Latest from Europe

EU delivers ultimatum to airports
The EU criticised airport operators yesterday for failing to deal adequately with the heavy snow and freezing weather.

Spain says 'adios' to smoky bars and cafes
Spain has become the latest country to pass an anti-smoking law for its eateries.

NZ choir spreads cheer at snowed-in Heathrow
Kiwi kids have spread a little Christmas cheer to those stranded at Heathrow Airport in London.

Air NZ flights take off for NZ from Heathrow
Two Air New Zealand flights have taken off from London's Heathrow Airport this morning.

Book Review: The Elephant's Journey
Alas, this this is the second-to-last novel from the Portuguese Nobel Prize winner from whom I have gained so much enjoyment and stimulus over the past few years.

Wintry weather strands travellers in UK, Europe
Heavy snow has caused chaos in Europe, stranding thousands of would-be holiday-makers.

Paris plugs into rent and ride
Paris will become the first metropolitan area in the world to experiment with an extensive system of self-service hire cars.

Kiwi nous underpins Bvlgari exhibition
A Muriwai-based company's panel mounting system is holding together an exhibit celebrating the fashion house's 125th anniversary.

The carbon detectives
Cutting greenhouse-gas emissions is challenging enough. But what if we can't even measure the pollution we're trying to reduce?

The Ashes: England facing defeat
England were 81-5 in their second innings at stumps on the third day of the third Test against Australia.

The Ashes: Johnson leads Aussie fightback
Swing bowler Mitchell Johnson took six wickets to help Australia bowl out England for 187 and take control of the third Ashes test.

Battle is on to save the house that Conan Doyle built
The fight to prevent a house designed by Arthur Conan Doyle from being converted into flats is to be taken to the UK's High Court.

No let-up for freezing conditions in UK
Great Britain is expected to be blanketed with up to eight inches of snow this weekend, as another icy front grips the country.

Fashion Plate: Georgina Robertson
Former expat Georgina Robertson has brought the fashion influences of France and England home with her to New Zealand.

Larry King's 25-year reign comes to an end
He is from another era of current affairs television and tonight (Friday afternoon NZ time) that era will end.

The greatest chef on earth
Viva meets Rene Redzepi, the passionate purist behind the world's best restaurant.

Embalmed head of French king found - scientists
The embalmed head of one of the most infamous kings of France has been identified by scientists 400 years after his assassination.