Don't you love European supermodels? Of course you do. Here's Veronika Varekova from GQ magazine

As long as humanity has had taxes there has been tax evasion and for wealthy Europeans the microstate of Liechtenstein has been happy to hide their money for centuries. To be honest I figure the only reason this postage stamp of a Principality still exists in modern Europe is as a tax-haven for the Uber-rich. New Money thinks having a Swiss bank account is something to brag about, but the Old Money of Europe knows better, puts their money in Liechtenstein and does not say a word.Unfortunately for them, somebody else leaked names recently and now this tiny country with more companies than people

Yesterday, Feb 17, Kosovo has declared Independence. Thousands of albanians filled the streets in celebration, whereas, Serbia's Prime Minister will address the U.N security council about this.France, Germany, Britain, Italy and the U.S(which in 1996 bombed Serbia) support Kosovo's independence. However, Russia, China, Spain, Cyprus and many other countries oppose the decision saing this move violates the International law and could jeopardize security and incite violence in the region.If other countries recognize Kosovo's independence they are setting a dangerous precedent. Other regions

Ah Mossad, is there anything you don't have your fingers into? This not-so-secret spy agency of Israel causes more problems than it solves in my opinion and now they are reporting on the "True" intentions of the Iran Nuclear Program. The Israeli Government is a regional bully that relies on its money and "friends" to pick on the people it kicked out of their own land. If Iran ever became nuclear capable, perhaps Israel would not be so quick to send in armored bulldozers and soldiers in riot gear to attack the Palestinians armed with rocks.SoWhen does Israel plan on declaring their

Star forts evolved during the age of black powder and cannons in the 16th century. The traditional medieval circle forts proved to be vulnerable to cannon fire. Star fortifications were first introduced in Italy in the mid 15th century. The wall were made of brick because the bricks don't shatter like stone when struck by a cannon ball. These forts still stand today, many are empty or ruins some have villages in them. Palmanova, Italy

On the 25 of January the narrow streets of Venice filled with people wearing masks and dressed in all sorts of beautiful costumes as the annual Carnival of Venice took place. The carnival goes back about 800 years and the fun will continue till the 5 of February. The name of this year's carnival is Sensation:6 sense for 6 sestieri. "A carnival to enjoy Venice in every sense, through the power of sight, the joy of touch, the trill of hearing, the pleasure of taste and the exhilaration of smell"

NATO must be prepared to launch pre-emptive nuclear strikes to prevent the use of WMDs by its enemies.A group of former senior military officials are calling for changes in NATO's approach to defending its members and interests. They have made a reports which says that first use of nuclear weapons is an "indispensable instrument" It says that the risk of nuclear proliferation is imminent and there's no realistic prospect of a nuclear-free world. The report is calling for major reforms and a new pack between NATO, the US and the European union to combat the modern military and terrorist

Today, 9 countries, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia joined the Schengen zone. The Schengen agreement, which allows passport-free travel across the area, now embraces 24 countries. Now it's possible to travel all the way from Lisbon in Portugal to Tallinn in Estonia without any border control.Ceremonies of taking down border check crossings were help on the borders of the newly joined countries.Initially lifting the border control involves just land and sea borders but will include airports in march 2008.BBC

The Orlean royal family rests in the Chapelle Royalle ST. Louis, Dreux. Here is some interesting information about the family. www.royaltyguide.nl

Russia has withdrawn from a key cold war treaty limiting the number of troops and weapons in Europe. The Conventional Forces in Europe treaty was suspended on Tuesday at 2100 GMT.This means Russian troops can now move around the country without notifying NATO. NATO members deeply regret this decision. According to Russia foreign ministry such step was caused by the exceptional circumstances connected to the content of the treaty which concern the security of Russia and demands immediate measures . CFE