Monday, 20 October 2014

Sweden hunts for mystery sub





  • Emergency radio call picked up by Swedish military, report says

  • Radio transmissions sent to Russian enclave on Baltic Sea, report says

  • Russia denies any vessel in Swedish waters

  • Russian military has been active around world this year




(CNN) -- There are fears of Russians and it is October, but it's not a Tom Clancy novel. It is a case of international naval intrigue off the Swedish coast that brings back memories of the Cold War.


The Swedish military on Monday intensified a search in the ocean off Stockholm for an underwater mystery vessel, but stopped short of calling it a submarine. Civilian vessels were ordered to stay at least six miles (about 10 kilometers) away from the Swedish warship conducting the search, the English-language website The Local reported.


The search began Thursday after Swedish intelligence picked up an emergency radio call in Russian, reported The Local, citing the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet.


The radio transmissions were being sent to the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, 330 miles (530 kilometers) south of Stockholm on the Baltic's southern shore, according to The Local report.





Sweden hunts for mystery object in sea








Fast-attack craft with the Swedish Navy patrol the Stockholm Archipelago on Sunday, October 19, as the Swedish military searches for the source of mysterious radio signals that were beamed to a Russian enclave.Fast-attack craft with the Swedish Navy patrol the Stockholm Archipelago on Sunday, October 19, as the Swedish military searches for the source of mysterious radio signals that were beamed to a Russian enclave.



In this handout from the Swedish Defense Ministry, a dark object in a white wake is seen in the Baltic Sea. Some suspect it is the mysterious vessel the Swedish Navy is looking for.In this handout from the Swedish Defense Ministry, a dark object in a white wake is seen in the Baltic Sea. Some suspect it is the mysterious vessel the Swedish Navy is looking for.



The Swedish Navy minesweeper HMS Koster patrols the Stockholm Archipelago on October 19.The Swedish Navy minesweeper HMS Koster patrols the Stockholm Archipelago on October 19.



The Swedish Navy corvette HMS Visby patrols the Stockholm Archipelago on October 19. Russia has denied it has any vessel in Swedish waters.The Swedish Navy corvette HMS Visby patrols the Stockholm Archipelago on October 19. Russia has denied it has any vessel in Swedish waters.



A member of the Swedish military mans a gun on a fast-attack craft on Saturday, October 18.A member of the Swedish military mans a gun on a fast-attack craft on Saturday, October 18.




Mystery vessel off Swedish coast?

Mystery vessel off Swedish coast?

Mystery vessel off Swedish coast?

Mystery vessel off Swedish coast?

Mystery vessel off Swedish coast?



Sweden hunts for mystery subSweden hunts for mystery sub






U.S. spy plane evades Russian jet

There were also reports that a foreign vessel was spotted in the waters near Stockholm.


Russia on Sunday denied it has any vessel in Swedish waters. Moscow suggested the vessel may belong to the Netherlands and have been involved in naval exercises off Sweden, according to a report from Russia's Itar-TASS news agency.


The Dutch were quick to respond, saying a sub involved in the exercises was anchored in Tallinn harbor of NATO-ally Estonia for the weekend, according to a report from Agence France-Presse.


'We have good stamina'


On Monday, the Swedish military vowed to continue searching at least for the next few days, according to The Local.


"We have good stamina," The Local quoted defense spokesman Dag Enander. "We're using the sensors we have and are searching both from land and water," Enander was quoted as saying.


To confuse matters even more, the Swedish military said Monday that it purposely provided incorrect information on Sunday about where the mystery vessel was sighted to keep the search area secure.


U.S. officials told CNN there are no U.S. submarines or surface ships in the immediate area. U.S. intelligence doesn't know of any Russian assets in that area, the officials said.


All the activity begs the question, why would a Russian sub need to snoop around in Swedish waters anyway?


Johan Wiktorin of the Swedish Royal Academy of War Sciences gave three possibilities to The Local:


"They could be mapping the waters in order to be able to navigate them in the event of hostilities," Wiktorin is quoted as saying.


"They could also be installing equipment, like sensors, that could track or get an observation of our units in that area," he goes on. "Or they could also possibly reconnoiter our (defense) systems."


