LONDON, England (CNN) -- Edwin van der Sar claimed the all-time British record for minutes without conceding a goal during Manchester United's 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday.

Triumphant: Edwin van der Sar holds the British goalkeeping record for most time without conceding.

The Dutch veteran also took the 30-year-old English record from Steve Death last week. Death's name, with all due respect to the former Reading custodian, is not up there with the game's greats.

So who is in Van der Sar's league as football's finest shot-stoppers, the men who rarely get the credit but often cop the flak?

Here, Football Fanzone presents a run down of the best goalkeepers in history.

Read through our picks and tell us if you disagree or if we've missed anyone in the Sound Off box below. What do you think of van der Sar's inclusion?

Lev Yashin (USSR)

Yahsin is the only goalkeeper ever to be named European Footballer of the Year, in 1963. Dubbed the Black Spider for his all-black outfit and what seemed like eight limbs, the Russian even invented the concept of the keeper as sweeper. In the days when keepers were not protected by referees as they are today, Yashin's bravery and acrobatics were legendary and 207 clean sheets and 150 penalties saves he made in a 22-year career tell their own story. The best keeper at each World Cup is presented with the Yashin Award.

Dino Zoff (Italy)

Zoff is one of just two goalkeepers to lift the World Cup having captained Italy to their third crown in 1982. He was already 40 then, making him the oldest World Cup-winning captain too. But the unflappable Zoff's achievements don't end there: he holds the record for the longest playing time without conceding in international tournaments (1,142 minutes) set between 1972 and 1974. And with 112 caps, he ranks third in the Azzurri's all-time list. A true great.

Gordon Banks (England)

"What a save," so the commentary runs to the finest piece of goalkeeping ever and one of football's most memorable moments. Pele was certain he'd scored after meeting Jairzinho's center, heading powerfully down into the left-hand corner of the net in Brazil's 1-0 1970 World Cup group win over England. But somehow Banks scrambled across, miraculously diving to push the ball up over the bar. Banks might have been immortalized by that stop, but his absence through illness from England's subsequent quarter-final against West Germany was perhaps more telling when his replacement Peter Bonetti was made a scapegoat for the defending champions' defeat.

Peter Schmeichel (Denmark)

Schmeichel will go down as Sir Alex Ferguson's best signing for Manchester United, certainly pound-for-pound. Bought for just $750,000 in 1991, the imposing Schmeichel would provide United everything a world-class goalkeeper requires -- including the ability to launch a swift counter-attack. He won Euro 92 with Denmark and the Treble with United in 1999, while 13 career goals are not to be sniffed at either. He played on a season too long, maybe, but on his day there were few better.

Edwin van der Sar (Holland)

At 38, the rangy Van der Sar is in the very twilight of his career -- but what a career it's been. The man from Voorhout holds the record number of caps for Holland, he's won the Champions League twice and is on course to win a third Premier League title in a row with Manchester United this season. All of which makes you wonder how come he spent so long at Fulham? United fans would love to have had Van der Sar way before 2005; he has proved to be the definitive Schmeichel replacement.

Iker Casillas (Spain)

It's easy to take Casillas' brilliance for granted, but stand back and look at his career and it's clear he's already one of the greats. Real Madrid have always been able to lure the best, yet they've had the agile Casillas as

Who claims the British record without conceding a goal?

Answer: Edwin van der Sar

Answer: Edwin van der Sar

Answer: Read through our picks and tell us if you disagree or if we've missed anyone in the Sound Off box below.

Answer: Football Fanzone

Answer: Football

Answer: Edwin van der Sar

Answer: British

Answer: van der Sar's inclusion?

Summary:
Edwin van der Sar claims British record for minutes without conceding a goal .
CNN picks 11 of the top goalkeepers of all time .
Share your thoughts on who should in and who should be out .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- Edwin van der Sar claimed the all-time British record for minutes without conceding a goal during Manchester United's 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday.

Triumphant: Edwin van der Sar holds the British goalkeeping record for most time without conceding.

The Dutch veteran also took the 30-year-old English record from Steve Death last week. Death's name, with all due respect to the former Reading custodian, is not up there with the game's greats.

So who is in Van der Sar's league as football's finest shot-stoppers, the men who rarely get the credit but often cop the flak?

Here, Football Fanzone presents a run down of the best goalkeepers in history.

Read through our picks and tell us if you disagree or if we've missed anyone in the Sound Off box below. What do you think of van der Sar's inclusion?

Lev Yashin (USSR)

Yahsin is the only goalkeeper ever to be named European Footballer of the Year, in 1963. Dubbed the Black Spider for his all-black outfit and what seemed like eight limbs, the Russian even invented the concept of the keeper as sweeper. In the days when keepers were not protected by referees as they are today, Yashin's bravery and acrobatics were legendary and 207 clean sheets and 150 penalties saves he made in a 22-year career tell their own story. The best keeper at each World Cup is presented with the Yashin Award.

Dino Zoff (Italy)

Zoff is one of just two goalkeepers to lift the World Cup having captained Italy to their third crown in 1982. He was already 40 then, making him the oldest World Cup-winning captain too. But the unflappable Zoff's achievements don't end there: he holds the record for the longest playing time without conceding in international tournaments (1,142 minutes) set between 1972 and 1974. And with 112 caps, he ranks third in the Azzurri's all-time list. A true great.

Gordon Banks (England)

"What a save," so the commentary runs to the finest piece of goalkeeping ever and one of football's most memorable moments. Pele was certain he'd scored after meeting Jairzinho's center, heading powerfully down into the left-hand corner of the net in Brazil's 1-0 1970 World Cup group win over England. But somehow Banks scrambled across, miraculously diving to push the ball up over the bar. Banks might have been immortalized by that stop, but his absence through illness from England's subsequent quarter-final against West Germany was perhaps more telling when his replacement Peter Bonetti was made a scapegoat for the defending champions' defeat.

Peter Schmeichel (Denmark)

Schmeichel will go down as Sir Alex Ferguson's best signing for Manchester United, certainly pound-for-pound. Bought for just $750,000 in 1991, the imposing Schmeichel would provide United everything a world-class goalkeeper requires -- including the ability to launch a swift counter-attack. He won Euro 92 with Denmark and the Treble with United in 1999, while 13 career goals are not to be sniffed at either. He played on a season too long, maybe, but on his day there were few better.

Edwin van der Sar (Holland)

At 38, the rangy Van der Sar is in the very twilight of his career -- but what a career it's been. The man from Voorhout holds the record number of caps for Holland, he's won the Champions League twice and is on course to win a third Premier League title in a row with Manchester United this season. All of which makes you wonder how come he spent so long at Fulham? United fans would love to have had Van der Sar way before 2005; he has proved to be the definitive Schmeichel replacement.

Iker Casillas (Spain)

It's easy to take Casillas' brilliance for granted, but stand back and look at his career and it's clear he's already one of the greats. Real Madrid have always been able to lure the best, yet they've had the agile Casillas as

Who picked the top goalkeepers of all time?

Answer: Edwin van der Sar

Answer: a goal

Answer: 1-0

Answer: Football Fanzone

Answer: a goal

Answer: Voorhout

Summary:
Edwin van der Sar claims British record for minutes without conceding a goal .
CNN picks 11 of the top goalkeepers of all time .
Share your thoughts on who should in and who should be out .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- Eight men plotted to use bombs disguised in drinks containers to blow up planes heading towards the United States in mid-flight in the name of Islam, a British court heard Tuesday.

The eight men deny conspiracy to murder by plotting to blow up transatlantic aircraft.

Prosecutors told London's Woolwich Crown Court the men planned to make the explosives from household objects to resemble drinks bottles, batteries and other items to be carried onto aircraft in hand luggage, the UK's Press Association reported.

The foiling of the alleged plot in August 2006 triggered the imposition of strict new security measures at international airports around the world, restricting the quantity of liquids passengers can carry on to aircraft.

The measures, which led to massive delays and scores of canceled flights when they were imposed overnight, remain in place at many airports.

Prosecutor Peter Wright described two of the men, Abdulla Ahmed Ali, 28, and Assad Sarwar, 28, as ringleaders of an Islamic fundamentalist conspiracy, according to PA.

"It was an interest that involved inflicting heavy casualties upon an unwitting civilian population all in the name of Islam," he said.

"These men were indifferent to the carnage that was likely to ensue if their plans were successful. To them the identities of their victims was an irrelevance by race, color, religion or creed.

"What these men intended to bring about together and with others was a violent and deadly statement of intent that would have a truly global impact."

Wright said the bombs were to be carried onto flights to the United States by suicide bombers as part of a plot hatched in Britain and Pakistan, according to PA.

He said a computer memory stick seized at the time of the defendants' arrests listed details of flights operated by three carriers -- American Airlines, United Airlines and Air Canada -- between August and October 2006.

"If each of these flights were successfully blown up the potential for loss of life was considerable," Wright said.

Ali, Sarwar and six others including Tanvir Hussain, 27, Ibrahim Savant, 28, Arafat Waheed Khan, 27, Waheed Zaman, 24, Umar Islam, 30, and Donald Stewart-Whyte, 22, deny conspiracy to murder. The trial is expected to last 10 months.

How many suspects were involved in this Islamic fundamentalist plot?

What airlines were alleged intended targets?

Which airlines were the intended targets?

What did the men plan to do with household items?

Answer: Eight men

Answer: plotted to use bombs disguised in drinks containers to blow up planes

Answer: American

Answer: American

Answer: between August and October 2006.

Answer: Eight men

Answer: plotted to use bombs disguised in drinks containers to blow up planes

Answer: American

Answer: make the explosives from

Answer: American

Summary:
Prosecutors say the men planned to make bombs out of household items .
Eight accused of being involved in an Islamic fundamentalist plot .
American Airlines, United Airlines and Air Canada were alleged intended targets .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- Eight years ago, Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna became global pin-ups for the resurgence in Mexican filmmaking after their memorable breakthrough in coming-of-age road movie "Y tu Mama Tambien."

"Rudo y Cursi" reunites Luna and Bernal, who became pin-ups for the resurgence in Mexican filmmaking with "Y tu Mama Tambien" in 2001.

Today, Luna and Bernal's on-screen chemistry has once again grabbed the public's attention, this time in Mexico, where their latest film "Rudo y Cursi" made box-office history.

