We had our fun with puns about the “Florida Keys” and “new meaning for the term piano bar.” But as the sandbar-marooned piano was replaced by a sinking bistro in Miami‘s Biscayne Bay, it was time to find a new twist. French Dip, anyone?

Miami is not new to quirky artistic appearances (Christo took it over in 1983 and wrapped the city and beach in pink cloth). The piano’s appearance was a modern mystery at first, until it was discovered that this instrumental piece of performance art was executed by a college art school applicant in early January. A passing boater finally noticed it this week. And then it went viral.

The seemingly unexplainable appearance captivated everyone’s attention, and even struck a positive note with the head of Miami tourism, who encourages these attention-grabbers, of course.

“We’re hoping to see a piano here, maybe a cello there, whatever you can put on a sandbar these days and maybe create a disappearing symphony,” says Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO Bill Talbert. “But you cannot script this stuff. It just happens — and it happens a lot in Miami.”

It took three weeks for the piano to be discovered on that lonely sandbar, but now all eyes are on the tiny, oft submerged strip to see what will manifest next. The trashed piano, but a new scene appeared featuring a wooden replica of a French chef approaching a set-up of two folding chairs tucked against a cloth-covered table anchored by a bottle of Yellow Tail wine and a vase full of roses.

We found the mystery piano baffling, the dinner scene amusing. But unfortunately the Department of Environmental Resources Management does not hold such an uplifting view of the spontaneous sandbar oeuvres. The DERM classifies these artistic moments as acts of littering, which is a third-degree felony. At 10:15 am, an official from the DERM showed up on the island and loaded the props onto a small boat.

Boat tours around the bay are booking up, says Talbert, since everyone is anxious to see the next happening — and then disappearing — thing.

NBC News was there when Florida cops threatened the piano prankster with felony charges:

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multi-generational-family

By T. Foster Jones

In the past, when booking a cruise, it often seemed that one’s choices were either a refined voyage geared exclusively towards adults or a circus-like atmosphere teeming with kids.

As the industry evolved, Holland America coming out on top for big ships that caters to families of all ages.  Well-traveled passengers often want to share a cruise experience with their adult children and grandchildren.

Holland America Line, which for decades has focused on graceful, adult cruises, has met this challenge by catering fun and educational youth programs that complement the workshops, culinary arts demonstrations, art activities and spa treatments that adult cruisers expect.

Activities, programs and even menus are designed to bridge the generation gap at sea by appealing to the tastes and interests of everyone from kids to grandparents, so that the entire family has the opportunity for individual pursuits as well as making memories together.

Younger kids enjoy a unbelievable area with art tables, a big-screen TV, plus pirate treasure hunts and hands-on pizza making.  And there’s separate hangout for tweens, with karaoke, relay races and foosball, as well as Xbox and Wii tournaments.

On select ships, the secluded teen deck, called The Oasis, provides teens with plenty of space to mingle with other teens in mocktail mixology, teen yoga and hip-hop classes and cool off in one-of-a-kind waterfall and cave.

Adults can enjoy lavish swimming pools and picturesque views, share a succulent five-star meal, then catch a live show or an evening movie.  The Greenhouse Spa & Salon is the place to completely relax with a massage.  Renowned chefs in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, offer separate cooking classes.  And for a parents night out, convenient after-hours child care is available from 10pm to midnight in Club HAL.

All this speaks to individual entertainment.  The experience really comes to life when the family comes together.  Little Artist, Luau at the Oasis, Campin’ under the Stars, Wacky Olympics, Teen Superstar and Dance Dance Revolution contests, as well as Family Olympics and Karaoke Time, get everyone in the acts.

For family groups of eight or more staterooms, with a minimum of 16 guests, Holland America has a Head of the Family Reward, which includes one complimentary stateroom upgrade from Ocean-View to Verandah, a $50 fountain soda card per stateroom, Pinnacle Grill lunch for all family members and a $50 beverage card per stateroom.

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Artists, honeymooners, and sightseers agree –there are so many things to do in Paris, France it’s hard to know where to start. While vacationing in Paris, it is impossible to not be romanced by the countless cultural institutions and the array of architecture in the city. It seems as if everywhere you look there is a recognizable building or meaningful reminder of Europe’s history. To make sure you don’t miss a beat — or a photo opportunity — we have pulled together a list of the six most famous things to do in Paris. Check out these Paris attractions and be inspired to compose a list of your own.