Russian military around the world


Whether there is a Russian sub in Swedish waters or not, there is no question that Russian forces have been active in the Baltic and around the globe this year. In fact, the Swedish military said Sunday that it has monitored suspicious activity for several years, according to another report in The Local.


In July, a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance plane fled into Swedish airspace after the Russians took the unusual action of beginning to track it with land-based radar. The Russians then sent at least one fighter jet into the sky to intercept the U.S. aircraft.


And on April 23, a Russian Su-27 Flanker fighter jet buzzed within 100 feet of the nose of a U.S. Air Force RC-135U reconnaissance plane over the Sea of Okhotsk between Russia and Japan, a Defense Department official said.


Also on April 23, Dutch fighter jets scrambled to intercept a pair of Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers that entered a half-mile into Netherlands airspace.


On June 4, according to U.S. defense officials, four long-range Russian Tu-95 bombers, accompanied by an aerial refueling tanker, flew into the U.S. Air Defense Identification Zone, an area extending 200 miles (320 kilometers) from the North American coast, off Alaska, where they were intercepted by U.S. F-22 fighter jets.


Two of the Russian bombers peeled off and headed west, while the other two flew south and were identified by U.S. F-15 fighters within 50 miles of the California coast.


And last month, two Alaskan-based U.S. Air Force F-22 fighter jets intercepted two Russian IL-78 refueling tankers, two Russian MiG-31 fighter jets and two Russian Bear long-range bombers, according to Capt. Jeff Davis of the North American Aerospace Defense Command.


More than six hours later, two Canadian CF-18 fighter jets intercepted two Russian bombers in the Beaufort Sea, Davis said. Those Russian planes came within about 40 nautical miles of the Canadian coastline, he said.


Earlier this year, a top U.S. Air Force general said Russia was stepping up its military activities in the Asia-Pacific region as tensions increased over Ukraine and Russia's move into Crimea.



Lonely Planet's top cities for 2015






Tenth place Toronto, Canada, is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with more than 140 languages spoken on its streets. <a href='http://ift.tt/14Npw19' target='_blank'>The Pan American/Parapan American Games</a> promises to up the ante with an expected 250,000 visitors in 2015. Tenth place Toronto, Canada, is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with more than 140 languages spoken on its streets. The Pan American/Parapan American Games promises to up the ante with an expected 250,000 visitors in 2015.

With the opening of the Chennai Metro Rail, expect the spotlight to shine more brightly on ninth place Chennai, India. It has Dravidian temples to explore, institutes dedicated to the study of Indian classical dance, India's second largest movie industry and a beach that's packed with residents at all hours of the day and night. With the opening of the Chennai Metro Rail, expect the spotlight to shine more brightly on ninth place Chennai, India. It has Dravidian temples to explore, institutes dedicated to the study of Indian classical dance, India's second largest movie industry and a beach that's packed with residents at all hours of the day and night.

Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the <a href='http://ift.tt/1wvruLh' target='_blank'>Ringstrasse</a>, Vienna's grand boulevard built by a Hapsburg monarch, when you visit the city that came in eighth place. Celebrations are scheduled to mark the special occasion. Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Ringstrasse, Vienna's grand boulevard built by a Hapsburg monarch, when you visit the city that came in eighth place. Celebrations are scheduled to mark the special occasion.

A lovely slice of England, seventh place Salisbury will mark the <a href='http://ift.tt/1czUyXe' target='_blank'>800th anniversary of signing of the Magna Carta in 2015</a>. A quintessential English city, Salisbury is worth its own visit when you see <a href='http://ift.tt/P7ChGI' target='_blank'>Stonehenge (and its new visitors center</a>). A lovely slice of England, seventh place Salisbury will mark the 800th anniversary of signing of the Magna Carta in 2015. A quintessential English city, Salisbury is worth its own visit when you see Stonehenge (and its new visitors center).

Sixth place Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is that rarest of beasts: a genuine hidden gem in Europe. It dates back to pre-Roman times, a significant crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures. It's now a joyous mix of ancient and modern architecture. Sixth place Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is that rarest of beasts: a genuine hidden gem in Europe. It dates back to pre-Roman times, a significant crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures. It's now a joyous mix of ancient and modern architecture.

