Explore two outdoor sites in Pampanga
MANILA, Philippines — Many are bracing for the hot days ahead, as well as finding ways on how to have fun under the sun. These days, however, summer is not all about hitting the beach or going to pool parties anymore. With the growing interest on outdoor adventures and activities, many Filipinos take the opportunity […]
Fortune Island
With its abandoned Greek column and statues, Fortune Island will surely make you feel like you are out of the country. The ruins are the remnants of what it seems like an old beach resort or private beach house. The turquoise blue water and the cream-colored fine sand of the beach adds a countryside aura […]
Over 20 new cars already confirmed for the LA Auto Show
With a little over two months to go until the LA Auto Show, carmakers are already starting to tease fans as to what to expect. Although this year’s show doesn’t open its doors to the press until November 14 and despite the fact that this year’s Paris motor show is still three weeks away from […]
Burger King to release the ‘Whopperito’ nationwide across the US
What happens when a Burger King Whopper collides with a burrito? You get the Whopperito, naturally. After trialing the hybrid burger-burrito in select markets across the US earlier this summer, Burger King is poised to unleash their latest fast-food gimmick nationwide from August 15,reports Bloomberg. As its name suggests, the Whopperito wraps signature Whopper ingredients […]
Avoid a roadside mayday this summer
(NewsUSA) – The temperatures are rising, and so are the numbers of vehicles on the road. Summer is right around the corner, bringing with it a number of road trips to the beach for many families. Avoid putting a damper on your travel plans by following these summer vehicle maintenance tips from your loyal friends at Firestone […]
Bon Appétit announces 2016’s Best New Restaurant shortlist
Fifty nominees have made it through to the Bon Appétit shortlist for its Best New Restaurant award of 2016, with the North American food publication featuring everything from a food truck in Charleston through to a French-Mexican brunch hangout in LA. “We love restaurants that are driven by passionate people with distinct points of view,” […]
Martha Stewart and Snoop Dog to host joint dinner party series
Domestic goddess Martha Stewart has teamed up with rapper Snoop Dogg for a new unscripted cooking series, ordered by VH1. The show will see the unlikely duo join forces each week to host a dinner party with celebrity guests, in a bid to “exemplify America’s fascination with food, entertaining and celebrity,” according to Stewart (via Variety). […]
China’s elevated bus completes first road test
The transit elevated bus, TEB-1, is 22 meters long, the width of two traffic lanes, and is designed to travel over cars that are less than half its height. Though the congestion-beating concept vehicle defies convention, a first road test took place on August 2, 2016 in Qinhuangdao, north China, according to state press agency Xinhua […]
Noel Gallagher to headline Pure & Crafted Festival 2016
The second Pure & Crafted Festival, August 12-13 in Berlin, will be headlined by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, with Mando Diao and Tricky’s Skilled Mechanics project also prominent. Presented by BMW Motorrad, the 2016 Pure & Crafted festival makes for a last chance to see both Noel Gallagher and Mando Diao before the end […]
Stress-free summer: tips for keeping everyone happy when vacationing with friends
Vacations are times to kick back and relax, but getaways can also be a source of friction among families, friends or couples, as back-seat driving or paying restaurant bills cause tempers to fray. Here are a few tips from Sonia Prades, a psychologist specializing in family relationships, on how to ensure a stress-free summer break. Today, […]
Naked pop-up restaurant in London to shutter early and head to Paris
The pop-up restaurant that launched in London this summer inviting diners to disrobe and eat in the buff is set to close up early and head across the Channel to Paris. In an interview with Country & Town House, founder Seb Lyall said he’s decided to close up shop a month ahead of schedule in order […]
Summer on location: discover London through five movies
Travel the world from the comfort of your sofa this summer with six destinations to discover through the art of cinema. For this stop on our film-based voyage, we visit the British capital London, seen through five international must-see movies. Recent flick: London Has Fallen After saving Washington, the US President, played by Aaron Eckhart, and […]
White Castle introduces Pretzel Chicken Rings
White Castle is introducing a new item to its fast food menu, taking off from its popular all white meat Chicken Rings. The Pretzel Chicken Rings, also made with all white meat chicken, comes with a crispy pretzel coating. Available for a limited time only, the new snack option will come in a portion of […]
Popular Brazilian foods to try to get in the Olympic spirit
When the Rio Olympics kick off next week, all things Brazilian will be placed under the worldwide spotlight. What better way to become acquainted with Brazilian culture than through its rich, culinary heritage, which includes deeply savory stews and theatrical dining experiences in churrascarias? Whether you’re lucky enough to be headed to the center of […]
A Lotus that laps up the punishment
To mark the 50th anniversary of its famous Hethel, Norfolk factory firing into life, Lotus has conceived the Elise Race 250, a car it describes as its best track-focused Elise since the model’s launch back in 1996. The Elise Race 250 is faster around Lotus’s test track than even the Elise Cup 220 R and […]
5 rules for optimal nutrition by celebrity trainer David Kirsch
Celebrity trainer David Kirsch is well-known for his work with A-list models and actresses such as Heidi Klum, Kate Upton, Liv Tyler, and Anne Hathaway. In his latest book, “Ultimate Family Wellness,” David shares his own story of balancing fatherhood with fitness, and gives his expert advice on how to work out and eat well with the whole family. […]
Preparations underway for second edition of Vinexpo Tokyo
The world’s largest wine trade fair has released more details on the second edition of Vinexpo Japan, which will be held in November. After making its inaugural debut in 2014, Vinexpo will return to Tokyo this fall in the aim of expanding the wine and spirits market in a country where potential for growth is […]
Lincoln looks to take the lead in luxury
Ford’s standalone US luxury brand is taking a leaf out of Mercedes’ and Bentley’s playbook with a new completely client-centric approach to services and experiences. Lincoln is calling its new philosophy “The Lincoln Way” but regardless of its name it is focused on simplicity, time-saving and personalization. Clients in the market for a truly premium […]
‘Meathead’ Goldwyn shares his foolproof recipe for Buffalo chicken wings
Meathead Goldwyn is known as “the barbecue whisperer.” His website, Amazingribs.com, is billed as the world’s most popular outdoor cooking website. His recently released cookbook “Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling,” has risen quickly to become the No. 1 bestselling cookbook in the category of Barbecue and Grilling on Amazon.com. For the crispiest Buffalo […]
Olympic travelers face tiny risk of Zika: US study
Those traveling to Brazil for the Olympics face a tiny risk of getting infected with the mosquito-borne Zika virus, which can cause birth defects in pregnant women, US researchers said Monday. Under a worst-case scenario, just three to 37 of the up to 500,000 people expected to go to Rio de Janeiro for the games, […]
Daimler claims another autonomous driving world-first
Having succeeded in bringing the world’s first self-driving truck to public roads, luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz and its parent company Daimler can now claim another self-driving world first, this time with buses. The Mercedes-Benz Future Bus with CityPilot has driven autonomously for the first time on a 20km route in Amsterdam, stopping at bus stops with […]
Ford gives the F-150 a huge boost for 2017
America’s most popular vehicle is now also one of its most innovative and impressive thanks to a reworked V6 EcoBoost engine that can serve up a remarkable 470ft-lb (637Nm) of torque and a 10-speed automatic transmission. It seems that Ford’s latest Le Mans win has really stirred up a performance obsession at Ford’s HQ and […]
‘Meathead’ Goldwyn shares his recipe for The Great American Steakhouse Steakburger
Meathead Goldwyn is known as “the barbecue whisperer.” His website, Amazingribs.com, is billed as the world’s most popular outdoor cooking website. His recently released cookbook “Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling,” has risen quickly to become the No. 1 bestselling cookbook in the category of Barbecue and Grilling on Amazon.com. For foolproof burgers this […]
Re-enter the dragon: Hong Kong’s movie new wave
Shoot the film you’ve always wanted on a shoestring budget or sell out and make a blockbuster? It is a dilemma Hong Kong directors frequently face as mainland China’s lucrative movie industry beckons. Now, with concerns growing about Beijing’s increasing influence on Hong Kong, some film-makers are defying commercial and political pressures to produce homegrown […]
Get Ghostbusting with Snapchat
To promote the upcoming release of a totally rebooted take on the film “Ghostbusters” Sony is partnering with Snapchat and adding ‘busting’ and sliming features to the popular app Through sponsored lenses that for the first time allow Snapchatters to use front and rear cameras to the same effect, you can picture yourself busting a […]
India’s Kerala imposes ‘fat tax’ on junk food
India’s peaceful tourist hotspot Kerala has become the first state in the country to impose a “fat tax” on junk food in a bid to counter rising obesity. The state’s finance minister Thomas Isaac announced a 14.5 percent tax on food including burgers, pizzas and sandwiches sold at restaurants and fast-food chains, as part of […]
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents ‘Out Of This World’
A cosmic family adventure light years beyond your expectations First-Ever West Coast National Tour Debut Blasts Off July 14th – August 7th Throughout Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) – Prepare to blast off on an intergalactic adventure for space-age family fun as the ultimate circus experience launches into the future with Ringling Bros. and Barnum […]
Lamborghini celebrates record sales
For the first time in its history, Italian supercar maker Lamborghini has sold more than 2000 cars in six months. In all, between January and June the company delivered 2013 cars and in June alone delivered 416, itself an all-time record for a single month. To put those figures into perspective, in the first six […]
Get hyper excited about Aston Martin’s new hypercar
The AM-RB 001 boasts a naturally aspirated V12 engine, an Adrian Newey-penned design and, most impressively a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio. Unveiled at Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ, the new car is a partnership between the company and F1 team Red Bull Racing and is described in Aston’s own words as “bespoke from the tires up.” When […]
Porcelain artwork to be celebrated at Tokyo’s Keio Plaza Hotel
Traditional Japanese artwork will be celebrated at the annual Summer Festival of Arita/Imari Porcelains, on in Tokyo from July 1 to August 7. Arita/Imari Porcelain Made in the town of Arita (northwestern Kyūshū) since the 17th century, the pottery was exported principally from the port of Imari, Saga, hence the two names. Early Arita ware can be […]
Philippine Department of Tourism-LA and Majestic Vacations launch “Philippine Travel Gems” Facebook Photo Contest
LOS ANGELES, CA (Mabuhay) -– Beginning July 1 through November 30, 2016, the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles and Majestic Vacations are holding an exciting online promotional campaign: “Philippine Travel Gems” Facebook Photo Contest. These travel and tourism industry partners are teaming up with Philippine Airlines to get Facebook users and travelers to the Philippines […]
The new Porsche Panamera: a leaner, meaner executive racing automobile
The new Porsche Panamera takes lessons, rather than simply design cues form the latest generation 911. It uses an exotic cocktail of construction materials to increase rigidity while shedding the pounds but when it comes to its look and feel it is finally coming into its own. “Its strengths have been reinforced, its weaknesses eradicated […]
French foie gras industry struggling after bird flu scare
France’s foie gras industry is struggling with the fallout of a bird flu scare that has led to a 25 percent drop in production of the controversial delicacy. Jean-Jacques Caspari of the foie gras industry association CIFOG warned Tuesday of shortages and soaring prices that were likely to last even beyond this year’s festive season. […]
Vespa (Red) and Bill Gates fight AIDS
Piaggio is launching a (RED) edition of its iconic Vespa moped, with philanthropist Bill Gates also on board. Each special edition Vespa sold will generate $150 toward the activities of the Global Fund for the battle against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, Piaggio said. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the main global […]
Japan Michelin-star restaurant closed after food poisoning
A Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant specialising in a refined — and pricey — traditional cuisine has been ordered to temporarily close after customers came down with food poisoning, an official said Wednesday. A total of 14 customers suffered from stomach pain and diarrhoea after eating sea urchin, squid and other seafoods at the Kita Kamakura Saryo […]
