Culture

TRAVEL

Going places, and what it costs

Atlantic rainforest trekking in Brazil showcases extraordinary biodiversity daily

Minas Gerais region offers ecotourism experiences through pristine rainforest landscapes that historically fascinated naturalists like Charles Darwin.

The Guardian

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Former poachers restore sacred forests through traditional conservation methodsEx-loggers in Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains have adopted ancestral practices to protect the region's threatened natural ecosystems.Battery fires pose growing threat to commercial aviationIncidents are increasing as airlines tighten restrictions, with cabin crews serving as the primary safety safeguard.Amadeus scale may not secure role in AI booking systemsThe company's airline relationships and infrastructure offer potential advantages, though its future involvement remains uncertain.Travel booking platform launches AI integration with mixed initial resultsExpedia has activated an artificial intelligence connection, though the company's main AI applications remain integrated within its existing services.Hard Rock Hotels partners with Accor without selling equity stakeAccor will develop Hard Rock's non-casino hotel pipeline and collect ongoing fees while Hard Rock retains full ownership of its brand.

TOURISM

Venezuela explores conservation-focused tourism before international hotel expansion

An entrepreneur sees potential for Venezuela to develop distinctive, environmentally conscious tourism before major international chains establish operations.

TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY

Amadeus scale may not secure role in AI booking systems

The company's airline relationships and infrastructure offer potential advantages, though its future involvement remains uncertain.

HOTELS

Hard Rock Hotels partners with Accor without selling equity stake

Accor will develop Hard Rock's non-casino hotel pipeline and collect ongoing fees while Hard Rock retains full ownership of its brand.

TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY

Travel booking platform launches AI integration with mixed initial results

Expedia has activated an artificial intelligence connection, though the company's main AI applications remain integrated within its existing services.

AIRLINES

Battery fires pose growing threat to commercial aviation

Incidents are increasing as airlines tighten restrictions, with cabin crews serving as the primary safety safeguard.

ONLINE TRAVEL

Expedia signals continued focus on business travel acquisitions

The company spent 676 million on three deals in nine months, with CEO pledging further investment in the sector.

CAMBODIA HOLIDAYS

Former poachers restore sacred forests through traditional conservation methods

Ex-loggers in Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains have adopted ancestral practices to protect the region's threatened natural ecosystems.

Film, music, books, and the conversations around them

PAUL MCCARTNEY

Paul McCartney reaches billionaire status, third richest musician globally

Forbes analysis values the former Beatle's net worth at $1.4 billion, placing him behind Jay-Z and Taylor Swift.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND MEMOIR

Dustin Hoffman autobiography reveals brilliance alongside notable blind spots at 89

The acclaimed actor behind iconic roles reflects on his career with both insight and surprising lapses in self-awareness.

TELEVISION

Television guitarist Richard Lloyd dies at seventy-five years old

Richard Lloyd, founding member and guitarist of the influential 1970s punk rock band Television, has died.

BBC NEWS

Booker Prize winner to be announced in London on Monday

The prestigious annual literary award will be decided this week.

JAMES BOND

Robert Pattinson joins race to become next James Bond

The actor has auditioned for the 007 role, bringing fresh intrigue to a casting process that has extended over a considerable period.

US TELEVISION

Kerr Smith reflects on pioneering gay kiss and Dawson's Creek legacy

In a new memoir, the actor discusses his role in US television's first gay kiss scene and his experiences with homophobia during the 1990s.

WILLIE NELSON

Country legend Nelson reflects on excess and survival at 93

Willie Nelson says he consumed too much alcohol, tobacco and pills throughout his life, yet remains active in music as he approaches his mid-90s.

PRIX GONCOURT

Model's unsolved 1949 murder inspired prize-winning novels

Louise Cansot's story became the subject of research that led two authors to publish books based on her case.

ROSAMUND PIKE

Thriller offers unexpected comfort viewing despite psychological darkness

Gone Girl's appeal lies in the dark pleasures of David Fincher's exploration of complex relationships.

