Justin Bieber has tweeted a ‘family’ photo of sorts to share with his followers. It’s actually his ‘fan family’, but he loves them just the same! Justin has always been mindful of the roles his fans play in his successful career and tries to show his love and appreciation as much as possible.

According to a report from Hollywood Life, this photo the Biebs tweeted is a rather peculiar one. It shows his fans on one side of a black wrought iron fence—not unlike the prison bars of days gone by. And Justin appears on the other side—rather strangely dressed in attire akin to that of a cat burglar!

The Never Say Never and Baby singer even holds hands with a couple of fans through the bars, one of which actually appears to have very hairy, masculine arms. Is that a guy holding hands with Justin Bieber? It’s likely a photographic trick on the old eyes—so many of these less-than-stellar quality photographs can be a bit misleading.

You can check the photo out for yourself by clicking here.

Justin Bieber certainly appears happy to be in the company of his fans, and even looks like he’s saying ‘Cheese!’ for the camera. It’s actually a great shot of him with his Beliebers behind him.

Are you impressed with the steps Justin takes to show his appreciation to his fans? He’s come under a bit of scrutiny lately for being stand-offish or rude, but do you think that’s really the case? Might some people simply misunderstand his actions when time is of the essence?

This photo certainly doesn’t convey a young man who treats his fans rudely. This one conveys pure love!

from celebs.gather.com

A Viking axe head found in a Gloucestershire village could be evidence of a battle more than 1,100 years ago, according to archaeologists.

The wrought iron object, found in Slimbridge in 2008, has now been identified as being of Viking origin.

Historians say a band of Vikings sailed up the River Severn and fought against the Anglo-Saxons in 894 AD.

Archaeologists say where the axe head was found is where they could have tied up their ships.

It was discovered by Ian Hunter Darling under a hedge in his garden.

“I couldn’t believe what I saw. I thought it could have been an agricultural implement of some description,” he said.

He said an archaeological visit to the farm where he lives had got the experts “quite excited”.

“They said I should take it to a museum to have it looked at.”

According to historians King Alfred the Great fought the Vikings in a bloody battle at Minchinhampton, about 10 miles from Slimbridge, in 894 AD.

Three Viking princes were killed in the battle, and fighting could have ranged over a wide area of the Berkeley Vale.

For over a century archaeologists have speculated where the Vikings could have moored their ships.

“They realised my driveway would have been creek in those days before there was a sea wall on the River Severn,” said Mr Hunter Darling.

“The boats could have tied up at the bottom of my garden.”

Members of Slimbridge local history society now want to gather further evidence of Viking activity in the village.

Peter Ballard, from the society, said: “A member of a local family claimed he found a Viking sword in a ditch by the River Cam many years ago, but that has now been lost.”

They are asking for residents who may have found other Viking objects to come forward.

A meeting to highlight the importance of the discovery will be held in Slimbridge Village Hall on 21 February.

The axe head is to go on display at Stroud Museum in the Park

from bbc.co.uk

By Beverly Tuskan

The George County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the theft of a 125-year-old wrought iron fence that borders the Fairley Cemetery.

“A graveyard is supposed to be a place of rest and peace, but not this past week, as thieves interrupted that by stealing the fence from around the cemetery,” Sheriff Dean Howell said.

The cemetery sits just off Lela Mae Road in the Benndale community on a 1,000-acre tract that is leased by the Draughan/Fairley Hunting Club.

As part of the lease agreement, Howell said, it is the responsibility of the club to maintain the cemetery.

“This is the first time that the fence has been removed,” Howell said. “They (thieves) had like a portable hacksaw, a saws saw, to cut up the fence and made off with it.”

According to sheriff’s detectives Don Hartley and Billy Colburn, the thieves ripped the wrought iron fence right out of the ground, leaving only the cemetery gate. The gate has been cemented into supporting posts.

Hartley said the metal structures were likely taken by thieves with the intention of selling them at a scrap yard, a common source of income for methamphetamine users.

Colburn said local scrap dealers have been notified, and patrols have increased around cemeteries.

Howell said owners in the scrap or secondhand business are required to obtain photo identification of a seller.

from blog.gulflive.com

By Michelle Blodget

Neighbors along Marietta Avenue could soon see a buffer between their homes and the public parking lot across the street.