Japanese ‘naked restaurant’ to ban overweight diners
Japan’s first “naked restaurant” opens in Tokyo next month with draconian rules of entry — podgy prospective diners will be weighed and ejected if found to be too fat. Following the lead of establishments in London and Melbourne, “The Amrita” — Sanskrit for ‘immortality’ — also has strict age restrictions, with only patrons between 18 […]
Tesla adds new lower cost Model S options
On Thursday without prior notice or any fanfare, US electric car company Tesla added a new entry-level model to its premium line of plug-in executive sedans. The Model S60 is available to order now and buyers plumping for the $66,000 car will get a 210-mile-range car capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in under 6 seconds […]
Thousands flock to posh Paris flash mob picnic
It’s the world’s classiest flash mob, when a highly selective group of guerrilla gourmets armed with picnic baskets and linen napkins take over a famous landmark. The latest “Diner en Blanc” (Dinner in White) took place in Paris Wednesday when some 7,000 people dressed in white from head to toe descended on the swanky Place […]
Euro 2016 host cities: things to see and do in Bordeaux
After being picked to host the 2016 UEFA European Championship, which runs June 10 to July 10, France will be welcoming soccer fans to matches in 10 of its cities. In Bordeaux, players and supporters will be heading to games at the Matmut Atlantique stadium. Here’s a look at a few things awaiting fans of […]
Washington in sights of Michelin dining guide
Hungry for a new fine dining frontier, Michelin’s fabled guide is rolling into the US capital city for the first time, officials said Tuesday. Anonymous Michelin inspectors are already out dining their way across Washington, the fourth US city to get its own guide. The guide goes on sale in October, covering just the federal […]
‘Cake Boss’ renewed for at least 2 more seasons
TLC has renewed the popular docuseries “Cake Boss” for an eighth and ninth season, with a total of 30 more episodes,Multichannel reports. “Cake Boss” follows pastry chef Buddy Valastro and his team including his four sisters, two brothers-in-law and cousins, as they run the family bakery. The show has a large, engaged fan base around the […]
Boracay resort finalist at World Spa Awards
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan (PNA) – A spa and wellness resort in this tourist island was chosen as one of the nominees for the 2nd World Spa Awards. Mandala Spa and Resort Villas has been nominated in two categories, particularly, Asia’s Best Wellness Retreat and Philippines’ Best Wellness Retreat. Situated in a private area in this […]
Bigger, better now tour 2016 announces new dates, fun-filled program for next-gen Fil-Ams
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Next generation Filipino-Americans aged 18 to 44 looking for excitement and adventure in the Philippines may now sign up for the “Now Philippines Tour” or simply, NOW Tour 2016, to be held on new dates 26 August – 3 September 2016 in Manila, Cebu, and Dumaguete. The NOW Tour 2016 is organized by The […]
Paris tourism hit by attacks, protests
Already suffering from the impact of last year’s jihadist attacks, tourism in Paris faces a fresh challenge from the recent wave of violent strikes and protests, tourism bosses warned on Monday. Hotel bookings by Japanese visitors were down 56 percent in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2015, while […]
UberEATS launches in Singapore
UberEATS launches Wednesday in Singapore, the app’s first Asian market, reports TechCrunch. Singaporeans can now download Uber’s standalone food delivery app and order from around 100 of the city’s restaurants. Although deliveries are at the moment limited to Singapore’s Central Area, the city’s main business and commerce center, Uber has promised that it will be expanding its […]
Obama drop-in for pork soup stuns Vietnam street shop owner
She has ladled out countless bowls of her pork noodle soup, but the owner of a Hanoi streetside restaurant says she was stunned when Barack Obama strolled in, pulled up a plastic stool and slurped down Vietnam’s famed “bun cha” delicacy. The US president slipped away from his hectic Vietnam visit on Monday night to […]
Google to open Detroit-area autonomous car center
Google announced plans Wednesday to open a Detroit-area technology center for its self-driving car program. The new center in Novi, Michigan, will house engineers and others testing vehicles provided by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, a statement by Google parent Alphabet said. “For the past few years, members of our team have been working from the Greater […]
Lane Crawford links with Luxe City Guides for tailored luxury travel project
Hong Kong fashion brand Lane Crawford has joined forces with Luxe City Guides in a bid to boost its travel retail appeal. The collaboration will see the duo create itineraries for five luxury trips – each built around a theme tying into the destination: “Fashion in New York,” “Culture in Paris,” “Wellness in Los Angeles,” […]
Canada approves genetically modified salmon for food
Canada’s health ministry on Thursday approved a type of genetically modified salmon as safe to eat, making it the first transgenic animal destined for Canadian dinner tables. This comes six months after US authorities gave the green light to sell the fish in American grocery stores. The decisions by Health Canada and the US Food […]
Uber goes public with self-driving test
Ride-hailing service Uber has detailed something of its approach to testing self-driving cars in Pittsburgh, northeast USA, where a hybrid Ford Fusion has been outfitted with an array of sensors. The self-driving car carries “radars, laser scanners and high resolution scanners” that help fulfill the vehicle’s dual purpose of collecting mapping data and testing self-drive […]
Japan predicted to become biggest tipplers of bubbly in Asia-Pacific by 2019
Japanese consumers seem to be developing quite a taste for bubbly, with a recent study predicting that Japan will become the largest market for sparkling wines in Asia-Pacific over the next five years. According to a Vinexpo study, the consumption of sparkling wine in Japan is forecast to grow 23 percent between 2015 and 2019, […]
Chef Claude Tayag to showcase ‘Flavors of The Philippines’ in annual Embassy Chef Challenge
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The “Flavors of the Philippines” is getting ready to take the largest diplomatic community in the world by storm at the 8th annual Embassy Chef Challenge that will be held on 25 May 2016 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. As Washington’s leading international culinary event, the Embassy […]
Apple invests $1 billion in China taxi app Didi
Apple has invested $1 billion in Chinese ride hailing app Didi Chuxing, the Beijing company said Friday as it vies with bitter US-based rival Uber for market share in China. The injection was the “single largest investment the company has ever received,” said Didi, which dominates the car-hailing sector in China and says it has […]
After online groceries, Amazon launches into meal kit delivery
The American e-commerce giant has clearly got a taste for the food industry. After launching its own online grocery business, Amazon is now expanding into meal kit delivery in the USA. The web giant’s AmazonFresh grocery delivery subsidiary has joined forces with meat-monger Tyson Foods to develop a service delivering meal kits directly to the […]
4th Historic Filipinotown PHL Independence Day Parade June 4
Los Angeles – The 4th Historic Filipinotown PH Independence Parade Committee (4HFTIDC) cordially invites all Filipino-American organizations to participate in the 4th Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan Parade on June 4 beginning at 9 a.m. Organizers said assembly time is scheduled at 8 a.m. at the assembly area in front of the Silver Lake Medical Center (SLMC). […]
65% of Americans traveling outside the U.S. will use mobile data to check in with loved ones back home
You can now be connected in 100+ countries with Verizon TravelPass NEW YORK – A new survey reveals one in three Americans is planning to travel outside of the U.S. in the next year. Of those traveling internationally, a whopping 80 percent plan to use their phone and data on their phone with 65 percent […]
NY Times throws food delivery into business mix
The New York Times has cooked up a new business idea, delivering meal kits that are linked to its interactive recipe website and mobile application. The big US daily announced a tie-up Thursday with online meal preparer Chef’d that will allow Times readers to get home delivery of recipes featured by the newspaper. As part […]
Ferrari confirms convertible LaFerrari
A drop-top ‘Spider’ version of the most powerful and fastest production Ferrari in history is in development. In his first official interview since taking over from Amedeo Felisa as Ferrari’s CEO this month, Sergio Marchionne told the press that recent rumors about a new hypercar to replace the completely sold-out multi-million-dollar LaFerrari are true. “[The Spider] is […]
Looking out over the ocean can improve mental health, says new study
A new study published this week in the journal Health & Place has for the first time found a link between mental health and a view of the sea or ocean. Carried out by researchers from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand and Michigan State University in the US, the study looked at a possible association […]
Bradley mingles with fans, eats Pinoy food
By Abner Galino Former two-time WBO welterweight champion Timothy Ray “Tim” Bradley recently showed great adoration for Filipino fans, and as well as for Filipino food, despite a recent loss to boxing icon Manny Pacquiao. “The Filipino fans, they showed great love and respect. The Filipino community where I live, you know, they embraced me, […]
Gourmet restaurant on the Orient Express steams into France this summer
The legendary train is set to rise from the ashes in the form of a mobile pop-up gastronomic restaurant with triple Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno at the helm. La Table Orient Express will be calling at stations in Cannes, Paris and Bordeaux, France between May 3 and July 30. Immortalized by Agatha Christie’s “Murder on […]
McDonald’s trialing new Big Mac sizes to challenge competitors
McDonald’s is currently trying out two new sizes of its iconic burger in the USA. The chain hasn’t changed the recipe of its famous Big Mac, using exactly the same ingredients, but is experimenting with their quantities, trialing larger and smaller Big Mac burgers alongside the original. In a bid to keep customers happy and […]
Mercedes-Benz unveils first-ever luxury motor yacht
Luxury car marque Mercedes-Benz has celebrated the world premiere of its luxury motor yacht “Arrow460–Granturismo” on France’s Côte d’Azur, setting the vessel out on its maiden voyage off the coast of Nice. The 14-meter long, 706 kW (960 hp) “Silver Arrow of the Seas” combines the performance of Mercedes-Benz sports cars with unique innovations from […]
Lonely Planet releases guide to national parks of America
Lonely Planet has released a new title in honor of the 100th anniversary of the US National Park Service this summer, covering all 59 parks in a single guide. Lonely Planet’s “National Parks of America” is a hardcover edition that features landscape photography and original wildlife illustrations of the country’s 59 national parks. The book […]
Batman and Superman attractions coming to theme park in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi will be the set of a new $1 billion theme park that will feature popular superhero characters such as Batman and Superman, as well as the world’s first Warner Bros. branded hotel. The Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi theme park will be built on Yas Island, already home to the world’s first Ferrari-branded […]
Order books open for the Ford GT
The first new supercar from Ford in over a decade will be limited to just 250 examples a year and each one is expected to cost a minimum of $450,000. Yet despite the huge price tag that puts the car on a par with the biggest and best efforts in the current Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini […]
Taiwan launches tourism campaign in LA
By Abner Galino A campaign to attract North American tourists, dubbed as “Best of Taste Taiwan,” was recently launched in Los Angeles by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau. The campaign, which emphasizes Taiwan’s “heart of Asia” geographical location, strives to convince people why the country is a “perfect destination for both long-haul and stopover visits.” At the center […]
Cebu Pacific becomes first airline in Asia-Pacific to order ergonomic seats for new Airbus fleet
By Azer N. Parrocha MANILA (PNA) – Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific on Tuesday announced that it has order the SL3510 seat model from Recaro Aircraft Seating for its brand-new fleet of 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft, making it the first airline in the Asia-Pacific region to order this seat model. The Recaro SL3510, at around 9 […]
Chef Ferran Adrià creates Disney-inspired recipes for kids
What do you get when you cross legendary Michelin-starred Spanish chef Ferran Adrià with fictional and animated Disney characters? Recipes like chickpeas and spinach, fit for a Jedi, eggplant padawan, and The Jungle Book juice. It’s an unlikely and surprising partnership. Kind of like a storyline about a Paris rat cooking at a fancy, gastronomic […]
Tesla Model S gets a 2017 facelift
