In late March, Heather Davis and her then-fiancé, Nick Gray, gave a deposit to a nonprofit garden club venue in the Tampa, Florida, area for their Dec. 3 wedding. A signed contract followed days later. Then they were removed from the calendar, and their deposit was returned.

“I got an email telling me we had been bumped because they double booked,” said Davis, 29, a supply chain consultant for ArganoArbela, a technology consulting firm based in Irvine, California. “There was panic and anger. I thought, ‘This can’t be right, this can’t be real.’”

The couple’s search for a replacement site proved challenging. “Ninety-five percent of everything we looked at after we got the email was booked,” Davis said.

They then turned to a nontraditional option: a cigar factory.

Pandemic postponements paired with post-pandemic engagements have made finding availability at typical spaces — hotels, wineries, upscale restaurants and resorts — increasingly difficult.

As a result, many couples have been forced to get creative in their searches, considering everything from bowling alleys and movie theaters to bookstores and libraries. Here are four outside-the-box venues that can host nuptials.

Factories

The J.C. Newman Cigar Co. in Tampa, where Davis and Gray booked their wedding, is one of the country’s oldest family-owned cigar makers. Last year, the facility, which makes 50,000 to 60,000 machine-rolled cigars and 300 hand-rolled cigars daily, added events to their list.

“We didn’t realize it would be such a wanted experience,” said Karissa DiPillo, the company’s event and community partnership coordinator. “We thought we’d only get a few couples. We already have 23 weddings booked in 2022 with every Saturday in October and November taken.”

Aside from a lack of availability at more traditional venues, DiPillo attributed the upswing in interest to couples wanting distinctive spaces and experiences. “We do the cocktail hour on the first floor, which is where the store and museum are; our reception desk doubles as a bar, and cigar rolling machines are used as tables,” DiPillo said. “The second floor is the hospitality room where we do dinner and dancing. The third floor is where we have the ceremony.”

The space can accommodate 150 guests. The cost to rent one floor is $4,500; each additional floor is $500. The space is available for rent from 10 a.m. to midnight. Tables, chairs, parking and security are included. Catering is extra.

Bookstores

For bibliophiles, shops like Manhattan’s Housing Works Bookstore and the Strand offer nostalgic, romantic and cozy settings. The Strand hosts weddings in its rare book room; for events at Housing Works Bookstore, the lighting on its mahogany bookshelves is dimmed and votive candles are added to its spiral staircases. Ceremonies there usually happen in one of the nooks under the balconies, while sit-down dinners, cocktails and dancing occur on the main floor.

“Over the past four or five months we’ve seen a 40% increase in inquiries,” said Elizabeth Koke, creative director at Housing Works, a New York City-based nonprofit group with a focus on fighting AIDS and homelessness.

The organization’s mission, she added, “is appealing to folks who want to spend their special day giving back. All the proceeds go to Housing Works services: housing, health care and advocacy for social justice.”

At Housing Works Bookstore, Koke said that “the rate of bookings hasn’t changed, so we are still doing 40 to 50 weddings a year.” But, she said, “We are booking further in advance, especially since so many people want a Saturday.”

Capacity for a seated dinner is 135; for cocktails, it is 175. Costs for a five-hour event include a $5,000 tax-deductible membership fee, plus another $5,000 to $10,000 for bar pricing, rentals and staffing. Catering is additional.

Drive-In Movie Theaters

In 2016, Four Brothers Drive-In, and its adjacent restaurant in Amenia, New York, in Dutchess County, added weddings to their offerings. John Stefanopoulos, an owner of Four Brothers, along with the nearby Millerton Inn, in Millerton, New York, said bookings have increased since the start of the pandemic.

“Once COVID happened, people went nuts. It amplified the movement to do nontraditional weddings,” he said. “Couples are going to local places rather than franchises.”

Stefanopoulos cited the desire for off-the-beaten-path experiences and outdoor options as attractions. Plus, couples have the opportunity to play their favorite film in the background. “We usually do the reception and cocktail party on our patio,” he said. “The ceremony takes place under the tents, and dinner and dancing happen in front of the big screen so you can watch while you’re eating.”

An eight-hour event for up to 200 people at Four Brothers costs $30,000 to $45,000 for the space, movie, food and service. Add-ons like tents, tables, chairs, DJ, photographer and flowers, or any other arrangements that Four Brothers can provide, such as shuttle buses, will increase the cost by another $10,000 to $15,000.

Floral Studios

FlowerSchool New York is a floral design school by day and a venue space, known as ILA Penthouse, at night. Everything from designing, staffing, planning and executing the plant-focused menu happens in-house at its more than 4,000-square-foot space on the seventh floor of a building in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood.

“The amount of venues and staffing has decreased while people getting married has increased,” said Calvert Crary, the school’s executive director, who estimates the space will host 100 weddings next year.

Crary said flowers are part of life’s celebratory occasions and speak to all guests. “A floral design studio makes sense to host a wedding because we have a strong aesthetic and tons of flowers,” he said. “Setting them up is really easy because they’re all here as opposed to moving them to another location.”

The space, which starts at $4,000 for a six-hour rental and costs $500 per hour after that, can accommodate 200 guests for cocktails or 150 for cocktails and dinner, and includes flowers and tables with décor, linens and chairs. In-house catering and botanically infused cocktails are priced per person in addition.

All of the décor, Crary added, “is either composted or reused by us. We have a strict no-single-use-plastics décor policy.”

In late March, Heather Davis and her then-fiancé, Nick Gray, gave a deposit to a nonprofit garden club venue in the Tampa, Florida, area for their Dec. 3 wedding.

