False alarm at Miami International Airport - Latest news - ElNuevoHerald.com

False alarm at Miami International Airport - Latest news - ElNuevoHerald.com: "anti-explosives squad of the Miami police showed up this morning at the International Airport of the city to investigate 'suspicious sounds' in the cargo area of a plane from Brazil, in what ended up being a false alarm.

The airport spokesman Greg Chin said on his arrival from Sao Paolo, around 8:30 AM, the crew of flight 930 reported 'suspicious sounds' coming from the area of transportation of luggage. The 169 passengers were evacuated and units from Miami-Dade firefighters surrounded the aircraft, which was at the door D-40.

Chin confirmed that both the gate D-40 as the two were closed around her, but the terminal remained open.

Anti-explosive experts inspected the cargo area and found objects containing it are used to transport detonators, but they were empty and showed no danger."

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Former employee of Swiss bank documents to WikiLeaks delivery | La Voz de Houston | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Former employee of Swiss bank documents to WikiLeaks delivery | La Voz de Houston | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "former employee of a Swiss bank on Monday delivered to the founder of Wikileaks , Julian Assange , said documents detailing the attempts to evade taxes of prominent businessmen and legislators in various countries.
Rudolf Elmer, who worked for the Bank Julius Baer in Switzerland , said the documents include some 2,000 bank accounts, but declined to provide details about the companies and individuals involved.
Elmer, who had previously delivered WikiLeaks documents on financial activities in the Cayman Islands, will appear Wednesday before a tribunal in Zurich to respond to the charges of coercion and violation of strict bank secrecy laws in Switzerland."

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Paradores: the historic luxury hotels of Spain

Paradores: the historic luxury hotels of Spain | Gadling.com: "The Paradores of Spain offer luxury accommodation in some of Spain's most historic and popular cities, many of which, like Cáceres and Mérida, are World Heritage Sites. In Extremadura, Spain's historic southwest, there are seven. Besides Zafra, there are Paradores in Guadalupe (in a 15th century hospital), Jarandilla (15th century castle), Plasencia (15th century convent), and Trujillo (16th century convent), Mérida and Cáceres."

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Spain’s Extravagant City Of Culture Opens Amid Criticism

PSFK » Spain’s Extravagant City Of Culture Opens Amid Criticism: "Spain’s latest architectural extravagance was finally opened to the public today amid complaints that the massive new City of Culture in Santiago de Compostela is a huge and expensive white elephant.

American architect Peter Eisenman describes his €400m (£332m) hilltop complex overlooking one of Spain’s most picturesque and historic cities as something that is meant to appear as though it has “erupted and heaved up” from the ground.

But others see the complex of six buildings in Galicia as a monument to the vanity of the region’s former rightwing premier, Manuel Fraga, and an anachronism at a time of austerity. The project, still only half-built, has already cost four times more than originally planned."

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Plans for Ronda - Costa del Sol motorway | Olive Press Newspaper | News

Plans for Ronda - Costa del Sol motorway | Olive Press Newspaper | News: "plans for the proposed motorway linking Ronda with the Costa del Sol have now gone on display.
Throughout January exhibitions will be held in Town Halls throughout the affected municipalities giving the public a chance to study the information and oppose the plans.
The project, which aims to cut the travel time from Ronda to the Costa del Sol by more than half, involves building a motorway covering the 32.8 kilometre distance from Ronda to the current A-7 motorway, by the Benahavis road.
The total investment is estimated to reach 350 million euros and could create more than 5,000 jobs.
But the project has come under fire from environmentalists who argue it will destroy the surrounding landscape.


And others have questioned the impact the new motorway will have on the historical heritage of the town"

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Marbella Villas

Marbella Villas  "For countless years Marbella has been a popular place for the affluent and celebrities and is renowned around the world as one of the most stylish and delightful vacation destinations within Europe. It has everything to offer: stunning beaches, hills, good cusine, night life as well as old world beauty.
Be mindful, the cosmopolitan setting can be intoxicating and can solely be compared with foreign places along the lines of St Tropez and Monte Carlo, Marbella has got a fantastic local climate because of the surrounding mountains that typically ensures conditions are generally less hot in the summertime as well as hotter throughout the winter months than other locations on the South Of Spain, thus , making this an ideal year round place to go for every age group."