On Tuesday, California-based electric car company Tesla took the wraps off a heavily refreshed version of its full-size luxury sedan. April is proving to be a very busy month for Tesla. After revealing an all-new affordable compact sedan, the Model 3 (and generating over 200,000 orders as a result), and issuing a safety recall for […]
‘Pista’y Dayat’ to kick off April 22 with beach party
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, April 12 (PNA) – People attending the annual Pista’y Dayat (sea festival) of the province of Pangasinan will be welcomed through a beach party when this year’s revelry starts on April 22 at the Capitol beachfront here. Dubbed as “I Love Pangasinan” beach rave concert/party, the kickoff concert at night will be preceded […]
Nissan GT-R claims drifting speed record
A specially tuned Nissan GT-R has entered the record books with a drifting speed of 304.96 kmh (189.49 mph) at a 30 degree angle at Fujairah International Airport, United Arab Emirates. Driving the current generation model Nissan GT-R, which was tuned to 1380 HP with the aid of Nismo specialists, was champion Japanese drifter Masato […]
Dubai to build tower taller than Burj Khalifa
Dubai plans to build a tower that will stand higher than its Burj Khalifa, currently the world’s tallest skyscraper, property developer Emaar said Sunday. The viewing tower will cost around $1 billion (880 million euros) and will be “a notch” taller than Burj Khalifa, Emaar chairman Mohamed Alabbar told reporters as he revealed details of […]
Journey at Pechanga hosts for the 4th time the exclusive Kore 2016 Pro-Am
Kore 2016 Pro-Am comes back to Journey at Pechanga on April 3 and 4, 2016. Pechanga is holding the tournament at their resort for the fourth year as the proud official sponsor. Journey at Pechanga is Pechanga Resort & Casino’s premiere championship golf course, already well known among many Asian golfers. This year, 26 talented LPGA golfers were […]
Can Polestar drive into the mainstream?
BMW has its M cars, there are a host of AMG-powered Mercedes, the Audi RS range is getting bigger and faster by the month and now Volvo wants a bigger slice of the luxury sports car market. Volvo’s Polestar division focuses predominantly on track cars but since 2014 has been officially working its magic on […]
Cut the calories when eating out in different types of restaurant
Eating out can be tough for dieters following a weight-loss program since it’s all too easy to give in to temptation. In fact, a main course, a dessert and a glass of wine can easily add up to 1,000 calories. However, there’s no need to miss out on a great evening with friends, as it’s always […]
M&M fans invited to vote on newest peanut-flavored line-up
The company behind the beloved chocolate-covered peanut treats is asking its American fans to decide on the newest addition to the M&M family to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Dubbed a nationwide Flavor Vote, Mars Chocolate North America has given consumers the chance to pick a new flavor combination of M&M’s. Voters can express their choice […]
Toyota moves mountains to improve mobility
Toyota is examining how to ensure older people — even in the most remote regions — can remain mobile and healthy with a new three-year project in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture. The Asuke Mobility Project is a 360-million-yen ($3.2 million) undertaking in partnership with Nagoya University that will do more than simply provide the city’s elderly […]
Cut the calories when eating out in different types of restaurant
Eating out can be tough for dieters following a weight-loss program since it’s all too easy to give in to temptation. In fact, a main course, a dessert and a glass of wine can easily add up to 1,000 calories. However, there’s no need to miss out on a great evening with friends, as it’s always […]
Domino’s to trial robots for pizza delivery
Fast food giant Domino’s is to trial pizza delivery robots in New Zealand, it said Friday, describing the hi-tech, driverless units as a world first. In a move enthusiastically backed by the New Zealand government, Domino’s said it was working with authorities on plans to roll out its DRU (Domino’s Robotic Unit). The four-wheeler, developed […]
Toyota unleashes new Prius Prime
Toyota unveiled its new Prius Prime on Wednesday at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, featuring an efficient model with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The new Prius boasts the highest MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) of any plug-in hybrid, running on an estimated 120 or more MPGe — making it 26 percent more efficient […]
Michelin launching guide in Seoul signals rise of neo-Korean cuisine
News that Michelin will be launching its first hotel and restaurant guide for Seoul is the latest sign pointing to the city’s burgeoning fine dining scene and rise of neo-Korean cuisine. In a few weeks, the bustling South Korean capital will be crawling with anonymous Michelin inspectors, who possess the power to pronounce which restaurants […]
Prehistoric kitchen tools boosted human evolution: study
Developing tools with which to slice and mash their food meant our ancestors needed to chew much less, leaving more time for honing language and other skills instead, evolutionary scientists said Wednesday. About 2.5 million years ago, a big shift was observed in the hominin family comprising modern humans and all our ancestors — away […]
Subaru teases new Impreza ahead of New York
The 2016 New York Auto Show has been chosen as the location for the global debut of an all-new production ready Subaru. The Impreza is legendary for its blend of practicality and all-wheel-drive performance and although it’s lost its way in recent years, company bosses are promising that the new car will right some of […]
Ferrari signs preliminary deal for theme park in China
Ferrari announced Thursday that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with two Chinese companies to build a theme park in China. The non-binding deal with Beijing Automotive and Biac Eternaland Property will, if implemented, see the two Chinese companies licensed to establish the park in a still-to-be-decided Chinese city. The luxury sportscar maker and […]
Hilton partners with Peach Dish for ‘ready meal’ service
Guests staying at the Hilton’s Homewood Suites can now order pre-portioned meal kits so that they can prepare home-cooked meals while on holiday. Hilton will test the service, which will give guests discounted access to Peach Dish’s services, at its Atlanta and Dallas suites. If the three-month trial is successful it will be rolled out […]
S. Korea and Singapore nab top spot in world’s best airport ranking
Asia can claim bragging rights to being home to the world’s best airports, with South Korea, Singapore, and China taking the top three spots in a new airport ranking. Results of the 2015 Airport Service Quality Awards suggest that flyers passing through the major hubs in Asia are more likely to be satisfied with their […]
BMW marks 100 years with a next century concept car
Unveiled on Monday, the BMW Vision Next 100 is a glimpse at what the average premium car will look like in 2116, as the German luxury and sportscar firm marks its first century in business. The zero emissions concept is also zero compromise in that it uses cutting edge technology and learning algorithms to tailor […]
World’s costliest train station to open at site of NY’s 9/11 tragedy
New York on Thursday opens the most expensive train station in the world, on the site of the World Trade Center destroyed 14 years ago in the 9/11 attacks. Twelve years in the making, there will be no official ceremony to mark the 3 pm opening to rail commuters of the World Trade Center Transportation […]
Asia’s tuk-tuks providing a wheel boost to Africa
Omnipresent on the chaotic streets of Mumbai, Jakarta and Bangkok, Asia’s three-wheeled “tuk-tuk” has now come to Africa — and with a two-fold bonus: providing much-needed jobs and slashing accidents. Cheap to run and safer than the traditional motorcycle taxi, the auto-rickshaw is an increasingly common sight trundling along the traffic-choked streets of the continent’s […]
The top 10 cities with the best downtowns in the US
Alexandria, Virginia has been named the best downtown in America in a new list looking at small to mid-size cities. Livability.com, a community marketing agency, released their list of The Top 10 Best Downtowns 2016, giving Alexandria the top spot over 2,000 cities. Using data from the US Census Bureau, US Department of Agriculture and […]
Parents are grumpy about Disney’s price hikes at the happiest place on earth
There’s a lot of grumbling about the happiest place on earth following news that Disney is hiking admission prices in an effort to ease traffic during peak season. Introduced this week, Disney’s new tiered system for one-day tickets will make visits to the parks more expensive during peak periods like spring break, the winter holidays […]
Carl’s Jr. opens first restaurant in Japan as part of Asian expansion
The opening of Japan’s first Carl’s Jr. burger joint in Tokyo attracted snaking lines and overnight visitors over the weekend, with customers willing to wait hours for their first bite and the chance to win a year’s worth of free burgers. Parent company CKE Restaurant Holdings is hoping to capitalize on the largest burger market […]
Italy global wine market king, US top tippler: study
Italy was the biggest exporter and producer of wine in the world in 2015, while the United States consumed the most of the Mediterranean country’s prized nectar, a study published Wednesday showed. “Today, one bottle of wine exported in five is made in Italy, the biggest wine exporter in the world,” Italy’s Coldiretti agricultural association […]
Where Americans traveled to most in 2015
Las Vegas was the most popular domestic vacation spot for US travelers last year, while London outranked Paris and Rome to be the most popular international destination. That’s according to the latest Hotel Price Index from Hotels.com, which provides a sweeping look at where Americans traveled in 2015; the types of deals they got; and […]
Jessica Biel’s Au Fudge family restaurant opening this week
Hollywood actress Jessica Biel opens her family-friendly restaurant Au Fudge later this week With the idea to cater to both adults and children, Au Fudge, which shared a sneak peek with Eater, has a menu for everyone, delivering organic, healthy and wholesome dishes such as caesar salad with quinoa, but also crowd pleasers such as beef […]
Obamas to headline South by Southwest festival
US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama were announced Wednesday as headliners of South by Southwest, the celebrated showcase of cutting-edge technology and music. Obama will be the first sitting president to appear at the closely watched annual conference in Austin, Texas, famous for providing early exposure to platforms such as Twitter, Foursquare […]
Morgan three-wheels into the future
Eccentric boutique British carmaker Morgan, famed for its creations that use the 1930s and 40s as its design touchstones, has come right up to date for this year’s Geneva Motor Show with its first plug-in electric vehicle. However despite meeting 21st century needs, there is no mistaking that the EV3 is anything other than a […]
Bugs are recipe for success for French pasta maker
An artisanal pasta-maker in northeastern France is struggling to meet demand after adding a crunchy, protein-rich ingredient to the noodles: insects. “The name of the ingredient may be a turnoff, but it’s really delicious, especially with game meat,” smiles Alain Limon as he spreads cricket-flavoured fusilli on a drying rack. Limon, 52, is the only […]
Sneaker label Vans celebrate their 50th Anniversary with music concerts around the world
Sneaker label Vans have announced that they are to celebrate their 50th anniversary with a series of music concerts around the world, with acts such as Wu Tang Clan, Erykah Badu, Nas, and Jamie XX all taking part. The events will take place later this month between March 16 and 19. A full list of acts and […]
Restaurants get temporary reprieve in New York salt war
A New York court on Monday temporarily stopped the city from issuing fines to chain restaurants that don’t specifically label very salty items on their menus. New York is the first US city to adopt salt warnings on restaurant menus for food containing more than the daily recommended limit of 2.3 grams of sodium — […]
Lotus launches lightweight offensive
British-based boutique sportscar maker Lotus is bringing four, superlight, superfast new models to this year’s Geneva Motorshow. Lotus has put each of its current models on a crash diet in order to shed pounds and increase power to weight ratios. The result, the company claims, is a fleet of four models that when revealed in […]
Ultimate Heartthrobs Piolo & Sam with ‘Pokwang’ & Darren Live at Pechanga in March
Two of the most sought after young Filipino actors, both on screen, cinema and singing sensation, Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby – along with comedian extraordinaire, ‘Pokwang’ and budding male actor Darren Espanto, in one of a kind performance ever will lead the pack of performers live at Pechanga Resort & Casino on March 26 at 8p.m. and March 27 at 5pm. Pechanga Resort & Casino […]
Maserati plugs a leak and a gap in its range with the Levante
Maserati has been forced to show its hand and its first ever SUV ahead of its official reveal in Geneva next week, thanks to internet leaks. Even if the reveal hasn’t gone to plan, the car in question, the Levante, will be a welcome edition to the premium SUV market and one that, based on […]
Chocolate fries: sweet saviour or last gamble for McDonald’s Japan?