It became the fourth highest-grossing film in the country's history when it was released at the end of 2008.

"Rudo y Cursi," approximately translated as Tough and Corny, tells the story of two rural banana farmers who, after being 'spotted' by a crooked talent scout, gain instant celebrity in the Mexican soccer league playing for opposing teams.

But, mesmerized by women and fast cars and unable to defy their demons, they look on powerless as the dream disintegrates in front of them almost as suddenly as it arrived.

The movie touches on fame, poverty and corruption, but for its makers, it is ultimately a tale of brotherhood.

It was written written and directed by Carlos Cuaron, and is the first release from groundbreaking new production venture Cha Cha Cha films.

Cha Cha Cha was established by Mexico's three leading directors who are also renowned internationally -- Carlos' brother Alfonso Cuaron ("Children of Men"), Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu ("Babel") and Guillermo del Toro ("Pan's Labyrinth").

All three serve as producers on the film.  In pictures: Bernal and Garcia in "Rudo y Cursi" »

"Originally I wanted to make a fake documentary about a footballer from a humble background who made it big and then disappeared mysteriously," Carlos Cuaron told CNN.

"But I told this idea to Gael [Garcia Bernal] and Diego [Luna], and they both said they wanted to play the part. I had one part and two actors. So I made up another brother and forgot about the fake documentary."

Cuaron also cast Bernal and Luna -- best friends since childhood in Mexico City who were so keen to do the film the signed up before they saw a script -- against type and against their wishes.

Both had originally wanted to play the opposite character: Bernal the abrasive Rudo, and Luna the romantic Cursi. They were eventually dissuaded by Cuaron who said: "I don't want to make Y Tu Mama Tambien 2."

The idea behind Cha Cha Cha films was conceived by Cuaron senior, del Toro and Innaritu when the trio -- a kind of all-stars of Mexican cinema -- found themselves with a surprise 16 nominations and 4 awards at the 2007 Oscars.

The idea came out of a desire to pool their their rising bargaining power and maximize their clout in Hollywood -- and, of course, out of friendship.

The company was "born out of friendship and sibling sympathies," del Toro told CNN. When Carlos was originally writing the script, his bother, Alfonso told him thought it was perfect for Cha Cha Cha.

The venture formalizes a working relationship del Toro, Innaritu and Alfonso Cuaron have had for years, but they freely admit they spend little time together. Rather it is a case of exchanging ideas and honing each other's writing over the phone and via email from all over the globe. Del Toro, for example, is currently in New Zealand directing Peter Jackson's follow-up to his wildly successful "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Hobbit."

It would appear that the Mexican trio have created an ideal creative environment for themselves, Cha Cha Cha has been criticized for forgetting their Mexican heritage in the rush to embrace Hollywood. It is not a criticism they take lightly. Watch Cuaron, Bernal and Garcia talking about "Rudo y Cursi"

"I don't care about Mexican films, about indie films,

What is the fourth most popular box office hit ever?

Mexican superstars that will be together

Answer: Carlos Cuaron,

Answer: "Rudo y Cursi"

Answer: Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna

Answer: Luna and Bernal,

Answer: Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna

Answer: Carlos Cuaron,

Summary:
Mexican superstars Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna star together .
Film has gone down in Mexican history as fourth most popular box office hit ever .
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Alfonso Cuaron, Guillermo del Toro behind film .
Directed by Carlos Cuaron and produced by production company, Cha Cha Cha .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- English football fans hoping to travel to Moscow for this month's Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea face spiraling costs and an anxious wait for visas amid a simmering diplomatic row between the UK and Russia. Chelsea fans hoping to follow their side to Moscow face hefty expenses and an anxious wait over visas. Upwards of 50,000 fans are expected to travel to the May 21 match from the UK, defying expensive flights and warnings about a shortage of accommodation in the Russian capital -- one of the world's most expensive cities. But there were fears on Thursday that Russia's stringent visa requirements for British citizens could further complicate matters for fans. In a statement, the Russian Embassy in London pledged to fulfil its obligations to enable all fans with tickets to the game to travel. But it also criticized the UK government for tightening restrictions on Russians traveling in the opposite direction, imposed following the apparent murder of the exiled Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko in 2006. "If we had an agreement similar to the one Russia has in place with EU, most problems could have been avoided," the statement said. The embassy also criticized the UK for imposing "cumbersome" visa requirements on supporters of the Russian side, Zenit St. Petersburg, which could reach the UEFA Cup final in Manchester on May 14, including biometric tests, online-only applications and interviews with consulate officials. But there was speculation as well on Thursday that Moscow may be prepared to temporarily lift some visa requirements in a gesture of good will. The UK's Times newspaper quoted a foreign ministry spokesman as saying that Russian authorities would waive the need for visa applicants to produce a letter of invitation in the case of ticket holders. UEFA communications director William Gaillard praised Russia's flexibility on Wednesday and said a simplified visa application procedure could be in place by the end of the week. "The Russians have shown great flexibility and hopefully within the next 48 hours we will be announcing a more simplified procedure for visas to make it easier for fans to get to Moscow," Gaillard told the UK's Press Association. Manchester United Chief Executive David Gill said on Wednesday that those traveling on official club packages were assured of a visa. "If you are on an organized trip, your ticket will be your visa. The actual specifics and fine details will be addressed in the next day or so and then we will communicate with the fans. "Everyone recognizes in order for it to be a showcase, which it clearly will be, you have to ease entry into the country while not totally doing away with what the Russian authorities require." But Gill warned that demand for tickets would leave many fans disappointed: "We could sell well over 100,000 tickets for this final, so there will be a lot of disappointed people." Both United and Chelsea have each received around 21,000 tickets for the match. But with officially allocated tickets expected to be snapped up by season ticket holders and loyalty scheme members, many more fans are expected to travel to Moscow independently. Flights from London to Moscow on the day of the match, returning the following day were available for around $1,600 over the internet on Thursday. But the British foreign office Web site advised Thursday that there were no hotel vacancies in Moscow and warned supporters that they would not be able to find a room on arrival. Meanwhile, UK sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe urged fans to be on their best behavior in Moscow, warning that trouble could derail England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup. "I was really impressed and pleased that the European champions final will be an all-English final but that brings some responsibilities for the teams involved and their supporters," Sutcliffe told PA. "It should be a great advert for the Premier League and for English football but it will also be the place everyone will be looking at if anything goes wrong. "If that happened it would not only be damaging for the two teams participating but could also have a big impact on the reputation of our game at a time when

Ahead of what do English fans face spiraling expenses, visa anxiety?

Up to how many fans expected to go to Moscow?

Who critizes UK for tightening Russian visa requirements?

Answer: League final between Manchester United and Chelsea face spiraling costs and an anxious wait for visas amid a simmering diplomatic row between the UK and Russia.

Answer: 50,000

Answer: pledged to fulfil its obligations to enable all fans with tickets to the game to travel.

Answer: Champions

Answer: Embassy in London

Answer: stringent visa requirements

Summary:
English fans face spiraling expenses, visa anxiety ahead of European Cup final .
The Russian Embassy criticizes UK for tightening Russian visa requirements .
Up to 50,000 Chelsea and Manchester United fans expected to go to Moscow .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- Events commemorating the bombing of an American airliner over the Scottish town of Lockerbie were taking place Sunday in both the UK and the U.S. to mark the 20th anniversary of the attack which killed 270 people. Mourners gathered at a wreath-laying ceremony Sunday to mark the Lockerbie bombing. All 259 people on board Pan Am flight 103 from London to New York were killed when the plane exploded in midair on December 21, 1988. A further 11 people died on the ground as debris rained down on Lockerbie. In Scotland, mourners watched as a commemorative wreath was laid at Dryfesdale Cemetery, the site of a permanent memorial and remembrance garden to the victims of the attack. Canon Michael Bands, who led the service, said that the disaster had "long ceased to be a Lockerbie event and become a world event." "It is awful that we should gather today on this stormy sort of day to feel the sadness again of the tragedy that took place here 20 years ago," Bands said, according to the UK's Press Association. Services marking the exact time of the attack at 1903 GMT were also due to take place later in local churches. A private service for relatives of victims and former Pan Am employees will also take place at London's Heathrow airport, where the airliner began its final flight. In the U.S., remembrance services were scheduled to take place at Arlington National Cemetery and at New York's Syracuse University, which lost 35 students in the bombing. Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said the anniversary marked an opportunity to reflect on "the lasting links that have been established with those in other nations who were touched by the disaster." "I know that through the events being organised in Lockerbie, at Syracuse University, and at other locations in the UK and the U.S., that fitting tribute will be paid to those who so tragically lost their lives and those, in the south of Scotland and beyond, whose lives have been affected by the atrocity." A former Libyan intelligence officer, Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi, was convicted of the bombing in 2001. Al Megrahi, who is serving a life sentence in Scotland's Greenock Prison, last month lost an appeal to be released because he is suffering from advanced prostate cancer. Al Megrahi has always denied any involvement in the bombing. He was convicted after prosecutors argued he had placed the bomb, hidden in a suitcase, on a flight from Malta to Frankfurt, Germany. There, prosecutors said, the bomb was transferred onto the Pan Am jet that went first to London's Heathrow Airport and then was to continue to New York. The prosecution maintained that Megrahi, who worked at Malta's Luqa Airport, was an agent for the Libyan intelligence services and had been seen buying clothes that were in the suitcase that contained the bomb. In 2007 Scottish judges granted Megrahi the right to make a second appeal against his conviction on grounds that he may have suffered a miscarriage of justice. That process is ongoing. Another man -- Al-Amin Khalifa Fahima -- was also tried in the bombing but was acquitted. Libya has formally accepted responsibility for the bombing, though Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi later denied any culpability. The north African country has paid out more than $500 million to the families of victims of the attack as part of a wider $1.5 billion settlement to end its legal liability in U.S. terrorism cases and restore diplomatic full relations with Washington.

How long will the Libyan intelligence office serve in jail?

It was the 20th anniversary of what event?

How many people were killed when the Pan Am flight exploded?

Answer: life sentence

Answer: the bombing of an American airliner over the Scottish

Answer: take place at Arlington National Cemetery and at New York's Syracuse University, which lost 35 students in the bombing.