Famous Paris, France Attractions: The Eiffel Tower

A list of things to do in Paris would be incomplete without the hallmark of the city, the Eiffel Tower. Millions of visitors are drawn to the iron lattice edifice each year, making it the most-visited paid monument in the world. Soaring 1,063 feet into the sky, this is the tallest building in Paris. Criticized as an eyesore when it was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair, the tower now stands tall as a symbol of the city and country.
Visitor Information: There are three levels for visitors at the tower. Tickets must be purchased to ascend any part of the tower. The first and second levels are accessible by elevator or stairs — but to reach either level you must climb 300 steps. Elevator is the only means to reach the third and highest level.

Famous Paris, France Attractions: Arc de Triomphe

Another recognizable monument, the Arc de Triomphe is an archway honoring those who gave their lives during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Beneath the Arc is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument accompanied by an eternal flame that burns in memory of the dead who were never identified. It takes 280 steps to get to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, but the views of the city are worth the ascent to the top of this Paris attraction.
Visitor Information: Two important ceremonies are held at the Arc every year; the first is Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day, which falls on November 11th and the second Bastille Day on July 14th.

Famous Paris, France Attractions: The Louvre Museum

Home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa — as well as nearly 35,000 other objects — The Louvre Musem is one of the most famous museums in the entire world. The museum is housed in the iconic Louvre Palace, a fortress built in the late 12th century for Philip II. Since 1793, the building has been open as a museum, and today it houses one of the richest collections imaginable.
Visitor Information: The Louvre is free to the public on Sundays, but the line is usually painfully long. If short on time or patience, it may be a better idea to fork over the fee and visit on a less busy day.

Famous Paris, France Attractions: Musee d’Orsay

Second only to the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay is another popular art museum that should be on any traveler’s list of things to do in Paris. Located in a former railway station on the left bank of the Seine, the museum contains mainly French impressionist and post-impressionist art the dates from 1848 to 1915. Artists represented include famous names such as Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir and Van Gogh. Don’t miss the museum’s photography collection, home to Eadweard Muybridge’s famous horse-in-motion snapshots.
Visitor Information: There is a fee of around $10 — depending on the exchange rate — to enter the museum. This Paris attraction also hosts a rotating calendar of impressive special exhibitions, each requiring another admission rate. Admission to both the general museum and special exhibitions are free for children ages 5 to 18.

Famous Paris, France Attractions: Notre Dame Cathedral

Inspiration for Victor Hugo’s masterpiece “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” the Notre Dame Cathedral is a no-brainer when it comes to composing a list of things to do in Paris. One of the most famous cathedrals in the entire world, it was one of the first to be built in the Gothic style and its construction spanned the entire Gothic period.
Visitor Information: This iconic Paris tourist attraction is open every day of the year. Entrance and tours are free of charge to the public.

Famous Paris, France Attractions: Père-Lachaise Cemetery

The final resting place of some of Europe’s most notorious figures, this cemetery pulls in thousands of visitors every year. Some famous names buried in the cemetery grounds are Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Chopin and Edith Piaf. A walk through the winding paths of the cemetery, especially on a sunny spring day, will have you passing beautifully sculpted tombs and monuments.
Visitor Information: English language tours are run Saturdays at 3 p.m. from June through September. The tours last for two hours.

Photo by Al lanni on flickr.

Article source: here.

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Namibian police have intercepted a suspected bomb with a ticking clock in luggage on an Air Berlin plane that was to fly from the southern Africa country to Munich, Germany.
Germany’s Federal Crime Office (BKA) is investigating the suspicious object, which appeared to be a detonator with a clock.

It was not clear if the object, which was found while luggage was being loaded on the flight In Windhoek, Namibia, was an ignitable explosive.

“A subsequent X-ray (of the luggage) revealed batteries that were attached with wires to a detonator and a ticking clock,” the German authorities said in a statement. “Only the ongoing forensic investigation will show whether this was a live explosive.”

The discovery came after Germany stepped up airport and railway security measures, after receiving intelligence pointing to a planned attack towards the end of the month.

