World wonders

Howard Hillman has travelled over one million miles and to over 100 countries to bring tips on places to go. Here you will find his recommendations, plus info, for 100 places to go before you die. I fared much better with this list than the previous ones, but still only managed a paltry 26/100. Must try harder.

On the move

Came across a site called BUG (Backpacker’s Ultimate Guide) and, clicking on Spain→Andalucia→Malaga, was rather surprised to find that the city appears to have moved to the Yorkshire Dales and is now called Malham. You live and learn. The new Malaga

An award for Sir Michael

Sir Michael Caine, once Maurice Micklewhite, has received France’s highest cultural award, the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters, an award given to those who have ‘significantly contributed to the enrichment of French cultural heritage’.

The power of celebrity endorsement

Power Balance wristbands promised to improve the wearer’s balance, strength and flexibility and were the must-have accessory for many a star and have been endorsed by such celebrities as Leonardo DiCaprio, P Diddy, Robert De Niro, Kate Middleton, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Hasta la vista, Arnie

Arnold ‘failure is not an option’ Schwarzenegger will depart public office on Monday, ending a seven year stint as the Governor of California.

New Year firework displays

Here is a small collection of New Year firework display videos from: London, Sydney, St Petersburg, Dubai, Tapei, New York and Rio de Janeiro.

Taking the plunge

Brave..intrepid…hardy. There are many words to describe the people who plunge into freezing cold waters each winter as part of the festive celebrations….Pictures

The art of anonymity

A firewoman in the UK, who was given a payout after suffering a campaign of sexual harassment, has moved home across the country because, she says, village gossips ruined her life, adding: ‘Nobody knows us here and we can get on with our lives’. So, what a brilliant way to remain ‘anonymous’. Sell your story to the Mail with name, …

Tragedy averted

While the Trappist monks were enjoying a good nosh, fire broke out in the 13th-Century Belgian abbey at St. Remy-Rochefort. The building was evacuated while 70 firemen tackled the blaze and the great news is, the vats survived and production should be resumed in a few days.

Top tours of 2010

Bon Jovi were the most successful band of 2010 in terms of touring, their ‘The Circle’ show taking €201.1 million worldwide. The band, formed in 1983, performed a total of 80 shows on the tour. The top ten tours were: