National Park Service says DC’s cherry blossoms will likely bloom earlier than expected

Cherry blossoms to bloom early in DC
WASHINGTON – Warm weather this past weekend is going to bring Washington’s famous cherry blossoms a few days early.

The National Park Service revised its prediction for blooming dates Monday. Chief horticulturist Robert DeFeo is now predicting the peak blooming will be April 1 to April 4. Earlier he predicted …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : National Park Service says DC’s cherry blossoms will likely bloom earlier than expected.

University of Iowa Museum of Art to open exhibit on hip-hop’s early years

University of Iowa hosts hip hop exhibit
IOWA CITY, Iowa – An exhibit chronicling moments in hip-hop’s early years will soon go on display.

The University of Iowa Museum of Art is hosting an exhibit called “Two Turntables and a Microphone: Hip-Hop Contexts featuring Harry Allen’s ‘Part of the Permanent Record: Photos from the Previous Century.’”
It opens …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

British Airways and Unite no closer to resolving dispute as strike enters third day

British Airways strike enters 3rd and busiest day

LONDON – British Airways and the union representing its cabin crew were no closer to resolving a dispute over pay and conditions Monday as a strike that has grounded thousands of flights entered its third – and busiest – day.
Operations at the airline were put under more strain … Original article on : British Airways and Unite no closer to resolving dispute as strike enters third day.

Lufthansa pilots threaten 4-day strike in mid-April as talks with airline falter

Lufthansa pilots threaten new 4-day strike

BERLIN – Pilots at Deutsche Lufthansa AG are threatening to stage a new four-day strike in mid-April after their union and the airline failed to resolve a dispute over pay and job security.
The Cockpit union said Monday that it had called a walkout at all German locations from April 13-16.
The …. Read the original article  : Lufthansa pilots threaten 4-day strike in mid-April as talks with airline falter.

No surprises: How to make sure your vacation rental doesn’t disappoint

Tips to ensure vacation rentals don’t disappoint

Here are a few tips from the Better Business Bureau, travel experts and seasoned renters to make sure you don’t get burned when you rent a home for your vacation.
-Get a written agreement spelling out terms and conditions. Never wire money or write a personal check. Plastic is the …. Original article  : No surprises: How to make sure your vacation rental doesn’t disappoint.

Out with the cherubs, in with abstract art: Louvre ceiling gets new ceiling by Cy Twombly

US artist Cy Twombly creates ceiling for Louvre

PARIS – The Louvre’s ceilings already abound with decorative paintings: There are plenty of frolicking maidens, epic battles and racing chariots, not to mention cherubs holding cornucopias.
American contemporary artist Cy Twombly had something different in mind – something simple.
Twombly, the first artist given the honor of decorating a … Original article on : Out with the cherubs, in with abstract art: Louvre ceiling gets new ceiling by Cy Twombly.

Huge Anglo-Saxon treasure hoard found in British farmer’s field to be kept in local museums

Anglo-Saxon treasure to remain in local UK museums

LONDON – A fundraising campaign to keep a huge collection of Anglo-Saxon gold in the area where it was unearthed has raised enough money for the treasure hoard to be kept in two central England museums.
Government trusts and the public chipped in to meet the 3.3 million pound … Original source on Gaea Times at : Huge Anglo-Saxon treasure hoard found in British farmer’s field to be kept in local museums.

TV show following 5 flight attendants at work, play, vows to bring ’sexy back’ to flying

Reality show vows to bring ’sexy back’ to flying

MIAMI – These flight attendants are bringing sexy back.
“Fly Girls,” a CW reality show debuting 9 p.m. EDT Wednesday, follows the lives of five Virgin America flight attendants as they jet around the country.
The eight half-hour episodes will feature the attendants sharing a home in Los Angeles, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : TV show following 5 flight attendants at work, play, vows to bring ’sexy back’ to flying.