Answer: the bombing of an American airliner over the Scottish

Answer: 259

Summary:
Events marking 20th anniversary of Lockerbie airliner bombing to be held Sunday .
270 killed when Pan Am flight from London to New York exploded in midair .
Services to be held in Scotland, at Heathrow Airport and in U.S.
Libyan intelligence officer convicted of attack in 2001 currently serving life sentence .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- FIFA will announce its Player of the Year for 2008 at a ceremony in Zurich today, and here is a look at the leading contenders for the award. Favorite: Portugal and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is in line for the FIFA award. To see the full list of contenders for the prize and vote for who you think should win, click here. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, Portugal) Ronaldo has emerged as favorite for the award after he and his Manchester United club enjoyed a superb season. The Portugal international was a central figure in the club's English Premier League, UEFA Champions League and World Club Championships titles. He scored 42 goals in the season. Critics would say he didn't perform well enough on the international stage, as Portugal exited at the quarter-final stage of Euro 2008, and Ronaldo was disappointing. However, he has already picked up the Ballon d'Or award for Europe's player of the year, and for the previous three years the winner of this has gone on to claim the FIFA prize (Ronaldinho, Fabio Cannavaro and Kaka). Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Argentina) Messi appears to be Ronaldo's main challenger for the prize -- if public opinion matters, anyway. Messi won an Olympic gold medal with Argentina and made a stunning start to the current season with Barcelona. In the Primera Liga his 10 goals early in the season helped open up a significant gap on the side's main rivals, and he has also scored five goals in the UEFA Champions League season. The 21-year-old is often compared to Argentina's legendary Diego Maradona. Fernando Torres (Liverpool, Spain) The Spaniard enjoyed an incredible first season in the Premier League -- scoring 24 league goals for Liverpool -- a new record for a foreign striker in his debut season. After that success he went on to Austria-Switzerland and played an integral part in Spain's Euro 2008 victory, scoring the winning goal in the final. If top-level international performances are the key to this award then Torres should go close. Iker Casillas (Real Madrid, Spain) Casillas was recently awarded the Best Keeper of the World in 2008 title by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. Casillas played a large part in helping his Real Madrid side to the Spanish La Liga title, put in strong performances in the UEFA Champions League, and was a key part of Spain's Euro 2008-winning team. Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona, Spain) Also part of the Spanish team which won Euro 2008, Xavi claimed the Player of the Tournament award, which would make him a worthy winner of the FIFA Player of the Year. Aside from his stunning performances at Euro, Xavi scored seven goals for Barcelona last season, and was one of their standout players, while this season he has continued his good form and helped Barcelona to the top of La Liga.

Where will they announce the Player of the Year?

Who will announce the Player of the Year?

Where is FIFA announcing Player of Year for 2008?

Answer: Cristiano Ronaldo

Answer: Cristiano Ronaldo

Answer: Player of the Year for 2008

Answer: ceremony in Zurich

Answer: FIFA

Answer: Zurich

Summary:
FIFA will announce its Player of the Year for 2008 in Zurich Monday evening .
Cristiano Ronaldo has been tipped as a favorite to win the award .
Lionel Messi, Fernando Torres, Iker Casillas and Xavi are top contenders .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- Famed for keeping people slim, healthy and living longer, the Mediterranean diet has followers all over the world. Cultural treat? Moves are underway to get the Mediterranean diet on UNESCO's world heritage list. However, the diet is being increasingly shunned by people who live in the Med as the convenience of fast food gains popularity. The renowned low-fat, high-fiber diet has "decayed into a moribund state" in its traditional regions, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). So sharp is the decline that governments from the region are scrambling to protect their traditional fare from becoming an "endangered" species. Populations surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece, Spain and Italy, tend to eat these foods, and governments there have joined forces to apply for their diet to be placed on the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) Heritage list. Those lobbying for UNESCO protection have argued that its inclusion would ''fend off the watered-down clones assailing its integrity worldwide in this age of killer fast food.'' The UNESCO list is famous for including historic and cultural sites but in recent years the UN body has opened its register to include ''intangible heritage," such as endangered languages or vanishing traditions. "The Mediterranean diet is a heritage that should be protected and shared," Paolo de Castro, a former Italian Agriculture minister, said earlier this year. "Science has long recognized the unusual health properties of the diet, which has strengthened and accompanied the common cultural identity of Mediterranean countries," he said, according to Italian news agency ANSA. "The diet is an integral part of the historical and cultural identity of the Mediterranean, and an opportunity for growth for the countries in the area." Originally considered the diet of the poor, who didn't have much money to buy meat, the "Mediterranean diet" is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, cereals, whole grains, fish and olive oil. Numerous studies have associated it with long life-spans and low rates of cancer, heart disease and other ailments.  See a comparison of the old and new diets in Mediterranean countries » However, some fear that it has become supplanted by supermarket ready-made foods and fast food as people have become more cash-rich and time-poor. "The European diet has become too fat, too salty and too sweet," senior FAO economist Josef Schmidhuber concluded in the group's report on the European Union diet. The FAO's 2008 report ranks Spain as the country with the biggest leap in fat consumption in Europe -- from 25 percent of the diet 40 years ago to 40 percent now. EU and Mediterranean countries with the worst dietary changes are Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Malta, where calorie intake has increased by 30 percent in the last few decades. Three-quarters of the population of Greece is overweight or obese, while in Spain and Italy the number is more than 50 percent. In the U.S., 66 percent of the population fits into this category. Alarmed by the growing health problems associated with obesity, Spain's Health Ministry has launched a series of initiatives to combat obesity. In 2007, it ordered fast-food chain Burger King to remove ads for its Big King XXL, which contains 1,000 calories, and which were aimed at teenagers and young people. A 2001 report by Foodservice Intelligence, a London-based market research firm, found that traditional-style restaurants in Italy and Spain were outnumbered two-to-one by their fast-food counterparts. UNESCO will decide whether to include the Mediterranean diet in its Heritage list late next year. Until then, Spain and other countries in the region undoubtedly will hope they can retain their reputation as a rewarding destination for the gourmet traveler.

Who wants the Med diet to gain UNESCO status?

What has declined into a moribund state?

What has declined into a "moribund state"?

Which countries want the Med diet to gain UNESCO status?

What has increased in Meditteranean countries?

Answer: United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Answer: The renowned low-fat, high-fiber diet

Answer: The renowned low-fat, high-fiber diet

Answer: Greece, Spain and Italy,

Answer: the convenience of fast food

Summary:
Mediterranean diet has declined into a "moribund state" according to the U.N.
Fat consumption has increased markedly in Mediterranean countries .
Italy, Spain, Greece and Morocco want Med diet to gain UNESCO status .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- Fantasy author Terry Pratchett has admitted that he has been diagnosed with a rare form of Alzheimer's disease -- but says he plans to continue writing his multi-million selling Discworld books. Terry Pratchett, whose books have sold more than 45 million copies worldwide in 33 languages. Pratchett, 59 -- whose books have, according to his Web site, sold more than 45 million copies worldwide in 33 languages -- suffered what he called a "phantom stroke" earlier this year. In a statement titled "an embuggerance" on the Web site of Discworld illustrator Paul Kidby, Pratchett says that he has been diagnosed with what he terms "a very rare form of early onset Alzheimer's." "I would have liked to keep this one quiet for a little while, but because of upcoming conventions and of course the need to keep my publishers informed, it seems to me unfair to withhold the news," says Pratchett, who has a strong following among fans of fantasy fiction. "All other things being equal, I expect to meet most current and, as far as possible, future commitments but will discuss things with the various organisers," he continues. "Frankly, I would prefer it if people kept things cheerful, because I think there's time for at least a few more books yet." Pratchett adds that work is continuing on his next book "Nation" and that the "basic notes are already being laid down for Unseen Academicals." In a P.S. he adds that "I would just like to draw attention to everyone reading the above that this should be interpreted as 'I am not dead'. I will, of course, be dead at some future point, as will everybody else. "I know it's a very human thing to say 'Is there anything I can do', but in this case I would only entertain offers from very high-end experts in brain chemistry." Pratchett's Discworld novels, of which 36 have been published to date, are set in a fantasy universe through which the author satirizes modern-day life. He says in a statement on his own Web site that the series "started out as a parody of all the fantasy that was around in the big boom of the early '80s, then turned into a satire on just about everything, and even I don't know what it is now." Pratchett, who began writing while a provincial newspaper journalist in the 1960s, received the Order of the British Empire "for services to literature" from the Prince of Wales in 1998. E-mail to a friend

are the novels set in a fantasy universe

What does Pratchett say about working on his books?

Answer: 1998.

Answer: Discworld

Answer: Terry Pratchett

Answer: Order of the British Empire "for services to literature"

Answer: Fantasy author

Answer: Pratchett's Discworld

Answer: Alzheimer's

Answer: 1998.

Answer: Fantasy author Terry Pratchett

Answer: Fantasy author

Answer: he plans to continue writing

Answer: Discworld

Answer: the Order of the British Empire "for services to literature"

Answer: "a very rare form of early onset Alzheimer's."

Answer: writing his multi-million selling Discworld books.

Answer: 45 million

Answer: Terry Pratchett

Summary:
Multi-million selling writer has "a very rare form of early onset Alzheimer's"
Terry Pratchett says work continuing on books, plans to honor commitments .
Discworld novels are set in a fantasy universe but satirize modern day life .
Received the Order of the British Empire from the Prince of Wales in 1998 .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- Fashion photographer Rankin took time out from his career to take powerful pictures of people from Congo. One of Rankin's images. He visited a refugee camp with the charity Oxfam and his work is now being exhibited in London. The photos are posed like a fashion shoot and different to the regular images coming out of conflict zones. "I wanted to make the people who saw the photos look at the people and see them as people, not see them as victims," Rankin told CNN. Oxfam says 10 million people have died in the last 10 years in the Democratic Republic Of Congo. In the last few weeks, a fragile cease-fire has broken down. The conflict is complicated by outside forces and a variety of armed groups fighting both the government and each other. Rankin said the people he photographed just "wanted the thing to stop."

Who exhibits shots of refugees in DR Congo?

Fashion photographer exhibits shots of who in the DR Congo?

Who exhibits shots of refugees in the DR Congo?

Who said "I want people to see them as people, not victims?"

