In the first of our 'top 10' city guides, Joshua Steinchooses his favourite New York hotels, which are as varied as its citizens.

  Gear up for a Christmas spending spree with a spot of online window shopping. Benji Lanyadoturns to the blogosphere for inspiration.

  With a week to go before Eurostar services start operating from St Pancras station, the Queen last night opened the newly renovated Victorianstation which has restored what was once the largest enclosed space in the world to its former glory.

  Â· Plan among series of EU anti-terrorism measures· Package will not work, say civil liberties groups

  Guns, drugs and a shady underworld ... Rory MacLeanfollows Robert Carver's terrifying adventures through South America's lost paradise.

  Alf Aldersongoes in search of great white open spaces.

  Tristram Hunt:A restored St Pancras transports the majesty of Victorian public spaces into the 21st century.

  Â·Climate debate 'a middle-class mid-life crisis' ·O'Leary aims to double passengers in five years

  Tim Dowling: Something needs to be done to ensure that pilots remain awake and alert throughout every flight on the off-chance that they will be needed for something.

  Construction began yesterday on what is expected to be the world's tallest ferris wheel, which will soar 208 metres (680 feet) over the Chinese capital, Xinhua news agency said.

  Lloyd Hotel is a surreal showcase for some of the Dutch capital's top designers. Which is all very well until you start to feel like part of the exhibit, says Henry Barnes.

  Â·High pollution level forces axing of action shot·Officials promise water clean-up - after 2009