In late March, Heather Davis and her then-fiancé, Nick Gray, gave a deposit to a nonprofit garden club venue in the Tampa, Florida, area for their Dec. 3 wedding. A signed contract followed days later. Then they were removed from the calendar, and their deposit was returned. “I got an email telling me we had been bumped because they double booked,” said Davis, 29, a supply chain consultant for ArganoArbela, a technology consulting firm based in Irvine, California. “There was panic and anger. I thought, ‘This can’t be right, this can’t be real.’” The couple’s search for a replacement site proved challenging. “Ninety-five percent of everything we looked at after we got the email was booked,” Davis said. They then turned to a nontraditional option: a cigar factory. Pandemic postponements paired with post-pandemic engagements have made finding availability at typical spaces — hotels, wineries, upscale restaurants and resorts — increasingly difficult. As a result, many couples have been forced to get creative in their searches, considering everything from bowling alleys and movie theaters to bookstores and libraries. Here are four outside-the-box venues that can host nuptials. Factories The J.C. Newman Cigar Co. in Tampa, where Davis and Gray booked their wedding, is one of the country’s oldest family-owned cigar makers. Last year, the facility, which makes 50,000 to 60,000 machine-rolled cigars and 300 hand-rolled cigars daily, added events to their list. “We didn’t realize it would be such a wanted experience,” said Karissa DiPillo, the company’s event and community partnership coordinator. “We thought we’d only get a few couples. We already have 23 weddings booked in 2022 with every Saturday in October and November taken.” Aside from a lack of availability at more traditional venues, DiPillo attributed the upswing in interest to couples wanting distinctive spaces and experiences. “We do the cocktail hour on the first floor, which is where the store and museum are; our reception desk doubles as a bar, and cigar rolling machines are used as tables,” DiPillo said. “The second floor is the hospitality room where we do dinner and dancing. The third floor is where we have the ceremony.” The space can accommodate 150 guests. The cost to rent one floor is $4,500; each additional floor is $500. The space is available for rent from 10 a.m. to midnight. Tables, chairs, parking and security are included. Catering is extra. Bookstores For bibliophiles, shops like Manhattan’s Housing Works Bookstore and the Strand offer nostalgic, romantic and cozy settings. The Strand hosts weddings in its rare book room; for events at Housing Works Bookstore, the lighting on its mahogany bookshelves is dimmed and votive candles are added to its spiral staircases. Ceremonies there usually happen in one of the nooks under the balconies, while sit-down dinners, cocktails and dancing occur on the main floor. “Over the past four or five months we’ve seen a 40% increase in inquiries,” said Elizabeth Koke, creative director at Housing Works, a New York City-based nonprofit group with a focus on fighting AIDS and homelessness. The organization’s mission, she added, “is appealing to folks who want to spend their special day giving back. All the proceeds go to Housing Works services: housing, health care and advocacy for social justice.” At Housing Works Bookstore, Koke said that “the rate of bookings hasn’t changed, so we are still doing 40 to 50 weddings a year.” But, she said, “We are booking further in advance, especially since so many people want a Saturday.” Capacity for a seated dinner is 135; for cocktails, it is 175. Costs for a five-hour event include a $5,000 tax-deductible membership fee, plus another $5,000 to $10,000 for bar pricing, rentals and staffing. Catering is additional. Drive-In Movie Theaters In 2016, Four Brothers Drive-In, and its adjacent restaurant in Amenia, New York, in Dutchess County, added weddings to their offerings. John Stefanopoulos, an owner of Four Brothers, along with the nearby Millerton Inn, in Millerton, New York, said bookings have increased since the start of the pandemic. “Once COVID happened, people went nuts. It amplified the movement to do nontraditional weddings,” he said. “Couples are going to local places rather than franchises.” Stefanopoulos cited the desire for off-the-beaten-path experiences and outdoor options as attractions. Plus, couples have the opportunity to play their favorite film in the background. “We usually do the reception and cocktail party on our patio,” he said. “The ceremony takes place under the tents, and dinner and dancing happen in front of the big screen so you can watch while you’re eating.” An eight-hour event for up to 200 people at Four Brothers costs $30,000 to $45,000 for the space, movie, food and service. Add-ons like tents, tables, chairs, DJ, photographer and flowers, or any other arrangements that Four Brothers can provide, such as shuttle buses, will increase the cost by another $10,000 to $15,000. Floral Studios FlowerSchool New York is a floral design school by day and a venue space, known as ILA Penthouse, at night. Everything from designing, staffing, planning and executing the plant-focused menu happens in-house at its more than 4,000-square-foot space on the seventh floor of a building in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. “The amount of venues and staffing has decreased while people getting married has increased,” said Calvert Crary, the school’s executive director, who estimates the space will host 100 weddings next year. Crary said flowers are part of life’s celebratory occasions and speak to all guests. “A floral design studio makes sense to host a wedding because we have a strong aesthetic and tons of flowers,” he said. “Setting them up is really easy because they’re all here as opposed to moving them to another location.” The space, which starts at $4,000 for a six-hour rental and costs $500 per hour after that, can accommodate 200 guests for cocktails or 150 for cocktails and dinner, and includes flowers and tables with décor, linens and chairs. In-house catering and botanically infused cocktails are priced per person in addition. All of the décor, Crary added, “is either composted or reused by us. We have a strict no-single-use-plastics décor policy.”

Wedding venues that go beyond the ballroom

As India celebrates its 75th independence day, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoists the tricolour at the iconic red fort. PM Modi salutes the COVID-19 warriors says Indians have fought the pandemic with lots of patience, lauds India's vaccination programme.

75 years of Independence: Partition pain can never be forgotten, says PM Narendra Modi

As India celebrates its seventy-fifth independence day, security has been scaled up across the country. Thousands of personnel have been deployed across the length and breadth of the country, to oversee the security at strategic locations.

India celebrates 75 years of Independence, security beefed up

India marks its 75th independence day today. Prime minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag from the ramparts of the red fort and host India's Olympic heroes as special invitees amid scaled back celebration due to coronavirus.

75 years of Independence: India celebrates 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'

The provincial capital of Canada's British Columbia has decided to cancel a virtual celebration of the national Canada Day holiday on July 1 after the discovery of unmarked graves of children at a now-defunct indigenous boarding school. 
 
The city council of Victoria voted on Thursday instead to air programming led by the local indigenous nation at a later date. Local indigenous leaders, who usually participate in Canada Day ceremonies declined after remains of 215 children were found at the former school in Kamloops, northern British Columbia. 
 
"They're grief-struck and reeling, as are many indigenous people across the country," Lisa Helps, mayor of Victoria, told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday. 
 
Victoria will 'produce a broadcast to air later this summer guided by the Lekwungen people and featuring local artists, that explores what it means to be Canadian, in light of recent events," she said. 
 
The Songhees Nation, of which the Lekwungen people are members, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(With inputs from agencies)

The provincial capital of Canada's British Columbia has decided to cancel a virtual celebration of the national Canada Day holiday on July 1 after the discovery of unmarked graves of children at a now-defunct indigenous boarding school.

The provincial capital of Canada's British Columbia has decided to cancel a virtual celebration of the national Canada Day holiday on July 1 after the discovery of unmarked graves of children at a now-defunct indigenous boarding school. The city council of Victoria voted on Thursday instead to air programming led by the local indigenous nation at a later date. Local indigenous leaders, who usually participate in Canada Day ceremonies declined after remains of 215 children were found at the former school in Kamloops, northern British Columbia. "They're grief-struck and reeling, as are many indigenous people across the country," Lisa Helps, mayor of Victoria, told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday. Victoria will 'produce a broadcast to air later this summer guided by the Lekwungen people and featuring local artists, that explores what it means to be Canadian, in light of recent events," she said. The Songhees Nation, of which the Lekwungen people are members, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada's Victoria cancels national day celebration after discovery of unmarked burial site

The Dutch celebrated their king's birthday&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday in muted fashion as a coronavirus lockdown prevented large-scale street parties for the second year running.&nbsp;

This year, the national holiday comes with lockdown fatigue rising and a day before an easing of some restrictions even though hospitals are having to postpone regular medical procedures so they can focus on the high level of COVID-19 patients.&nbsp;

King Willem-Alexander was marking his 54th birthday in the southern city of Eindhoven, a city that brands itself as a hub for high-tech innovation, for a digital version of the annual royal walkabout.&nbsp;

The King's Day national holiday is usually an occasion for the Dutch to drape themselves in orange clothes, hats and feather boas, sell old toys and books in street markets and crowd the streets of major cities.&nbsp;

This year, for the second straight year, cities are encouraging people to stay home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The capital, Amsterdam, urged residents to celebrate according to lockdown guidelines with a maximum of one visitor, but added,&nbsp;you can still dig out the orange T-shirt or silly hat and hang out the flag.&nbsp;

A man wearing an orange robe cycled down a near deserted street in the city, while people stood in socially distanced lines waiting to buy pastries topped with icing in the national color orange.&nbsp;

The central city of Arnhem, meanwhile, was bracing for possible violent confrontations between football hooligans and a protest against the government.&nbsp;

In an attempt to prevent rioting, the city's mayor, Ahmed&nbsp;Marcouch, gave police special powers for the day to check people coming into Arnhem and imposed a limit of 500 people for a demonstration at the central market place.&nbsp;

Marcouch&nbsp;said that demonstrations are a constitutional right, but that signals of the risk of rioting at different locations in the city endanger that right to demonstrate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the national lockdown is being eased with measures including the end of a nationwide curfew imposed in mid-January and cafes allowed to reopen their outdoor terraces under strict conditions from noon to 6&nbsp;pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Dutch celebrated their king's birthday on Tuesday in muted fashion as a coronavirus lockdown prevented large-scale street parties for the second year running.