Answer: Rankin

Answer: people

Answer: Fashion photographer Rankin

Answer: Rankin

Answer: "I wanted to make the people who saw the photos look at the people and see them as people, not see them as victims,"

Answer: Rankin

Summary:
Fashion photographer exhibits shots of refugees in DR Congo .
Rankin says "I want people to see them as people, not victims .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- Fifteen crew members of a South African Airways flight spent the night in jail after customs officials found marijuana and cocaine worth nearly half a million dollars hidden aboard a long-distance flight to London, British customs officials said Wednesday.

South African Airways said it has a zero-tolerance approach towards any criminal activity.

The 10 women and five men -- who include three pilots -- were detained on arrival from Johannesburg, South Africa, after customs officials found 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of marijuana and 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) of cocaine in three pieces of baggage, HM Revenue and Customs said.

The drugs are estimated to be worth a total of £310,000 ($428,000), customs officials added.

Border agents arrested the crew at London's Heathrow Airport on suspicion of involvement in smuggling prohibited drugs into the United Kingdom, customs spokesman Bob Gaiger said. He said he was not able to disclose what led investigators to believe the suitcases belonged to the crew members.

Customs officials interviewed the crew members overnight, and all were released on bail Wednesday pending further inquiries, Gaiger said. They were not charged, according to the airline.

South African Airways said it launched its own investigation involving the airline's security and the South African Police Service.

"SAA has a zero-tolerance approach towards the use of the airline's services for any criminal activity," airline spokeswoman Robyn Chalmers said.

Where were they going to sell the drugs?

What are the drugs estimated to be worth?

What did London customs officials found in the baggage?

Answer: Johannesburg, South Africa,

Answer: United Kingdom,

Answer: £310,000 ($428,000),

Answer: Fifteen crew members of a South African Airways

Answer: South Africa,

Answer: marijuana and cocaine

Answer: customs officials

Summary:
10 women and 5 men were detained on arrival from Johannesburg .
London customs officials found marijuana and cocaine in baggage .
Officials: The drugs are estimated to be worth $428,000 .
South African Airways said it launched its own investigation .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- Five people got the lavish ride of a lifetime as the only passengers on a transatlantic flight, causing environmental groups to criticize the major carrier for leaving a wasteful carbon footprint.

American Airlines has faced criticism for a transatlantic flight carrying only five passengers.

Using about 68,000 liters (15,000 imperial gallons) -- or 13,000 liters per passenger -- of jet fuel for the nine-hour trip from Chicago to London, American Airlines is being accused of unnecessary waste.

Each passenger left a footprint of 35.77 tons of carbon dioxide, enough to drive an average car 160,000 kilometers (100,000 miles).

"Flying virtually empty planes is an obscene waste of fuel. Through no fault of their own, each passenger's carbon footprint for this flight is about 45 times what it would have been if the plane had been full," Friends of the Earth's transport campaigner Richard Dyer said.

Because of a mechanical malfunction, AA flight 90 was 14 hours late leaving Chicago's O'Hare airport on February 8. Though most passengers made other arrangements to London, five lucky passengers unable to be rebooked made the 6,400 kilometer (4,000 mile) flight in business class, with two crew members per passenger.

American Airlines said it chose to continue with the flight because of the full load of passengers waiting at London's Heathrow airport to return to the United States.

"With such a small passenger load we did consider whether we could cancel the flight and re-accommodate the five remaining passengers on other flights," says American Airlines' European spokesperson Anneliese Morris.

"However, this would have left a plane load of west-bound passengers stranded in London Heathrow who were due to fly to the U.S. on the same aircraft."

Morris was quick to point out that despite the staggeringly low passenger count, the flight did carry a full cargo load.

"We sought alternative flights for the west-bound passengers but heavy loads out of London meant that this was not possible. The only option was to operate the flight," Morris said.

"This put the aircraft in London Heathrow for the following day, enabling us to operate a full schedule and avoid further inconvenience to our passengers and cargo customers."

Environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth say that international governments should hold the aviation industry accountable for the amount of CO2 they produce each year, and point to instances like this to show that airlines should pay a fuel tax to rein them in.

"Governments must stop granting the aviation industry the unfair privileges that allow this to happen by taxing aviation fuel and including emissions from aviation in international agreements to tackle climate change," Dyer said.

But despite these accusations, Kieran Daly, air transport intelligence editor for Flight International magazine, said the amount passengers carried was irrelevant.

"Airlines are still a business. The cargo had to be flown and perhaps some of it was time-sensitive," Daly said.

"It's just not practical for an airline to tell its customers that it won't fly until it has a full passenger load. Customers won't be happy and the airline will quickly be out of business." E-mail to a friend

who are environmental groups angry with
who were unable to rebook?
what did the flight carry?
how long was the flight delayed for
how many passengers were on the flight

Answer: American Airlines

Answer: five lucky passengers

Answer: a full cargo load.

Answer: 14 hours

Answer: Five people

Summary:
Environmental groups angry with American Airlines after five-passenger flight .
The passengers were unable to be rebooked after flight delayed by 14 hours .
AA says canceling flight would have left many more stranded in London next day .
The transatlantic flight did carry a full cargo load, according to the airline .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- Football dignitaries gathered in Sheffield, northern England, on Wednesday to kick off the 150th birthday celebrations of Sheffield FC -- the sport's oldest club.

FIFA chief Blatter was among those in Sheffield to kick off the 150th birthday celebrations of football's oldest club.

Guests of honor at a service at Sheffield Cathedral included Sepp Blatter, president of football world governing body FIFA, and Massimo Moratti, president of Italian giants Inter Milan who are scheduled to play a friendly against Sheffield FC next month.

Other guests attending a dinner in the club's honor included Real Madrid President Ramon Calderon and England and Manchester United legend Bobby Charlton.

Pele -- widely recognized as the greatest footballer ever to play the game -- is also due in town next month to attend Sheffield FC's clash with Inter.

Blatter was unveiling a bust of the club's co-founder William Prest -- one of two cricket fans who founded Sheffield FC, then known simply as Sheffield Club, on October 24, 1857 after deciding they needed a new sport to keep them active during the winter.

Many more football clubs soon sprung up and by 1862 there were said to be 15 in and around the Sheffield area.

The Football Association -- which codified the basic rules of the modern game -- was established in London the following year.

Sheffield FC was instrumental in developing set rules for the game. The club studied existing rules and laid down a code of laws, which formed the foundation of the first commonly-accepted set of rules for the sport, according to the Sheffield FC Web site.

The team was also responsible for several innovations in the game -- including heading, which was unheard of until 1875, when Sheffield traveled to London for a game.

According to the team's Web site, the sight of the Sheffield players using their foreheads in addition to their feet reduced the London crowd to hysterics.

Other innovations attributed to the team include the solid crossbar on the goal, corner kicks, free kicks for fouls, and playing a match under floodlights.

Despite its celebrated place in the history of the world's most popular sport, Sheffield FC has never played at a professional level. The club currently competes in the Unibond League's First Division South, seven divisions beneath the English Premier League.

The city of Sheffield has two professional clubs -- United and Wednesday -- who both currently play in English football's second tier, the Coca-Cola Championship.

Sheffield FC's proudest achievement on the pitch came in 1904 when the team beat Ealing 3-1 to win the FA Amateur Cup in front of 6,000 people.

But 100 years later in 2004, Blatter presented Sheffield FC with FIFA's "Order of Merit" -- an honor previously awarded only to the nine-time European champions Real Madrid. E-mail to a friend

who has been recognised as oldest football club?

What other team has won the Order of Merit?

What president was among the guests marking Sheffield FC's 150 years?

What was recognized as the oldest football club in the world?

What team is the oldest football club in the world?

What is the oldest football club in the world?

Answer: Sheffield FC

Answer: Sheffield FC

Answer: FIFA chief Blatter

Answer: Sepp Blatter,

Answer: Sepp Blatter,

Answer: Sheffield FC

Answer: Sepp Blatter,

Answer: Sheffield FC

Answer: Sheffield FC

Answer: Sheffield FC

Answer: an honor previously awarded only to the nine-time European champions Real Madrid.

Answer: Sepp Blatter,

Summary:
FIFA President Sepp Blatter among guests marking Sheffield FC's 150 years .
English side Sheffield FC recognized as the oldest football club in the world .
Club is one of two to win FIFA's Order of Merit -- the other is Real Madrid .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- Football fans are set to benefit from the recession as clubs slash season ticket prices to keep supporters coming back. Some Premier League fans will save on season tickets after five clubs cut prices. Price cuts have been announced at five English Premier League clubs. Manchester City, Sunderland, Everton, Portsmouth and Newcastle United have cut prices, while five further clubs announced price freezes on their season tickets. Bolton dropped their season ticket prices last season. Manchester City have taken an average of seven percent off their prices, while at Everton the cheapest adult season ticket will now be £399 ($550). At Sunderland under-16 season passes will be just £1($1.39) per home match for the 19 matches (£19 [$26] total) when purchased with an adult pass. The move comes amid a slight decline in Premiership football crowds this season. The average attendance at Premier League matches is down about 800 per match compared to the 2007/2008 season -- however, on average the stadiums are still at almost 92 percent capacity. Outside the United Kingdom, fans also stand to benefit from lower ticket prices. In the U.S. Major League Soccer side Kansas City Wizards recently announced they would drop ticket prices for the coming season. Wizards president Robb Heinemann was quoted in the Kansas City Star saying; "We understand these are tough economic times." Other countries in Europe have maintained lower prices in recent years, with single tickets available for about 10 Euros in club games in Italy and Germany. Tickets in Australia's A-League tended to be cheaper yet, while South America and Africa/Middle East remained the cheapest. In England's League One and League Two competitions crowds had dropped more significantly. Dan Johnson of the Premier League told CNN the clubs cutting ticket prices were simply responding to the financial climate. "Given the economic situation, there will be pressure on fans' ability to spend and the clubs have acted accordingly. "It's a very real way that they can help at this time," Johnson said. Johnson said the drop in crowds this season was not significant and may be made up towards the end of the season when attendances are traditionally higher. Sport business expert Professor Simon Chadwick, founder of the Center for the International Business of Sport (CIBS) at Coventry University, told CNN recessions could have a strong impact on football crowds. "In previous recessions there is evidence to suggest that as unemployment rises, the attendance at football matches decreases," he said. However, Chadwick said English football fans shouldn't hope for significant price reductions. "Some Premier League clubs are running at nearly 100% capacity and there's excess demand ...so in the short-to-medium term they should be able to continue at premium prices," Chadwick said.

who also had has reduced prices in the US

Who will benefit from lower season ticket prices?