Latest round of quick airfare sales with limited dates, midweek travel, ends this week

Discount airlines start new round of short sales

DALLAS – Leading discount airlines have launched a new round of airfare sales for summer, but travelers may have to act fast and be flexible on dates to grab the best deals.
Sales from JetBlue Airways, Frontier Airlines and AirTran Airways end this week.
Frontier is touting fares as low …. Source article  : Latest round of quick airfare sales with limited dates, midweek travel, ends this week.

Int’l pilots group backs possible Lufthansa strike

Int’l pilots group backs Lufthansa strike
BRUSSELS – An union representing the world’s airline pilots says it supports Lufthansa’s pilots plan to stage a 4-day strike.

The show of solidarity by the 105,000-member International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations will likely boost the determination of the German Cockpit union to go ahead with the work stoppage.
Lufthansa’s …. Read the original article  : here.

British lawmakers say privacy fears over body scanners are overblown

UK lawmakers: Too much concern over body scanners

LONDON – The privacy fears raised by the deployment of full body scanners at airports are overblown, a committee of British lawmakers said Wednesday, adding that the technology was no more of a threat to passengers’ rights than pat-downs or bag searches.
The government promised to install body scanners … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : British lawmakers say privacy fears over body scanners are overblown.

Just in time for Easter: Pasadena museum is home to world’s largest bunny collection

Museum is home to world’s largest bunny collection

PASADENA, Calif. – It started 18 years ago with an endearment and a plush bunny.
Today, Steve Lubanski and Candace Frazee live in The Bunny Museum, where they have the world’s largest rabbit collection with more than 26,000 items. Guinness World Records dubbed them the largest in 1999 when …. Source article  : Just in time for Easter: Pasadena museum is home to world’s largest bunny collection.

US Airways resumes service between Charlotte, NC, and Baton Rouge after 7 years

US Airways resumes Charlotte-Baton Rouge service

NEW YORK – US Airways said Wednesday it is bringing back nonstop service between its hub in Charlotte, N.C., and Baton Rouge, La., after a seven-year hiatus.
It will offer three daily flights in each direction, starting June 24, operated by US Airway’s regional partner, PSA Airlines.
Baton Rouge is the second … Original article on : US Airways resumes service between Charlotte, NC, and Baton Rouge after 7 years.

British lawmakers say privacy fears over body scanners are overblown

UK lawmakers: Too much concern over body scanners

LONDON – The privacy fears raised by the deployment of full body scanners at airports are overblown, a committee of British lawmakers said Wednesday, adding that the technology was no more of a threat to passengers’ rights than pat-downs or bag searches.
The government promised to install body scanners …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Out with the cherubs, in with abstract art: Louvre ceiling gets new ceiling by Cy Twombly

US artist Cy Twombly creates ceiling for Louvre

PARIS – The Louvre’s ceilings already abound with decorative paintings: There are plenty of frolicking maidens, epic battles and racing chariots, not to mention cherubs holding cornucopias.
American contemporary artist Cy Twombly had something different in mind – something simple.
Twombly, the first artist given the honor of decorating a …. Original article  : Out with the cherubs, in with abstract art: Louvre ceiling gets new ceiling by Cy Twombly.

Huge Anglo-Saxon treasure hoard found in British farmer’s field to be kept in local museums

Anglo-Saxon treasure to remain in local UK museums

LONDON – A fundraising campaign to keep a huge collection of Anglo-Saxon gold in the area where it was unearthed has raised enough money for the treasure hoard to be kept in two central England museums.
Government trusts and the public chipped in to meet the 3.3 million pound …. Source article  : Huge Anglo-Saxon treasure hoard found in British farmer’s field to be kept in local museums.