BBC NEWS

Russell Brand sentenced to decade-plus prison term for sexual crimes

The former entertainer received 10-and-a-half years following a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court.

FILM

Donnie Dunagan, Bambi voice actor and decorated marine, dies at 92

Dunagan voiced the young deer in the Disney classic at age six and later earned three Purple Heart medals during military service.

TELEVISION & RADIO

John Oliver critiques defense secretary's stance on diversity and nationalist affiliations

The late-night host examined Pete Hegseth's opposition to DEI initiatives, his background at Fox News, and alleged ties to nationalist groups.

AVA DUVERNAY

Filmmaker DuVernay examines constitutional threats in new documentary

A decade after her political documentary 13th, director Ava DuVernay has completed a follow-up examining the 14th amendment and efforts to undermine it.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Artist explores Japan's intense work culture through photography series

Copenhagen-based Argentinian visual artist Jairo Alvarez examines the contrast between Japan's demanding work environment and moments of calm in his photographic series Ganbatte.

BBC NEWS

Singer Ball performs surprise performance at couple's wedding ceremony

Michael Ball made a special appearance at the wedding of Dave and Dawn Lloyd. The broadcaster performed at their ceremony following an earlier radio proposal.

BBC News

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Booker Prize winner to be announced in London on MondayThe prestigious annual literary award will be decided this week.Willie Nelson shares wisdom on taxes, resilience and maintaining focusAn excerpt from Nelson's memoir offers reflections on longevity as both a blessing and burden, with practical advice for sustained success.Television guitarist Richard Lloyd dies at seventy-five years oldRichard Lloyd, founding member and guitarist of the influential 1970s punk rock band Television, has died.John Oliver critiques defense secretary's stance on diversity and nationalist affiliationsThe late-night host examined Pete Hegseth's opposition to DEI initiatives, his background at Fox News, and alleged ties to nationalist groups.Crime musical Wanted fails to capture outlaw authenticity on stageA production at James Earl Theatre in New York tells a mostly true story of 19th-century sisters evading the law.

CULTURE — continued

Film, music, books, and the conversations around them

U2 delivers revitalized rock on new album Carnaval de Luz

The Irish band's first album of new material in nearly a decade showcases rejuvenated and impassioned songwriting.

WILLIE NELSON

Willie Nelson shares wisdom on taxes, resilience and maintaining focus

An excerpt from Nelson's memoir offers reflections on longevity as both a blessing and burden, with practical advice for sustained success.

BBC NEWS

Mariah Carey to perform at UK festival in 2027

The singer will headline Powderham Castle near Exeter in June 2027, appearing alongside the Sugababes and Eternal.

BOOKS

Science fiction author M John Harrison wins Booker Prize

The 81-year-old's postapocalyptic novel The End of Everything has won the £50,000 award, marking the first time a science fiction work has received the prize.

BBC NEWS

Maya Jama departs Love Island to pursue new television opportunities

The presenter is stepping down after recent success on Celebrity Traitors to explore different projects.

STAGE

Crime musical Wanted fails to capture outlaw authenticity on stage

A production at James Earl Theatre in New York tells a mostly true story of 19th-century sisters evading the law.

BBC NEWS

Actor Gruffudd warns fans against artificial intelligence impersonation scams

The Welsh performer cautioned supporters not to send money to individuals using fabricated explicit images created with artificial intelligence technology.

Elsewhere in today's paper

BBC SPORT

Packers and Bengals dominate while Bears and Broncos grind wins

Multiple NFL teams delivered strong performances in week nine as the season reached its midway point.

VANITY FAIR

Kate Middleton discusses mental health benefits of outdoor activities

The Princess of Wales attended a casual event for a mental health charity, sharing how nature supports her wellbeing.

US MIDTERM ELECTIONS

US midterm elections deliver message on equity and inclusion

Recent voting reflected support for diversity and decency while rejecting hate and fear, with major political donors and Super PACs among the notable losers.

THE CONVERSATION