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Summer brings overtourism fears for 'Bavarian Caribbean'

A picture-perfect Alpine mountain lake in Germany draws so many visitors every summer that the first thing they see is crowded busses, traffic jams and a packed-out carpark.

Rebrand of US culture 'fixture' Cracker Barrel sparks backlash

Cracker Barrel has a special place in the hearts of many Americans, offering homestyle American cuisine in a folksy "Old Country Store" setting complete with rocking chairs and occasional country music performances.

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France awards AFP's Arman Soldin its highest order of merit

France posthumously awarded AFP video journalist Arman Soldin, who was killed while working in Ukraine, the Legion d'Honneur (Legion of Honour) on Thursday.

Afghan village potters keep centuries-old tradition alive

Twice a month, Noor Agha Faqiri lights up the kiln at his small workshop around 50 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of the Afghan capital to fire a fresh batch of pottery.

'We were duped' by studios, says Hollywood actor union president

Hollywood actors were "duped" into extending negotiations for two weeks by studios who wanted more time to promote their summer blockbuster movies, union president Fran Drescher told AFP on Thursday.

Spacey denies 'aggressive' behaviour in UK sex assault trial

Kevin Spacey said Thursday he was a "big flirt" but denied any "aggressive" behaviour as the Hollywood actor entered the witness box of his sexual assault trial in south London.

Hollywood actors poised for strike after studio talks end without deal

The union representing Hollywood actors said Thursday that crunch talks with studios to avert a major industry shutdown had ended without a deal, paving the way for a vote on the first actors strike in more than four decades.

Hollywood on knife-edge as deadline for actors strike passes

Hollywood actors on Thursday were left anxiously waiting for their union's decision on whether to strike, as the deadline in crunch talks with studios to avert a major industry shutdown passed without any announcement from either side.

Baldwin v Buckley: legendary US racism debate still has sting

It was a legendary debate about racism in the United States between two of the country's great minds. One a gay Black writer, the other a blue-blooded white dandy and leading thinker of the American right.

'Really hurtful': How LGBTQ disinformation ensnares Americans

Waving a rainbow flag, Desmond Napoles ambled through a confetti-soaked pride parade -- in defiance of a troubling disinformation campaign that sought to link LGBTQ Americans to pedophilia.

Ancient Egypt artists altered their work, study shows

From subtly shifting the position of Ramses II's sceptre, to touch-ups on a necklace or headdress, ancient Egyptian artists were more creative than previously thought, according to a study published Wednesday.

Huw Edwards named as BBC presenter at centre of explicit images row

Veteran news anchor Huw Edwards was on Wednesday revealed by his wife as the BBC presenter accused of paying for explicit images but police said no criminal offence had been committed.

'Succession' tops Emmy nominations with 27

"Succession," the HBO drama about an ultra-wealthy family fighting for control of a sinister media empire, led the nominations Wednesday for the Emmys -- television's version of the Oscars.

'Extremely angry' BBC star in sex pictures scandal faces new claims

Allegations mushroomed Wednesday against a star BBC presenter accused of paying a teenager for sexually explicit pictures, as three more people came forward with complaints.

Italian artist Pistoletto's 'Venus of the Rags' destroyed in fire

One of Italian contemporary artist Michelangelo Pistoletto's most famous works, "Venus of the Rags", has been burnt to cinders in a suspected arson attack in Naples, authorities said Wednesday.

Czech-French writer Milan Kundera dies at 94

Czech-French writer Milan Kundera, author of "The Unbearable Lightness of Being", has died aged 94, the Milan Kundera Library said Wednesday.

Philippines allows Barbie film but wants 'child-like' map lines blurred

Philippine censors said Wednesday they have allowed the Barbie film to be shown in cinemas, after asking its Hollywood distributor to blur lines on a brightly-coloured world map drawing allegedly showing China's claims to the disputed South China Sea.

Hollywood on edge for latest actor strike deadline

Hollywood actors on Wednesday anxiously awaited their union's decision on whether to strike, right at the peak of the film industry's key summer blockbuster season.

Philippines allows Barbie film but wants controversial map blurred

Philippine censors said Wednesday they have allowed the upcoming Barbie film to be shown in cinemas, after asking its Hollywood distributor to blur a map allegedly showing China's claims to the disputed South China Sea.

France to pay bonus for shoe, clothes repairs to cut waste

From October, France will pay a bonus to encourage people to have their clothes and shoes repaired rather than throwing them away, the government said.

Jury declares Aretha Franklin will found in couch valid

A handwritten document found in Aretha Franklin's couch cushion is a valid will determining the late Queen of Soul's wishes, a Michigan jury found Tuesday, according to the local Detroit Free Press newspaper.

Doubt cast over BBC presenter 'explicit photos' claims

BBC representatives met police in London on Monday over allegations that one of the broadcaster's top presenters paid a teenager thousands of pounds for sexual images.

UK broadcaster under pressure after presenter accused over 'explicit' pictures

The BBC was on Monday facing questions after a high-profile presenter was accused by a newspaper of paying a teenager tens of thousands of pounds for "sexually explicit" photos.

BBC suspends presenter after explicit images allegations

The BBC said Sunday it had contacted the authorities and suspended a presenter following allegations that he had paid a teenager tens of thousands of pounds for sexually explicit photos.

K-pop megastars BTS release memoir

K-pop megastars BTS released their hotly anticipated memoir in South Korea on Sunday, marking their 10th anniversary as a group.

AI can't replace Mickey Mouse, says voice of Disney mascot

Aw, gee! The technology driving artificial intelligence sure is swell, but it could never capture the essence of Mickey Mouse, according to the man who voices Disney's mascot.

Summer time is circus time in Montreal

Trampolines and trapezes are out on the asphalt in Montreal, with colorful acrobats twirling near skyscrapers in breathtaking feats.

African-born director's new vision for Berlin cultural magnet

One of the rare African-born figures to head a German cultural institution, Bonaventure Ndikung is aiming to highlight post-colonial multiculturalism at a Berlin arts centre with its roots in Western hegemony.

Philippine 'Swifties' flock to Taylor Sheesh show

Thousands of diehard Taylor Swift fans erupted in screams Friday as a Philippine drag queen impersonating the American music megastar strutted on stage in a Manila shopping centre.

'Four Weddings' star lambasts UK theatres for trigger warnings

British actor Simon Callow, who starred in the 1990s hit film "Four Weddings and a Funeral", on Friday took aim at theatres for their growing use of trigger warnings.

Facebook alters fact-checking controls for US users

Meta-owned Facebook has handed US users the controls over fact-checked content, in a potentially significant move that the platform says will give them more power over its algorithm but some analysts insist could benefit purveyors of misinformation.

Not 'another cruel summer': Trudeau beckons Taylor Swift to Canada

When US superstar Taylor Swift announced yet more dates for her much-hyped world tour -- but once again skipped Canada -- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could not shake it off.

Checking out, when they like: Eagles announce farewell tour

Chart-topping rock band the Eagles on Thursday announced a final tour after more than half a century in music, with the kickoff set for New York in September.

Fashion house Aelis upcycling tutus for Paris Opera

Ecology-focused couture brand Aelis announced a partnership with the Paris Opera to upcycle tutus into bespoke dresses and new costumes at its fashion week show on Thursday.

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