German officials have said information came to light after the foiled attempt to send parcel bombs from Yemen to U.S. targets and the parcel bombs sent by Greek militants to targets including German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

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The trend continues: Exotic and tropical locales are attracting couples for a memorable honeymoon experience. Fabulous beaches, tropical settings and dramatic sunsets are enjoyed by honeymooners at these exciting destinations:

• Mexico and the Islands of the Caribbean – Just a short flight away, these popular destinations offer a wide array of accommodation from luxurious private villas to more affordable all inclusive resorts. Many, including the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico, are leaders in destination weddings so bring your family and friends along to enjoy their own week in the sun after your wedding day.
• Hawaii – From sunrise on Haleakala to sunset at Waikiki and all the stunning scenery in between, Hawaii offers a wealth of romantic places ideal for the honeymoon couple. There’s an unsurpassed range of activities and accommodation on Hawaii’s six islands for the perfect honeymoon escape.
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia – The stunning beauty of the South Pacific attracts honeymooners looking for an even more exotic experience. An over-water bungalow in magical Bora Bora is arguably the most romantic option and a top choice of celebrities. Here you can watch colorful fish swim beneath your glass floor. Swim or snorkel in the clear water right from your private deck. Relax on your terrace and enjoy a tropical breakfast delivered by outrigger canoe.

Adventure honeymoons are another trend. After all, it’s a vacation and a chance to try new activities far from your day to day life. These choices could certainly create the trip of a lifetime.

• Rainforest Eco Resort, Costa Rica
  Live in concert with nature at one of these peaceful resorts in Costa Rica. You can explore the cloud forest canopy via trails, suspension bridges or zip lines. Discover the amazing variety of birds and wildlife at home in the tropical rainforest. From these jungle retreats you can enjoy trekking, rafting, visits to botanical gardens, volcanoes and a biological research station, or simply relax in a hammock.
• Wilderness Lodge, New Zealand
  Enjoy the beauty of New Zealand while staying at one of the remote wilderness lodges dotted around the country. The comfort and privacy plus fine dining make these accommodations an excellent honeymoon choice. Enjoy the outdoors and try the many adventure activities New Zealand is famous for during your stay for a unique, healthy and memorable honeymoon.
• Game Viewing Lodge, Africa
  Choose a luxury game outlook lodge for a thrilling and comfortable honeymoon experience. Game viewing balconies, catwalks and pillboxes let you observe big and small game as they come to the water holes or salt licks. You’ll be treated to fine dining and African décor in these remote yet comfortable lodges in Eastern and Southern Africa.

By Susan Milne

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Qantas Airways says about 40 Rolls-Royce engines on the world’s fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft will need to be replaced to ensure safety.
“We’ve been talking to Airbus and Rolls-Royce and we understand that the number (of engines to be replaced) is around 40,” Qantas Chief Executive Alan Joyce told reporters.

That number would represent about half of the Rolls-Royce engines currently in service on A380 planes. The engines cost around $350 million each.

On Nov. 4, a Qantas A380 with 466 people onboard made an emergency landing in Singapore after one of the plane’s Rolls-Royce engines broke apart mid-flight, the result of an oil fire.

Qantas has already replaced three of the engines on its A380s, “and there could be more,” Joyce said.

The carrier’s six A380s have been grounded since the incident, and Joyce declined to say when the planes would be back in the air.

Other airlines have also been replacing older engines with newer versions in the wake of the incident. Problems with the engines are thought to develop over time.

Singapore Airlines, which has 11 A380s powered by Rolls-Royce engines, has canceled several flights to put in newer replacements.

A380 aircraft are the world’s largest passenger planes.

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“Handbag, Louis Vuitton (disguised) (counterfeit)”, 2010

A bird corpse, overproof Jamaican rum, Botox and fake Louis Vuitton bags are part of a photography show opening at a Beverly Hills art gallery on Wednesday. All the images in the show, “Contraband,” are of items seized from passengers or express mail entering the U.S. Photographer Taryn Simon shot the photos during five days in November 2009 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the busiest international gateway into the U.S.

According to the Gagosian Gallery, Simon lived at the airport during the shoot, seeking to capture illicit goods as they came into the country on a 24-hour basis.

The renowned photographer tells CNN she spent several months getting permission to do the project from airport authorities, before showing up with her air mattress and team.

“Myself and my team got very little sleep under the blinding fluorescent lights. It was torturous. I could barely stand on the last day,” says Simon.

The photographer wants those looking at the photos of the illegal items to do a deep think about what Americans consume and what is banned.