How many teams dropped prices for season passes?

Who said that the price drop is due to recession?

What did the U.S. Major League Soccer team do?

What US soccer team announced a price reduction?

Who will benefit from the new lower season ticket prices?

Answer: U.S. Major League Soccer side Kansas City Wizards

Answer: fans

Answer: five clubs

Answer: Sport business expert Professor Simon Chadwick, founder of the Center for the International Business of Sport (CIBS) at Coventry University,

Answer: the recession

Answer: announced they would drop ticket prices for the coming season.

Answer: five

Answer: Kansas City Wizards

Answer: Football fans

Answer: Manchester City, Sunderland, Everton, Portsmouth and Newcastle United

Answer: Football fans

Summary:
Football fans to benefit as club teams lower season ticket prices .
Five English Premier League teams have dropped prices for season passes .
Dan Johnson of the Premier League says the move is due to recession .
A U.S. Major League Soccer team has also announced a price drop .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- For almost a century, the old dog has traversed landscapes across the United States, with weary, budget-conscious travelers peeking out of its windows. Greyhound bus services will run from London to cities such as Portsmouth and Southampton. Now, the iconic Greyhound is taking to the road in Britain. The company will run hourly bus services from London to select cities, starting Monday. In contrast to its U.S. services, however, the buses are glitzier and more luxurious. "The UK service will have wireless Internet, spacious leather seats, more leg room and free newspapers," said Alex Warner, managing director of Greyhound UK. "Obviously, we wanted our services to reflect the nature of UK passengers." For inaugural Greyhound service in Britain, the company aimed to start with the best the United States has to offer, Warner added. In North America, the same services are available from New York and Washington to select cities such as Boston and Toronto, Canada. "There are plans to expand that. Americans should watch closely. We will introduce more of these services based on how well they are received in the UK," Warner said. Despite the added benefits, fares will still target the budget-conscious traveler in Britain, according to Warner. The service starts with a few cities -- from London to Portsmouth and Southampton, he said. The approximately 120-kilometer (80-mile) trip will cost £1 ($1.60) if a ticket is bought in advance, Warner said. Prices will go up to £4 or £5, depending on time of purchase. "We are planning to keep the prices within that range," Warner said. Greyhound Lines is owned by British transport company FirstGroup, which bought it from its U.S. parent in 2007. It was founded in 1914, and has services in Mexico and Canada, according to its Web site. In a nod to its cameos in American movies and songs, such as the 1969 film "Midnight Cowboy" and Simon and Garfunkel's 1972 hit "America," Greyhound plans to keep at least one tie to its U.S. origins. Buses in Britain will be named after classic American songs. The names include "Sweet Caroline" and "Good Golly Miss Molly," Warner said. CNN's Faith Karimi contributed to this report.

Where does Greyhound Lines run services?

The buses are more luxurious than which country's services?

Who is going to run services from London to Portsmouth and Southampton?

What is glitzier and more luxurious than U.S. services?

Where are Greyhound Lines set to run services from?

Answer: from London to cities such as Portsmouth and Southampton.

Answer: such as Portsmouth and Southampton.

Answer: U.S.

Answer: British transport company FirstGroup,

Answer: FirstGroup,

Answer: Greyhound bus

Answer: FirstGroup,

Answer: buses

Answer: FirstGroup,

Answer: Greyhound bus

Answer: British transport company

Answer: FirstGroup,

Answer: glitzier and more luxurious.

Answer: Greyhound bus

Answer: London

Summary:
Greyhound Lines to run services from London to Portsmouth and Southampton .
Buses are glitzier and more luxurious than U.S. services .
Greyhound Lines is owned by British transport company FirstGroup .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- For almost four months, fans of Michael Jackson were holding what were deemed by concert promoters AEG Live as the "Hottest Tickets on the Planet." Queues for tickets to Michael Jackson's concert wind outside the O2 Arena in London on March 13, 2009. Now some 750,000 would-be concert-goers have been left with slips of paper that, while steeped in sentimentality, won't entitle them to see the hyped spectacular that was promised to be Jackson's farewell concerts. It's unclear whether all fans will receive a full refund. Early Friday morning, AEG Live's Web site was still promoting the concerts, announcing there were just "17 days until show time." After midday, all reference to the shows had been removed. Late Friday afternoon, the O2 Arena was still saying that ticketing information would be available "in due course." And callers to Ticketmaster's customer service number were still being greeted the message, "Ticketmaster is aware of the news relating to Michael Jackson. We have no official information at this stage. As soon as we have any information we will immediately contact all customers who have booked tickets through Ticketmaster." Seatwave, Europe's biggest online market for fan-to-fan ticket sales, told CNN that customers who bought tickets via its Web site would receive a full refund, the cost of which would be covered by an insurance claim which could top £2 million ($3.2 million). "This is what you buy insurance for. Unfortunately it's always for these kind of terrible circumstances," Joe Cohen, Founder and CEO of Seatwave told CNN. The official secondary ticketing partner for the shows, Viagogo, also promised fans a full refund. Consumer rights group Which? warned fans who bought tickets from third parties, including auction Web sites such as eBay, may have more difficulty getting their money back. Michael Jackson was scheduled to play 50 shows at the O2 Arena in London, a grueling schedule for even the fittest pop star, according to celebrity media advisor, Simon Astaire. "He needed money, there is no question about that, hence his 50 dates at the O2. It's easy to say today and I think one has to be respectful today, but it was a stretch to do 50 concerts in the way he wanted to do in that time frame. Even for the fittest, most grounded individual it's very, very difficult," he told CNN. According to estimates by "Billboard," unconfirmed by the promoters, Jackson's concerts would have netted the singer $50 million in ticket and merchandise sales. Back in March, tickets for an initial run of ten concerts sold out at the astonishing rate of 11 tickets per second, a feat Chris Edmonds, the Managing Director of Ticketmaster UK called a "live entertainment phenomenon." Demand for the tickets prompted organizers to add another 40 dates to the schedule. The London shows were to be the first step in a multi-phase package with Jackson, including plans for a 3-D live concert film and a 3-D movie based on Jackson's "Thriller" music video. It's not known at this stage how much of the cost of Jackson's canceled concerts will be shouldered by promoters AEG Live. The company is yet to issue a statement on the matter. It is thought only part of Jackson's 50-date London engagement was covered by insurers. One of those was Lloyds of London, whose spokesman Louise Shields told CNN "any losses are not likely to be significant." Mary Craig Calkins, partner at Howrey law firm in Los Angeles told CNN it was likely Jackson was covered by essential element insurance, a common form of cover in the entertainment industry to guard against losses associated with the main act. The policy would normally cover ticket sales and production-related expenses. "He was hiring dancers for the production, there's pyrotechnics, there's the music, there's the equipment, there's the venue, " Calkins told CNN. "It's a bigger than life tour so

What remains unclear after Jackson's death?

What was the number of concerts that Jackson was scheduled to perform at London's O2 Arena?

how many concerts were scheduled for the O2 arena

Answer: whether all fans will receive a full refund.

Answer: 50

Answer: £2 million

Answer: 50

Summary:
Financial impact of Jackson's death on London concerts remains unclear .
Ticket sellers are still to clarify whether fans will received a refund, and how .
Jackson was scheduled to perform 50 concerts at London's O2 Arena .
Singer's death has sparked surge in downloads, sales of Jackson memorabilia .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- For the beautiful people, Azza Fahmy may be one of the best-known names in Egypt. Designer Azza Fahmy consults her daughters on jewelry designs in her Cairo studio. A high-end jewelry designer, Fahmy's creations have adorned such beauties as supermodel Naomi Campbell and Queen Rania of Jordan. Her international luxury brand, Azza Fahmy Jewelries, blends Egyptian motifs and modern design to create high-end pieces. Working with precious metals and stones, Fahmy's work is inspired by the distinctive shapes, colors, textures and calligraphy of the country. Cairo, the largest city in the Arab world nicknamed "The City of a Thousand Minarets," is Fahmy's home. She thinks she may have lived a previous life in old Cairo, which has now grown into a mega-city of almost 20 million inhabitants. See Azza Fahmy's picks of what to do, see and eat in Cairo "It's a strong feeling when I'm walking in the streets going to old houses, churchs and old mosques," Fahmy told CNN. "It's something inside me which I can't describe, as if I've lived before in these places." In the 1960s, Fahmy was the first woman to apprentice in Cairo's jewelry district. She says she'd whither and die if she ever had to leave Egypt. She takes us on a personal tour of the beguiling Egyptian capital, where she finds inspiration in almost everything she sees. "Everything in my mind is jewelry," she explains. "I turn it into jewelry." Ibn Tulun Mosque The sprawling Ibn Tulun Mosque, the largest mosque in Cairo in terms of land area, is also considered the oldest mosque in the city to have survived in its original form.Cairo fact file: How to navigate Mideast's biggest metropolis "It's one of my favorite mosques in Cairo," Fahmy says. "The beautiful windows of this mosque give me a lot of joy." Fahmy says she's always fantasized about the windows of Ibn Tulun. "One day I'll do a project called the Ibn Tulun collection, because they have 126 windows, I think, and each one is different. I see them as earrings, hanging earrings," she says, laughing. "They are geometrical designs each one different from the other, "she explains.  Watch Fahmy tour Cairo » The jewelry designer says Ibn Tulun makes her feel serene, inspires her to "sit and meditate. The mosque is very strong, very discreet and very beautiful at the same time." The Hanging Church Fahmy explains that the 7th century Hanging Church, known in Arabic as Al-Muallaqah ("The Suspended"), is the most famous Coptic -- a sect of Christianity native to Egypt and Ethiopia -- church in Cairo. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. "Each civilization gives the other civilization something and each civilization takes something from the other civilization," Fahmy explains about the different faiths in the Egyptian capital. "There is a continuity in the art." "Look at the details of the wood carving!" she exclaims there. "Look how they mix the pattern," she says, gently tracing it with her finger.  From apprentice to master: Fahmy's design inspiration » "You see this pattern? The cross in the middle and four rectangles around it? I want to do the design of this as a rectangle and then the motifs in metal." Fahmy says she she's always searching for beautiful text -- inspiring calligraphy -- to use in her work. The Egyptian designer describes calligraphy as an art in itself, "the movement of the lines and the balance of the lines and the meaning in the text." El Moez Street "This is one of the oldest streets in Cairo," Fahmy explains as she walks along the colourful street bursting with life. "This street is part of me. It's my history, my life, my youth. This is the real soul

What description does Fahmy give of Ismalic calligraphy ?