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Britain's most expensive Caravan sold for 550,000 pounds - The Economic Times

Britain's most expensive Caravan sold for 550,000 pounds - The Economic Times: "A caravan equipped with a luxury Italian kitchen, top-of-the range flat screen television and iPhone controlled heating system has been sold for a whopping 550,000 pounds.

The luxury three-bedroomed static holiday home has become the most expensive caravan in the country after being sold to a millionaire couple last month, Daily Mail reported on Thursday.

Nestled on the seafront in Abersoch, North Wales, the chalet has spectacular views over the Lleyn peninsular and even its own private decking and staircase to the beach below."

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Royal Roundup: Kate's Shaking It Up, Di-Style! - E! Online

Royal Roundup: Kate's Shaking It Up, Di-Style! - E! Online: "Kate likes to hang with the riff-raff: Princess Diana was famous for having her young sons, William and Harry, schooled outside the palace, which was a royal first and an enormous scandal at the time. Obviously, the common touch took with William as he found a girl who not only likes to do her own grocery shopping, but, just this week bargain-hunted at T.J.Maxx and then she picked up a pizza.
The engaged brunette with a 32-carat sapphire bought a $6.28 margarita ready-made selection from Pizza Express. She was alone. No teams of fussing ladies in waiting, as all of Kate's future in-laws are wont to do.
This is so like Di, who loved to go to the gym or to the movies (often with her boys), with as little as fuss as possible. Problem was, it never worked (the no-fuss part), just as it's about to stop—if it hasn't already—for the chick from Berkshire."

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Top French chef declares London capital of cuisine - Telegraph

Top French chef declares London capital of cuisine - Telegraph: "Abandoning his countrymen’s traditional pride in the national cuisine and disdain for English fare, Joël Robuchon admitted that the city’s restaurants are now more innovative than those of Paris.
The 65 year-old, whose restaurants have been awarded a record 25 stars by the revered Michelin guide, also claimed that the biggest variety of world cuisines is to be found in London, after a revolution over the past few decades.
It comes just days after the French prime minister, François Fillon, praised the quality of English food, suggesting an unlikely rapprochement between the two countries.
In the latest comments, Mr Robuchon - once named “chef of the 20th century” – told a newspaper he “would argue that London is very possibly the gastronomic capital of the world”.
“Why? Because it’s only in London that you find every conceivable style of cooking. When it comes to what’s new in cooking, to innovative cuisine, it’s all happening in London."

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Berlusconi's harem of 14 women revealed - Europe, World - The Independent

Berlusconi's harem of 14 women revealed - Europe, World - The Independent: "Silvio Berlusconi maintained at least 14 glamorous young women in apartments in a gated complex outside Milan, leaks from prosecutors in the city revealed yesterday. They lived rent-free in the estate and were given large sums of cash by the billionaire politician in return for sex.

Milano Due was one of the first gated housing estates in Italy, a sprawling complex of flats set in landscaped gardens, built by Mr Berlusconi himself in the 1970s when he was a thrusting young property developer. With underground parking, a supermarket, bars and other facilities, it is one of the most fashionable addresses in the Milan hinterland. When he moved into television, Mr Berlusconi located the headquarters of Mediaset, his television company, here.

But in his declining years the estate has also become the headquarters of what is, in effect, his harem, it is alleged. Its presence was revealed by Corriere della Sera newspaper yesterday in yet another blow to the battered image of the Prime Minister as he prepares to defend himself against what could be the gravest crisis of his political career. Prosecutors in Milan are demanding that he be put on trial immediately for having sex with an underage prostitute."

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Madonna takes her new boyfriend Brahim Zaibat to her new club

MADONNA’S toyboy lover found himself dumped in the street by the queen of pop.

In what may well be a taste of things to come for Brahim Zaibat, Madge sped off without him after a night in London.

But luckily for him, it wasn’t a humiliating put-down – it was a “misunderstanding”.

During the hoo-hah to get her into their Jag after a night at Aura, Brahim desperately tried to get in and park his cute little tush beside Madge’s.

But security slammed the door and drove off, leaving the poor ickle 24-year-old break dancer shivering in the cold.

Fortunately, after about 15 yards – probably the longest 15 yards of Brahim’s life – Madonna realised she’d forgotten something.

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The brakes were duly slammed and Brahim gratefully retrieved.