TV show following 5 flight attendants at work, play, vows to bring ’sexy back’ to flying

Reality show vows to bring ’sexy back’ to flying

MIAMI – These flight attendants are bringing sexy back.
“Fly Girls,” a CW reality show debuting 9 p.m. EDT Wednesday, follows the lives of five Virgin America flight attendants as they jet around the country.
The eight half-hour episodes will feature the attendants sharing a home in Los Angeles, …. Read the original article  : TV show following 5 flight attendants at work, play, vows to bring ’sexy back’ to flying.

Latest round of quick airfare sales with limited dates, midweek travel, ends this week

Discount airlines start new round of short sales

DALLAS – Leading discount airlines have launched a new round of airfare sales for summer, but travelers may have to act fast and be flexible on dates to grab the best deals.
Sales from JetBlue Airways, Frontier Airlines and AirTran Airways end this week.
Frontier is touting fares as low … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Latest round of quick airfare sales with limited dates, midweek travel, ends this week.

Int’l pilots group backs possible Lufthansa strike

Int’l pilots group backs Lufthansa strike
BRUSSELS – An union representing the world’s airline pilots says it supports Lufthansa’s pilots plan to stage a 4-day strike.

The show of solidarity by the 105,000-member International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations will likely boost the determination of the German Cockpit union to go ahead with the work stoppage.
Lufthansa’s … Read more »».

National Park Service says DC’s cherry blossoms will likely bloom earlier than expected

Cherry blossoms to bloom early in DC
WASHINGTON – Warm weather this past weekend is going to bring Washington’s famous cherry blossoms a few days early.

The National Park Service revised its prediction for blooming dates Monday. Chief horticulturist Robert DeFeo is now predicting the peak blooming will be April 1 to April 4. Earlier he predicted … Read this article on Gaea Times at : National Park Service says DC’s cherry blossoms will likely bloom earlier than expected.

University of Iowa Museum of Art to open exhibit on hip-hop’s early years

University of Iowa hosts hip hop exhibit
IOWA CITY, Iowa – An exhibit chronicling moments in hip-hop’s early years will soon go on display.

The University of Iowa Museum of Art is hosting an exhibit called “Two Turntables and a Microphone: Hip-Hop Contexts featuring Harry Allen’s ‘Part of the Permanent Record: Photos from the Previous Century.’”
It opens … Read more >>.

British Airways and Unite no closer to resolving dispute as strike enters third day

British Airways strike enters 3rd and busiest day

LONDON – British Airways and the union representing its cabin crew were no closer to resolving a dispute over pay and conditions Monday as a strike that has grounded thousands of flights entered its third – and busiest – day.
Operations at the airline were put under more strain … Read more : British Airways and Unite no closer to resolving dispute as strike enters third day.

Lufthansa pilots threaten 4-day strike in mid-April as talks with airline falter

Lufthansa pilots threaten new 4-day strike

BERLIN – Pilots at Deutsche Lufthansa AG are threatening to stage a new four-day strike in mid-April after their union and the airline failed to resolve a dispute over pay and job security.
The Cockpit union said Monday that it had called a walkout at all German locations from April 13-16.
The …. Source article  : Lufthansa pilots threaten 4-day strike in mid-April as talks with airline falter.

No surprises: How to make sure your vacation rental doesn’t disappoint

Tips to ensure vacation rentals don’t disappoint

Here are a few tips from the Better Business Bureau, travel experts and seasoned renters to make sure you don’t get burned when you rent a home for your vacation.
-Get a written agreement spelling out terms and conditions. Never wire money or write a personal check. Plastic is the …. Original source  : No surprises: How to make sure your vacation rental doesn’t disappoint.

Maharaja Express Chugs Out!

AHMEDABAD, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced several long distance superfast trains including her brainchild Duranto express, but her latest offering Maharaja Express is meant for, well, literally the Kings and emperors! It is going to begin its maiden run today and the minster will flag off the super luxury …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Ancient Greek artifacts go on display in Rome after being returned by the Met

Rome to display ancient Greek silverware
ROME – A collection of ancient Greek silverware dating to the third century B.C. is going on display in Rome after being returned by the Metropolitan Museum in New York, officials said Friday.

