Since December 2001 we have chosen to dedicate our overland bicycle expedition to help raising funds for the Gray Cancer Institute. Many people know of someone who has been affected by cancer and there does not appear to be any discrimination. The Gray Cancer Institute is one of the leading centres for research applied to…

You may have read recently about one of Buddha’s fingers being brought from Thailand to Taipei in Taiwan. This got the Beetle wondering about other parts of Buddha and where you can see them. It is possible to see the casket containing the left incisor of the Buddha in the sacred temple in Kandy, Sri…

South African millionaire Mark Shuttleworth has landed safely back on Earth after a 10-day journey into space. The Russian Soyuz space capsule carrying the South African millionaire and two crewmembers touched down near Arkalyk in the steppes of Kazakhstan at 0351 GMT on Sunday 28th April. As he was carried away from the capsule, a…

May 6th 2002, the United States has added Cuba, Libya and Syria to its “axis of evil” – nations it claims are deliberately seeking to obtain chemical or biological weapons. In a speech entitled “Beyond the Axis of Evil”, US Under Secretary of State, John Bolton said that the three nations could be grouped with…

Ingredients: For four people 4 portions of Sea Bass, ½ Kilo diced tomato, 1 teaspoon of salt, 100 grams diced Parsley , 100g diced Coriander, 4 medium diced whole onions, 3 tablespoons of Olive Oil, ½ tablespoon of sweet Paprika Preparation: The fish is cleaned and put in a bowl with a little salt and…

Also free, the nearest tube is: A visit here can be combined with a visit to the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum, but maybe not all on the same day! This has a fabulous display of fashion over the last few hundred years and includes wonderful 1920’s gowns by Schiarpelli and Channel and…

GERMANY: A Berlin man claims that handling 10-euro banknotes has made him impotent. Mr Wolfang Fritz (55) spent hours last January counting money his girlfriend inherited after the couple withdrew it all in 10-euro notes. Mr Fritz says he hasn't had an erection since handling the money. He is demanding the German government supply him…

If you are thinking of travelling in Chile, it might make sense to investigate an air pass with LanChile and Ladeco flights. The pass is valid for 1 month and must be used in 14 days of arrival in Chile. Backtracking is not allowed. Special fares to Easter Island can be incorporated. Ask your travel…

Tokyo hotel's rules and regulations: GUESTS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SMOKE OR DO OTHER DISGUSTING BEHAVIOURS IN BED. On the menu of a Swiss restaurant: OUR WINES LEAVE YOU NOTHING TO HOPE FOR. In a Tokyo bar: SPECIAL COCKTAILS FOR THE LADIES WITH NUTS. In a Bangkok temple: IT IS FORBIDDEN TO ENTER A WOMAN…

Washington DC is already known as a museum mecca, but in July later this year, the new International Museum of Spying will open. The museum has full official backing from both the CIA and the KBG. Exhibits include an enigma machine, a Soviet shoe transmitter and all the usual (and unusual) gadgets! For more info