My favourite codger (after Katie Waissel’s nan) had hosted the night, where pro dancers auditioned to catch her eye in the middle of the dance floor. But I was more interested in the moves going on in VIP, where Madge sat her fella down and performed her own creaky lapdance for him.

To the strains of her song La Isla Bonita – played by her own DJ, naturally – she flexed her muscly arms and squatted her 52-year-old body up and down in front of the blushing young Frenchman. Dragging him up to dance for Nelly’s Ride Wit Me, she threw him against the wall and grinded against his body.

Fortunately, she didn’t crack a hip, and later shuffled over to tell us all about him, saying: “It’s going really well!”

He’s certainly well trained. At one point, he nipped behind the bar to rustle her up a replacement Martini after her original wasn’t strong enough.

Madonna picked up the £12,000 bar tab, and she plans to pump even more money into the place by buying a stake in the Aura chain, with plans to launch globally.:Text may be subject to copyright.This blog does not claim copyright to any such text. Copyright remains with the original copyright holder.

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New VAT rate condemned as tax on cost of fun in London | News

New VAT rate condemned as tax on cost of fun in London | News: "The VAT increase has been called a “tax on London luxury” as the cost of having fun in the capital — from a cocktail to a night in a hotel — rises as a result of the tax rise.

The jump from 17.5 per cent to a record 20 per cent is expected to raise George Osborne about £2.3 billion in extra tax revenue from the capital, more than from any other region of the country.

But the burden falls disproportionately on London because so much of the nation's business and high value consumer spending is concentrated here.

Londoners will notice the difference in their cost of living from the moment they order their first latte of the day to a late night drink before bed.

Although many prices have simply been adjusted by the 2.1 per cent needed to keep pace with the VAT rise, others have gone up way beyond that. For clothes shoppers, high street fashion prices are expected to be up to eight per cent higher than last year once the sale stock is replaced by the new spring ranges."

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For Princess Kate Middleton, imagining a wedding gown | Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/05/2011

For Princess Kate Middleton, imagining a wedding gown | Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/05/2011: "So far, we know the royal newlyweds will not have servants in their house, at least for the first three years of their marriage. We've been told that Kate Middleton's life-size wax image won't join the rest of the royal brood at Madame Tussauds until the end of this year. And it was reported that the No Problem Orchestra, a group of Austrian disabled musicians, are to perform at the April 29 affair.

But one question remains: What - and maybe more important, who - will Kate wear when she walks down the aisle of Westminster Abbey to marry Prince William?

For fashionistas worldwide, this information is of the utmost importance.

Speculation has been intense"

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Visit London attractions in Volvo's free chauffer service - London Tourist Attraction News

Visit London attractions in Volvo's free chauffer service - London Tourist Attraction News: "Those visiting London attractions could get around the capital in style with Volvo's free chauffer service.

The car maker is celebrating the launch of the new Greener Vehicle Discount for London's Congestion Charge Zone with a free DRIVe low-emission chauffer service which visitors and residents are invited to use to get around the city.

New rules state that drivers of any Euro 5 compliant car with CO2 emissions under 100g/km will not have to pay the congestion tax.

Peter Rask, regional president of Volvo Car UK said: 'Through our ongoing Emissions Equality campaign, Volvo has been instrumental in persuading the Mayor to change the Congestion Charge rules and create a level playing field for all vehicles regardless of powertrain.'"

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Beckham's coming home? - Eleven UK

Beckham's coming home? - Eleven UK: "Can it be true? Are David Beckham, footballing hero, and his family returning to the UK?

Well possibly, but at the moment it's just for a few months. According to The Sun, the Beckham boys have been booked into a posh school near Beckingham Palace for three months.

A source close to the pricey private school told The Sun: 'All the staff are talking about it - everyone in the school knows.

'All three boys are coming. Everyone is looking forward to seeing them.'

Rumours that Becks may sign to Tottenham Hotspur while on loan from LA Galaxy have been all over the back pages and this is likely to fuel speculation.

However, it's more likely that Victoria Beckham is at the root of the move - apparently, she wants to be in the UK touting her wares in the run-up to London Fashion Week next month.

Even so, we're guessing parents' evening will be busier than usual."

