They Fly First Class « John Stossel

Will you and your family put off a vacation this year because you can't afford it? Too bad, because you have paid for some terrific trips -- for government bureaucrats. The Washington Times reports that last year $13 billion in tax dollars was spent to pamper "public servants" on trips that double as vacation junkets.

The Securities and Exchange Commission, for example, frequently sent employees overseas on first- or business-class airplane tickets that cost taxpayers up to $10,000 each...

Eco-bulb giveaway puts £45 on energy bills

MILLIONS of householders who thought they had been given free eco-friendly lightbulbs have ended up paying £45 for them through a stealth green tax.

Thomas Cook bookings take off as Britons plan summer holidays abroad | City A.M.

THOMAS Cook said yesterday it had seen a “considerable improvement” in summer holidays as sun-starved Brits booked trips abroad.

Reservations shot up by 30 per cent over the past four weeks as customers rushed to escape the cold weather conditions in the UK.

Gulf Daily News » Local News » Bahrain left in the dark

The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa will also switch off non-essential power in all areas of the hotel, including rooms, restaurants and public spaces, which will be lit by candlelight from 8.30pm.

The event also features a BBQ buffet and entertainment from Radio Bahrain DJ Krazy Kevin.

Yoga and more at this year's Earth Hour

Participants are encouraged to make their way to the park on foot or by bicycle or public transport, and are urged to bring their own yoga mats and blankets in the spirit of Earth Hour, said Ms Amy Ho, managing director of WWF Singapore.
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Vistors are encouraged to get their faces painted to look like pandas, the mascot for WWF.
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The required electricity will be generated on-site by bio-diesel converted from recycled cooking oil - from Four Seasons Hotel and shopping mall 313@Somerset - by clean-energy company Alpha Biofuels.

Although the number of supporting organisations currently stands at 400, 100 fewer than the total count at the end of last year's event, WWF Singapore is hopeful that the number will match last year's by tomorrow.