Icons and eyesores

Icons and eyesores: "From stellar frocks to shocking flicks, Kellie Hush looks at the highs and lows of the year in international fashion.

No more sex, please
Not even the fashion could save the cinematic disaster that was Sex and the City 2. Farewell Carrie et al, it's time to hang up your heels.

Best dressed
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They come from opposite ends of the fashion spectrum but both Michelle Obama and Lady Gaga were two names topping 2010 best dressed lists globally. The First Lady won fans with her knack for looking sharp in designer and high-street fashion and the singer for her OTT fashion risks, including a raw meat dress and a Giorgio Armani ensemble sparkling brighter than a galaxy of stars. Princess Mary and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy also ranked highly."

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1 Who or what was the Houlihan?

1 Who or what was the Houlihan?

a The new posh burger hangout in LA that the Beckhams frequent.

b The new London fashion week designer who already has the patronage of Anna Wintour.

c The skinny cargo pant beloved of celebrities because of its thigh- slimming properties.

2 What event linked Beyoncé, Julianne Moore and Julia Restoin Roitfeld?

a Tom Ford's ultra-exclusive catwalk show in New York. All three women modelled his new collection.

b The Oscars. All three showed up wearing Versace, causing red-carpet blushes and tantrums.

c The US Open tennis final. All three are huge fans of the sport and made Flushing Meadows look like New York fashion week.


Whose earrings?
3 Whose earrings are these?

a Miuccia Prada's. The designer took her catwalk bow wearing a pair of banana earrings which were such a hit that they have now gone into production.

b Anna dello Russo's. The flamboyant stylist loves a fruity accessory.

c Victoria Beckham's. She wore them because they complemented her tangerine dress.

4 Which unisex trend was much touted at the start of 2010 but failed to make a commercial killing?

a One-pieces. The loo issue proved too much.

b Aviator jackets. They quite literally bombed.

c Camel coats. An early sighting of Prince Charles wearing one kyboshed the trend.

5 Who lost the election, sartorially speaking?

a Sam Cam – her maxi dress was deemed too redolent of the Olsen twins by critics.

b David Miliband – the floral party shirt that he wore to signify the end of his front-bench career was a shocker.

c Nick Clegg – his pre-coalition ties were judged too one-note.

6 Whose much-lauded collection was often described as sleek, minimal and phenomenally expensive in 2010.

a Victoria Beckham's own label.

b Stella McCartney's spring ready-to-wear line.

c Phoebe Philo's collection for Celine.

7 What did Lady Gaga wear as a tribute to the late Alexander McQueen following news of his death?

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Will bank reforms help Spain?

 Will bank reforms help Spain?: "Spain is going to get rid of one of “the weak links of its chain”, i.e. to restructure the savings banks, which are planned to be enlarged so that the authorities could estimate their condition and help them in case of emergency.

Such savings banks are engaged in 50% of banking operations around the country, but they are burdened with bad debts.

In the meantime the Euro currency rate is moving back and forth around the same level. By now the price has stopped close to its low at 1.3072 and started to grow. According to the Department of studying Masterforex-V trading system , there is a newly-formed shortened wave. Getting over the MF pivot (1.3178) and MF SC will complete the entire wave started at 1.3497 and will initiate the formation of bullish wave B. Otherwise there is a possibility to see either bearish wave c(C ) or a shortened wave.
"

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Spain’s El Gordo 2.3 billion euros Christmas Lottery: Winning number 79250 - National Lottery | Examiner.com

Spain’s El Gordo 2.3 billion euros Christmas Lottery: Winning number 79250 - National Lottery | Examiner.com: "Merry Christmas Wishes from Barcelona, Spain. That's what these El Gordo lottery winners are singing after the equivalent of over $3,000,000,000—as in $3 BILLION DOLLARS—was handed out on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 in the Spanish lottery!

'Spaniards were glued to their televisions and radios Wednesday to find out if they were among the lucky winners in the annual Christmas lottery, this year worth more than 2.3 billion euros ($3 billion) distributed among more than 1,700 different prizes,' said Fox News.