Customers like Shigeaki Yamaguchi may be the last hope for McDonald’s Japan as it battles slumping sales in the wake of an embarrassing string of food scandals. At a location in Tokyo’s busy Shinjuku district, Yamaguchi munched on the chain’s newest culinary offering — french fries drizzled in brown and white chocolate syrup. “Delicious,” the […]
Disney details more ‘Star Wars’ Land features
A new “Star Wars”-themed land, being prepared for Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida, was teased with some extra information during TV retrospective “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60,” which aired Sunday night. The new theme park attraction is being modeled after a “remote, outpost planet” where it will be possible […]
Fun and self-discovery await next-gen Filipino-Americans on now tour 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Filipino-Americans aged 18 to 44 have the chance to rediscover their roots while taking on an exciting adventure in the Philippines by joining the “Now Philippines Tour” or simply, NOW Tour 2016, to be held on 7-14 April 2016 in the key destinations of Manila, Dumaguete and Cebu. “Wherever I go in the United States, […]
Lexus hybrid sports coupé set for Geneva debut
Toyota’s luxury marque, Lexus will be taking the wraps off a production-ready hybrid version of its flagship LC 500 that promises greater enjoyment as well as lower emissions. It will be badged the LC500h to avoid any confusion and will use the company’s new multi-stage hybrid system so that it offers more than simply greater […]
Ford plans SUVs for the whole family
Projected demand for rugged off-roaders and crossovers among Millennial and baby boomer drivers means that Ford is aiming to launch four brand new SUVs over the next four years. Ford’s latest research shows that for Millennials, the SUV style appeals more than any other and that, when younger drivers start thinking about starting a family, […]
Burger King to begin selling hot dogs with Snoop Dogg
US fast food chain Burger King wants to be the king of the hot dog, and has enlisted the help of rapper Snoop Dogg and singer Charo to help sell their newest menu addition. Starting later this month, the burger behemoth will begin throwing weiners on the grill to sell alongside their signature Whoppers. The […]
Ford’s new racing pickup is designed to make customers take stock
(Relaxnews) − Based on the already formidable F150 Raptor, the new model has been put together to compete in a new desert off-road racing class—factory stock. So, although the truck has been given some serious attention from Ford’s Performance division, all that has been added are race-optimized front and rear springs and some special Fox […]
PAL announces the launching of its non-stop LAX-Cebu flight on March 15
By Joy Marino LOS ANGELES − Philippine Airlines is expanding its United States service with the launching of its non-stop flight from Los Angeles to Cebu, an executive of the Philippines’ national flag carrier announced. The launch of the flights between Cebu and Los Angeles coincides with the airline’s 75th founding anniversary on March 15, […]
Why you may need to add wine to your Super Bowl shopping list
(Relaxnews) – Though beer has traditionally been the beverage of choice during the Super Bowl, the results of a new survey show that viewers are increasingly reaching for wine and spirits during the big game. According to a Nielsen study conducted by Harris Poll, 20 percent of Super Bowl spectators said they plan to drink […]
Aruba resort named most romantic hotel in the world: TripAdvisor
(Relaxnews) – Looking for a hotel that comes with a foolproof romance guarantee? Guests have vouched for an adults-only boutique in Aruba set against white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, helping it snag the title of world’s most romantic hotel. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, TripAdvisor has released a list of the most romantic […]
When is a new Honda worth twice as much as a new Rolls-Royce?
(Relaxnews) – It’s not a trick question and the answer is simple — when both cars are sold at auction. Hondas are many things — well built, reliable, practical — but collectible is usually not one of them. However, this weekend, a brand new Honda Acura NSX supercar, complete with VIN number 001 to indicate […]
Coffee diet woos Americans with ‘Bulletproof’ pledge
(Los Angeles-AFP) – A new coffee diet claiming to help lose weight and improve IQ is gaining a major following in the United States — and raising eyebrows among doctors skeptical of its benefits. Dave Asprey, the founder and CEO of the “Bulletproof Diet,” pulls no punches when making claims for his radical health recipe, […]
Five romantic locations to pop the question this Valentine’s Day
(Relaxnews) – With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, marriage proposals are often in the air at this time of year. Here’s a look at five original spots to get down on one knee in an extra-special setting. An exotic escapade to the Savoy Resort & Spa, Seychelles What better way to celebrate Valentine’s day […]
Can Japan overtake the US as the place to test autonomous driving tech?
(Relaxnews) – Following Toyota and Nissan, Bosch is the latest car company to realize the benefits that Japan offers as a location for developing and testing autonomous driving technologies in real-world conditions. The company is setting up a dedicated facility in the country with the aim of having a highway pilot system — that can […]
Celebrate Lunar New Year of The Monkey with lucky red envelopes promo, lion dance at Pechanga Resort & Casino
Lucky Red Envelopes Swipe & Win To enhance the festive atmosphere at the property, Pechanga lets players become even luckier with the “Lucky Red Envelopes” promotion this February. On Tuesdays and Thursdays in February from 1:00p.m. to 9:00p.m., Pechanga Club Card holders can swipe their member card at kiosks across from the Pechanga Box Office […]
Pizza a go-to for many Americans when stressed
(Relaxnews) – The Harris Poll has conducted a survey into the eating habits of Americans during times of stress and found that 53% admit to eating more when going through a difficult time and 67% say they have a favorite comfort food that they go to for relief. The Harris Poll, which surveyed 2,252 US […]
‘Wild World of Orchids’ arrives March 4-6, 2016
Orchid lovers, flower fans and admirers of all things wild and wonderful, save the dates! On March 4 – 6, 2016, Santa Barbara International Orchid Show (www.SBOrchidShow.com) returns to Earl Warren Showgrounds in beautiful Santa Barbara, California. Thousands of blooms in every imaginable shape, color, pattern and texture, will be showcased at the show, one of the country’s largest and […]
Ferrari’s GT car for sunnier climes to get Handling Speciale option
(Relaxnews) – Due to be officially unveiled at the Geneva motor show on March 1, the Ferrari California T Handling Speciale (HS) promises to raise the car’s game so that its poise in the bends is equal to its visual panache. Ferrari says that it has overhauled the California’s suspension setup, developed new springs, addressed […]
Japanese kabuki set to perform in glitzy Las Vegas
(Tokyo, Japan-AFP) – Japan’s elaborate all-male kabuki theatre is heading to glitzy Las Vegas for a series of paid shows, organisers said Monday, in a bid to spread the classical Japanese art form to a global audience. Japanese film and theatre company Shochiku said it would present the “Japan Kabuki Festival” in May, including a […]
£150-ticket street party for Queen Elizabeth’s 90th
(London-AFP) – Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her 90th birthday with a street party for 10,000 people outside Buckingham Palace, her grandson said Friday — although tickets will not come cheap at £150 ($215, 200 euros). Peter Phillips, the queen’s eldest grandchild and son of Princess Anne, is organising the Patron’s Lunch, which he said […]
Sole search: Taiwan’s giant ‘shoe church’ gains foothold
(Taipei-AFP) – A giant blue stiletto heel dubbed Taiwan’s “shoe church” is bringing a touch of oversized glamour to the island’s southern coast. The shoe is not a place of worship but its creators hope it will attract enamoured couples as a backdrop for their wedding photos, hence the name. It is the latest bid […]
Why 2016 is being called ‘The Year of the American Traveler’
(Relaxnews) – The year 2016 has been declared “The Year of the American Traveler,” thanks to the strength of the US dollar, plummeting oil prices, relaxed visa rules and Cuba. It’s a bold declaration made by experts at the New York-based market research platform Skift, who paint an optimistic picture of the coming year and […]
Limited edition ‘Year Of The Monkey’ collection
The collection features exclusive Asian tea-inspired chocolates and kicks off the chocolatier’s 90th Anniversary New York (Jan. 11, 2016) – In celebration of Lunar New Year, legendary Belgian chocolatier GODIVA debuted the Year of the Monkey collection in North America. Building off of the success of its previous Lunar New Year collections, including last year’s […]
Vatican cookbook dishes on favorite papal dishes
(Relaxnews) – Want to eat like a pope? A cookbook featuring dishes eaten at the Vatican is set to be released in English after first being released in German in 2014. In addition to shedding light on the types of meals eaten by members of the Swiss Guard — elite soldiers who protect the pope […]
GM unveils Bolt electric car in Vegas
(Las Vegas-AFP) – General Motors on Wednesday unveiled the production version of its Chevrolet Bolt electric car, on which the US auto giant is pinning its hopes for the emerging segment. The Bolt aims to appeal to consumers looking at a more affordable price tag than the luxury, market-leading Tesla. “It’s more than a car, […]
Will 2016 mark the beginning of the end of automotive design?
