Americas

The illegal wildlife trade is increasing all across Latin America, the first high-level conference on the issue in the Americas was told. After drugs, guns and human trafficking, wildlife trafficking is the world’s most lucrative organised crime with an annual value of around $20bn (£16bn) each year, according to a 2016 report by Interpol and the UN environment programme. As the world’s most biodiverse continent, home to roughly 40% of the world’s plant and animal species, Latin America is a hub for the criminal trade. Wildlife trafficking is increasing in most countries in the region, including the conference’s host, Peru, said the head of its forestry and wildlife service, Luis Alberto Gonzales-Zuñiga. “It’s not stalled, or declining, it’s on the rise. It’s a globalised business and it needs a globalised response,” he told the Guardian. Whether it is the trade in live wildlife or dead animals and their parts, the … [Read more...] about Wildlife trafficking on the rise all across Latin America

I fear Thomas Eaton (Weekend Quiz, 12 October) is giving further credence to “fake news” from 1507, when a German cartographer was seeking the derivation of “America” and hit upon the name of Amerigo Vespucci, an obscure Florentine navigator. Derived from this single source, this made-up derivation has been copied ever after. The fact is that Christopher Columbus visited Iceland in 1477-78, and learned of a western landmass named “Markland”. Seeking funds from King Ferdinand of Spain, he told the king that the western continent really did exist, it even had a name – and Columbus adapted “Markland” into the Spanish way of speaking, which requires an initial vowel “A-”, and dropped “-land” substituting “-ia”. Thus “A-mark-ia”, ie “America”. In Icelandic, “Markland” may be translated as “the Outback” – perhaps a fair description. See Graeme Davis, … [Read more...] about America’s origin myth, and its reputation at risk

Heidi Klum donned a bold snakeskin dress as she was snapped headed to record America's Got Talent in Pasadena, California on Thursday. The 46-year-old model beamed as she made her way to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in the luxe garment, which had a hem and neckline. The mom-of-four to daughters Leni, 15, (with ex Flavio Briatore) and Lou, 10, and sons Henry, 14, and Johan, 12 (with Seal), rounded out her ensemble with strappy snakeskin heels and diamond hoop earrings, and toted a leather yellow purse on the sunny day in Southern California. On the move: Heidi Klum, 46, donned a bold snakeskin dress as she was snapped headed to record America's Got Talent in Pasadena, California on Thursday Klum, who also appears on Amazon Prime's Making the Cut, donned yellow tinted sunglasses and had her dark blonde locks cut in bangs as she made her way into the facility. Klum is gearing up for her famed Halloween celebration, Page Six reported earlier this week, with an insider saying … [Read more...] about Heidi Klum stuns in snakeskin dress and heels ahead of filming America’s Got Talent in LA

Less than 12 hours before my New York departure for Whistler, my Wall St. banker ski buddy called me with a crisis.  'I'm so sorry Sean but Venezuela is going down the tubes. The bank needs me to stick around. I'm not going to make it to Whistler.'  In other words, go whistle.  The itinerary had been a simple one: Fly first thing Thursday morning, be on the slopes for 2pm. Ski all day Friday, Saturday, Sunday and return to New York Monday.  By sheer good fortune I had a friend who was prepared to jump in to replace my banker pal; the only problem was she wasn't such an able skier - the itinerary would have to change.  Located in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia just two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is Canada’s favorite year-round destination. There are two majestic mountains with a vibrant Village base, epic skiing and snowboarding, four championship golf courses, unbeatable shopping, restaurants and bars, accommodation to suit … [Read more...] about Whisk away to Whistler: Insider’s guide to North America’s biggest ski resort, where deep powder, bucket list activities and a buzzing après scene make it the perfect winter vacation for all the family

There was harrumphing from some of the more conservative patrons of Ocean House, one of the smartest hotels along America’s East Coast, when they learned that Taylor Swift had bought the house next door. The establishment’s customers were worried that the ordered tranquillity of their beloved hotel, a Victorian-style edifice that sits above a beach bordering the Atlantic Ocean on Rhode Island, America’s smallest state, would be disturbed by the singer’s exuberant antics. The 29-year-old pop star, who has a property portfolio almost as long as her list of former lovers, paid £15 million for the ten-bedroom house. Ocean House is a Victorian-style edifice that sits above a beach bordering the Atlantic Ocean on Rhode Island, America’s smallest state It didn’t take long for Miss Swift to live down to the expectations of her new neighbours. She hosted lively parties, including one at which she first declared her love for Tom Hiddleston, the British … [Read more...] about The starriest states of America: Join New England’s ritzy crowd for old-money charm, whale-watching and the world’s most delicious clam chowder