A retaining wall and fencing are planned for the Marietta Public Parking Lot, which was recently expanded. Maplewood City Council approved a design during last Tuesday’s meeting that consists of a mosaic retaining wall and wrought iron ornamental fence.

City council still must approve spending roughly $140,000 on the project. If approved, the city would start collecting bids and complete the project by August, City Manager Marty Corcoran said.

The wall, which would run along the sidewalk beside the parking lot, would be roughly two-and-a-half feet tall, Corcoran said. That could be a safety hazard for people walking in the parking lot at night, so fencing would run along the length of the wall to prevent injuries.

The plan also calls for steps and handrails in the center of the fenced area for additional safety and convenience. The fence and walls also would extend far enough to slow down potentially hazardous traffic.

“We won’t have people cutting in there with cars, and customers walking over to the sidewalk won’t take a nasty spill,” Corcoran said.

The proposal is just one part of a larger streetscape plan for Marietta, which will eventually include wheel stops, light fixtures and an upgraded sidewalk, along with additional landscaping.

from maplewood-brentwood.patch.com

A national urban planners association is asking people to vote for their favourite public spaces, and among the nominees are a number of places in the Maritimes.The Saint John Market has been a popular gathering place since it opened in 1876.

The Saint John Market has been a popular gathering place since it opened in 1876. (Great Places in Canada)

The Canadian Institute of Planners is accepting nominations and votes for locations across the country.

The Saint John Market has held a prominent place in the city for more than 100 years.

The building takes up a full block and features a wrought iron gate and brickwork from the late 1800s. It opened for business in city’s uptown in 1876.

“It’s about people earning a living, it’s about people buying product for their households, and it’s a place to socialize. It’s the essence of our society,” Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase said Sunday.

Chase said the architecture, along with the rows of merchants inside, makes it a big draw to the public.

“It’s where you come and you meet acquaintances, meet new acquaintances, talk about the news of the city, the news of the country and gossip.”

Prince Edward Island has two nominees.Victoria Park was granted by Queen Victoria in 1873.Victoria Park was granted by Queen Victoria in 1873. (Tourism PEI)

One is a pedestrian mall Victoria Row, and the other is 16-hectare Victoria Park, granted to the city by Queen Victoria in June 1873.

Charlottetown mayor Clifford Lee said public spaces are important no matter where they are.

“It’s about the quality of life here in the city, it’s nature, it’s a real healthy environment,” Lee said.

Nova Scotia has five nominees, including the LaHave River and King Street in the town of Lunenburg — which is on the UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage list.

from cbc.ca

By Ross Logan

A WELWYN Garden City entrepreneur is looking for franchisees to continue the phenomenal success of her luxury boutique hotel business… for cats.

The Longcroft Cat Hotel has proved a hit with owners and pets alike
DOES you dream job consists of working from home and looking after cats?

If so, then a WGC businesswoman may be able to help you achieve it.

After two hugely successful years in charge of the Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel – a “five star” cattery in Longcroft Lane, WGC – owner and founder Abi Purser is looking for franchise holders to take the company county-wide.

The 36-year-old launched the unique business from her home in Longcroft Lane, in 2010, in response to what she believed to be a dearth of quality catteries in the UK.

With “guests” treated to wrought iron beds, individually decorated suites and a gourmet menu all served on bone china, Abi’s eccentric business model quickly attracted the attentions of both the media and cat-loving customers looking for a safe place to leave their moggy while they were away.

The concept has garnered mum-of-three Abi with a host of award nominations, and bookings are currently being taken for Christmas 2013.

In order to meet the ever-growing demand for spaces, Abi’s looking for partners to join in Longcroft’s success – and has already received interest from a number of potential franchisees.

“Running a business from home and looking after cats is my dream job,” said Abi.

“When we first set up the business, we knew there was a demand for a truly five-star cattery dedicated to looking after much-loved feline guests while their owners are away.

“We just massively under-estimated the level of that demand and are excited about offering our business formula to others who want to be cat hoteliers in the region.”

Each potential franchisee will be vetted by Abi herself, with successful applicants receiving full training in order to meet Longcroft’s precise and exacting standards.

They will be given help with the planning application and building materials for the hotel, and help and advice whenever needed.

“We are looking for partners who want to run their own sustainable and profitable business from home, which fits perfectly around any type of lifestyle or family commitments,” said Abi.

Franchisees can apply for hotels of up to nine suites, with each hotel carried out to Longcroft’s specifications.

