St. Bart’s: Tiny Caribbean jewel for Francophiles, foodies and fashionistas

St. Bart’s: Tiny Caribbean jewel for food, fashion

Pakistani Taliban claim responsibility for blast at UN food agency that killed 5

Taliban claim responsibility for deadly UN blast

Lincoln, Grant, others have slept in Pittsburgh _ but not at once; G-20 poses a new challenge

PITTSBURGH — The Prince of Wales slept here. So did Abe Lincoln. And Teddy Roosevelt and Ulysses S. Grant. Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev during the Cold War. More recently: Bill Clinton and John McCain.

McDonald’s loses eight-year trademark battle against Malaysian restaurant McCurry

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia — U.S. fast food giant McDonald’s lost an eight-year trademark battle to prevent local restaurant McCurry from using the ‘Mc’ prefix in a precedent-setting judgment by Malaysia’s highest court.

Traveling Shanghai, China’s Expo showcase, on a shoestring

SHANGHAI — Shanghai lacks the grand monuments and ancient palaces of China’s capital, Beijing, but this bustling commercial center has plenty of unique attractions of its own: strolls down leafy streets bordered by elegant colonial villas, sweeping riverside vistas and — for six months next year — what promises to be the biggest World Expo ever.

Trademark wars: US goods sold under famous Cuban brands an issue if trade relations ease

SAN JOSE DE LAS LAJAS, Cuba — Cuban rum maestro Jose Navarro’s taste buds sing when he sips Havana Club, the sweet spirit distilled in this farming town south of the capital.

Certified: Court says Mich. prison OK to end special meals for man seen with non-kosher snack

ST. LOUIS, Mich. — A Michigan prison inmate who says his kosher meals were illegally suspended isn’t getting any relief at a federal appeals court.

Stops in Miami’s Little Havana offer Latin American experience inside US

MIAMI —As the gateway to the Americas, Miami is home to restaurants, shops and streets that feel as though you’ve stepped off one continent and onto another. Shots of Cuban coffee are available almost anywhere in Miami’s Little Havana, including convenience stores. In certain areas, everyone greets customers with “hola,” never “hello.”

Dubai’s glamour doesn’t have to break the bank

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dubai has earned itself an unlikely spot amid the world’s ritziest — and priciest — beachside hot spots. Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and David Beckham have all been spotted partying in this opulent Arabian playground, where a poolside beer can easily top $10 and one hotel boasts rooms starting at $1,000 a night.

Geneva on a budget: Dips in the lake, concerts and free local transportation for visitors

GENEVA — This city on Lake Geneva with a view of snowcapped Mont Blanc is one of the world’s most expensive cities, with famous shops selling exquisite jewelry and luxury watches. But window-shopping is not the only option for those on a budget. Explore the medieval center of “the city of peace,” its parks and the lake. Take advantage of free transit passes offered to visitors. And enjoy the city’s international ambiance, with residents from 180 countries drawn by the U.N. and other organizations.

Campus cuisine: More dorm cooking and individualized dining hall takeout

Once upon a time, eating in a college dorm meant soup in a hotpot or getting pizza delivered. The most interesting thing about the campus dining hall was often the salad bar.

Obama to turn Congressional picnic into Hawaiian luau in honor of home state

WASHINGTON — Straw huts, hula dancers and kids playing with hula hoops were all on display Thursday evening in the White House’s backyard — not the typical congressional picnic.

Researchers bet purple carrots will be easier to swallow than petroleum-based dyes in food

FRESNO, Calif. — The ancient purple carrot is returning to its roots, this time to dye processed foods rather than the robes of Afghan royals.