According to the Barcelona Reporter, 'The world's biggest lottery El Gordo was showering prizes worth more than 2.3 billion euros on Spanish lottery El Gordo winners Wednesday. The Spanish Christmas lottery has been running for more than 200 years.' In fact, the El Gordo Lottery—which means The Fat One—has been going on since 1812."

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Here's How Wikileaks Killed Spain's Anti-Piracy Law

Here's How Wikileaks Killed Spain's Anti-Piracy Law: "Here's basically how it went down:
Spain is apparently one of the worst countries out there when it comes to online piracy.

Since most of the content that is being pirated comes from the US entertainment industry, the industry leaned on the US government to do something about Spain.

The US government leaned on Spain, which drafted a tough law that would allow a government panel and a judge to block illegal filesharing sites.

Then Wikileaks happened; the cables showed how the US government had leaned on Spain to get the law passed, which embarrassed the government.

Now the law's dead."

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Spain bans smoking in bars, restaurants | AHN

Spain bans smoking in bars, restaurants | AHN: "Spanish parliamentarians on Wednesday approved a tough anti-smoking law, which restricts individuals from smoking in an enclosed area. The ban will come into effect starting January 2, 2011. Smokers will not be allowed to smoke in bars, restaurants, or near school playgrounds and hospitals.

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero proposed the bill and the Lower House passed it by a 189 to 154 vote.
The move has upset bar and café owners, who fear that it will indirectly affect their business. Spain had already imposed anti-smoking law in 2006, but lighting up in any enclosed public space will end its famed image of smoke-filled bars, corner cafes and restaurants.
The lawmakers, meanwhile, rejected an amendment call to either allow casinos to have smoking zones or build sealed cubicles for smokers.
However, doctors are happy with the new legislation with the hope that this will help smokers to give up the habit.
Nearly 160 Spaniards die every day from smoking-related illness. Spanish Health Minister Leire Pajin has requested all citizens to share responsibility to make the new law a success."

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Vodafone Appoints Shameel Aziz Joosub Spain CEO to Turn Around Ailing Unit - Bloomberg

Vodafone Appoints Shameel Aziz Joosub Spain CEO to Turn Around Ailing Unit - Bloomberg: "Vodafone Group Plc replaced the chief executive officer of its Spanish unit as the world’s largest mobile-phone company tries to turn around the business in one of its worst-performing European markets.

Shameel Aziz Joosub, an executive director of Vodafone’s Vodacom unit in South Africa, was named CEO after Francisco Roman was appointed executive chairman, Simon Gordon, a company spokesman, said today via phone. The new CEO will report to Roman, he said.

First-half service revenue at the Spanish unit, excluding currency swings and acquisitions, fell 7.1 percent while declining 1.3 percent in Europe as a whole, Vodafone said in November. European service revenue accounted for about two- thirds of total sales last year.

Faced with unemployment at almost 20 percent in Spain and the deepest government budget cuts in three decades, Vodafone’s local unit has struggled to attract customers to higher-priced smartphones. Spain, reeling from the collapse of a debt-fueled housing boom, has the highest unemployment rate in the euro region and the third-largest budget deficit."

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URGENT APPEAL FOR DONATIONS!!! | Costa del Sol | News | The Largest English Language Newspapers in Spain

Euro Weekly News | URGENT APPEAL FOR DONATIONS!!! | Costa del Sol | News | The Largest English Language Newspapers in Spain: "PAD Animal Shelter in Mijas Costa was badly flooded by the torrential rains this weekend, resulting in the tragic loss of many cats and dogs. There was more than two feet of water and they currently have no electricity.

They urgently need foster homes for cats and dogs over Christmas, as well as donations of anything which could be of use, such as blankets, food, medicines, etc, to be taken to the shelter after Christmas when hopefully the shelter can open again, starting from scratch.