The Dutch celebrated their king's birthday on Tuesday in muted fashion as a coronavirus lockdown prevented large-scale street parties for the second year running. This year, the national holiday comes with lockdown fatigue rising and a day before an easing of some restrictions even though hospitals are having to postpone regular medical procedures so they can focus on the high level of COVID-19 patients. King Willem-Alexander was marking his 54th birthday in the southern city of Eindhoven, a city that brands itself as a hub for high-tech innovation, for a digital version of the annual royal walkabout. The King's Day national holiday is usually an occasion for the Dutch to drape themselves in orange clothes, hats and feather boas, sell old toys and books in street markets and crowd the streets of major cities. This year, for the second straight year, cities are encouraging people to stay home. The capital, Amsterdam, urged residents to celebrate according to lockdown guidelines with a maximum of one visitor, but added, you can still dig out the orange T-shirt or silly hat and hang out the flag. A man wearing an orange robe cycled down a near deserted street in the city, while people stood in socially distanced lines waiting to buy pastries topped with icing in the national color orange. The central city of Arnhem, meanwhile, was bracing for possible violent confrontations between football hooligans and a protest against the government. In an attempt to prevent rioting, the city's mayor, Ahmed Marcouch, gave police special powers for the day to check people coming into Arnhem and imposed a limit of 500 people for a demonstration at the central market place. Marcouch said that demonstrations are a constitutional right, but that signals of the risk of rioting at different locations in the city endanger that right to demonstrate. On Wednesday, the national lockdown is being eased with measures including the end of a nationwide curfew imposed in mid-January and cafes allowed to reopen their outdoor terraces under strict conditions from noon to 6 pm. (With inputs from agencies)

Muted celebrations of Dutch king's birthday amid pandemic 

Nepal on Wednesday celebrated New Year 2078 as per the ancient Bikram Sambat Hindu calendar amidst a spike in new Covid-19 cases.&nbsp;

The calendar associated with King Bikramaditya of India is regarded as the official calendar of Nepal and the Nepalese New Year usually starts in mid-April.&nbsp;

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, in a televised address to the nation, congratulated the people and counted his government's achievements and performances.&nbsp;

He praised the government's policies in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, saying that the country suffered fewer losses in terms of lives and economy.&nbsp;

"Keeping the pandemic in mind, the government worked to control the spread of the virus and because of our good policies, we didn't fail," Oli claimed.&nbsp;

His address came amidst fear of a second wave of the virus transmission.&nbsp;

Doctors and public health experts are concerned with the rising number of children testing positive for the Covid-19.&nbsp;

Nepal has so far reported 3,061 deaths due to the contagion. After a decline in the number of new patients, the Covid-19 cases have surged lately.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Population reported 580 new cases in the last 24 hours, taking the country's tally to 281,564.&nbsp;

During the same period, 129 people have been discharged.&nbsp;

Currently, there are 4,056 active patients across the country. &nbsp;

Nepal on Wednesday celebrated New Year 2078 as per the ancient Bikram Sambat Hindu calendar amidst a spike in new Covid-19 cases. The calendar associated with King Bikramaditya of India is regarded as the official calendar of Nepal and the Nepalese New Year usually starts in mid-April.

Nepal on Wednesday celebrated New Year 2078 as per the ancient Bikram Sambat Hindu calendar amidst a spike in new Covid-19 cases. The calendar associated with King Bikramaditya of India is regarded as the official calendar of Nepal and the Nepalese New Year usually starts in mid-April. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, in a televised address to the nation, congratulated the people and counted his government's achievements and performances. He praised the government's policies in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, saying that the country suffered fewer losses in terms of lives and economy. "Keeping the pandemic in mind, the government worked to control the spread of the virus and because of our good policies, we didn't fail," Oli claimed. His address came amidst fear of a second wave of the virus transmission. Doctors and public health experts are concerned with the rising number of children testing positive for the Covid-19. Nepal has so far reported 3,061 deaths due to the contagion. After a decline in the number of new patients, the Covid-19 cases have surged lately. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Population reported 580 new cases in the last 24 hours, taking the country's tally to 281,564. During the same period, 129 people have been discharged. Currently, there are 4,056 active patients across the country.

Nepal celebrates new year amidst increasing Covid-19 cases 

Pope Francis urged the world to quicken distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, particularly to the world's poor, and called armed conflict and military spending during a pandemic "scandalous" in his Easter message on Sunday (April 4).

A glimpse of Easter Sunday celebrations around the world 

With festive bread and decorated tombstones, Bolivians marked the Day of the Dead on Monday (November 2).

Bolivians decorate graves to remember loved ones on Day of the Dead

Families in the San Diego suburb of Carlsbad wanted their children to enjoy the annual Halloween celebrations as per usual, but in a COVID-safe way. Parents and costumed kids managed to enjoy the traditional trick-or-treating amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Kids in California enjoy a COVID-safe Halloween

Landmarks all around Berlin lit up during the annual Festival of Lights on Friday (September 18).

Berlin landmarks light up for Festival of Lights

Kabul residents ventured out to a street bazaar on Friday (May 22) to buy sweets and dried fruit ahead of Eid al-Fitr, defying a lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Afghans defy lockdown ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations

A 64-year old coronavirus patient in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a Greek hospital received a birthday surprise from the medical staff on Friday (April 24).

Greek coronavirus ICU patient gets birthday surprise

The China Media Group (CMG) on Wednesday presented a themed light show in Shanghai's West Bund International Media Port for the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Saturday this year.

Spring Festival light show shines at Shanghai West Bund Media Port

Congress General Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/can-priyanka-gandhi-make-a-difference-in-uttar-pradesh-271109">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a> on Monday extended her wishes to people on the occasion of Lohri.

"India has a unique culture, farmers thank the nature by celebrating and beating drums after harvesting Kharif corps, wishing all the people on the festival of Til, sweets, dishes and celebration, Lohri #HappyLohri," Gandhi tweeted.

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इस देश की संस्कृति ही निराली है। खरीफ की फसल आने के बाद किसान धूम-धाम से ढोल नगाड़ों के साथ प्रकृति को धन्यवाद देते हैं। तिल, पकवानों, मिठास, मूंगफली और उत्सव के त्योहार लोहड़ी की आप सभी को शुभकामनाएं।<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyLohri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyLohri</a> <a href="https://t.co/q1kHXOARtz">pic.twitter.com/q1kHXOARtz</a>
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankagandhi/status/1216616121240932353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Welcoming longer days and the sun's journey to the northern hemisphere, Lohri is observed the night before Makar Sankranti or Maghi.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday extended her wishes to people on the occasion of Lohri. "India has a unique culture, farmers thank the nature by celebrating and beating drums after harvesting Kharif corps, wishing all the people on the festival of Til, sweets, dishes and celebration, Lohri #HappyLohri," Gandhi tweeted.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday extended her wishes to people on the occasion of Lohri. "India has a unique culture, farmers thank the nature by celebrating and beating drums after harvesting Kharif corps, wishing all the people on the festival of Til, sweets, dishes and celebration, Lohri #HappyLohri," Gandhi tweeted. इस देश की संस्कृति ही निराली है। खरीफ की फसल आने के बाद किसान धूम-धाम से ढोल नगाड़ों के साथ प्रकृति को धन्यवाद देते हैं। तिल, पकवानों, मिठास, मूंगफली और उत्सव के त्योहार लोहड़ी की आप सभी को शुभकामनाएं।#HappyLohri pic.twitter.com/q1kHXOARtz — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) January 13, 2020 × Welcoming longer days and the sun's journey to the northern hemisphere, Lohri is observed the night before Makar Sankranti or Maghi.

Priyanka Gandhi extends wishes to people on Lohri

The annual and vibrant Black and White carnival, which has its origins in a mix of Andean, Amazonian and Pacific cultural expressions, took place on Sunday (January 5) and Monday (January 6) in the southwestern Colombian city of Pasto.

Colombia celebrates colourful Black and White carnival

Mexicans of all ages celebrate their heritage and reap tasty rewards by smashing open traditional Christmas pinatas during the holiday season.

Pinatas 'bring happiness' to Mexican families at Christmas

Letters to Santa are wrongly addressed each December to an apartment on West 22nd Street in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood, far from the North Pole. Watch to know more.

Far from North Pole, New York home gets avalanche of Santa letters

Beijing karaoke bars are closing, toy weapon sales are banned and every delivery package is being scanned: the capital is taking no chances weeks ahead of a massive military parade to mark Communist China's 70th anniversary.