Answer: work is inspired by the distinctive shapes, colors, textures and calligraphy of the country.

Answer: Designer Azza Fahmy

Answer: Azza Fahmy

Answer: as an art in itself, "the movement of the lines and the balance of the lines and the meaning in the text."

Answer: Egyptian capital,

Summary:
Designer Azza Fahmy takes CNN on a tour of Cairo .
She was the first Egyptian woman to apprentice in Cairo's jewelry district .
Fahmy sees Islamic calligraphy as art and gets inspiration from mosques .
Azza Fahmy Jewelries is a family affair run with her two daughters .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- Former world number one, Pete Sampras, has described recently crowned French Open champion Roger Federer as the best player in history. Roger Federer after equalling Pete Sampras's record of winning 14 men's singles titles. The 37-year-old American, nicknamed 'Pistol Pete' for his bullet-like serves, won a record 14 grand slam men's singles titles over a 15-year career, though never captured the trophy at Roland Garros. In beating Sweden's Robin Soderling 6-1, 7-6, 6-4 to take the French title on Sunday, Federer equaled Sampras's record and became only the sixth man in history to win each of the four majors. Debate: Is Federer the greatest player ever? The feat marks the 27-year-old Swiss out as the finest player to ever grace the game according to Sampras: "What he's done over the past five years has never, ever been done -- and probably will never, ever happen again. "Regardless if he won there or not, he goes down as the greatest ever. This just confirms it," Sampras told the Guardian newspaper. "I'm obviously happy for Roger. If there's anyone that deserves it, it's Roger. He's come so close (previously)," Sampras said of the new champion and world number two, who lost the last three consecutive French Open finals to Spain's Rafael Nadal. Federer  spoke exclusively to CNN after his win and said he was relieved to have bounced back after relinquishing the world number one slot and the Australian and Wimbledon titles to Nadal in 2008. "It's been a fantastic day - to get the elusive French title in the end was unbelievable. I always believed I was good enough  to get it - but holding the trophy, after all I've been through was just unbelievable.  I'm so proud right now you can't believe it. "For me there was never a question whether I was going to retire.  I worked extremely hard in the off season.  Losing semifinals and finals all of a sudden wasn't good enough for people anymore. But this victory is timely because I've proved many people wrong." The historic nature of the victory was also not lost on Federer: "The records mean a lot to me especially after the last few years when I realized that I was (up there) with the greatest players of all time. Of course I like to break records - because I look up to people like Sampras, Agassi, Connors and McEnrore, it's so great to be up there with those players." However, in an ominous warning to his rivals, the champion already said he had eyes on his next conquest: "I still feel like I have much more left in me - I'm only 27 years-old and I'd like to play for many more years to come and I hope I reach many more titles." Federer's vanquished opponent in the final, Soderling also praised his conquerer: "For me he is the best ever and I should know as I've player him many times," the world-ranked number 12 told CNN. Next up for Federer is the third grand slam of 2009, Wimbledon, where he will aim to go one better than Bjorn Borg by winning the tournament six times when the event starts on June 22. Federer's historic weekend win was recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge who also tagged the Swiss simply the best that tennis has seen. "Today I wrote to Roger Federer to congratulate him on this unique success because I consider him to be the best player of all time," Rogge told a media briefing in Brussels on Monday. The IOC supremo revealed that in the letter he had expressed the hope that Federer would take part in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Federer added an Olympic gold to his collection of tennis accolades by winning the men's doubles with compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka in Beijing last year.

Answer: 14 grand slam men's singles titles

Summary:
Former world number one Pete Sampras says Federer is the 'greatest'
Both men share the record for winning 14 men's singles titles .
Federer says he feels there are "more titles to come"
The Swiss eyes a new record of six tournament wins at Wimbledon .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- Formula One is about putting on a 90-minute show every other weekend at locations the world over. McLaren's huge 'brand center' motorhome dominates the F1 paddock at all European grands prix. But getting that show on the road -- and in the air and on the sea -- is a remarkable feat of well-oiled logistics and organization. With an F1 team clocking up around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) between tests and grands prix, the need to have moving and packing down to a fine art is imperative. "Once the calendar is released, we sit down with all the different departments," explained Toyota team manager Richard Cregan. "We look at the dates for the freight, the dates for the trucks leaving, when we want to have the people there and when we want to have all the equipment there. Then we go away and arrange it." As F1 moves further away from its European heartland, more races -- such as next week's title shootout in Sao Paulo, Brazil -- are what are known as 'flyaways.' They are the responsibility of Formula One Management. Freight company DHL has specialized units in England and Italy to coordinate the transport of cars, equipment and fuel to all F1 tracks around the world by air, sea and land. Around 300 tonnes or 20,000 individual items of F1 material -- from race cars, replacement parts, pit equipment, TV equipment and the furnishings of the VIP Paddock Club -- are moved for each grand prix. Each team is allowed 22-24 tonnes of freight, plus their cars, which is packed in specially designed pods at a UK-based team's HQ and transferred to Stansted airport by road. Three chartered Boeing 747 freighters then fly to the destination and the next time the team sees its freight is at their allocated garage at the circuit. At the end of the race the process starts again in reverse, with a team packed up by around 10pm. Read more about F1 at The Circuit. If there are two weeks between races, as is the norm, the cars will return to the UK to be painted, re-built and polished. 'Double-headers,' races that take place only a week apart, rule this movement out -- then getting the cars from one circuit to the next is the sole focus. While last-minute deliveries can be made in under 24 hours, it takes seven weeks for equipment to travel by sea from Europe to Melbourne, Australia for the traditional season curtain-raiser. Cheaper sea freight has become more popular to move bulkier items such as heavy electrical cables. Bridgestone, the grid's tire supplier, are among those who have increased their shipping in recent years. "We send about five-and-a-half tonnes by sea and we send this three months in advance of each race," said Williams race team coordinator Paul Singlehurst. "It costs around $9,000 to send it by sea -- that's a fraction of the air freight cost. We've made some huge savings by doing this." The European races are a little more straightforward. Up to four $2m team-liveried articulated lorries are driven to continental grands prix, carrying up to 37 tonnes of equipment each for around 18,600 miles (30,000km) per year. Three trucks will also go to a two-car test session. They carry all the kit the team needs for the weekend, including the cars, engines, parts, tools, computers and radios. It takes two days to fully load the trucks after cleaning and maintenance checks, using an 80-page checklist. Nothing is left to chance. They leave a week before the next race, get to the circuit late on a Monday and by Thursday, the team's working area is ready for the drivers. It takes eight hours just to fit out the team's pit area at the circuit. Motorhomes, the standard of which is set by McLaren's gargantuan 'brand center', also travel to European races.

What uses aide, sea and land to transport huge amounts of freight to each race?

How many miles do team trucks cover per year?

How many miles per year do the teams cover?

What is the amount of miles per year that team trucks carrying cars and equipment cover?

What does the team coordinate each season?

Answer: DHL

Answer: 100,000

Answer: 100,000

Answer: the transport of cars, equipment

Answer: DHL

Answer: DHL

Answer: DHL

Answer: 100,000

Answer: the transport of cars, equipment and fuel

Summary:
F1 uses air, sea and land to transport huge amounts of freight to each race .
Teams must meticulously coordinate their shipping plans each season .
Team trucks carrying cars and equipment cover almost 19,000 miles per year .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- Forty seven-year-old Australian "adrenaline junkie" Sean Langman will attempt to break the 50-knot sailing speed barrier with his half sailboat, half plane, after a serious crash last summer. The half sailboat, half plane uses technology known as supercavitation -- sailing just above the water's edge. Langman, a shipyard owner and yachtsman, is intent on beating the French-set record within the next few weeks, with the "Wot Rocket," a canoe-style pod with a nine meter-long  rigid sail. The Wot Rocket is waiting for confirmation from the World Sailing Speed Record Council to attempt, once again, an unprecedented technology known as "supercavitation" -- sailing just above the water in a gas bubble created by the deflection of water. This is to to reduce the drag which is around 1,000 times greater in the water than in the air. "Wot Rocket is so exciting as we push to sail up to three times the speed of the wind," Langman told CNN. In October last year Langman and his co-pilot crashed when they lost control of the vessel at 42 knots -- over 60 miles per hour. But after re-building and perfecting the vessel at a cost of half a million dollars, Langman is ready to try again. "The exhilaration of sailing/flying is so big, you don't think about danger," he told CNN. Langman is certain that this time around he will beat the record. "My only concern is we won't be able to keep control of the craft." In case the pilots crash again, Langman says the most thing is to remain calm.  "Last time I felt a mild panic as we were underwater. I just hoped the paramedics would get there in time. "But really I feel very safe doing anything on water as that what I've done my whole life. I feel most 'in tune' when I'm on water," he added. The idea for Wot Rocket was conceived four years ago by Langman after he was inspired by the story of Burt Munro, the New Zealander who set a world land speed record on his modified Indian Scout motorcycle in 1967 -- played by Antony Hopkins in the 2005 Hollywood movie "The World's Fastest Indian." Do you think the wotrocket can beat the record? "I came up with the idea in the shower. So I presented it to a group of engineers and said 'this is what I believe.'  Most said I'm a lunatic but one said 'I want to work with you'." Langman joined forces with leading Australian designer Andy Dovell and sought input from Boeing 747 pilots for their aeronautical knowledge. He then had the "Wot Rocket" built using the staff and facilities at his various Shipyards. Finally, he teamed up with Wotif.com founder Graeme Wood who invested in the project because, as he explained,  he "likes leftfield ideas." "My family think I'm crazy, but every time I've had an idea it's taken me somewhere. It's really about ideas versus science and trying to make it work," Langman explained. "And no one remembers the second man to walk on the moon."

What will a half sailboat, half plane attempt?

What kind of technology does the "wot rocket" use?