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David Beckham's Tottenham deal draws closer

David Beckham's Tottenham deal draws closer: "DAVID BECKHAM'S move to Tottenham looks more likely with the news that the England footballer and wife Victoria have arranged for their three kids to attend a private school near a house they own in Hertfordshire.

David's possible temporary move would fit in well with Victoria's plans to be in town for London Fashion Week, which starts in the middle of February.

'All the staff are talking about it; everyone in the school knows,' a source told The Sun.

'All three boys are coming. Everyone is looking forward to seeing them.'

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has made no secret of his desire to bring Beckham to north London in a loan-deal with the player's main club, Los Angeles Galaxy, whose season has now ended."

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David Beckham will be home alone in London as Posh stays in LA - mirror.co.uk

David Beckham will be home alone in London as Posh stays in LA - mirror.co.uk: "DAVID Beckham will be home alone in London if he signs for Spurs – with Victoria refusing to uproot their kids from LA.

Victoria, 36, does not want to take Brooklyn, 11, Romeo, eight, and Cruz, five, out of school for David’s three-month loan spell – or disrupt her own fashion design business.

A pal said: “It would interrupt the kids’ studies and celebrities will be clamouring to wear her clothes at the upcoming Oscars, so it’s a key time for her business.”"

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Affordable luxury hotels in London

Affordable luxury hotels in London: "Luxury hotels in London conjure up images of the very grandest hotels. Ones that are famous the world over,like the Dorchester and Claridges. Where celebrities and movers and shakers from the world of business rub shoulders. The closest most of us get to hotels of this calibre is by booking afternoon tea for a special occasion. How the other half live!
If you walk down Park Lane you'll see one fabulous hotel after another. Luxury hotels in London really are off the scale when it comes to high class and elegance. Imagine staying here and looking out over Hyde Park each morning.
For us mere mortals, hotels in London don't just have to mean the glitz of Mayfair. There's far more to the city than this one district. A very swanky district admittedly. If you're looking for somewhere a little bit special to stay, the city has many hidden gems that will make your visit to the city a truly memorable one. Whether you want to surprise a loved one or want to  treat  a friend or family member, there's plenty of affordable luxury on offer in the capital."

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Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel is voted on of the world's best hotels - {Travel Daily News}

Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel is voted on of the world's best hotels - {Travel Daily News}: "Jumeirah Carlton Tower, the luxury Knightsbridge hotel, has been voted as one of the world's best hotels in Conde Nast Traveller magazine's seventh annual Gold List - one of only three UK hotels to be recognised for outstanding service.
The panel of judges cited the hotel's above and beyond service as the outstanding feature that propelled the hotel onto the Gold List. Feedback from the panel noted the Knightsbridge hotel staff are willing to go that extra mile, from preparing a private meal for two in the gardens of Cadogan Square to setting up cooking lessons with the chef.

Chosen by the magazine's editors and travel experts, the Gold List is a definitive guide to the top hotels worldwide, with properties judged on six criteria - ambience and design, location, food, rooms, leisure facilities and service.

Commenting on the accolade, Derek Picot, regional vice president in Europe for Jumeirah said: 'This is an exceptional achievement and I'm incredibly proud of my entire team who all deserve congratulations for the part they have played. It is testimony to our ongoing commitment to offer the very best in luxury hospitality and a great way to prepare for the hotel's 50th anniversary in 2011.'"

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Chicago Will Get a Langham Hotel in 2012, Right Next to Trump! || HotelChatter

Chicago Will Get a Langham Hotel in 2012, Right Next to Trump! || HotelChatter: "The Langham Hotels brand is well-loved in Hong Kong and London but stateside we haven't had that many opportunities to experience the brand as it only as two locations--one in Pasadena and another in Boston. But that will change in 2012.

The Langham Hotel Chicago will open inside the 52-story mixed-used building designed by Mies van der Rohe at 330 North Wabash. You may know it already as the IBM Building. The hotel portion will be on floors 2-13 with with a portion of the first floor and riverfront plaza.

The hotel is expected to house approximately 330 guestrooms and suites ranging from 525 square feet to well over 2,000 square feet, some of the largest rooms in Chicago, and all will feature large 5-fixture bathrooms. Guestrooms will have 9.5 foot ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows providing dramatic views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.

The hotel will have a 'chef-driven' restaurant (of course), a wine room (ooo!), a fitness center, indoor pool, the Langham's signature Palm Court and Chuan Spa."

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