More than 50 British beaches ‘not safe’ under new EU rules

Published on CNN on 7th May 2013:

More than 50 top British beaches would be declared unsafe for swimming under the European Union’s new water safety rules.

The European Environment Agency is to introduce new, stricter guidelines on water pollution in 2015.

The Telegraph has named 55 beaches in England, including popular resorts in Cornwall, Dorset and Hampshire, that do not currently meet the new standards, which would classify beaches as “excellent,” “good,” “sufficient” or “poor.”

“For those classed as poor, beach controllers will be required to display a sign advising visitors not to swim there,” said an Environment Agency spokesperson to CNN.

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European Night of Museums: After-dinner art

Published on CNN on 7th May 2013:

Achluophiliacs with a cultural bent, there’s a night of the year made specially for you.

The European Night of Museums on May 18 will see hundreds of museums across Europe offer after-hours visits.

Organized by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, the European Night of Museums is in its eighth year and coincides with the International Day of Museums.

Many museums, mostly across Europe, will be putting on performances, events and installations specially for the event and for free to the public.

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Vivienne Westwood to design new Virgin Atlantic uniforms

Published on CNN on 6th May 2013:

Virgin Atlantic is trying to go punk.

The airline has announced that the latest designer to be turning her hand to their uniforms is Dame Vivienne Westwood.

The fiery British designer will be bringing her punk rock aesthetic to the signature Virgin two-piece, in a collaboration that will span the next 10 years.

The official announcement said that designer would be going for “a futuristic look, which references her enduring interest in 1940s French couture cutting techniques as well as the Savile Row tailoring heritage.”

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Airline defends bright lipstick ban

Published on CNN on 3rd May 2013:

Turkish Airlines has defended its recent move to ban flight attendants from wearing brightly colored lipstick and nail polish, such as pink or red.

A statement from the airline to CNN Travel said colors such as red and dark pink are unsuitable as they “impaired the visual integrity” of the Turkish Airlines uniforms.

“According to the generally accepted practices, personnel who work in the services sector are preferred to be artless and well groomed with a make-up in pastel tones,” the statement said.

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Egypt hotel goes alcohol-free, creates women-only floor

Published on CNN on 2nd May 2013:

Egypt’s first ‘dry’ hotel has been unveiled in the popular Red Sea city of Hurghada, according to news site Al Bawaba.

Les Rois, a 183-room three-star hotel, has been voluntarily alcohol-free since Saturday when it held an official ceremony that involved pouring alcohol away and smashing bottles. A video posted on YouTube shows the event.

Earlier this year, the Egyptian government announced plans to curb alcohol licenses in parts of the country.

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