Answer: to break the 50-knot sailing speed barrier

Answer: 50-knot sailing speed

Answer: Sean Langman

Answer: Sean Langman

Answer: supercavitation

Answer: supercavitation

Summary:
Half sailboat, half plane will attempt to break the 50-knot sailing speed barrier .
Pilot Sean Langman crashed dangerously last year but is confident he can make it .
"Wot Rocket" uses technology called "supercavitation:" sailing just above the water .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- Four decades after he won over America with his scratchy, soulful voice and blues-inspired rock, British-born Joe Cocker is receiving an honor from the queen. Joe Cocker is being honored at Buckingham Palace for his services to music. Cocker, 63, was set to receive an OBE, or Order of the British Empire, at a ceremony Thursday morning at Buckingham Palace. The award officially recognizes Cocker's "services to music." Prince Charles was planning to present Cocker with the honor, part of the queen's annual birthday honors list. Famous for songs including "You Are So Beautiful" and his cover of the Beatles' "With a Little Help from My Friends," Cocker began his career by singing Ray Charles songs in pubs around his hometown of Sheffield, northern England in the early 1960s. Cocker toured with a string of bands, often playing American airbases in Europe, winning fans among the servicemen. The press hailed his first U.S. television performance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1969, and the following summer, Cocker played to half a million people at the historic Woodstock rock festival in New York state. The ensuing live album "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" remains a Cocker classic, with songs including "Cry Me A River" and "Feelin' Alright." Rolling Stone magazine says Cocker's "gritty, powerful voice remains one of the most distinctive in rock & roll." A whirlwind U.S. tour after Woodstock left Cocker "exhausted," according to his own Web site, and reported drug and alcohol abuse came soon after. Cocker had a top 10 song in 1975 with "You are So Beautiful," but his fortunes really turned in 1982 with his No. 1 duet with Jennifer Warnes, "Up Where We Belong," the theme from the movie "An Officer and a Gentleman." Cocker's most recent U.S. top 10 was "When the Night Comes," written by Bryan Adams. Cocker now lives on a ranch in Colorado but still tours extensively. He has been touring Europe since June and plans shows in Sheffield and London this weekend.  E-mail to a friend

Who's receiving an Order of the British Empire?

Answer: Cocker's "services to music."

Answer: Joe Cocker

Answer: Prince Charles

Answer: Cocker's "services to music."

Answer: an honor from the queen.

Answer: Cocker,

Answer: the queen.

Answer: Prince Charles

Summary:
UK-born Joe Cocker receiving an Order of the British Empire .
The award officially recognizes Cocker's "services to music"
Prince Charles scheduled to present Cocker with the honor .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- Fragile finances are likely to rule out buying a boat for many this summer but that shouldn't mean the end of all water-based pastimes.

Underwater scooter: The Seabob Cayago will move you like a fish with its 7hp motor.

MainSail presents you with some of the coolest toys for slightly more affordable fun on the water.

Seabob Cayago scooter: Do you want to become a human fish this summer? This water and diving scooter is purported to be the fastest of its kind, with a 7hp electric motor.

Hydradome BOB: If you want to take the motorized diving experience to a new level, the Breathing Observation Bubble (BOB), is the ideal machine. This submersible can cruise underwater at two knots while the rider sits in comfort.

Hovpod: For high-speed fun on and off the water, the Hovpod hovercraft should be your gadget of choice. The Hovpod will take you across any flat surface at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour).

Powerski Jetboard: This machine is a cross between a surfboard and a jet-ski. Capable of up to 35 knots, the Powerski Jetboard lets you surf without the surf.  Walk-on-water ball: For cheaper and more simple fun on the water, the Nuclear Globe Walk-on-water ball is perfect. The heavy-duty PVC ball can keep you fit and you can even stay dry if you want to.

Iceberg Wall: If you're entertaining plenty of people, the Iceberg Wall looks like a great time. Coming in either the 2.5 meter or a massive 4.9 meter size, the Iceberg offers safe climbing, sliding and jumping for everyone.

See our  photo gallery » of this summer's top six toys for fun in the water, thanks to SuperYachtWorld.

For more sailing news and more about the super-yacht industry, visit CNN's MainSail homepage here.

Subscribe to SuperYachtWorld

COPYRIGHT ©  2009 IPC MEDIA LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

What toy can propel a person through water like a fish?

Answer: Nuclear Globe Walk-on-water ball

Answer: a fish

Answer: The Seabob Cayago

Answer: move you like a fish

Answer: sailing news and more about the super-yacht industry,

Answer: Hydradome BOB:

Summary:
MainSail profiles six top water-toys for cheaper fun in the water this summer .
The Seabob scooter can propel a person through the water like a fish .
The Iceberg wall is the ultimate water toy for the whole family .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner's declaration that France had to prepare for the possibility of war against Iran over its nuclear program was not conventional diplomatic behavior. But then Kouchner was never expected to be a soft-soaper on the diplomatic scene.

French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner has a reputation for challenging convention and authority.

A surprise appointment from the Socialist ranks to Nicolas Sarkozy's conservative government, the founder of Medicins Sans Frontiers has always challenged convention and authority.

The former UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali once called Kouchner 'an unguided missile' and the man himself has been known to declare: "To change the law you sometimes have to break the law". He was in his youth one of the leaders of the students revolt in France in May 1968.

Kouchner is a humanitarian as well as a patriot, with a strong commitment to human rights. Unusually for a man of the Left, he supported the US-led intervention in Iraq (while criticizing the aftermath). But he did so on the grounds of Saddam Hussein's denial of human rights, not his possible possession of weapons of mass destruction. His and President Sarkozy's concern for human rights lies behind their eagerness to join Gordon Brown's Britain in a new push for action in Darfur.

Bernard Kouchner did not come to his position with any of former President Chirac's instinctive distrust of the United States. Washington, which has been critical of some European states for their weakness in confronting Teheran, will have been delighted by his 'get serious' warning to Teheran. But the plain-speaking Kouchner is unlikely to be deterred by fears of upsetting the White House when he has criticisms to make of US policy.

How much should be made of his words on Iran remains unclear at this stage. They were scarcely on the same scale as President Chirac's threat when he was still in office to retaliate with nuclear strikes against any state found to be responsible for a large-scale terrorist attack on France. But they are all of a piece with France's new high-profile style under the presidency of Nicolas Sarkozy.

Mr Kouchner, for example, became the first French Foreign Minister to visit Iraq since 1988, insisting that there could only be a political solution to the country's problems, not a military one, and offering France's services as a mediator and 'honest broker' between Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds.

On Iran he is, in a way, merely echoing the words of his President who declared in a speech last month that a nuclear-armed Iran would be 'unacceptable' and describing the stand-off over its nuclear program as 'undoubtedly the most serious crisis before us today'. Certainly Mr Kouchner is making clear that France no longer takes the view once expressed by President Chirac that a nuclear-armed Iran might be inevitable

In continuing to ratchet up the rhetoric over that threat and to underline the West's resolution on Iran's nuclear enrichment program Mr Kouchner is supplementing his president's warnings. Neither is saying that military intervention against Iran is imminent or inevitable. Neither has yet confirmed that France would be part of any such military action. But both are stressing the risks which are piling up as a result of Teheran's brinkmanship.

Perhaps the strongest lesson though from Mr Kouchner's intervention is his underlining that the new administration in France is not a knee-jerk anti-American one -- and that France is in the business of reclaiming a role at the top diplomatic tables. E-mail to a friend

who was a surprise appointment to government?

Who is the surprise appointment to the government?

When did a French Foreign Minister last visit Iraq?

What is going to cause a war between France and Iran?

what has Kouchner told France to prepare for?

When did the last French Foreign Minister visit Iraq?

What foreign minister is going to visit Iraq?

What appointment was made to Nicolas Sarkozy's conservative government?

when did the first french foreign minister visit iraq?

Answer: Bernard Kouchner

Answer: Bernard Kouchner

Answer: since 1988,

Answer: nuclear program was not conventional diplomatic behavior.

Answer: the possibility of war against Iran over its nuclear program

Answer: Nicolas Sarkozy's conservative government,

Answer: Iran

Answer: 1988,

Answer: for the possibility of war against Iran over its nuclear program

Answer: Bernard Kouchner's

Answer: Bernard Kouchner

Answer: 1988,

Summary:
French FM Kouchner has told France to prepare for possibility of war with Iran .
Was a surprise appointment to Nicolas Sarkozy's conservative government .
Also the first French Foreign Minister to visit Iraq since 1988 .
Founder of Medicins Sans Frontiers, also  French student leader in May 1968 .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- French scientists have unveiled a working prototype of a fully artificial heart which is based on the technology of satellites and airplanes.

The artificial heart based on satellite and airplane technology was presented in Paris.

The device could save millions of lives and beats almost exactly like the real thing using electronic sensors to regulate heart rate and blood flow.

Developers Carmat, funded by the European space and defense group EADS, presented the device at a press conference in Paris on Monday.

Carmat's chief operating officer Patrick Coulombier told The Associated Press: "it's the same principle in the airplane as in the body."

Coulombier explained that the same tiny sensors that measure air pressure and altitude in an airplane or satellite are also in the artificial heart. This should allow the device to respond immediately if the patient needs more or less blood.

The French design has so far only been tested in animals, and now needs approval from its authorities before pushing ahead with clinical trials.

Previous artificial hearts have been unable to automatically vary their pumping speed and must be tweaked externally.

The French heart is also the most lifelike, with two pumps to send the blood into the lungs and the rest of the body, just like a real heart. Past artificial hearts have only had one pump.

The French model is made from natural materials including polymer and pig tissue, which have already been used in heart valves implanted into people.

The artificial heart would initially be for patients who had suffered a massive heart attack or who had heart failure, but might eventually be used in patients who are not that sick.

Heart disease is the world's top killer, claiming some 17 million lives a year. According to the American Heart Association, about 2,200 heart transplants were performed in the U.S. in 2006. Thousands more patients would benefit if more donor hearts were available.

The artificial heart is expected to cost about 150,000 euros or $192,140.

What country do the scientists originate from?

What is number of people who die each year?

Answer: French

Answer: 17 million

Answer: the technology of satellites and airplanes.