(Relaxnews) – Renowned car designer Chris Bangle explains why he is getting animated, quite literally, about the future of automotive design and how if, as he fears, designers are about to be replaced by software, that their unique talents could be the key to bringing a human feel to robotics instead. “I am concerned that […]
New study looks at 2016 travel habits of English, French and Spanish speakers
(Relaxnews) – An international study by travel platform U2GUIDE shows that 66% of Anglophone travelers choose adventure when looking to their next vacation, as opposed to 63% for Hispanophones and 56% for Francophones. The global sum-up studied men and women from Anglophone (primarily the United States and the United Kingdom), Francophone (primarily France and Canada) […]
Embassy launches ‘Visit Philippines Again 2016’ in Iraq
BAGHDAD – The Philippine Embassy is hoping to convince more Iraqis to travel to Manila in the coming months following the launching of the Visit the Philippines Again 2016 tourism promotion program in Baghdad. The launching of the sequel to the Department of Tourism’s successful Visit the Philippines 2015 program was the highlight of the […]
New York public wifi hotspots: installation begins
(Relaxnews) – First announced in July 2014, New York is now getting public wifi hubs throughout the city. Installation began on December 28, the Verge reports. The Big Apple’s first free wifi hub has been installed in the East Village, although New Yorkers will have to wait a few weeks until it can be used. The gigabit […]
Architectural highlights of 2015
(Relaxnews) – 2015 saw the completion of several outstanding projects in architecture over the course of the year. From the new Philharmonic in Paris to a new business school in Sydney, here are some of the more remarkable feats in architecture from the last 12 months. The Shanghai Tower The Shanghai Tower in China is […]
Mapping the journey towards self-driving cars
(Relaxnews) – Tesla may have pushed out the ability to abdicate driving responsibility while highway cruising via little more than an over-the-air software update and Audi is currently prepping a sedan to dazzle the crowds at the International CES this January with its autonomous capabilities. But one thing is clear, 2016 will not be the […]
Holiday recipes from top Paris chefs: Lobster and Jerusalem artichokes by Christophe Saintagne at Le Meurice
(Relaxnews) – End-of-year festivities are drawing near. This week Relaxnews provides you with recipes from top chefs in Paris to add a gourmet French touch to your Christmas menu. Today, Christophe Saintagne, who is head chef at the luxury hotel Le Meurice and will be setting off to open his own restaurant in January, gives […]
Tesla and Spotify team to offer first-ever premium service
(Paris-Relaxnews) – Tesla has joined forces with digital music service Spotify to offer drivers of its cars outside the US unlimited Spotify Premium with no data charges. While Spotify has previously announced automotive partnerships with Ford and BMW/Mini and is integrated with CarPlay and Android Auto, Tesla’s is the only deal exempt from extra charges. […]
Japan premium beef, melons get brand protection
(Tokyo, Japan-AFP) – Champagne, Melton Mowbray pork pies and Gorgonzola cheese are to be joined by Kobe beef and eye-wateringly expensive Yubari melons as protected products after Japan Tuesday granted them a special status. A total of seven products including Kobe beef and the melons from the northern of island of Hokkaido were added to […]
SpaceX rocket landing opens ‘new door’ to space travel
(Miami, United States-AFP) – SpaceX successfully landed its powerful Falcon 9 rocket Monday for the first time, a major milestone in the drive to cut costs and waste by making rockets as reusable as airplanes. Its engines burning bright orange against the dark night sky, the Falcon 9 made a graceful arc back to Earth […]
Holiday recipes from top Paris chefs: Lobster and Jerusalem artichokes by Christophe Saintagne at Le Meurice
(Relaxnews) – End-of-year festivities are drawing near. This week Relaxnews provides you with recipes from top chefs in Paris to add a gourmet French touch to your Christmas menu. Today, Christophe Saintagne, who is head chef at the luxury hotel Le Meurice and will be setting off to open his own restaurant in January, gives […]
Five tips to get you through festive mealtimes
(Relaxnews) – 9e of year. Prevention is better than cure. Here are five tips to stop you from falling into the trap of excess. > Do some sport in the morning As you’ll be having a copious meal in the evening, you need to think about preparing early on in the day by doing some […]
Japan Airlines spreads ‘Peace’ around the world
(Relaxnews) – The Japanese flag carrier has teamed up with world-renowned GPS artist Yassan to make a truly global artistic message this festive season. Covering six continents and some 65,700 miles (105,734km) and with help from 107 people and a host of flights provided by oneworld alliance airlines, Yassan managed to use his GPS coordinates […]
Holiday recipes from top Paris chefs: Éric Frechon’s salmon baked in coarse sea salt and vegetables cooked with olive oil
(Relaxnews) – We’re in the final run-up to the year-end festivities. This week Relaxnews provides you with recipes from top chefs in Paris to add a gourmet French touch to your Christmas menu. Today, triple Michelin-starred Éric Frechon, who is the chef at the iconic Bristol hotel in Paris, gives us his recipe for salmon […]
Infiniti revs up for Detroit with new engines and models
(Relaxnews) – With less than a month to go before the Detroit motor show opens its doors to the world’s automotive press, Infiniti has unveiled a brand-new V6 engine plus two of the three new cars that will be making their debut at this year’s event. “We’re unwrapping a few presents early, prior to the […]
Harbin, China gets new opera house
(Relaxnews) – Beijing-based MAD Architects have completed construction of the Harbin Opera House in the northern Chinese city of Harbin but it is not yet open to the public. It is part of the Harbin Cultural Island project, which consists of the opera and a cultural center located along Harbin’s Songhua river. The complex covers […]
Car companies making the connection at CES
(Relaxnews) – In recent years the International Consumer Electronics Show has been reenergized as an event for providing consumers with a peek into the automotive world of the future and at this year’s show, which opens its doors on January 6, a new record is expected in terms of the number of automakers in attendance. […]
New Year celebrations around the world: New York
(Relaxnews) – Not many days from now, the planet will bid farewell to 2015 and welcome 2016 with open arms. We’re taking a world tour of the big cities where the New Year is a major cause for celebration. Let’s take a look at what’s planned in New York. The Big Apple is a must-do […]
Paris spreads some love with new social campaign
(Relaxnews) – A huge social media campaign has been launched to boost Paris’s profile in the wake of the city’s November terrorist attacks. #ParisWeLoveYou is an online solidarity movement that asks participants to upload a profile picture which will be collated into a giant mosaic expected to be unveiled in the French capital at a […]
New Year celebrations around the world: London
(Relaxnews) – Not many days from now, the planet will bid farewell to 2015 and welcome 2016 with open arms. We’re taking a world tour of the big cities where the New Year is a major cause for celebration. Let’s take a look at London in the UK. The UK capital celebrates New Year on […]
‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ theme park announces opening date
(Relaxnews) – Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that the “immersive experience” will open on April 7, 2016. Universal Studios Hollywood announced the opening date of the Harry Potter-inspired park, featuring the wizarding school Hogwarts, the magical village of Hogsmead, a Hippogriff rollercoaster and more. The park, located at the Entertainment Capital of L.A, contains eight retail […]
The BMW i8 could be available as a cabriolet in 2016
(Relaxnews) – BMW will soon be unveiling a new concept car to pave the way for a convertible version of its i8 electric sports car. Autocar reports that the concept will be revealed at the CES 2015, which will be held in Las Vegas in the US from January 6 to 9, 2016. It will […]
Joshua Tree National Park to offer free admission
WASHINGTON – The National Park Service turns 100 years old in 2016 and wants everyone to celebrate! All national parks, including Joshua Tree National Park will waive entrance fees on 16 special days in 2016. The 16 entrance fee-free days for 2016 will be: January 18 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day April 16-24 – National Park Week August […]
Porsche greenlights its first green supercar
(Relaxnews) – The Mission E, the 100% electric concept car that sent shockwaves of excitement through the crowds at September’s Frankfurt motor show is going into production. Turning the showcar into a production model is going to require €1 billion in investment, and the hiring of 1000 new employees. But, by keeping the promises made […]
World’s top nature photos to be projected onto St Peter’s
(Vatican City-AFP) – Images by some of the world’s greatest environmental photographers will be projected onto Saint Peter’s Basilica next week in solidarity with the climate change talks in Paris, the Vatican said Friday. From Brazilian Sebastiao Salgado to France’s Yann Arthus Bertrand and Britain’s Steve McCurry, photographers with a passion for the natural world […]
Japan bans French foie gras imports over bird flu virus
(Tokyo, Japan-AFP) – Japan has banned imports of French foie gras due to a bird flu outbreak, an agriculture ministry official said Friday. The ban, which became effective November 26, will be lifted 90 days after all affected French poultry farms finish culling their birds and conclude necessary sanitary procedures, the official told AFP. Japan […]
U2’s Bono writes Paris attacks song ahead of French gigs
(Paris-AFP) – U2 frontman Bono has written a song about the Paris attacks ahead of a defiant return to the French capital on Sunday that may also feature the Eagles of Death Metal whose show was targeted by the jihadists. The Irish rock band cancelled their shows in Paris earlier this month in the wake […]
Travel + Leisure names Panama archipelago top destination for 2016
(Relaxnews) – If you’re a nature-loving explorer looking for your next travel adventure, consider zeroing in on Panama, where Bocas del Toro — a collection nine tropical islands — was named the top destination of 2016 by editors of Travel + Leisure magazine. Their description of the region evokes a paradisiacal getaway for nature lovers, […]
St. Francis Winery tops OpenTable’s 2015 list
(Relaxnews) – Online reservation service OpenTable has revealed its list of the top 100 best restaurants in America, with the St. Francis Winery & Vineyards in Santa Rosa its number one pick. The ranking was derived through the use of more than 5 million restaurant reviews submitted by verified OpenTable users, covering over 20,000 restaurants […]
Saudi Arabia to build world’s tallest tower at one kilometer high
(Relaxnews) – Plans to build the world’s tallest tower in Saudi Arabia are forging ahead after funds for the final phase of the $2.2 billion project were secured earlier this week. The Middle East is set, once more, to become home to another record-breaking feat of architecture and engineering with the completion of the Jeddah […]
Britain’s Prince Charles frets about future of French cheese
(Paris-AFP) – Britain’s Prince Charles said Monday he feared for the very existence of traditional French cheeses as he received a prize in Paris for his long-term commitment to organic farming. Having spoken earlier at the opening of the key UN climate talks outside Paris, the heir to the throne was awarded the Francois Rabelais […]
Nashville fried chicken and acai bowls predicted to trend in 2016