“You can only give a great service with small numbers, particularly when what we are offering is a far cry from just a feeding and cleaning exercise,” said Abi.

from whtimes.co.uk

Welcome to Las Ventanas, an exquisite Mediterranean Estate, uniquely placed on a quiet, private ridge, with breathtaking, panoramic Pacific Ocean, islands, coastline, harbor  mountain views. Two sets of hand hewn stone columns and wrought iron gates welcome you at the end of private lanes off both East Valley Road and Hidden Valley Lane, and a winding, landscaped drive ensures privacy, and leads you to a magical compound in an awe-inspiring setting.

Settle your soul with luxurious retreat living, a place where complete rest & relaxation occur together with informal and formal entertaining, in perfect harmony with the easy Santa Barbara lifestyle. This beautiful home, with 4 bedroom suites, 6 bathrooms, & 1 bedroom guest house, sits on 9+ acres of beautiful landscaping. Experience year-round indoor/outdoor living & entertaining, and enjoy the sunrise, sunset & moonrise, the infinity pool, spa, & spacious and elegant rooms framing magnificent views.

Features include a large family room that opens to both front and rear patios a library/office; formal dining room opening to the front patio; a gourmet center-island kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances; a temperature controlled wine room; a downstairs office/gym; private patio areas off every bedroom; 6 fireplaces; vaulted ceilings in most rooms; jaw-dropping views from nearly every room; a master suite with spa tub, steam shower, exotic stone countertops, and a bedroom-sized, walk-in closet; BBQ Station and outdoor fireplace; a 3 car garage in the main house (1 car garage in guest house); and over 40 fruit trees in the orchard.

Las Ventanas is located just minutes from Montecito, Downtown Santa Barbara, and Butterfly, Miramar, Santa Claus, Summerland and East Beaches, and a short drive to Santa Barbara Airport. The picturesque Santa Ynez Valley, with its world-class wineries, is 45 minutes away, and vibrant Los Angeles, just 90 miles south. This is the perfect getaway or primary estate for those who want something truly special. Get ready to be WOWED!

from hauteliving.com

By Liz Biro

That The Kitchen feels like a lodge while billing itself “farm-raised, fire-roasted fare” doesn’t necessarily seem inapt.

Candles and wrought iron chandeliers sprinkle soft light. A smoky roast aroma perfumes the dark-wood dining room.

Heavy chairs scratch rustic tunes against wood and vintagey, black-and-white tile floors. Conversations harmonize into a low, happy hum.

On chilly nights, the scene begs turtlenecks and heavy sweaters, with cozy garb fitting abundant plates and dark stout or spicy red wine while being as suited to a lodge as they are to a farmhouse.

A full bar, furnished with hulking stools and extra padding, supplies spirits. Another granite, earth-tone bar provides the show. It overlooks a wide-open kitchen where cooks soft-shoe their stations.

The grill guy flames Flintstonian, three-bone pork ribs, tender and brushed with cumin-edged barbecue sauce. Salad bunches baby arugula, mild watercress, blue cheese and black-eyed peas under thick-cut, fried green tomatoes in underwhelming vinaigrette.

Rotisserie chicken is among house specialties, but brisket outshines the bird. A quarter-chicken’s white and dark meat are both dry chews one evening. A different night, pulled chicken is overcooked atop flatbread pizza with fresh mozzarella and tangy barbecue sauce.

Brisket, however, yields to light pressure from a fork. Sharp blue cheese slaw tames its smoky flavor and shouldn’t-eat-this-but-can’t-stop fattiness.

Just-right sharpness spices fluffy spoonfuls of root vegetable soup. Perfectly seared scallops rest in a shallow, silky, sweet corn chowder pool marred by doughy little browned dumplings.

from starnewsonline.com

Individuals shopping for a bed and mattress know it can be a daunting task, as they must consider comfort, style and budget. Top interior designers understand that it is one of the most personal selections they help their clients make and offer some advice in finding that perfect match.

When it comes to mattress selection, designers certainly agree that personal comfort is key. However, an important consideration that many neglect is the depth of a mattress. “Some mattresses are enormously deep. They can be very heavy and therefore make setting a bed cumbersome. Keep in mind that mattress thicknesses affect the bed height. I like to keep mattress heights around 24-27″ above the floor.”

“The bigger and higher the bed the smaller the room feels
It’s recommended a “low profile” bed so clients “don’t need a ladder to crawl into bed.”