Fifth place <a href='http://ift.tt/1DuN33S' target='_blank'>Valletta, Malta, will mark 450 years since the Great Siege in 2015. </a>That's when a small number of Christian Maltese knights battled the Turks, with much bloodshed on each side. Some 17th century architecture still remains, and modern design is also taking over the city. Of note: architect Renzo Piano's parliament building, a gateway to the city, and his open-air auditorium. Fifth place Valletta, Malta, will mark 450 years since the Great Siege in 2015. That's when a small number of Christian Maltese knights battled the Turks, with much bloodshed on each side. Some 17th century architecture still remains, and modern design is also taking over the city. Of note: architect Renzo Piano's parliament building, a gateway to the city, and his open-air auditorium.

Fourth place<a href='http://ift.tt/1DuN33V' target='_blank'> Zermatt is classic Switzerland, with the Matterhorn</a>, dramatic alpine vistas and winter sports galore. This is a true Swiss winter sports town, and it will be marking the 150th anniversary of the successful Matterhorn climb of English mountaineer Edward Whymper. These days, the town's nightlife is hopping, too.Fourth place Zermatt is classic Switzerland, with the Matterhorn, dramatic alpine vistas and winter sports galore. This is a true Swiss winter sports town, and it will be marking the 150th anniversary of the successful Matterhorn climb of English mountaineer Edward Whymper. These days, the town's nightlife is hopping, too.

Third place Milan is all elegance and refinement but it will welcome the masses with <a href='http://ift.tt/1DuN1sV' target='_blank'>Expo Milano 2015 </a>between May and October to celebrate food, drink and culture. Be sure to visit <a href='http://ift.tt/1r0j4eV' target='_blank'>Duomo di Milano</a> no matter what time of year you go. The Dumo took six centuries to complete and includes hundreds of carved statues and spires. Third place Milan is all elegance and refinement but it will welcome the masses with Expo Milano 2015 between May and October to celebrate food, drink and culture. Be sure to visit Duomo di Milano no matter what time of year you go. The Dumo took six centuries to complete and includes hundreds of carved statues and spires.

Second place <a href='http://ift.tt/1Fu9JU0' target='_blank'>El Chalten, Argentina,</a> is more village than city. Although it turns 30 years old next year, it's already significant to travelers heading to South America to go trekking. Head to<a href='http://ift.tt/1v2UTO8' target='_blank'> Los Glaciares National Park</a> to hike and explore these amazing glaciers. (Don't wait too long. More tourists will discover this spot soon.)Second place El Chalten, Argentina, is more village than city. Although it turns 30 years old next year, it's already significant to travelers heading to South America to go trekking. Head to Los Glaciares National Park to hike and explore these amazing glaciers. (Don't wait too long. More tourists will discover this spot soon.)

The undisputed star of the television hit "House of Cards" and the United States' power center, Washington topped Lonely Planet's list of the top 10 cities for 2015. Tour the White House, with its recently re-opened visitors center, visit any of the <a href='http://www.si.edu/' target='_blank'>Smithsonian's </a>spots; or check out the New Year's Day outdoor National Hockey League game at Nationals Park.The undisputed star of the television hit "House of Cards" and the United States' power center, Washington topped Lonely Planet's list of the top 10 cities for 2015. Tour the White House, with its recently re-opened visitors center, visit any of the Smithsonian's spots; or check out the New Year's Day outdoor National Hockey League game at Nationals Park.









  • Lonely Planet picks its top 10 cities for 2015

  • One country's capital city took the top spot

  • Hidden gems are also tucked into the list




(CNN) -- Whether you want a cosmopolitan city, a central spot from which to explore nature or a hidden gem not yet discovered by great hordes of tourists, Lonely Planet's top 10 cities for 2015 has a spot for you.


Lonely Planet's 10 picks include well-known favorites with something extra to share, smaller cities known only to locals and a select few tourists and cities you simply must visit.


To compile the annual top 10 list, Lonely Planet asked its worldwide staff, contributors and authors for their well-known and lesser-known recommendations, and spots that have something special to offer in 2015.