(Relaxnews) – Hawaiian fish bowls, the “thermonuclear” flavors of Nashville fried chicken and turmeric are predicted to become major food trends in 2016 according to a restaurant consultant group. After keeping tabs on some of the new and emerging trends over the last year, New York-based group Baum + Whiteman released their crystal ball predictions […]
Porsche Turbo to muscle in on the Detroit auto show
(Relaxnews) – The flagship 911 model in hard top, soft top and even ‘S’ form will be making their first public appearance in January. As the fastest and most brutal road-focused cars in the iconic Porsche 911 range, the Turbo usually takes its bow in Geneva, alongside the latest offerings from Ferrari and Lamborghini, but […]
John Legend literally sings with the stars for Stella Artois holiday campaign
(Relaxnews) – Stella Artois has announced the debut of their holiday campaign song, featuring John Legend singing alongside the sound of actual stars. As part of Stella Artois’s holiday campaign “Give Beautifully,” singer John Legend has written and recorded “Under the Stars,” which pays homage to the brand’s name — Stella — meaning “star” in Latin. […]
New York City chain restaurants must now post salt warnings on menus
(Relaxnews) – New York has become the first city in the US to require chain restaurants to place warning labels on foods that contain excessively high salt. First proposed and passed unanimously in September, the new law requires restaurants with 15 or more locations nationwide to post the warning labels — a salt shaker inside […]
Rome banishes centurions, rickshaws over tourist scams
(Rome-AFP) – After two millennia, the last Centurions have finally been banished from Rome. As of Thursday men who dress up as soldiers of the ancient empire and offer to pose for tourist snaps in return for cash were banned from the streets around the Colosseum and the rest of the Eternal City. Drivers of […]
Honda Pilot gets a five-star safety rating
(Relaxnews) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given Honda’s mid-sized SUV its highest overall vehicle score. The award follows a similar five-star rating from NCAP in the US and an equally important Top Saftey Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), when the car is specified with optional crash […]
British Airways and Barcelona win big at NatGeo Traveller UK reader awards
(Relaxnews) – Barcelona beat out Paris and Rome to take the title of favorite short-haul city destination among readers of National Geographic Traveller UK. In their inaugural reader awards 2015, the British edition of NatGeo asked readers to vote for their favorite destinations, airlines, hotel groups, attractions and travel website. The arresting, surreal and whimsical […]
Italy farmers call for Christmas blacklist of planet-polluting food
(Rome-AFP) – Italy’s farmers on Sunday called for Alaskan salmon, Californian nuts and Peruvian asparagus to be banished from the nation’s Christmas tables to support efforts to stop global warming after the Paris climate summit. Instead, festive hosts looking to wow their guests should seek out locally-grown but less common fruit and vegetables such as […]
Gov. Brown leads unveiling of Bicycle Hotel and Casino in Bell Gardens
By Abner Galino CALIFORNIA Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday led the unveiling of the Bicycle Hotel and Casino in the City of Bell Gardens which has been infused with fresh capital to convert it into a fabulous place for events and relaxation rather than just a place to gamble. The seven-storey, 99-room Bicycle Hotel and […]
What is the best dish to serve with Beaujolais Nouveau?
(Relaxnews) – It is a mistake to talk about only one Beaujolais Nouveau. In fact it has two appellations — Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Village. This famous young red wine is traditionally delivered on the third Thursday in November at precisely midnight (in France and across the globe). Its aromas vary according to its natural environment and […]
Eiffel Tower reopens three days after Paris attacks
(Paris, France-AFP) – The Eiffel Tower reopened on Monday, three days after closing because of the wave of terror attacks on Paris. The iconic tower — like monuments the world over following the deadly jihadist attacks on Paris — will be lit up in the French national colours blue, red and white from sundown, its […]
Christopher Bailey’s Claridge’s Christmas tree revealed
(Relaxnews) – Fashion designer Christopher Bailey has been getting into the festive spirit with his latest project — a Christmas tree for Claridge’s hotel in London. The Burberry Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer’s “Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2015” has been unveiled in the hotel lobby, and the result is in striking contrast to the art […]
Paris-area museums to reopen Monday afternoon: ministry
(Paris-AFP) – Public museums and other cultural venues in the Paris area will reopen Monday afternoon, three days after the terror attacks in the French capital, the culture ministry said. The museums will reopen at 1:00 pm (1200 GMT) on Monday, shortly after the country observes a minute of silence, the ministry said in a […]
Eiffel Tower closed indefinitely after Paris attacks
(Paris-AFP) – The Eiffel Tower will be closed indefinitely following the wave of deadly attacks in Paris, the iconic landmark’s operator said on Saturday. The company decided to close the monument — normally visited by up to 20,000 people a day — after Friday’s attacks which claimed at least 128 lives, a spokeswoman told AFP. […]
Climate change is good news for English wine
(Plumpton, United Kingdom-AFP) – While climate change menaces vineyards in southern Europe, English winemakers are raising a toast to warming weather as it improves their wines and has helped revive an ancient tradition. “Climate change is benefitting us a lot,” said Chris Foss, head of the Wine Department at Plumpton College, the first to offer […]
Study shows eating homemade meals could reduce chances of diabetes
(Relaxnews) – Research by the American Heart Association has shown that eating more home-cooked meals could reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. According to the study, those who ate two homemade meals — lunch or dinner — per day had a 13 percent lower risk of getting the disease. Eating homemade meals was […]
Philadelphia becomes first World Heritage City in US
(Relaxnews) – Philadelphia has become the first US city to earn the distinction of being a World Heritage City, an exclusive club that includes the likes of Paris, Rome, Cairo and Kyoto. Up to now, the World Heritage Cities club counted 266 destinations around the world with the conspicuous absence of any US cities. But […]
Japan’s dainty geishas in secret fast-food raids
(Kyoto, Japan-AFP) – A craving for fast food presents few obstacles to most people, but for Japan’s dainty, doll-like geishas, it calls for a daring undercover operation — and a cunning disguise. While strictly taboo for a geisha to be seen munching French fries, some “geiko” — as they are known in the ancient city […]
Big N. America debut for Bond film ‘Spectre’
(Los Angeles-AFP) – The new James Bond movie “Spectre” overcame lukewarm reviews to triumph at the North American box office, earning a whopping $73 million on its debut weekend, industry estimates showed Sunday. The star-studded spy thriller — with Daniel Craig as the dashing secret agent, Italian beauty Monica Bellucci and Oscar-winning Austrian star Christoph […]
The sky could be the limit for this Rolls-Royce Dawn
(Relaxnews) – One of the lots at the upcoming Naples Winter Wine Festival charity auction will be the chance to own the very first North American example of Rolls-Royce’s new luxury convertible. Revealed at the Frankfurt motor show in September, the Rolls-Royce Dawn is one of the most remarkable and certainly the most stunning car […]
Baskin-Robbins’ Turkey Ice Cream Cake returns for 2015
(Relaxnews) – Baskin-Robbins is bringing back its famous Turkey Ice Cream Cake for the 2015 Thanksgiving holiday season. The popular turkey-shaped ice cream cake can be customized with customers’ favorite ice cream flavor. It is “glazed” with Caramel Praline Topping and decorated with sugar cone “legs.” The chain is also putting a creative twist on […]
El Nino covers arid Atacama desert in flowers
(Copiapó, Chile-AFP) – Here’s a softer side to the disruptive weather phenomenon known as El Nino: an enormous blanket of colorful flowers has carpeted Chile’s Atacama desert, the most arid in the world. The cyclical warming of the central Pacific may be causing droughts and floods in various parts of the world, but in the […]
Games: World Beach Games awarded to San Diego
(Washington, United States-AFP) – The first Olympic-style World Beach Games will be held in San Diego, California in 2017, organizers said Friday. More than 20 sports will be featured at the games, the Association of National Olympic Committees said as it wrapped up a two-day general assembly in Washington, D.C. The program is still being […]
Transylvania is Lonely Planet’s top vacation destination for 2016
(Relaxnews) – On October 29 Lonely Planet will publish its “Best of 2016”, a compilation of travel destinations that will attract a lot of attention next year. Ten regions will gain in popularity, starting with Transylvania in Romania, where the city of Cluj-Napoca is looking forward to meeting art fans and its Airbnb hosts are […]
Cyclists battle Philippine capital’s ‘Carmageddon’
(Manila-AFP) – Cyclist Jack Yabut is on a perilous and likely futile crusade to help the Philippine capital beat “Carmageddon”, but even if his campaign fails — he will have saved time on his own commute. Traffic in the megacity of 12 million people has reached crisis levels this year, as record car sales have […]
Tokyo Motor Show revs up with self-driving cars and futuristic fuel cells
(Tokyo-AFP) – Self-driving cars, the latest fuel-cell technology and a concept vehicle with tablet-style touch screens aimed at the digital generation were among the innovations on display at the Tokyo Motor Show Wednesday. Nissan unveiled an autonomous electric vehicle that it said would “revolutionise the relationship between car and driver, and future mobility”, while Volkswagen […]
Singapore to offer world’s first online-to-offline shopping mall
(Relaxnews) – Singapore is looking to become a leader in e-commerce, by introducing a mall that combines online and offline shopping, reports TechCrunch. Singpost, Singapore’s postal service provider, has unveiled a mall where shoppers can purchase items in store, order them online from the mall and have them delivered at home. The mall, which will be […]
Audi unveils new 2016 A8 L 4.0T Sport Model
(Relaxnews) – Audi has revealed the latest addition to their A8 series for 2016 that features increased horsepower from the previous model, a sport style exterior, and seats that come with ventilation and massage functions. Other features of the new Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport model, which balances performance with luxurious spaciousness, include front seats […]
Experts in new bid to unravel ‘secrets’ of pyramids
(Cairo, Egypt-AFP) – A group of Egyptian and foreign experts launched Sunday a new bid to unravel the “secrets” of the pyramids, including a search for hidden chambers inside four famed pharaonic monuments. Architects and scientists from Egypt, France, Canada and Japan will use modern infra-red technology and advanced detectors to map two pyramids at […]
Subway makes move to switch to antibiotic-free chicken
(Relaxnews) – Subway has announced plans to serve antibiotic-free chicken across its US restaurants by 2016. After announcing plans in June to remove all artificial colors, flavors and preservatives from their sandwiches, salads, soups and cookies in North America by 2017, the chain has followed up with news that the chicken served across its 27,000 […]
WWII tunnels in Gibraltar are being turned into a massive wine cellar
(Relaxnews) – In Gibraltar, at the southern point of the Iberian Peninsula, over 50km of tunnels are being transformed into a gigantic wine cellar. The Rock of Gibraltar is a tourist attraction on the coast of the Iberian Peninsula with peaks of over 400m above sea level. The area attracts many visitors curious to discover […]
