independent

Sir Elton John To Edit The Independent For A Day

Filed under: Charity

Sir Elton John will become the latest celebrity to take a spin at guest editing the Independent newspaper in the U.K. John will guest edit the World Aids Day version of the paper and its new sister paper i, on December 1. The themed edition will include news, features and commentary relevant to the fight against Aids as well as other news and pieces curated by Sir Elton. All circulation revenues will benefit the Elton John Aids Foundation.

John has been in the United States recently touring with country singer Leon Russell. He had a bit of an inside track on getting the editing gig, he's friends with Evgeny Lebedev, chairman of The Independent. "We are proud to have Elton editing the paper for a day," said Mr Lebedev in the Independent. " In 2006 Bono edited an issue of The Independent, to raising awareness for project (Red) to help fight Aids in Africa.

John was suited up in tennis gear this week in Washington DC for the 18th annual World Team Tennis Smash Hits benefiting the Elton John AIDS Foundation. His two foundations in the U.S. and the U.K have raised over $220 million since inception in support of projects in 55 countries around the world.

Tags: elton john, evgeny lebedev, independent, The Independent

The Ten Best Bookstores For Vacation Reading

by Alison Wellner (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Books

When you know exactly what books you want to read on vacation, a big chain bookstores or Amazon are quite convenient options. But when you're not quite sure what you'd like to read on the beach, or in the mountains or by that lake...when you're just experiencing an inchoate craving for a certain literary texture, you simply can't do without an independent bookstore. And while it's a comforting feeling to have your reading material lined up ahead of your vacation, I say it's even more fun to hit a terrific bookstore that's far from home. Here are ten terrific booksellers that will not to disappoint:

1. Powell's, Portland, Oregon. This is the mother ship for book nerds -- the largest independent and used bookstore in the world, which happens to be great for browsing and for when you're looking for a title in particular. If you're vacationing in the Pacific Northwest, and go a little nuts with the book purchases (and I'm not saying this has ever happened to me) Powell's does ship.

2.The Strand, New York City. This is the sole survivor of what was once known as Book Row. This venerable shop has been in business since 1927 -- it's a paradise for book browsers, although it can be rather hellish if you're looking for a particular title. Don't expect much help from the staff. Do expect to be tempted by a very cute range of tote bags.

3.Tattered Cover, Denver. You'd be hard pressed to find a more pleasant vibe in a bookstore anywhere -- it would be wrenching not to plan to spend a good couple of hours at the historic LoDo neighborhood store. (There's even a fireplace.) Bonus points if you can make it to one of the store's many author events.

4.Stanford's, London. This is the largest travel book store in the world, and it is another place where it's easy to get lost. Luckily, there are many maps and globes on offer that will help you find your way again. No matter how obscure the destination, if there's a book about it, you'll probably find it here.

5.Open Air, Toronto. An ironically-named travel book shop for a store that is underground and the most crowded bookstore I've ever been in, anywhere. This is terrific for browsing, so long as you don't topple over teetering stacks of books.

Tags: best bookstores, books, bookstore, independent

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