The top spots in Europe


It must be worthy of the traveler planning his or her special vacation for the following year, says Tom Hall, Lonely Planet's digital editorial director.


"It's the one time each year that Lonely Planet applies its collective brainpower to pick recommendations and rank their recommendations," Hall says. "I'm excited by this year's list of cities. There's a good mix of obvious places to visit and less-obvious ones."


Click through the gallery to see which city took the top spot, and which made the rest of the Top 10 list.



World's worst airport in 2014 is ...






Readers of Sleeping in Airports voted New York's LaGuardia Airport as the world's 10th worst airport, citing its long lines, drab decor and unfriendly staff. "Once through security a beer is pretty much a necessity. But wait! No can do because the bar is on the other side," said one traveler.Readers of Sleeping in Airports voted New York's LaGuardia Airport as the world's 10th worst airport, citing its long lines, drab decor and unfriendly staff. "Once through security a beer is pretty much a necessity. But wait! No can do because the bar is on the other side," said one traveler.

Unlike its fellow European airports on the list, Berlin Tegel International Airport (no.9) isn't just for budget airlines. Good news though. The new Berlin Brandenburg airport will replace it eventually.Unlike its fellow European airports on the list, Berlin Tegel International Airport (no.9) isn't just for budget airlines. Good news though. The new Berlin Brandenburg airport will replace it eventually.

"The only way this airport could be improved would be to destroy it and rebuild," one respondent commented on Milan's secondary airport, Bergamo Orio al Serio, which was voted eighth worst. "The only way this airport could be improved would be to destroy it and rebuild," one respondent commented on Milan's secondary airport, Bergamo Orio al Serio, which was voted eighth worst.

Germany's first low-fare airport, Frankfurt-Hahn International Airport is also the German base of budget airline Ryanair. It was voted sixth worst airport in the world. Germany's first low-fare airport, Frankfurt-Hahn International Airport is also the German base of budget airline Ryanair. It was voted sixth worst airport in the world.

Accessible only by private transport or an hour-and-a-half bus ride, Paris Beauvais-Tille International Airport (tied for no.6) was described by Sleeping in Airports as "cramped, rundown, debatably clean and not particularly friendly."Accessible only by private transport or an hour-and-a-half bus ride, Paris Beauvais-Tille International Airport (tied for no.6) was described by Sleeping in Airports as "cramped, rundown, debatably clean and not particularly friendly."

Uzbekistan's Tashkent International Airport ranked fifth on the worst airports list. "In spite of a few recent upgrades to the departures area, the queues and crowds at TAS continue to be a frustrating experience," said Sleeping in Airports. Uzbekistan's Tashkent International Airport ranked fifth on the worst airports list. "In spite of a few recent upgrades to the departures area, the queues and crowds at TAS continue to be a frustrating experience," said Sleeping in Airports.

After topping the list three years in a row, Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport was voted the world's fourth worst airport in 2014. After topping the list three years in a row, Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport was voted the world's fourth worst airport in 2014.

A warning from a Sleeping in Airports respondent about Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (no.3): "Just make very sure that you never, NEVER need to use the washrooms in this airport."A warning from a Sleeping in Airports respondent about Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (no.3): "Just make very sure that you never, NEVER need to use the washrooms in this airport."

Despite being <a href='http://ift.tt/1Fu9Izv'>one of the most beautiful airports in the world</a>, Saudi Arabia's Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport was voted the second worst.Despite being one of the most beautiful airports in the world, Saudi Arabia's Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport was voted the second worst.

Islamabad's Benazir Bhutto International took the world's worst airport crown. "This airport is like a central prison," said one respondent. Islamabad's Benazir Bhutto International took the world's worst airport crown. "This airport is like a central prison," said one respondent.

Art exhibits, an aquarium (pictured) and aboriginal cultural influences are some of the reasons Canada's Vancouver International was named the fifth best airport in the world.Art exhibits, an aquarium (pictured) and aboriginal cultural influences are some of the reasons Canada's Vancouver International was named the fifth best airport in the world.

With an airport brewery and beer garden (pictured), we're surprised Munich International Airport only came fourth.With an airport brewery and beer garden (pictured), we're surprised Munich International Airport only came fourth.