Orlando is the top US city for runners
(Relaxnews) – New York, Boston and Chicago have failed to make the cut in a new index of the best cities for those committed to half marathons and full marathons. Instead, the top 10 list, complied by Vitals and based on the number and quality of sports medicine specialists, the number of races the city […]
Rinspeed to make CES debut with an autonomous car concept
(Relaxnews) – For the first time in the Swiss car design company’s history, it is set to premiere its latest avant-garde creation in the US rather than Europe. The Etos concept can drive itself but is still a sportscar for those moments when the conditions are just too good for a serious driver not to […]
Big ‘Scare’ Lake: No school night this Halloween means opportunity for a weekend getaway
BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. – This year Halloween is on a Saturday, which makes it an ideal time to get away with the little tykes for a grand “trick or treat” extravaganza in the mountains. On Halloween night, Big Bear Village becomes extensively decorated with jack-o-lanterns, cobwebs, flying bats, strobe lights, and other gadgets […]
Celebrate the 30-year anniversary of ‘Back to the Future’ at events around the world
(Relaxnews) – In 1985, the first chapter of the now cult trilogy “Back to the Future” hit theaters. To celebrate the futuristic tale’s 30th anniversary in tale, a number of events will take place worldwide on October 21, the date that Marty McFly and Doc arrive in the future from 1985. “We’re Going Back” in […]
Tokyo district tries to reel in tourists with whale meat
(Tokyo-AFP) – When tourists think of Japan, images of dramatic landscapes, futuristic cities and world class sushi might spring to mind. But one Tokyo district is hoping to reel in outsiders with one of the country’s more controversial traditions — slaughtering whales. Ebisu, a chichi gastronomic hub close to Tokyo’s frenetic Shibuya shopping district, is […]
China’s new glass bridge tests courage of tourists
(Pingjiang, China-AFP) – China’s first glass suspension bridge, which dangles 180 metres (594 feet) over a canyon in the central Hunan province, has excited — and terrified — thousands of visitors since opening two weeks ago. “I’m afraid to look down. I can only look straight ahead,” said one young woman crossing the 300-metre long […]
‘FASO Goes Pops!’ on Nov. 14 at Alex Theater
“FASO Goes Pops!” on November 14 continues the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra’s tradition of presenting quality, entertaining concerts. FASO, returning to the iconic Alex Theatre in Glendale where it earned cheers and praises for its very successful “FASOGoes Broadway” last April, tackles pop music this time. “If the audience enjoyed ‘FASO Goes Broadway,’ this one will bring them to another level […]
Porsche turbocharges ahead with new 911 models
(Relaxnews) – November’s LA auto show will be playing host to three new all-wheel drive Porches with all-new engines and better performance and economy figures. The extra turn of speed that owners will discover in the 2016 Carrera 4, Targa 4 and Carrera 4 Cabriolet is thanks to new force-aspirated engines — i.e., a hefty […]
BMW takes the fast track to the Tokyo motor show
Relaxnews) – BMW has chosen the Tokyo motor show as the event for the global unveiling of its fastest, most potent and one of its most expensive, track-focused, road-legal sportscars in history, the M4 GTS. At the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance back in August, BMW teased what it described as a conceptual hardcore take on […]
Domino’s Pizza opens first store in Italy
(Relaxnews) – Mamma mia! American pizza chain Domino’s has announced that it’s opened its first store in the birthplace of the world’s favorite cheesy pie: Italy. Domino’s, one of the biggest pizza delivery chains in the world, opened its first store in Milan Monday, hoping to do what no other American pizza brand has done […]
World’s highest marathon returns to quake-hit Everest
(Nepal-AFP) – Dozens of runners donned snow goggles and braved icy temperatures to participate in the world’s highest marathon in the foothills of Mount Everest Monday, five months after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake devastated Nepal. The annual Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon, which kicked off in 2003, is usually held in May to mark the anniversary of the […]
Lonely Planet curates weekend wine getaways around the world
(Relaxnews) – Travel guide Lonely Planet has released a new guidebook for wine lovers that curates the best wineries and gastronomic experiences in established regions like Napa and Tuscany, as well as lesser-known areas like Georgia, Lebanon, Morocco and Slovenia. “Lonely Planet’s Wine Trails” is aimed at travelers interested in a quick wine-soaked getaway, with […]
Taco Bell looks to chime with vegetarians
Relaxnews) – Taco Bell is the first quick service restaurant that can boast an American Vegetarian Association (AVA) certified menu. From Thursday the Mexican-inspired fast food chain will offer 13 AVA-certified vegetarian items in all of its 6,000+ US establishments. “At Taco Bell, vegetarians are not an afterthought. We sell more than 350 million vegetarian […]
Porsche announces Cayman Black Edition
(Relaxnews) – Following similar 911 and Boxster models, the company’s diminutive sports coupe is finally getting an extra touch of exclusivity. The Cayman Black Edition comes with a special black exterior finish with contrasting aluminum window trim and bigger, 20-inch Carrera alloy wheels. The cabin is trimmed in black leather, and a host of creature […]
RugbyU: Rugby chiefs back new Japan plan for 2019 World Cup
(AFP) – Japan’s new schedule for the 2019 Rugby World Cup — after it scrapped a planned new national stadium — received the green light from the sport’s governing body World Rugby on Monday. Yokohama Stadium, which hosted the 2002 football World Cup final, will now get the 2019 rugby finale. Tournament plans were thrown […]
Lonely Planet releases new children’s travel guide of the world
(Relaxnews) – Lonely Planet is set to release a new collection of travel books created to inspire curiosity and wanderlust in children while they’re still young. In “The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World,” each country is given a page spread that teaches kids about its unique culture, language, food and […]
Universal Studios Hollywood presents ‘Halloween Horror Nights’
Fright-filled “Halloween Horror Nights” was announced by Universal Studios Hollywood recently. The theme park guests will be treated to an “extreme fear destination” which features horror-filled mazes, a terror tram experience and awesome hip-hop dance show from Friday, September 18 through Sunday, November 1st. The event starts each night at 7 p.m. but closing hours vary each night […]
Hyundai is already gearing up for SEMA
(Relaxnews) – While car-loving consumers are still crowding the isles and stands of the Frankfurt motor show where Hyundai’s Vision Gran Turismo concept car is proving to be one of the highlights, the South Korean manufacturer is already teasing what it’s got planned for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show this November. For this […]
5 ways to stay calm this fall
(Relaxnews) – You’re back from vacation and the holiday season is fast approaching. We’re giving you the scoop on how to stay calm between busy work schedules, running errands and looking after children. 1. Smile anyway Believe it or not, flashing a smile could keep you calm and cool, even if nobody’s around to see […]
Pop-up popes, Lego basilica welcome Francis to US
(Washington-AFP) – Pope selfies, a basilica made of Lego, even pope-themed toast: Pope Francis has been popping up all over the northeastern United States ahead of his visit next week. Some fun facts as the country prepares to welcome the pope in Washington on September 22 before he heads on to New York and Philadelphia: […]
Chefs David Chang and Danny Bowien collaborate on new dishes
(Relaxnews) – Two of New York’s most popular maestros of Asian-American eats, David Chang and Danny Bowien, have teamed up to create culinary mash-ups of their signature dishes. If the pair were to have a culinary love child, they surmised, it would have Chang’s Fuku chicken fingers, and Bowien’s spicy chili sauce. Which is how […]
McDonald’s to fully transition to cage-free eggs for all restaurants in the U.S. and Canada
McDonald’s USA and Canada to source 100 percent cage-free eggs within 10 years (OAK BROOK, Ill.) – To meet consumers’ changing expectations and preferences, McDonald’s announced that it will fully transition to cage-free eggs for its nearly 16,000 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada over the next 10 years. “Our customers are increasingly interested in knowing more […]
‘ASAP 20 Live in London’ draws 10,000 to The SSE Wembley Arena, inspires huge Filipino community in Europe
ABS-CBN, TFC hold Europe’s biggest Filipino event with world-class Filipino and international British acts LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – British music journalist Kate Mossman in her acclaimed BBC rockumentary, “Stadium Rock at 50” mentioned that “big concerts should be emotional, almost spiritual events which lift you beyond normal life for a few hours.” But for the 10,000 […]
The automotive upstarts starting up at Frankfurt
(Relaxnews) – As well as established brands showcasing their latest wares, this year’s motor show is proving to be the ideal platform for the launch of new and reborn marques with huge ambitions, especially in the premium and electric vehicle markets. Thunder Power Even before the technical specifications were revealed, there was a lot of […]
Viral video shows why it takes 6 months to build sandwich from scratch
(Relaxnews) – It took Andy George six months and $1,500 to make a single chicken sandwich. Because he made it from scratch. And when George, US-based host of the YouTube series “How to Make Everything” uses the term “scratch,” he’s not just talking about baking bread from flour purchased off the grocery store shelf, and […]
Olympics: Budapest, Hamburg, Los Angeles, Paris, Rome bid for 2024 Games
(Lausanne-AFP) – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday named Budapest, Hamburg in Germany, Los Angeles, Paris and Rome as the final candidates for the 2024 Olympics. The winning bid will be announced after a vote by the IOC session in the Peruvian capital Lima in September 2017. IOC president Thomas Bach said there were […]
Watch the Aston Martin DB10 perform
(Relaxnews) – Aston Martin has released a video of the bespoke, one-off supercar created for the latest James Bond film, being put through its paces by stunt driver Mark Higgins. The latest Aston, the seventh car from the company to appear on screen alongside the world’s most famous fictional British spy since the film series […]
NY becomes first US city to add salt warnings to menus
(New York-AFP) – Eating too much salt can cause high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes. And now New Yorkers will get that warning loud and clear when they browse a restaurant menu. New York on Wednesday became the first city in the United States to demand that chain restaurants put salt warnings on their […]
The world’s largest water slide among most highly anticipated rides in 2016
(Relaxnews) – The world’s largest, multi-lane water slide is set to open next year in the US, sending thrill seekers careening down toboggans at speeds of up to 40 feet per second. Standing 60 feet tall (18 meters), the Six Flags franchise will add another multi-lane Wahoo Racer — the largest of its kind in […]
Celebrate Harvest Moon Festival at Pechanga Resort & Casino with 2015 Mini Cooper and $100K Cash Giveaway
Harvest Moon Table Game Promotion with Grand Prize Drawing of the 2015 Mini Cooper In celebration of the Harvest Moon Festival, Pechanga promotes the thrilling September Table Games Promotions that will light up your smiles like the crescent moon. Join us from September 1 through 25, when getting a “Dragon Bet” or any “Natural Tie” […]
Will Jaguar set the Pace at this year’s Frankfurt motor show?