Answer: French scientists

Answer: a fully artificial heart

Summary:
French scientists have unveiled a working prototype of a fully artificial heart .
The design is based on the technology of satellites and airplanes .
It could save millions of lives as heart disease kills 17 million a year .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- French speed sailing trimaran,l'Hydroptere has broken yet another world record as its crew draw closer to two major milestones.

The flying yacht: French trimaran l'Hydroptere is closing in on two major speed sailing records.

L'Hydroptere is now the fastest yacht in history over 500 meters and one nautical mile, after its average speeds of 46.88 knots and 43.09 knots respectively were ratified by the British World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC).

The records were set by Alain Thebault and his crew off Port Saint-Louis du Rhone near Marseille in the south of France.

The boat is now poised to pass the 100km per hour mark (54 knots) after reaching a peak of 53.69 knots in training last month.

The major record the l'Hydroptere is trying to claim is the world "absolute speed sailing record," which is currently held by American kite surfer Robert Douglas, who achieved 49.84 knots over 500m earlier this year.

Thebault and his crew now have until 22 December to establish new records this year. These attempts will be presided over and measured by a representative from the World Sailing Speed Record Council.

ThÃ©bault told CNN he had a long-held dream of skippering a boat that could "fly."

He said several subtle design changes had been made to the boat in 2008 and he's confident the crew can produce the record speed in the near future.

"I think the boat is ready now. I have always dreamed about a flying yacht. It was a big emotion for all of the crew and myself when we passed 50 knots," he said.

What is the fastest yacht over 500 meters?

The crew is readying themselves to pass what speed?

Who is the skipper of the Marseille based boat?

Who is poised to pass the 100 kilometers per hour mark?

What is the name of the new fastest yacht over 500 meters?

What is the name of the fastest yacht over 500 meters and one nautical mile?

Answer: France.

Answer: L'Hydroptere

Answer: L'Hydroptere

Answer: L'Hydroptere

Answer: 100km per hour

Answer: Alain Thebault

Answer: Alain Thebault

Answer: 100km

Answer: French trimaran l'Hydroptere

Answer: L'Hydroptere

Answer: France.

Answer: L'Hydroptere

Answer: Alain Thebault

Answer: Alain Thebault

Answer: L'Hydroptere

Answer: to pass the 100km per hour mark (54 knots) after reaching a peak of 53.69 knots in training last month.

Answer: Alain Thebault

Answer: Port Saint-Louis du Rhone near Marseille in the south of France.

Answer: pass the 100km per hour mark (54 knots)

Answer: L'Hydroptere

Answer: l'Hydroptere

Summary:
L'Hydroptere is the new fastest yacht over 500 meters and one nautical mile .
The boat is based in Marseille and is skippered by Frenchman Alain Thebault .
The crew are now poised to pass the 100 kilometers per hour mark (54 knots)


LONDON, England (CNN) -- From ancient Phoenician galleys to 21st century super yachts, a lot has changed about the way people travel the high seas over the centuries.

The Mirabella V, built in 2003, is the world's biggest single-masted sailing yacht, with a mast that is nearly 300 ft tall.

Whether it's one intrepid "micro-yachtsman" navigating the Atlantic in a boat the size of a bathtub, or an elite racing team shattering world records in a state-of-the-art catamaran, these voyages all have one thing in common: they have altered the way mankind looks at the world.

MainSail takes a look at the ships, and the revolutionaries they carried on their way.

Voyage of the Beagle

When: 1831 Who: Naturalist Charles Darwin Where: Galapagos Islands The boat: The HMS Beagle was a 90 ft, 10-gun former British Navy warship built in 1820. The ship was repurposed and commissioned for civilian exploration voyages in 1825. How long: Five years Legacy: Aboard the HMS Beagle, Darwin collected specimens and began to develop his theories of evolution, which would later crystallize in "The Origin of Species."

Columbus discovers the New World

When: 1492 Who: Italian explorer Christopher Columbus Where: From Spain to the Caribbean The boats: The Santa Maria was a 70 ft, three-masted ship built from pine and oak, that could carry 40 men. The Nina and the Pinta were both smaller, nimbler boats with triangle-shaped masts better for navigating tricky waterways. The square-sail Santa Maria ran aground in modern-day Haiti on Christmas Day 1492. Legacy: Searching for a new way into the East Indies spice route, it was aboard these three ships that Columbus unintentionally discovered the Caribbean.

'Micro-yachtsman' crosses the Atlantic in miniature boat

When: 1993 Who: American Hugo Vihlen Where: Across the North Atlantic, from Newfoundland to Cornwall, England The boat: The Father's Day, the world's tiniest sailboat at a length of 5 ft 4 in, was so small that Vihlen had to roll up into a ball to sleep, and couldn't stand up without opening the hatch and risk taking on water. Likened to a space shuttle, the boat is made from fiberglass-enclosed Airex foam and was fitted with GPS, a water maker, VHF radio and SSB/Ham radio. Legacy: Aboard the Father's Day, Vihlen became the world's first "micro-yachtsman," but it wasn't all smooth sailing -- the boat was surrounded by whales, nearly capsized, and caught the tail end of a hurricane during its 105-day voyage. What world-changing voyages would you add to our list? Sound Off below

Magellan navigates Cape Horn

When: 1519 Who: Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan Where: Around the world bypassing Cape Horn, South America via a narrow strait The boat: Given to Magellan by King Charles I of Spain, The Victoria was the only one of five ships to complete the trip successfully. Only 18 of its original 237 crew members survived and the ship was so badly damaged it was only kept afloat by the crew continuously pumping water out of the hull. How long: Three years Legacy: During the first ever circumnavigation of the world Magellan discovered a shortcut through a waterway in the southern tip of Chile, which helped sailors to avoid the almost continuous ocean storms off Cape Horn. The voyage also established the need for an international date line -- as the explorers found upon return that their calendars were one day off.

Pilgrims sail to Plymouth Rock

When: 1620 Who: The Pilgrims Where: From England to Plymouth Rock The boat: Primarily used as a cargo ship, in this instance the Mayflower, which was estimated to be between 90 and 110 ft, was used to transport 102 English separatists. How long: Two months Legacy: Half the Pilgrims died during the first winter on the Mayflower, but, in America, the ship continues to be a symbol of the bold English separatists who would encounter great hardships while they explored, and established colonies the modern-day

Who crossed the Atlantic in a micro yacht?

Answer: Hugo Vihlen

Answer: Naturalist Charles Darwin

Answer: Pilgrims sail to Plymouth Rock

Answer: 1831

Answer: Plymouth Rock

Answer: 1831

Answer: 1620

Summary:
The Pilgrims' voyage on the Mayflower to Plymouth Rock in 1620 .
Charles Darwin's evolutionary discoveries on the HMS Beagle in 1831 .
Hugo Vihlen's "micro-yacht" crossing of the Atlantic in 1993 .


LONDON, England (CNN) -- From bedroom creators to big studios, hand-drawn to CGI, animation has charmed and entertained children -- and, increasingly, adults -- for many years. The Screening Room went to Annecy in France to discover the secrets of success in animated films...

Annecy has hailed animators like director Tim Burton, seen here receiving a special award at Annecy in 2006.

Annecy is the Cannes of animation. The French town, which lies close to the Swiss border just 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Geneva, has hosted the International Animated Film Festival for almost half a century and attracts a younger crowd than many of the major film festivals. With prizes for long and short features, television and student animation, Annecy highlights a wide variety of different types of animation and budgets.

One veteran of Annecy is Craig Decker, known as worldwide cult figure "Spike" and co-founder of "Spike and Mike's Sick & Twisted Festival of Animation." Beginning 30 years ago as a means of bringing independent animation to new audiences, the touring festival was instrumental in showcasing the early works of legendary animators such as Tim Burton, Pixar's John Lasseter and Aardman's Nick Park, as well as the first episode of "Beavis and Butthead."

Spike explained to CNN the challenge of getting animation taken seriously. He said, "Originally we had to deal with the stigma. We showed great films like National Film Board of Canada [pieces], or "Tin Toy" by John Lasseter, works of art, masterpieces that take two to three years to make, and we had to deal with, 'What is it? Cartoons like Bugs Bunny or something like that?' And over the years we've educated the public, and we've put animation in the context of a very cool thing [with] a young, hip, adult audience of 18 and over."

Stop-motion classics

One of Spike and Mike's biggest fans, Nick Park, won the Annecy award for Best TV Animation with "Shaun the Sheep," a spin-off from "A Close Shave," one of Aardman's famous Wallace and Gromit short features that grabbed an Oscar.

Stop-motion is also close to the heart of director Tim Burton, who employed the technique on "Corpse Bride" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas." He said, "Because it's such an old-fashioned technique, a lot of it truly has to do with finding the right group of animators, the right group of people to build the puppets, because a lot of things are being done by computer now. Very few people are doing this style of animation."

Allison Abbate, a producer on "Corpse Bride," added, "Stop motion is an age-old process as far as animation in film-making goes. It hasn't really changed since the days of King Kong - we used new technology in 'Corpse Bride' to bring it into a new century."

Appropriate animation

"I think there's room for all types of animation," she continued. "It depends on the story. The story should really decide how you tell it. I think there are stories that are better made in 2-D and CGI and that's what you'd go for."

2-D animation is the mainstay of Japanese anime - a subject so vast it will command its own feature in a subsequent edition of the Screening Room. The film "Paprika" has won worldwide critical praise during the past year as a sophisticated example of the art, whose keenest supporters are sometimes contemptuous of their Hollywood animation counterparts.

Asia is becoming an increasingly powerful force in animation, where companies who traditionally provided a cheap source of labor for animation studios are now using their skills to take a leading role in the creative process. UTV Toons is one of several Indian companies forming partnerships with big U.S. production houses to make new animated features.

Combination of skills

Animation requires a combination of several skills, as producer Allison Abbate explained. She told CNN that animators face many complex challenges.

What do experts say is the future of animation?

What other event is the International Animated Film Festival compared to?

Where is the International Animated Film Festival held?

Answer: Annecy

Answer: CGI,

Answer: Annecy is the Cannes of animation.

Answer: Geneva,

Answer: Annecy

Answer: CGI,

Summary:
The International Animated Film Festival in Annecy is the Cannes of animation .
Festival highlights the best in animation, from student work to studio shorts .
Experts say the future of animation is on mobile devices .