Beijing has been preparing for the big celebration well ahead of the October 1 event, with several large screens installed at Tiananmen Square, where tanks and other army hardware will be shown off.

Security was already tighter than usual to enter Beijing's massive square as guards sifted through every bag in the long line of local tourists heading for a visit on Thursday. An AFP journalist was not allowed to go through.

Several kilometres away, the Workers Stadium has been closed off, with temporary high walls covered in fake grass surrounding the facility normally used by Chinese football team Beijing Guoan.

A security guard told AFP that the government "wants to use the stadium for the 70th-anniversary preparations."

All businesses inside the stadium, including a gym and restaurants, have been told to close between September 5 and the October 1 national day.

"The government has notified us to close up," said Joey Xu, manager of Puerta 20, a restaurant inside the stadium.

"Our staff will be offered paid vacation. But the government isn't compensating businesses for their losses," he said.

Other businesses near the stadium are also closing up from mid-September.

"Authorities fear that businesses around the stadium that operate late into the night, especially ones with loud patrons like ours, could cause disturbances," said a manager at Mei Karaoke bar who only offered his last name, Zhang.

The parade comes as a trade war between Beijing and Washington threatens to drag down the global economy and follows three months of anti-government civil unrest in Hong Kong.

The parade is expected to showcase some of the most advanced weaponry of the Chinese army, in an attempt to drum up patriotic fervour.

Other plans for the anniversary celebration include an awards ceremony, fireworks, souvenir stamps and coins, an official documentary, and a musical.

Roads around Tiananmen Square and Changan Avenue, where soldiers will march, will be closed Saturday and Sunday for a rehearsal of the massive parade.

Slow post and no drones

Beijing's army of delivery staff who carry hot meals and other packages across the city within minutes have been told to reject parcels from anyone who cannot produce valid identity documents.

It forms part of a broader campaign to tighten postal security ahead of the 70th celebrations.

The State Post Bureau last month said all packages coming into Beijing will have to be X-rayed and individually stamped to prove they have been inspected.

Hobbyists who want to buy drones, toys with "countdown mechanisms" similar to ticking time-bombs or fake landmines that can be "detonated" with a remote-control device will also have to wait till after the October 1 event to place their orders.

Delivery of these items are "strictly prohibited" between September 15 and October 2, the postal bureau said in a statement.

And while Beijing has stepped up inspections of potentially troublesome items offline, China's Twitter-like platform Weibo has also started deleting online content that "insults" national heroes or "distorts" the history of the nation or the Communist Party.

China's biggest microblogging platform said Wednesday it has removed 14,299 posts and disabled 1,475 accounts that have "spread historical nihilism", a party euphemism for narratives that challenge the official version of events.

Weibo, which had more than 486 million monthly active users as of June, said the "cleanup" would run until the end of September.

Beijing karaoke bars are closing, toy weapon sales are banned and every delivery package is being scanned: the capital is taking no chances weeks ahead of a massive military parade to mark Communist China's 70th anniversary.

Beijing karaoke bars are closing, toy weapon sales are banned and every delivery package is being scanned: the capital is taking no chances weeks ahead of a massive military parade to mark Communist China's 70th anniversary. Beijing has been preparing for the big celebration well ahead of the October 1 event, with several large screens installed at Tiananmen Square, where tanks and other army hardware will be shown off. Security was already tighter than usual to enter Beijing's massive square as guards sifted through every bag in the long line of local tourists heading for a visit on Thursday. An AFP journalist was not allowed to go through. Several kilometres away, the Workers Stadium has been closed off, with temporary high walls covered in fake grass surrounding the facility normally used by Chinese football team Beijing Guoan. A security guard told AFP that the government "wants to use the stadium for the 70th-anniversary preparations." All businesses inside the stadium, including a gym and restaurants, have been told to close between September 5 and the October 1 national day. "The government has notified us to close up," said Joey Xu, manager of Puerta 20, a restaurant inside the stadium. "Our staff will be offered paid vacation. But the government isn't compensating businesses for their losses," he said. Other businesses near the stadium are also closing up from mid-September. "Authorities fear that businesses around the stadium that operate late into the night, especially ones with loud patrons like ours, could cause disturbances," said a manager at Mei Karaoke bar who only offered his last name, Zhang. The parade comes as a trade war between Beijing and Washington threatens to drag down the global economy and follows three months of anti-government civil unrest in Hong Kong. The parade is expected to showcase some of the most advanced weaponry of the Chinese army, in an attempt to drum up patriotic fervour. Other plans for the anniversary celebration include an awards ceremony, fireworks, souvenir stamps and coins, an official documentary, and a musical. Roads around Tiananmen Square and Changan Avenue, where soldiers will march, will be closed Saturday and Sunday for a rehearsal of the massive parade. Slow post and no drones Beijing's army of delivery staff who carry hot meals and other packages across the city within minutes have been told to reject parcels from anyone who cannot produce valid identity documents. It forms part of a broader campaign to tighten postal security ahead of the 70th celebrations. The State Post Bureau last month said all packages coming into Beijing will have to be X-rayed and individually stamped to prove they have been inspected. Hobbyists who want to buy drones, toys with "countdown mechanisms" similar to ticking time-bombs or fake landmines that can be "detonated" with a remote-control device will also have to wait till after the October 1 event to place their orders. Delivery of these items are "strictly prohibited" between September 15 and October 2, the postal bureau said in a statement. And while Beijing has stepped up inspections of potentially troublesome items offline, China's Twitter-like platform Weibo has also started deleting online content that "insults" national heroes or "distorts" the history of the nation or the Communist Party. China's biggest microblogging platform said Wednesday it has removed 14,299 posts and disabled 1,475 accounts that have "spread historical nihilism", a party euphemism for narratives that challenge the official version of events. Weibo, which had more than 486 million monthly active users as of June, said the "cleanup" would run until the end of September.

Security squeeze in China’s capital ahead of communist celebration

Muslims in Sri Lanka gathered at mosques for morning prayers on Wednesday (June 5) to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan amid security concerns due to growing persecutions against them in the majority Sinhala Buddhist island.

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Thousands of pilgrims from around the world flocked to Bethlehem to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-celebrities-share-heartwarming-christmas-pictures-186413">celebrate Christmas </a>at the birthplace of Jesus, which witnessed its most cheerful celebrations in many years, breaking the despondency of last year in the wake of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/military-santa-tracker-norad-live-despite-us-government-shutdown-186404">US administration</a>'s declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The Manger Square, where tourists and locals generally jostle for space before the midnight mass, was abuzz with activities on a cold day as traditional march led by Palestinian boy and girl scouts kicked off Christmas celebrations on Monday.

Playing drums and bagpipes they paraded past a 16 metre giant Christmas tree in the Manger Square outside the ancient Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus.

All the Bethlehem hotels were fully booked and the security situation relatively calm as the city is preparing to host an "astounding" tourists overnight, the "numbers we have not seen for many years", Palestinian Tourism Minister Rula Ma'ayah said.&nbsp;

"We have never received this number of tourists coming to Palestine," Ma'ayah said, adding that "In a city like Bethlehem, tourism creates waves throughout the economy."

"Hotels in the city have been booked to their full capacity for a few weeks leading into today's celebrations", said Fadi Kattan a travel agent.

The city's Hotel Association had predicted occupancy of more than 95 per cent in the build-up to the festivities this year but workers at Hotels near the Church of Nativity said that rooms were in short supply as the number of foreign visitors exceeded their expectations this year.&nbsp;

"We are fully booked during the Christmas season," Wissam Salsa, Manager of the Walled Off Hotel, said jubilantly.&nbsp;

Security was tight in the city as paramilitary Palestinian police armed with assault rifles patrolled the cobblestone streets.

Israel also eased security restrictions and made all possible efforts to make tourists feel safe.&nbsp;

With a relative lull in violence, the region has seen an increase in the number of tourists coming to Israel and the West Bank city of Bethlehem, which is under the control of the Palestinian Authority (PA).&nbsp;

Ma'ayah noted that Bethlehem, located in the Palestinian-controlled area of the West Bank, was preparing to host an "astounding" 10,000 tourists overnight, "numbers we haven't seen for many years", and that the total&nbsp;number of visitors would exceed 3 million this year.