“You confront American desire through the endless counterfeit goods that traffic through customs,” Simon tells CNN.

There are 1,075 photographs in the series, which will also be exhibited in New York and featured in a 500-page book due out soon.

The show is up at the Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills through Nov. 6.

Check out some photos from the show:

“USA American Visagra, Viagra, China (counterfeit)”, 2010

“Nesting dolls with Disney characters, Snow White (counterfeit)”, 2010

“Steroids, Testosterone & Sustanon, Pakistan (illegal)”, 2010

“DVDs, Lost, Season 4 (pirated)”, 2010

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Princess Cruise Line is pleased to announce new opportunities for you to visit the colorful Hawaiian Islands or festive Mexican Riviera — with convenient roundtrip departures from San Francisco on the sparkling Star Princess®!

NEW! 15-Day Hawaiian Islands
Roundtrip San Francisco sailings are new in Hawaii for 2012. Three Spring departures offer you the best of the beautiful islands (March 19, April 13 & 28).

10-Day Mexican Riviera
In addition to three of Mexico’s most popular ports, this 2012 sailing calls in Catalina and San Diego! (April 3)

They also have two NEW spectacular South America voyages in 2012 which disembark
in San Francisco:

• 16-day Andes & South America – Santiago, Chile (Valparaiso) to San Francisco (March 3)
• 30-day Cape Horn & Andes Grand Adventure, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to San Francisco (February 18)

All of these cruises offer multiple leisurely days at sea, so you can relax, rejuvenate and explore all the fabulous activities and venues Star Princess has to offer.

Don’t  miss your chance to experience a seamless Princess Cruises vacation — tell all your friends about the new San Francisco sailings today.

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The public has voted and the Fountain on Locust in St. Louis has been named the place with “America’s Best Restroom” for 2010.  The facilities at the vintage ice cream parlor were recognized for their hand-painted murals, ornate fixtures and designer mirrors.

“We are absolutely thrilled and honored to have been chosen by the public as having the Best Restrooms in America,” says Joy Christensen, owner of the Fountain on Locust.

“We put a lot of thought and effort into the design and construction, and we are certain that many of our customers come back because they know our bathrooms are not just unique but also clean.”

She adds the national recognition means a lot to the restaurant’s staff.

In its 9th year, the contest attracted nominations of public restrooms from a cross-section of businesses including restaurants, hotels and theaters. Ten finalists were selected and the public invited to vote for their favorite restroom online.

The contest is sponsored by Cintas Corporation, a leading provider of restroom hygiene products and services. The company says tens of thousands of votes were cast.

In second place was the restroom at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, done up with Italian Carerra marble and bronze and crystal chandeliers. The third place spot went to the Beaux Arts design bathrooms at New York”s Bryant Park.

Article source: here.

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More proof of increasing tension at airport security checkpoints. An airline passenger has been arrested for punching a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer in the chest after passing through a full-body scanner at Indianapolis International Airport.
John Christina, 51, of Simsbury, CT, says the incident was a joke. But the TSA says it is no laughing matter.

“TSOs (Transportation Security Officers) are on the front line defending the nation against terrorism every day and violence against them is shameful,” TSA Press Secretary Nicholas Kimball tells AOL Travel News. “We are working with law enforcement to make sure appropriate action is taken.”

Christina, a computer consultant, admitted to punching the officer. He was arrested, spent the night in jail and was released on $150 bond, with a superior court date set for Dec. 13

“If I had hit him with any malice or intent that would have been one thing. That was not my intention,” Christina tells the Indianapolis Star newspaper.

Because he has health issues, including two metal hip implants that can set off metal detectors, Christina says he is used to spending extra time in security lines.

A law enforcement source says the punch came after Christina asked TSA agent Gregory Hutman, 28, a question he couldn’t answer. Hutman is usually based in Dayton, Ohio, and was in Indianapolis for training.

“When he (the officer) didn’t know the answer to a question the guy punched him,” the source says.

The question was reportedly about increased security procedures.

Christina allegedly jabbed Hutman with a closed fist. A police report quotes Hutman as asking, “Why did you have to hit me?” And Christina saying, “I was only kidding with you.”

Other passengers and TSA agents witnessed the incident.

John Gage, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, says the TSA needs to do a better job letting the public know about new security procedures to avoid such attacks.

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