If you can help out in any way please call Mags on 655257712"

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Dentistry In Spain

Dentistry In Spain: "People travel to Spain for its beautiful coasts, Mediterranean diet, and late nights of salsa dancing, among other attractions. What most people don't know is that Spain houses some of the best quality dental care providers at highly reduced costs. Dentistry in Spain is as advanced as the best clinics in the UK and the U.S., but can cost up to forty percent less.
The country's distinctly rich history does not disappoint visitors interested in experiencing a uniquely vivacious culture that can counteract somewhat languid dental treatments. Nonetheless, the quality of care given by dentists in Spain does not disappoint those traveling for medical tourism. Dentistry in Spain is a highly successful industry."

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Madrid: Qatar Airways introduces Boeing 777 for the first time in Spain | Aviation

 Madrid: Qatar Airways introduces Boeing 777 for the first time in Spain | Aviation: "Commencing 1 January 2011, award-winning Qatar Airways will introduce its flagship Boeing 777 aircraft for the first time in Spain , operating on the daily non-stop Doha – Madrid route, Global Arab Network reports according to a press statement.

The Boeing 777-300 Extended Range aircraft, featuring 42 seats in Business Class and 293 in Economy, offers more capacity than the Airbus A330s currently operating on the route.

Through the upgrade, Spanish travellers flying from Madrid via Doha to destinations such as Melbourne, Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing and Bali will be able to travel and experience the entire journey onboard one of the most modern and ultra-comfortable aircraft in Qatar Airways’ fleet.

The two-class Boeing 777 offers Business Class seating in a 2–2–2 configuration, each with a seat pitch of 78-inches – or 6.5ft of leg room. Each seat converts into 180 degree horizontal flat beds. The aircraft also features a generous 3–3–3 configuration in Economy with up to 34-inch seat pitch. All seats provide personal touch screen seat back television screens with more than 900 interactive audio and video entertainment options, regardless of which class passengers are travelling in."

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Zara Phillips engaged to England rugby star Mike Tindall | Mail Online

Zara Phillips engaged to England rugby star Mike Tindall | Mail Online: "So understated is their romance, many people imagined they were engaged or married already. But today, the Queen's eldest grandchild Zara Phillips and her long-term boyfriend Mike Tindall finally announced their engagement.

Zara, the 29-year-old daughter of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, has followed her cousin William in taking the plunge after a lengthy courtship.

In a statement this afternoon she said: 'I was really shocked when Mike proposed but I am very happy.'

Tindall, 32, added: 'I am delighted that Zara has agreed to marry me. We are both very excited about the next stage of our lives together.'"

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Tourbus fire at London's O2 Arena ahead of Kings Of Leon gig | News | NME.COM

Tourbus fire at London's O2 Arena ahead of Kings Of Leon gig | News | NME.COM: "Around 60 firefighters are dealing with a tourbus fire at London's O2 Arena on the day that Kings Of Leon are set to play there.

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade told NME that the firefighters were called to the scene at 8:18am (GMT) this morning (December 21) to deal with the blaze, with two vehicles on fire.

No injuries have been reported.

The spokesperson explained that the fire is taking place in a loading bay at the arena and is not affecting the seating or viewing area."

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BA Launches New Flights To Morocco

BA Launches New Flights To Morocco: "British property investors looking to buy real estate in Morocco will be encouraged by news that British Airways (BA) is launching new flights to the country in March next year.

BA has identified Marrakech as its top destination of 2011, in acknowledgement of the city's potential for growth in the tourism sector.

Commenting, the company's chief executive Willie Walsh said: 'Tourism and leisure travel is a crucial focus for us, so growing our holidays business is a major part of our business plan.'

BA added that the early response to the launch of the new route to Marrakech 'has been incredible'.

Meanwhile, according to experts at Experience International, Morocco is one to watch as we head into 2011, with it boasting a booming tourism market.

The news is sure to interest potential buy-to-let investors looking to purchase property in Morocco who will be able to benefit from the rise in visitor numbers."

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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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