No-fly zone ordered over France!

French President Sarkozy and wife Carla demand privacy!

Here’s some news items from today that I thought might interest you:

- First French President Nicolas Sarkozy imposed a “no-fly” zone over Libya and now he’s added one over the French Rivera – more precisely the retreat where he and his wife Carla Bruni will be spending the Easter holidays. Who does this guy think he is – Napoleon? An official decree threatens pilots with a fine of up to 40,000 euros or six months in prison for descending below 3,000 feet above Sarkozy's large seaside villa at Cap-Nègre, Lavandou. The decree came a year after France's first couple irked locals by declaring beaches surrounding the residence off limits.

- Dubai tourism officials are on full damage control alert and scrambling to reassure travelers that the Disneyland of the Desert is still a safe place after reports surfaced early today that a British holidaymaker was beaten to death while in police custody. Reports surfaced today in the British media about Lee Bradley Brown, who was on holiday at the Burj al Arab hotel in Dubai. It is alleged the holidaymaker was beaten up by police officers in his cell after being arrested for assault, intimidating behaviour and using abusive language on April 6. He died in custody. The claims are now being investigated by the British embassy in Dubai.

- Union leaders representing British Airways cabin crew have ordered their members to hold off from strikes over the Easter and Royal Wedding holidays, raising hopes of a final settlement in the long-running dispute. The two sides said that a 28-day extension had been agreed to allow for further talks, and that lasting peace was essential for the good of both parties.

- Icelandair will commence seasonal flights from Toronto – starting today - with flights from Pearson International to Keflavik, Iceland. Finnair is also offering flights from Toronto to Helsinki. Suddenly, Toronto has become the centre of the aviation world and that's great news for Canadians looking for competition when it comes to air deals.