(Relaxnews) – Like a number of automotive stalwarts whose history was until now steeped in on-road success, Jaguar is planning to drive straight off-road and into the luxury crossover market at this year’s Frankfurt show with the first SUV in its 80-year history — The F-Pace. Teased on Friday in its first official, non-camouflaged image, […]
Toyota getting in gear with smart cars
(San Francisco-AFP) – Toyota on Friday announced plans to invest $50 million into building artificial intelligence into cars, an indication it could be joining the race to develop driverless vehicles. The joint research with Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology will take place over the next five years, Toyota Motor Corporation said, emphasizing […]
Spandau Ballet, Blake, 9 Filipino cast members of Miss Saigon West End to perform at ‘ASAP 20 Live in London’
World-class U.K-based mainstream acts confirmed to join Europe’s biggest Filipino event on September 6, 2015 at The SSE Arena Wembley LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – “It just keeps getting bigger.” This was the enthusiastic statement of ABS-CBN Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Kai V. Rodriguez when she shared the big news that major stars from […]
Save the date: McDonald’s all-day breakfast coming October 6
(Relaxnews) – It’s official folks. McDonald’s has announced plans to roll out their all-day breakfast menu next month. After months of teasing, the burger giant took to Twitter Tuesday to announce the news, replying to followers and celebrities who had tweeted about all-day breakfast in the past with a series of cheeky GIF blasts. The […]
Olympics: Los Angeles enters 2024 Olympic race
(Los Angeles, United States-AFP) – Los Angeles joined the race to win the 2024 Olympics here Tuesday after city leaders gave unanimous backing for a bid to stage the sporting extravaganza for a third time. The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) formally named Los Angeles as its candidate soon after the city council members voted […]
Follow President Barack Obama on Instagram as he takes selfies on Alaskan tour
(Relaxnews) – President Barack Obama has taken over the White House Instagram account, taking photos and selfies of his Alaskan tour. And aside from a stray finger blocking the frame of a selfie taken with survivalist and reality show host Bear Grylls, the photos aren’t half bad. “Hey everyone, it’s Barack,” he wrote on his […]
British scientists develop slow-melting ice cream
(London, United Kingdom-AFP) – The summer scourge of sticky hands could become a thing of the past as British researchers announced the discovery of an ingredient to make slow-melting ice cream on Monday. The protein BslA, which occurs naturally in some food, helps to blend the components of ice cream to make it smoother and […]
Which side of the plane should you be on for the best and most beautiful views?
(Relaxnews) – An influential blogger renowned in the world of travel has established a guideline listing which side of an airplane is ideal for catching the best view of a destination during descent and landing. Using the comments of French community group AVGeeks, website Alexterieur.net set out to determine which side of an airplane offers the […]
Atlanta to be home of new fashion museum opening in October
(Relaxnews) – At a time when fashion exhibitions at major museums are enjoying a heyday, a new museum devoted to fashion has just been announced and will open in October in Atlanta, Georgia in the US. The Savannah College of Art and Design is behind the new museum, which will be called SCADfash and will […]
The Met’s new Breuer building to host TEDxMet conference
(Relaxnews) – The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s second annual TED conference is to serve as a coming-out party for the Met Breuer, its modern and contemporary art annex set to open to the public in March. TEDxMet was inaugurated in 2013 with a program called “Icons,” marking the first time an art museum had been […]
Burger King peace offer to McDonald’s: ‘Let’s make a McWhopper’
(Washington, United States-AFP) – Is a McWhopper in the near future for fast-food lovers? In the name of global peace, Burger King proposed making the hybrid hamburger to its rival McDonald’s on Wednesday, at least for one day, the United Nations-promoted International Day of Peace on September 21. Burger King, perpetually locked in tough competition […]
The world of custom cars: How Touring Superleggera caters to car connoisseurs
(Relaxnews) – The number of millionaires in the world is at an all-time high and so is demand for the most exotic of automobiles. Rolls-Royce and Ferrari have reported a second straight year of record sales, every Bugatti Veyron has found a home and the classic car market is going crazy. All of which means […]
Zoos: 5 star animals to photograph on your holidays
(Relaxnews) – Two years after giving birth for the first time, the Smithsonian National Zoo’s female panda made headlines last weekend by giving birth to two more offspring. This is great news for the panda world as conception in captivity remains rather rare. Barely a few days old and already stars in their own right, […]
Google testing out food porn feature for Maps
(Relaxnews) – Google is testing out a new feature with some of its local city guides that will allow users to attach “foodographs” to restaurants and cafes on Google Maps. According to Android Police, the new feature will be tested out among the community of “level three” local guides — those who’ve contributed more than 50 […]
8 million hybrid cars sold by pioneer Toyota
(Relaxnews) – Japanese car manufacturer Toyota has announced having sold more than 8 million hybrid vehicles around the world. The announcement comes 20 years after having presented its first hybrid technology concept-car. Toyota introduced its first concept, Prius, back in the fall of 1995 during the Tokyo Motor Show. The first prototype had difficulty going […]
Japanese company to use synthesizer technology in its electric ZZ cars
(Relaxnews) – Japanese electric car maker GLM is partnering with electronic instrument maker Roland Corporation to develop what Roland calls “a neo-futuristic driving sound generation system” for GLM’s electric sports car. Starting this fall, GLM’s ZZ road car will use Roland’s SuperNATURAL synthesize technology to power the car’s sound generation system. The technology will create […]
Japanese etiquette taught to tourists
(Relaxnews) – The city of Kyoto has launched a guide intended for foreign tourists in an effort to keep them from committing etiquette mishaps. In Japan, good manners are taken very seriously, especially if you are a tourist. Kyoto, located in the center of Honshu Island, is a tourist haven: visitors flock to the island […]
Get the holiday makeup look: Bali
(Relaxnews) – The Indonesian island of Bali is a nature-lover’s paradise, but spending days outdoors doesn’t have to mean lowering your beauty game. If you’re heading off to the tropical province then there are a few things you can pack in your makeup bag to keep you looking great on the beach. The most obvious […]
Bugatti releases teaser for new model, #imaginEBugatti
(Relaxnews) – Speculation is rife after Bugatti released a short video hinting about the successor of its legendary Veyron. The video, released on August 13, features just 35 seconds of road surface paired with an intriguing voiceover that begins with, “A new chapter begins, join us. In the endless hunt for speed the horizon beckons… I go […]
Triber, an app to find your friends
(Relaxnews) – Who hasn’t lost track of their friends in a crowd or looked for someone in a restaurant? The Triber app has found the solution to this kind of situation: geolocation. In this period of summer festivals, picnics and tanning sessions on the beach, the Triber app is ever more useful. It works like […]
Mazda and Suzuki planning Frankfurt crossover reveals
(Relaxnews) – If any further proof were needed of the growing appeal of crossovers and SUVs among the car-buying public, Suzuki and Mazda will be providing it at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. On Friday, Suzuki confirmed that Germany is going to be the venue for the unveiling of the Baleno, a crossover-inspired compact hatchback […]
Dallas/Fort Worth airport gets new duty-free shopping space
(Relaxnews) – The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport will add a luxury duty-free shopping experience to its Terminal D, reports The New York Times. The upgrade will see six shopping areas spread over 20,000 square feet of space, to include both luxury and premium retail brands. Local retailers like western clothing and accessories line Bohlin Company and […]
Food Network star Katie Lee shares her BLT Ranch burger recipe
(Relaxnews) – You could call Katie Lee the younger version of Ina Garten, with her shingled, beach house in the Hamptons, love of all things French, and penchant for throwing easy, breezy summer soirees in her elegant garden. This summer Lee shares some of the recipes that make recurring appearances in her kitchen and backyard patio […]
Italy earmarks 18 mln to rebuild Colosseum arena floor
(Rome-AFP) – Italy has earmarked over 18 million euros to rebuild the arena floor in the Colosseum where gladiators once fought wild beasts, Culture Minister Dario Franceschini said Tuesday. “A promise kept: the Colosseum will have its arena once more. Plan for reconstruction financed,” he said on Twitter after announcing 18.5 million euros ($20.2 million) […]
Lonely Planet to release new cookbook series
(Relaxnews) – Lonely Planet has announced plans to expand their travel-related food coverage with the release of a new cookbook series that aims to transport readers around the world via their taste buds. For the series, dubbed “From the Source,” Lonely Planet dispatched local food writers in destinations such as Italy and Thailand to scour […]
Groupon launches own food delivery service
(Relaxnews) – Less than a month after acquiring the food delivery business OrderUp, Groupon has unveiled Groupon To Go its new US delivery and takeout service. Starting out in Chicago, where it has since March been pilot testing with 500 restaurants, Groupon says the service is ready to expand to other areas, with Boston and […]
New service will deliver Michelin-starred meals to Londoners’ doors
(Relaxnews) – London has caught up to the likes of New York and San Francisco with the launch of a new delivery service that will allow foodies to eat Michelin-starred meals in their sweatpants while watching the telly. In recent years, the US dining scene has expanded the notion of traditional delivery service beyond greasy […]
Grevin’s first Asian museum waxes lyrical over K-pop
(Seoul, South Korea-AFP) – Psy, Paris Hilton and Queen Elizabeth II all made it, but South Korean President Park Geun-Hye turned down her chance of immortality in the first Asian outpost of France’s famous waxwork museum, Musee Grevin, that opened in Seoul Thursday. The new museum’s focus is firmly on the world of entertainment and, […]