The 16 pieces of silverware with gold detail were returned as part of Italy’s aggressive campaign against illegal … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ancient Greek artifacts go on display in Rome after being returned by the Met.

Ecuador: 16 Canadians rescued from grounded yacht in Galapagos Islands

Canadians rescued from grounded yacht in Galapagos

QUITO, Ecuador – Sixteen Canadian tourists and eight Ecuadorean crew members were rescued from a yacht that ran aground in the Galapagos Islands, officials said Thursday.
No injuries were reported in the Wednesday evening rescue by navy and national park vessels, which the 140-foot yacht’s operator described as “safe and … Read : Ecuador: 16 Canadians rescued from grounded yacht in Galapagos Islands.

Obama postpones Asia trip, will stay in Washington for final health care vote

Obama postpones Asia trip to focus on health care
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has postponed his trip to Asia until June so he can stay in Washington for a possible Sunday vote on his health care overhaul plan.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Thursday the president is disappointed and regrets having …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Kilts, green body paint decorate NYC as marchers worldwide parade in honor of St. Patrick

Nation, world go green for St. Patrick’s Day
NEW YORK – All the world from the Sydney Opera House to the Empire State Building turned Irish, or at least Irish for the day, as revelers marked St. Patrick’s Day with bagpipes, dancing, emerald lights and green body paint in a flurry of celebration.
New Yorkers …. Source  : Kilts, green body paint decorate NYC as marchers worldwide parade in honor of St. Patrick.

Crowds gather in Savannah for annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, festivities

Savannah marks St. Patrick’s Day
SAVANNAH, Ga. – Crowds gathered along the parade route Wednesday morning as Savannah prepared for its 186th annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

The city’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities attract hundreds of thousands of people, the biggest tourist event of the year in the city of about 150,000.
The celebration was started in 1824 … Read more : Crowds gather in Savannah for annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, festivities.

Virgin America apologizes for grounding passengers in NY-bound plane for 4?? hours

Virgin America apologizes over grounded plane

LOS ANGELES – Virgin America has offered refunds to “Dancing With the Stars” judge Carrie Ann Inaba and other passengers who were stranded for hours on a grounded plane bound for New York from Los Angeles.
Virgin America CEO David Cush sent an apology letter Tuesday to each passenger, promised refunds … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Virgin America apologizes for grounding passengers in NY-bound plane for 4?? hours.

Forget the crowds: Demand grows for quiet views of DC’s cherry blossoms from the water

Visitors seek river views of DC’s cherry blossoms

ABOARD THE HARBOUR BELLE – Visitors who want to see Washington’s cherry blossom trees can now get their views from a peaceful cruise on the Potomac River, away from the hordes of land-based tourists.
While many of the 1 million-plus visitors over the next two weeks will crowd along …. Source article  : Forget the crowds: Demand grows for quiet views of DC’s cherry blossoms from the water.

Just in time for Easter: Pasadena museum is home to world’s largest bunny collection

Museum is home to world’s largest bunny collection

PASADENA, Calif. – It started 18 years ago with an endearment and a plush bunny.
Today, Steve Lubanski and Candace Frazee live in The Bunny Museum, where they have the world’s largest rabbit collection with more than 26,000 items. Guinness World Records dubbed them the largest in 1999 when … Original source on Gaea Times at : Just in time for Easter: Pasadena museum is home to world’s largest bunny collection.

US Airways resumes service between Charlotte, NC, and Baton Rouge after 7 years

US Airways resumes Charlotte-Baton Rouge service

NEW YORK – US Airways said Wednesday it is bringing back nonstop service between its hub in Charlotte, N.C., and Baton Rouge, La., after a seven-year hiatus.
It will offer three daily flights in each direction, starting June 24, operated by US Airway’s regional partner, PSA Airlines.
Baton Rouge is the second …. Source  : Gaea News Network.