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Berlin music campaigners fight for Unesco world heritage status

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ever since the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989, music fans from across the world have flocked to the German capital for the world-famous techno culture. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But now, like a lot of global businesses and institutions, Berlin’s renowned clubs such as Tresor and Berghain are in danger of financial ruin as a result of the pandemic. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As a result, DJs and music enthusiasts are campaigning to secure Unesco world heritage status to protect the countercultural genre. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Berlin-based DJ Alan Oldham said recognition from Unesco would help to protect key venues and boost tourism for the city.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He told </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/dec/05/beat-that-berlins-techno-djs-seek-unesco-world-heritage-status"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Observer</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, "Unesco protection would go a long way towards maintaining that old spirit.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Legacy venues like Tresor and Berghain for example would be protected as cultural landmarks. So many venues have closed in just the seven years I've lived here full-time.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"In other cities, it would be the natural club cycle at work, but Berlin is a different kind of place, where the club and creative scenes are the currency of the city."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Support has been growing for the campaign, which was spearheaded by berlin-based organisation </span><a href="https://www.ravetheplanet.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rave The Planet</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, who say the techno scene should be protected “as an intangible cultural heritage.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If Unesco status is granted to the clubs, they would get extra protection under city planning laws, as well as access to government subsidies and other funding. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credits: Getty Images</span></em></p>

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Passengers spend 7 hours on flight to nowhere

<p>A British Airways flight from Berlin to London got within an hour from Heathrow, and then turned around and went back to Germany.</p> <p>According to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/5117599/british-airways-flight-from-berlin-to-heathrow-takes-seven-hours-but-ends-up-back-where-it-started-after-snow-forced-u-turn/" target="_blank"><em><strong>The Sun</strong></em></a>, heavy snow forced flight BA983 to turn back with 180 passengers on board. After leaving five hours late, the plane was not able to land safely due to the snow that is currently battering the country.</p> <p>A British Airways spokesman, quoted in the Telegraph, said, “We do our best to keep customers updated and look after them, providing refreshments and hotel accommodation.”</p> <p>This is in contrast to another delayed British Airways flight from Berlin to Heathrow, which got diverted to Bournemouth due to the snow.</p> <p>The 100 passengers were then left on board without access to hot drinks or food for three hours while the airline decided how to proceed.</p> <p>The stranded passengers were given tap water only, and told that the crew were not able to access the refreshment trolleys.</p> <p>After three hours on the tarmac they were transported by coach to Heathrow where they were delivered nine long hours after their scheduled arrival time.</p> <p>The snow storm has caused major transport delays, as well as the closure of many schools.</p> <p>Have you ever had a plane turnaround? We would love to hear your story in the comments.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Peter Wiles/Twitter.</em></p>

International Travel

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Duchess of Cambridge dazzles in red at garden party in Berlin

<p>During the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s royal tour of Europe, the focus seems to be (understandably) on the adorable Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Yesterday, however, the young royals managed to slip away from the kids to relax at a garden party at the British Ambassador’s Berlin residence, capping off their first action-packed day in the German capital.</p> <p>All eyes were on Kate, who looked feminine and carefree in a whimsical red, off-the-shoulder maxi dress designed by Alexander McQueen. She paired the elegant frock with matching red earrings and nude Prada shoes, and her hair was styled into bouncy waves.</p> <p><img width="500" height="803" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/39743/image__500x803.jpg" alt="Image_ (389)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Before cracking out the champagne and mingling with guests, Prince William made an impassioned speech, emphasising the importance of the two nations’ bond to remain strong in the face of recent upheaval.</p> <p>“This relationship between the United Kingdom and Germany really matters,” he said. “It is the product of many years of working closely together. It will continue despite Britain’s recent decision to leave the European Union. I am confident we shall remain the firmest of friends.</p> <p>“The United Kingdom and Germany proudly share the same values. Today, we share a fundamental interest in the peace and prosperity of the continent of Europe to which we both belong.”</p> <p>See all the stunning photos from the event in the gallery above and tell us in the comments below, what did you think of Kate’s outfit?</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty.</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Woman kicked off flight for using the business class toilet

<p>A 50-year-old woman has been handcuffed and kicked off a flight for using the business class toilet.</p> <p>Slovakian woman Edita Kmetova was flying with Air Berlin from Vienna to Abu Dhabi when she started to feel unwell. With the economy toilet occupied she went to business class.</p> <p>Ms Kmetova alleges when she left the lavatory cabin crew, angry passengers and one of the plane’s pilots were waiting for her. An argument ensued, which escalated to the point where Ms Kmetova was reportedly handcuffed, and the pilot felt compelled to make an emergency landing in Turkey.</p> <p><img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10469/airline-passenger-kicked-off-three_497x280.jpg" alt="Airline Passenger Kicked Off Three" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><em>Ms Kmetova walking through the airport with security.</em></p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter / BGN News</em></p> <p>Ms Kmetova told BGN News, “They then abandoned me in Erzurum (Turkey), a place I could not even find on a map if I tried. I was left all alone. At that point, I broke down into tears.”</p> <p>Air Berlin disputes Ms Kmetova’s recount of events, suggesting she was “disruptive” on the flight and that, “The crew did everything possible to calm the guest and ensure the safety on board.”</p> <p>Ms Kmetova was taken to a hotel for the night before departing at a later date.</p> <p> </p>

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