Major hotel brands are bending over backward to cater to the needs of the world's most sought-after traveler: the Chinese tourist.
Now arriving on American shores in unprecedented numbers thanks to a streamlined visa process and a rising Chinese middle class, Chinese tourists are being treated to the comforts of home when they check in at the front desk. That means hot tea in their rooms, congee for breakfast and Mandarin-speaking hotel employees at their disposal.
Full StorySince Oprah Winfrey packed up the couch that Tom Cruise jumped on and ended her daytime talk show last year, no one has truly filled her role as the top go-to person in television for major celebrity and news interviews.
Now someone is trying to claim that spot — and would you believe it's Oprah again?
Full StoryThe man who once was among the world's most eligible bachelors has turned 30 — but things are not so bad for Prince William as he celebrates his birthday with family and friends.
Palace officials say William will mark the milestone in private with his wife, the former Kate Middleton, and perhaps some close friends. They say a low key celebration is planned.
Full StoryHollywood star Angelina Jolie has donated $100,000 to aid Syrian refugees, the United Nations refugee agency said on Wednesday.
The Oscar-winning actress is a special envoy of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and made the donation on World Refugee Day.
Full StoryIn the midst of the first prolonged challenge to its morning supremacy in 16 years, NBC News is discussing a plan to remove Ann Curry as co-host of the "Today" show with Matt Lauer.
Curry, who has been with "Today" since 1997, replaced Meredith Vieira last June as Lauer's partner. Lauer agreed to a long-term contract this spring to stay with the show.
Full StoryTwo Hollywood unions are scrutinizing worker safety and welfare on Lindsay Lohan's TV movie "Liz & Dick" after the actress tweeted that she was exhausted because of long production days.
Larry A. Thompson, producer of the Lifetime movie starring Lohan as Elizabeth Taylor, said Wednesday that no violations were found in one union's review.
Full StoryTenor sax legend Sonny Rollins was a triple winner Wednesday at the annual Jazz Awards, garnering musician of the year honors for the second straight year.
Rollins also repeated as the top tenor saxophonist. His latest CD, "Road Shows, Vol. 2," consisting of live recordings from concerts in Japan and his September 2010 80th birthday concert in New York highlighted by a first-ever public performance with free jazz visionary and alto saxophonist Ornette Coleman, was chosen the year's best jazz recording.
Full StoryThe Queen's Jubilee Fashion Show, in coordination with Fashion Consultant Paola Rbeiz concluded the events of GREAT week in Beirut in style, showcasing 20 pieces specially created by Lebanon's most prominent designers for the event, all taking inspiration from the British monarchy, the British Embassy in Beirut said in a press release Wednesday.
Designs included regal hats, jewelry, dresses and coats inspired by the Royal Family and the British military.
Full StoryAnother anger mismanagement allegation has arisen against Alec Baldwin, this time on his way to the altar.
A newspaper photographer filed a complaint with police on Tuesday accusing the "30 Rock" star of punching him outside a marriage license bureau.
Full StoryWhitney Houston's mother will perform a tribute to her late daughter alongside other female singers at the upcoming BET Awards.
A source familiar with BET's plans said Tuesday that Cissy Houston will take the stage at the July 1 awards show to honor her daughter. Cissy will be joined by "a few top divas," the source said, though the source could not give their names.
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