For those considering a lower profile mattress solution, offers their range of platform mattresses. The four styles range in firmness but each features quality craftsmanship and is covered by the comfort exchange policy with a 20 year limited warranty so customers can relax and take comfort in their investment.

Choosing the right style bed can be exhausting as there are so many choices. Designer suggests that shoppers think about classic design. “Design trends come and go, but when purchasing a bed, you’ll want something that you can live with for years. Select a style that makes a statement without overpowering the room made with quality materials.

For example, a four poster bed or an upholstered headboard with simple detailing creates a timeless focal point while the accessories can be changed to refresh the space for years.” The simple lines and classic wrought iron speak to this advice and provide a dynamic frame for any room.

“Give me drama when selecting a bed, something that anchors the room and gives it a sense of style”. I love upholstered headboards especially with nailhead trim or four poster beds; they really make a statement.” The ultra-luxe Wing bed from Charles P. Rogers features this powerful aesthetic with its sumptuous leather headboard and hand applied nail head detailing.

“I prefer headboards and bed frames that are clean-lined and not fussy,” continues Robinson. “I prefer beds that show off their legs rather than beds with skirts. A wood frame around a fabric headboard tends to dress it up a bit.” The Newhouse platform bed features a contemporary look with its supple yet refined leather headboard and Mahogany rails.

from marketwatch.com

Located smack-bang in the centre of the stylish streets of Pest, the sights and delights of Hungary’s capital are on Le Méridien Budapest’s doorstep.

As a Budapest first-timer, the proximity to the attractions of the city that Le Méridien Budapest offered was invaluable. Armed with my Budapest transport card and map (which takes a while to master – in Budapest a lot of the streets sound the same!), exploring the city was easy. Within minutes I was amid the bustling Vörösmarty Square, perusing the shops on Váci Utca (the city’s equivalent of London’s Oxford Street) and strolling alongside the mighty River Danube, which separates Buda and Pest.

With so much history and culture surrounding the hotel, it was fitting that the hotel itself had its own story to tell. Formerly known as Adria Palace, an apartment and office building designed in 1913, the building has been declared a historic monument. As a building designed in the Secession era (a branch of Art Nouveau, inspired by natural forms) wrought iron balconies, ornate chandeliers and arched windows gives the hotel an aura of elegance. The most eye-catching feature is the giant, stained-glass dome that overlooks the atrium, with its grand chandelier hanging from its centre.

I stayed in an executive suite, which included a lounge area with sofas, big double bed and a generously-sized bathroom with a large bath and walk-in power shower. The room boasted all the mod-cons: TV (this room had two!), HiFi and a range of teas and coffees. With neutral décor, the overall look was clean, corporate and comfortable.

As we were in Hungary we were naturally curious about the traditional cuisine. We had tried a hearty paprika chicken and vegetable concoction at the Christmas market but sampling Hungary’s gastronomic delights in the high-end restaurant – Le Bourbon – was another matter. The restaurant serves French cuisine but does have a section on the menu of Hungarian classics, which is what we opted for.

We began with a starter of home-made foie gras terrine and cold smoked goose breast, freshly fried Makó onion and grilled seed toast whilst we sipped the Hungarian classic wine Tokaj (almost port-like in taste). On the whole the dish was a touch too sweet for my tastes, but nonetheless tasty.

The main course, however, really hit the mark. I devoured the grilled beef tenderloin topped with grilled goose liver and served with fresh Hungarian lecsó (a ratatouille-like mixture of peppers, paprika and tomatoes) and roasted sliced potato. A positively giant dessert followed – somlói galuska – a decadent, trifle-like dessert of sponge cakes, cream and chocolate sauce. As much as I wanted to gobble every last spoonful, by this stage I was ready to go lie down! The whole meal was a brilliant insight into Hungarian cuisine.

One of the other plus points of my stay at Le Méridien Budapest was the hotel’s spa and health centre, complete with a small gym, pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms. As I visited in December, I especially enjoyed warming up in the sauna and steam room and it was a great way to relax after sightseeing in the crisp, winter weather.

Le Méridien Budapest proved to be ideal for a city break – its enviable location and amenities made for a great stay but the one thing that really made it memorable was the delightful staff. From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, I was treated to five-star service, complete with a smile.

By Sarah Gibbons

from travelbite.co.uk