Last year, US President Donald Trump's decision to declare Jerusalem as Israel's capital incensed the Palestinians and ignited clashes in the region and worldwide protests that kept the pilgrims away from visiting the holy land.&nbsp;

The decision had taken the joy out of Christmas for the people in the holy land who witnessed a low key celebration with thousands of tourists choosing to stay away from festivities.

The boom in Bethlehem's tourism comes as Israel also enjoys a record number of tourists. Israel's Tourism Ministry is projecting that more than four million visitors will visit the holy land in 2018.&nbsp;

Some 3.8 million tourists visited Israel in the first 11 months of the year, 14 per cent more than in the corresponding period last year.&nbsp; 
Coffee vendors and gift stores in Bethlehem also seemed to have come alive this year.

"We hope this revival is not short-lived and tourism continues to grow. The city is heavily dependent on tourists", Khaled, a gift shop owner, said adding, "our lives are intertwined with every small political development in the region. Our smiles can fade instantly with just some violent spark erupting around".&nbsp;

The Christmas festivities traditionally bring a boost of holiday cheer to Christians in the holy land, whose numbers have shrunk over the decades relative to the general population and now make up just a minority in Jesus' birthplace.

The city today has a strong Muslim majority of at least 70 per cent, with only 30 per cent Christians. It was once a Christian dominated city but emigration arising out of a wave of violence and economic hardships has seen its Christian residents moving to several countries across the world.

Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Roman Catholic cleric in the holy land, entered Bethlehem on Monday crossing an Israeli military checkpoint that divides Jerusalem from Bethlehem.

The top cleric later addressed a packed house of worshippers and dignitaries at the Church of Nativity that included Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.

Visitors this year were able to view the Church of the Nativity's newly restored mosaics dating to the Crusader era after they were recently cleaned and repaired in a major project.&nbsp;

Pizzaballa said the recent restoration of the church was a metaphor for recent events in the region.

"The mosaics were splendid, but covered by a layer of dirt", he said during his traditional address.

"This last year was terrible", the cleric said referring to upsurge in violence, "so we all tend to think that all is dirty. But if you remove this layer of dirt we see how wonderful the mosaics are".

"Since it's Christmas, we have to be positive," the archbishop stressed.

Thousands of pilgrims from around the world flocked to Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas at the birthplace of Jesus, which witnessed its most cheerful celebrations in many years, breaking the despondency of last year in the wake of US administration's declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Thousands of pilgrims from around the world flocked to Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas at the birthplace of Jesus, which witnessed its most cheerful celebrations in many years, breaking the despondency of last year in the wake of US administration's declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The Manger Square, where tourists and locals generally jostle for space before the midnight mass, was abuzz with activities on a cold day as traditional march led by Palestinian boy and girl scouts kicked off Christmas celebrations on Monday. Playing drums and bagpipes they paraded past a 16 metre giant Christmas tree in the Manger Square outside the ancient Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus. All the Bethlehem hotels were fully booked and the security situation relatively calm as the city is preparing to host an "astounding" tourists overnight, the "numbers we have not seen for many years", Palestinian Tourism Minister Rula Ma'ayah said. "We have never received this number of tourists coming to Palestine," Ma'ayah said, adding that "In a city like Bethlehem, tourism creates waves throughout the economy." "Hotels in the city have been booked to their full capacity for a few weeks leading into today's celebrations", said Fadi Kattan a travel agent. The city's Hotel Association had predicted occupancy of more than 95 per cent in the build-up to the festivities this year but workers at Hotels near the Church of Nativity said that rooms were in short supply as the number of foreign visitors exceeded their expectations this year. "We are fully booked during the Christmas season," Wissam Salsa, Manager of the Walled Off Hotel, said jubilantly. Security was tight in the city as paramilitary Palestinian police armed with assault rifles patrolled the cobblestone streets. Israel also eased security restrictions and made all possible efforts to make tourists feel safe. With a relative lull in violence, the region has seen an increase in the number of tourists coming to Israel and the West Bank city of Bethlehem, which is under the control of the Palestinian Authority (PA). Ma'ayah noted that Bethlehem, located in the Palestinian-controlled area of the West Bank, was preparing to host an "astounding" 10,000 tourists overnight, "numbers we haven't seen for many years", and that the total number of visitors would exceed 3 million this year. Last year, US President Donald Trump's decision to declare Jerusalem as Israel's capital incensed the Palestinians and ignited clashes in the region and worldwide protests that kept the pilgrims away from visiting the holy land. The decision had taken the joy out of Christmas for the people in the holy land who witnessed a low key celebration with thousands of tourists choosing to stay away from festivities. The boom in Bethlehem's tourism comes as Israel also enjoys a record number of tourists. Israel's Tourism Ministry is projecting that more than four million visitors will visit the holy land in 2018. Some 3.8 million tourists visited Israel in the first 11 months of the year, 14 per cent more than in the corresponding period last year. Coffee vendors and gift stores in Bethlehem also seemed to have come alive this year. "We hope this revival is not short-lived and tourism continues to grow. The city is heavily dependent on tourists", Khaled, a gift shop owner, said adding, "our lives are intertwined with every small political development in the region. Our smiles can fade instantly with just some violent spark erupting around". The Christmas festivities traditionally bring a boost of holiday cheer to Christians in the holy land, whose numbers have shrunk over the decades relative to the general population and now make up just a minority in Jesus' birthplace. The city today has a strong Muslim majority of at least 70 per cent, with only 30 per cent Christians. It was once a Christian dominated city but emigration arising out of a wave of violence and economic hardships has seen its Christian residents moving to several countries across the world. Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Roman Catholic cleric in the holy land, entered Bethlehem on Monday crossing an Israeli military checkpoint that divides Jerusalem from Bethlehem. The top cleric later addressed a packed house of worshippers and dignitaries at the Church of Nativity that included Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah. Visitors this year were able to view the Church of the Nativity's newly restored mosaics dating to the Crusader era after they were recently cleaned and repaired in a major project. Pizzaballa said the recent restoration of the church was a metaphor for recent events in the region. "The mosaics were splendid, but covered by a layer of dirt", he said during his traditional address. "This last year was terrible", the cleric said referring to upsurge in violence, "so we all tend to think that all is dirty. But if you remove this layer of dirt we see how wonderful the mosaics are". "Since it's Christmas, we have to be positive," the archbishop stressed.

Thousands flock to Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas at Jesus's birthplace

One of the most lovable couples of the industry, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Anand Ahuja are celebrating their first Karva Chauth after getting married.

To mark the special day, both Sonam and Anand applied mehendi on their palms - one of the important aspects of the festival.&nbsp;

Anand took to his Instagram story to share a clip of the 'Veere Di Wedding'&nbsp;star applying henna.

The Bollywood diva also shared an adorable snap on her account, in which both of them had hearts drawn on their palms. Sonam also wrote 'AS' along with it.

Sonam married Delhi-based businessman Anand on May 8 in an Anand Karaj ceremony.

&nbsp;After the ceremony, they also held an extravagant reception, which was attended by several stars of Bollywood.

On the work front, Sonam will next be seen in 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha to Aisa Laga'&nbsp;with father Anil Kapoor. 
&nbsp;

One of the most lovable couples of the industry, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Anand Ahuja are celebrating their first Karva Chauth after getting married. To mark the special day, both Sonam and Anand applied mehendi on their palms - one of the important aspects of the festival.

One of the most lovable couples of the industry, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Anand Ahuja are celebrating their first Karva Chauth after getting married. To mark the special day, both Sonam and Anand applied mehendi on their palms - one of the important aspects of the festival. Anand took to his Instagram story to share a clip of the 'Veere Di Wedding' star applying henna. The Bollywood diva also shared an adorable snap on her account, in which both of them had hearts drawn on their palms. Sonam also wrote 'AS' along with it. Sonam married Delhi-based businessman Anand on May 8 in an Anand Karaj ceremony. After the ceremony, they also held an extravagant reception, which was attended by several stars of Bollywood. On the work front, Sonam will next be seen in 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha to Aisa Laga' with father Anil Kapoor.

