a trial market which will open for business on Sunday 12 December 2010 only from 11am to 3pm"

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The Alexander McQueen I knew, by Vogue journalist Harriet Quick | From the Observer | The Observer

The Alexander McQueen I knew, by Vogue journalist Harriet Quick From the Observer The Observer: "McQueen was part of my growing up in fashion. We were of a similar age as we made our first forays into the business, and his wildly imaginative collections and unconventional approach made me appreciate that there could be so much more to fashion than empty branding and recycled trends. I first came across him in a suite at the Ritz hotel during London fashion week in 1993. While the dominant feel in fashion at that time was for minimalism led by Helmut Lang, Lee's collection appeared like ancient treasure. There were capelets made of black crow feathers, tiny corseted jackets embellished with Victorian jet embroidery and brutal yet immaculate tailoring. Lee, an intimidating oikish figure, shuffled around the tiny hotel room, protective of his work. There was no perfumed designer 'sell'. His pieces were hung on a mish-mash of hangers including, incongruously, a plastic one from Dorothy Perkins. Lee loved bathos.
His shows became a biannual pilgrimage that took me to the Hawksmoor church in Spitalfields to witness skeleton bone decoration, tightly moulded corsets and mouth jewellery; to the Royal Horticultural Halls to see model Devon Aoki splosh through a water catwalk in divine dragon-embroidered pastel silks – the water later turned black halfway through the show (so beautiful, tears ran down my face). His shows were frequently accompanied by freak weather – rainstorms, snow, gales. When McQueen showed in New York (2000), friends and I hired a 4x4 to hurtle uptown to Pier 59 in a hurricane to witness models flying through the air on ropes. You could not miss a McQueen show."

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US embassy cables: Moroccan businessman reveals royal corruption, claims US cable | World news | The Guardian

US embassy cables: Moroccan businessman reveals royal corruption, claims US cable World news The Guardian: "Leading entrepreneur tells how institutions and processes of the Moroccan state are used by the royal palace to coerce and solicit bribes in the country's real estate sector. Contrary to popular belief, corruption in this area during the reign of King Mohammed VI is becoming more pervasive."

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