Last year, Helsinki's Vantaa airport introduced a relaxation area with real beds. That might explain its rise from fifth to third on the Sleeping in Airports list.Last year, Helsinki's Vantaa airport introduced a relaxation area with real beds. That might explain its rise from fifth to third on the Sleeping in Airports list.

Credited for its cleanliness, superior customer service and high volume of comfortable seating, Seoul Incheon International was voted second best airport in the world. Credited for its cleanliness, superior customer service and high volume of comfortable seating, Seoul Incheon International was voted second best airport in the world.

For as long as the Sleeping in Airports survey has existed -- 18 years -- Singapore Changi International's position hasn't been challenged once. A glimpse at the airport's rooftop pool might explain why. For as long as the Sleeping in Airports survey has existed -- 18 years -- Singapore Changi International's position hasn't been challenged once. A glimpse at the airport's rooftop pool might explain why.








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  • Sleeping in Airports' annual survey highlights world's best and worst airports

  • Airports judged on comfort, conveniences, cleanliness and customer service

  • Singapore named world's best airport for 18th year in a row




(CNN) -- Good news for air travelers passing through Manila: the city's international airport isn't quite as bad as it used to be.


That's the only slightly uplifting word from The Guide to Sleeping in Airports, a travel website that produces an annual survey to identify the world's worst and best aviation terminals.


After being crowned worst three years in a row, Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport has this year lost its place at the bottom of the heap to Pakistan's Islamabad Benazir Bhutto International.


It's now climbed to the heady position of fourth worst.


Despite the website's name, airports weren't just rated according to how easy it is to catch some shuteye.


Readers were asked to judge facilities in four categories: comfort, conveniences, cleanliness and customer service.


Is Islamabad's Benazir Bhutto International really so bad?


Airport officials didn't reply to CNN's requests for a comment, but survey respondents were less than complimentary.


"This airport is [like] a central prison," said one who complained of touts and aggressive taxi drivers.


The survey ranked Saudi Arabia's busiest airport, Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International as second worst, followed by Nepal's Kathmandu Tribhuvan International.


Manila's climb to fourth follows what many respondents said was a "slight improvement" created by the recent opening of its Terminal 3.


Three European airports frequented by low-cost carriers were next in line.


Paris Beauvais-Tille International Airport and "not-in-Frankfurt" Frankfurt Hahn International Airport tied for sixth. Bergamo Orio al Serio International Airport near Milan was listed as eighth worst.


New York City's LaGuardia International Airport, ranked 10th, was the only U.S. entry to make top 10 list.


MORE: 18 most annoying things people do in airports




The rooftop pool at Singapore Changi Airport.

The rooftop pool at Singapore Changi Airport.



Airport with a spa


There were no surprises when it came to naming the best airport, with Singapore's Changi International taking the title it's held every year since the survey began 18 years ago.


Its success is credited to the spa, pool, gym, four-story slide and movie theaters that make the airport a destination in itself.


Offering almost as many cool perks as its Singapore counterpart, South Korean's Seoul Incheon International was named second best.


Amsterdam Schiphol and Hong Kong International Airport (last year's third and fourth best airports) dropped out from the top five to ninth and seventh spots, respectively.


Helsinki International Airport, Munich International Airport and Vancouver International Airport wrapped up the top five.


READ: And the world's best airline for 2014 is...


Worst Airports of 2014


1. Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad, Pakistan


2. King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia


3. Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal


4. Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Philippines


5. Tashkent International Airport, Uzbekistan


=6. Paris Beauvais-Tille Airport, France


=6. Frankfurt Hahn Airport, Germany


8. Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, Italy


9. Tegel Airport, Berlin, Germany


10. LaGuardia Airport, New York City


READ: Breathtaking photos of Hong Kong glory days


Best Airports of 2014


1. Changi Airport, Singapore


2. Incheon International Airport, South Korea


3. Helsinki Airport, Finland


4. Munich Airport, Germany


5. Vancouver International Airport, Canada


6. Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia


7. Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong


8. Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Japan


9. Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, Netherlands


10. Zurich Airport, Switzerland


MORE: World's most scenic airport approaches