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Anand Ahuja celebrate their first Karva Chauth post marriage

Two decades later, Queen of Pop Britney Spears is celebrating the day when the world heard her music for the first time! 
 
The 36-year-old`s debut single `...Baby One More Time` turned 20 on Tuesday. 
 
To mark the occasion, Spears took to social media to share a behind-the-scenes video of the iconic track from 1998, which became one of the best-selling singles of all time. 
 
She even thanked her `amazing` fans for supporting her career through the years. 
 
"It`s hard to put into words what today means to me," she began the tweet. 
 
"20 years ago, the world heard my music for the very first time! So much has happened since then."But what I really want to say is thank you to my amazing fans who have been there for me since day 1," she continued. 
 
In a separate tweet, the songstress said, "Your support over the years has meant the absolute world to me!! Love you all!"

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Your support over the years has meant the absolute world to me!! Love you all! ❤️❤️❤️ <a href="https://t.co/oW8BCyStpL">https://t.co/oW8BCyStpL</a>
— Britney Spears (@britneyspears) <a href="https://twitter.com/britneyspears/status/1054823645246357505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Spears also shared a link to the full YouTube video paying a tribute on her hit song`s 20th anniversary.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p-tSLdo-QiA" width="560"></iframe>

In the clip, a young Spears can be heard saying, "If I hear my song on the radio, I`ll just be like, crazy. I`d be like, `Oh my gosh!` I think that`d be so cool. I would love that. that`d be a great experience."

Two decades later, Queen of Pop Britney Spears is celebrating the day when the world heard her music for the first time! The 36-year-old`s debut single `...Baby One More Time` turned 20 on Tuesday.

Two decades later, Queen of Pop Britney Spears is celebrating the day when the world heard her music for the first time! The 36-year-old`s debut single `...Baby One More Time` turned 20 on Tuesday. To mark the occasion, Spears took to social media to share a behind-the-scenes video of the iconic track from 1998, which became one of the best-selling singles of all time. She even thanked her `amazing` fans for supporting her career through the years. "It`s hard to put into words what today means to me," she began the tweet. "20 years ago, the world heard my music for the very first time! So much has happened since then."But what I really want to say is thank you to my amazing fans who have been there for me since day 1," she continued. In a separate tweet, the songstress said, "Your support over the years has meant the absolute world to me!! Love you all!" Your support over the years has meant the absolute world to me!! Love you all! ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/oW8BCyStpL — Britney Spears (@britneyspears) October 23, 2018 × Spears also shared a link to the full YouTube video paying a tribute on her hit song`s 20th anniversary. In the clip, a young Spears can be heard saying, "If I hear my song on the radio, I`ll just be like, crazy. I`d be like, `Oh my gosh!` I think that`d be so cool. I would love that. that`d be a great experience."

Britney Spears celebrates 20 years of her iconic track 'Baby One More Time'

The woman who was celebrating her birthday at the restaurant where the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-14-killed-in-mumbai-fire-as-birthday-celebration-turns-into-nightmare-28021" target="_blank">Mumbai fire</a> started is one of the 14 dead, Reuters reported her grandfather as saying.&nbsp;

She was 28 years old. News reports identified her as Khushboo Mehta.&nbsp;

Reuters reported police as saying a majority of the people killed in the fire were women attending the birthday party. &nbsp;

A total of 14 people died in the fire, 11 of whom were women.&nbsp;

News reports said 21 people were injured, of which three were believed to be in critical condition.&nbsp;

The fire broke out at 12.30 am Friday morning on the third floor of the Trade House building in the Kamala Mills complex in Lower Parel, Mumbai.&nbsp;

The fire is thought to have been started by a short circuit at the 1 Above restaurant.&nbsp;

An eyewitness said the place was engulfed in flames soon after the fire started.&nbsp;

She added that there was a stampede since no one knew where the fire-escape doors were.&nbsp;

Doctors at KEM hospital, where the injured were rushed, said almost all of the deaths were caused by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-fire-almost-all-died-from-suffocation-proper-evacuation-plan-could-have-avoided-deaths-say-doctors-28030" target="_blank">asphyxiation</a>.&nbsp;

They added that a proper evacuation plan could have avoided the fatatlities.&nbsp;

Three people associated with the 1 Above restaurant have been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.&nbsp;

She was celebrating her 28th birthday at the 1 Above restaurant where the fire started

The woman who was celebrating her birthday at the restaurant where the Mumbai fire started is one of the 14 dead, Reuters reported her grandfather as saying. She was 28 years old. News reports identified her as Khushboo Mehta. Reuters reported police as saying a majority of the people killed in the fire were women attending the birthday party. A total of 14 people died in the fire, 11 of whom were women. News reports said 21 people were injured, of which three were believed to be in critical condition. The fire broke out at 12.30 am Friday morning on the third floor of the Trade House building in the Kamala Mills complex in Lower Parel, Mumbai. The fire is thought to have been started by a short circuit at the 1 Above restaurant. An eyewitness said the place was engulfed in flames soon after the fire started. She added that there was a stampede since no one knew where the fire-escape doors were. Doctors at KEM hospital, where the injured were rushed, said almost all of the deaths were caused by asphyxiation. They added that a proper evacuation plan could have avoided the fatatlities. Three people associated with the 1 Above restaurant have been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Mumbai fire: Woman whose birthday it was is among 14 dead

Liverpool&#39;s Daniel Sturridge struck deep into stoppage time to hand England a 2-1 win over rivals Wales to move top of Euro 2016 Group B in Lens on today. 
 
Real Madrid star Gareth Bale&#39;s free-kick from 35 metres was helped into his own net by England goalkeeper Joe Hart to give Wales the lead just before the break. 
 
However, after being introduced at half-time, substitutes Jamie Vardy and Sturridge turned the match around to put England on course for the last 16. 
(AFP)

Substitutes Vardy and Sturridge turned the match around to give England the win

Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge struck deep into stoppage time to hand England a 2-1 win over rivals Wales to move top of Euro 2016 Group B in Lens on today. Real Madrid star Gareth Bale's free-kick from 35 metres was helped into his own net by England goalkeeper Joe Hart to give Wales the lead just before the break. However, after being introduced at half-time, substitutes Jamie Vardy and Sturridge turned the match around to put England on course for the last 16. (AFP)

England beat Wales 2-1 at Euro 2016 to top Group B

Wales outplayed Russia 3-0, scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes, as they moved into the round of 16 at Euro 2016 by winning Group B on Monday.

Aaron Ramsey dinked the ball over Igor Akinfeev to finish off a counter-attack in the 11th minute and Neil Taylor added a second, also from a counter-attack nine minutes later as Wales took early control.

Russia had no answer to the fast, incisive Welsh breaks and survived several more chances before Gareth Bale scored his third goal of the tournament to become Euro 2016&#39;s top marksman, flicking the third past Akinfeev in the 67th minute.

Wales topped the group with six points, one ahead of England, who finished second after a 0-0 draw with Slovakia.

Chris Coleman&#39;s team will now play one of the third-placed sides in Paris on Saturday with every hope of reaching the last eight, as they did in 1976. It was a glorious night for Welsh football in what had been described as the country&#39;s biggest game since the 1958 World Cup quarter-final.

Their players and supporters celebrated wildly while Russian fans, who had caused trouble at the end of their first match against England, slunk away.

Russia now go home with much to think about before hosting the World Cup in two years time.

Wales, mostly on the back foot in the previous game against England, rediscovered the attacking brio that had enabled them to beat Slovakia before that.

Bale, the scorer of a direct free kick in each of the two previous games to equal a European Championship record, was close with several fine efforts before becoming the first player since the Czech Milan Baros in 2004 to score in three successive games at the European finals.

Bale was outstanding in running at a Russian defence that allowed far too space to him and Ramsey, and also in breaking in support of Sam Vokes, the surprise selection in attack in place of Hal Robson-Kanu.

The Russian rarguard was not helped by their revamped midfield, which showed three changes from the last game but were outplayed by Joe Ledley and the tigerish Joe Allen.

Wales went at the opposition from the first minute. Bale set the tone by coming inside and hitting a fierce shot that Akinfeev could not hold.

Russia survived that but were behind when Allen played a perfect through ball for Ramsey, just onside, to place his shot over Akinfeev.

Before a quarter of the game had been played they were two goals to the good, Taylor taking advantage of an involuntary jab by Russian captain Roman Shirokov to score at the second attempt.

It was the first international goal from a player who last scored at club level six years ago.

Bale made chances for Vokes and Ramsey before the end of a first half in which Russia&#39;s only threatening moment stemmed from a long clearance by Akinfeev.

Ashley Williams could not control it and Wayne Hennessey had to save from Artem Dzyuba at close range.

As in the 2-1 defeat by Slovakia, Russian coach Leonid Slutski made two early changes in the second half but this time there was no great improvement.

Ramsey, named man of the match, put Bale in for a chip that Akinfeev managed to touch wide of the far post and when the pair repeated their combination, the goalkeeper&#39;s slight touch could not prevent a third goal. 
 
(Reuters)

It was a glorious night for Welsh football in what had been described as the country's biggest game since the 1958 World Cup quarter-final

Wales outplayed Russia 3-0, scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes, as they moved into the round of 16 at Euro 2016 by winning Group B on Monday. Aaron Ramsey dinked the ball over Igor Akinfeev to finish off a counter-attack in the 11th minute and Neil Taylor added a second, also from a counter-attack nine minutes later as Wales took early control. Russia had no answer to the fast, incisive Welsh breaks and survived several more chances before Gareth Bale scored his third goal of the tournament to become Euro 2016's top marksman, flicking the third past Akinfeev in the 67th minute. Wales topped the group with six points, one ahead of England, who finished second after a 0-0 draw with Slovakia. Chris Coleman's team will now play one of the third-placed sides in Paris on Saturday with every hope of reaching the last eight, as they did in 1976. It was a glorious night for Welsh football in what had been described as the country's biggest game since the 1958 World Cup quarter-final. Their players and supporters celebrated wildly while Russian fans, who had caused trouble at the end of their first match against England, slunk away. Russia now go home with much to think about before hosting the World Cup in two years time. Wales, mostly on the back foot in the previous game against England, rediscovered the attacking brio that had enabled them to beat Slovakia before that. Bale, the scorer of a direct free kick in each of the two previous games to equal a European Championship record, was close with several fine efforts before becoming the first player since the Czech Milan Baros in 2004 to score in three successive games at the European finals. Bale was outstanding in running at a Russian defence that allowed far too space to him and Ramsey, and also in breaking in support of Sam Vokes, the surprise selection in attack in place of Hal Robson-Kanu. The Russian rarguard was not helped by their revamped midfield, which showed three changes from the last game but were outplayed by Joe Ledley and the tigerish Joe Allen. Wales went at the opposition from the first minute. Bale set the tone by coming inside and hitting a fierce shot that Akinfeev could not hold. Russia survived that but were behind when Allen played a perfect through ball for Ramsey, just onside, to place his shot over Akinfeev. Before a quarter of the game had been played they were two goals to the good, Taylor taking advantage of an involuntary jab by Russian captain Roman Shirokov to score at the second attempt. It was the first international goal from a player who last scored at club level six years ago. Bale made chances for Vokes and Ramsey before the end of a first half in which Russia's only threatening moment stemmed from a long clearance by Akinfeev. Ashley Williams could not control it and Wayne Hennessey had to save from Artem Dzyuba at close range. As in the 2-1 defeat by Slovakia, Russian coach Leonid Slutski made two early changes in the second half but this time there was no great improvement. Ramsey, named man of the match, put Bale in for a chip that Akinfeev managed to touch wide of the far post and when the pair repeated their combination, the goalkeeper's slight touch could not prevent a third goal. (Reuters)

Wales thump Russia 3-0 to top group, move into last 16

&nbsp;Two of the noisiest sets of supporters at Euro 2016 witnessed the first surprise result of the finals on Tuesday when Austria lost 2-0 to old rivals Hungary in the opening match of Group F. 
 
The Austrians had been unimpressive in some friendly matches since reeling off nine successive victories to win their qualifying section but they were still strong favourites. 
 
Hungary were therefore all the more delighted to achieve unexpected success in the 138th meeting between the countries with goals by Adam Szalai and substitute Zoltan Stieber. 
 
They appear to have surprised even themselves, since coach Bernd Storck had said victory would be &quot;a miracle&quot;. 
 
Perhaps he realised it was a day for the unexpected when centre forward Szalai scored. 
 
That had not happened for the national team since October 2014, against the might of the Faroe Islands. Nor had the former Real Madrid reserve player been exactly prolific at his various German clubs. 
 
Szalai showed more than one touch of class, however, in the 62nd minute, chesting down for man of the match Laszlo Kleinheisler, then sliding the return pass past the previously untroubled goalkeeper Robert Almer. 
 
TWO INCIDENTS 
 
That was the first of two incidents in as many minutes that turned the game. 
 
Austria retaliated almost immediately as Martin Hinteregger&#39;s shot beat keeper Gabor Kiraly but the referee ruled it out for a late tackle by their centre back Aleksandar Dragovic, who received his second yellow card and was sent off. 
 
Kiraly, the first 40-year-old to play in the European Championship, made an excellent save from Zlatko Junuzovic 10 minutes before halftime. 
 
His evening got better and better after almost suffering the worst possible start, when David Alaba&#39;s shot in the first minute flew past him but hit the post. 
 
Austria were the better side in the first half, but Alaba&#39;s influence in midfield slowly waned, causing coach Marcel Koller to wonder whether the Bayern Munich man might be better reverting to his club position in the back four. 
 
Koller has much else to ponder before the meeting with short-odds group favourites Portugal in Paris on Saturday, including an injury to the influential number 10 Junuzovic and Dragovic&#39;s suspension. 
 
The full back&#39;s ban is expected to bring an opportunity for Gyorgy Garics, who decided to stay with the squad after his father died of cancer last week. 
 
Meanwhile, the Hungarians, having qualified for the first time since reaching the 1972 semi-final, will be newly confident of claiming a place in the last-16 when they play Iceland earlier on Saturday. 
 
They have made the most of their preparation, unlike Austria, who may have been lured into complacency after their stunning qualification campaign. 
 
&quot;We got our reward for three weeks of hard work. Our recent friendlies helped. What we did in the second half was brilliant. Congratulations to the whole team,&quot; Storck said.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)

Even their coach had said victory would be a 'miracle'

Two of the noisiest sets of supporters at Euro 2016 witnessed the first surprise result of the finals on Tuesday when Austria lost 2-0 to old rivals Hungary in the opening match of Group F. The Austrians had been unimpressive in some friendly matches since reeling off nine successive victories to win their qualifying section but they were still strong favourites. Hungary were therefore all the more delighted to achieve unexpected success in the 138th meeting between the countries with goals by Adam Szalai and substitute Zoltan Stieber. They appear to have surprised even themselves, since coach Bernd Storck had said victory would be "a miracle". Perhaps he realised it was a day for the unexpected when centre forward Szalai scored. That had not happened for the national team since October 2014, against the might of the Faroe Islands. Nor had the former Real Madrid reserve player been exactly prolific at his various German clubs. Szalai showed more than one touch of class, however, in the 62nd minute, chesting down for man of the match Laszlo Kleinheisler, then sliding the return pass past the previously untroubled goalkeeper Robert Almer. TWO INCIDENTS That was the first of two incidents in as many minutes that turned the game. Austria retaliated almost immediately as Martin Hinteregger's shot beat keeper Gabor Kiraly but the referee ruled it out for a late tackle by their centre back Aleksandar Dragovic, who received his second yellow card and was sent off. Kiraly, the first 40-year-old to play in the European Championship, made an excellent save from Zlatko Junuzovic 10 minutes before halftime. His evening got better and better after almost suffering the worst possible start, when David Alaba's shot in the first minute flew past him but hit the post. Austria were the better side in the first half, but Alaba's influence in midfield slowly waned, causing coach Marcel Koller to wonder whether the Bayern Munich man might be better reverting to his club position in the back four. Koller has much else to ponder before the meeting with short-odds group favourites Portugal in Paris on Saturday, including an injury to the influential number 10 Junuzovic and Dragovic's suspension. The full back's ban is expected to bring an opportunity for Gyorgy Garics, who decided to stay with the squad after his father died of cancer last week. Meanwhile, the Hungarians, having qualified for the first time since reaching the 1972 semi-final, will be newly confident of claiming a place in the last-16 when they play Iceland earlier on Saturday. They have made the most of their preparation, unlike Austria, who may have been lured into complacency after their stunning qualification campaign. "We got our reward for three weeks of hard work. Our recent friendlies helped. What we did in the second half was brilliant. Congratulations to the whole team," Storck said. (Reuters)

Another surprise result, Hungary beat old foes Austria 2-0

Lionel Messi scored a record-equalling 54th international goal as Argentina outclassed Venezuela 4-1 to book their place in the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario on Saturday. 
 
The Barcelona superstar scored his fourth goal of the tournament in the 60th minute at the Gillette Stadium to equal Gabriel Batistuta&#39;s long-time Argentina international goalscoring record. 
 
Messi also created a goal for Gonzalo Higuain, who scored twice, and second half substitute Erik Lamela as Argentina set up a semi-final against the United States in Houston on Tuesday. 
 
Afterwards Messi played down his goalscoring milestone. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m happy for what it means and it&#39;s nice to be next to &#39;Batigol&#39; (Batistuta), but for me tonight the most important thing is the result,&quot; Messi said. 
 
Messi is determined to lead Argentina to their first trophy in 23 years after a series of agonizing near-misses which include defeats in the finals of last year&#39;s Copa America and the 2014 World Cup final. 
 
&quot;I think people sometimes overlook that we got to two finals, and only focus on the fact that we lost,&quot; Messi said. 
 
&quot;For us to be back in another semi-final of a big tournament like this one is a great achievement for these players.&quot; 
 
Inspirational display 
 
Few would bet against Messi achieving his goal after an inspirational display that left Venezuela chasing shadows in the early part of Saturday&#39;s quarter-final. 
 
Messi&#39;s genius created the opening goal after eight minutes, with the playmaker lofting a sublime curling pass to pick out Higuain&#39;s run into the area. 
 
Napoli forward Higuain still had plenty to do but skillfully directed a first time strike past Venezuela goalkeeper Dani Hernandez for a wonderful goal. 
 
Argentina remained firmly in control but were jolted in the 27th minute when Nicolas Gaitan picked up a needless yellow card for a kick on Alexander Gonzalez that will see him suspended for the semi-final. 
 
Argentina&#39;s dominance clearly had Venezuela rattled, and the Vinotinto&#39;s defensive unease led to the next goal. 
 
A slack backpass from Arquimedes Figuera went straight to Higuain in space, and the striker coolly rounded Hernandez to stroke home his second of the night to make it 2-0 after 29 minutes. 
 
But just when it looked as if the floodgates would open, Venezuela rallied impressively and had Argentina rocking with a series of chances. 
 
Rondon threat 
 
West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon forced a save from Sergio Romero and hit the woodwork in quick succession. 
 
Romero was left scrambling to save once again just before half-time, when fullback Rolf Feltscher&#39;s long-range shot deflected off Gabriel Mercado and looped up and over the Argentina keeper. 
 
Venezuela looked to have a justifiable claim for a penalty when Higuain brought down Josef Martinez in the box but Mexican referee Roberto Garcia was unmoved. 
 
Seconds later though Garcia was pointing to the spot after Romero clumsily bundled over Martinez for a clear penalty. 
 
But Venezuela&#39;s pressure went unrewarded when Luis Manuel Seijas tried a risky &quot;Panenka&quot; down the middle which Romero read and gathered with ease. 
 
Venezuela were unable to renew their period of pressure in the second half, and Messi effectively put the contest to bed with his record-equalling goal in the 60th minute, which came after Argentina pressed high to force a turnover. 
 
Gaitan won the tackle and passed to Messi, who quickly played a one-two with the Benfica winger before poking his finish between Hernandez&#39;s legs. 
 
Rondon pulled a goal back with a header in the 70th minute, but Messi&#39;s response was instant, threading a pass to Lamela whose shot crept in at Hernandez&#39;s near post. 
(AFP)

Messi seems determined to lead Argentina to its first trophy in 23 years after a series of misses

Lionel Messi scored a record-equalling 54th international goal as Argentina outclassed Venezuela 4-1 to book their place in the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario on Saturday. The Barcelona superstar scored his fourth goal of the tournament in the 60th minute at the Gillette Stadium to equal Gabriel Batistuta's long-time Argentina international goalscoring record. Messi also created a goal for Gonzalo Higuain, who scored twice, and second half substitute Erik Lamela as Argentina set up a semi-final against the United States in Houston on Tuesday. Afterwards Messi played down his goalscoring milestone. "I'm happy for what it means and it's nice to be next to 'Batigol' (Batistuta), but for me tonight the most important thing is the result," Messi said. Messi is determined to lead Argentina to their first trophy in 23 years after a series of agonizing near-misses which include defeats in the finals of last year's Copa America and the 2014 World Cup final. "I think people sometimes overlook that we got to two finals, and only focus on the fact that we lost," Messi said. "For us to be back in another semi-final of a big tournament like this one is a great achievement for these players." Inspirational display Few would bet against Messi achieving his goal after an inspirational display that left Venezuela chasing shadows in the early part of Saturday's quarter-final. Messi's genius created the opening goal after eight minutes, with the playmaker lofting a sublime curling pass to pick out Higuain's run into the area. Napoli forward Higuain still had plenty to do but skillfully directed a first time strike past Venezuela goalkeeper Dani Hernandez for a wonderful goal. Argentina remained firmly in control but were jolted in the 27th minute when Nicolas Gaitan picked up a needless yellow card for a kick on Alexander Gonzalez that will see him suspended for the semi-final. Argentina's dominance clearly had Venezuela rattled, and the Vinotinto's defensive unease led to the next goal. A slack backpass from Arquimedes Figuera went straight to Higuain in space, and the striker coolly rounded Hernandez to stroke home his second of the night to make it 2-0 after 29 minutes. But just when it looked as if the floodgates would open, Venezuela rallied impressively and had Argentina rocking with a series of chances. Rondon threat West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon forced a save from Sergio Romero and hit the woodwork in quick succession. Romero was left scrambling to save once again just before half-time, when fullback Rolf Feltscher's long-range shot deflected off Gabriel Mercado and looped up and over the Argentina keeper. Venezuela looked to have a justifiable claim for a penalty when Higuain brought down Josef Martinez in the box but Mexican referee Roberto Garcia was unmoved. Seconds later though Garcia was pointing to the spot after Romero clumsily bundled over Martinez for a clear penalty. But Venezuela's pressure went unrewarded when Luis Manuel Seijas tried a risky "Panenka" down the middle which Romero read and gathered with ease. Venezuela were unable to renew their period of pressure in the second half, and Messi effectively put the contest to bed with his record-equalling goal in the 60th minute, which came after Argentina pressed high to force a turnover. Gaitan won the tackle and passed to Messi, who quickly played a one-two with the Benfica winger before poking his finish between Hernandez's legs. Rondon pulled a goal back with a header in the 70th minute, but Messi's response was instant, threading a pass to Lamela whose shot crept in at Hernandez's near post. (AFP)

Messi scores record goal as Argentina thrash Venezuela

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