London Mayor Bans Subway Boozing

Sheikhdom aims to get drivers onto public transport despite rock-bottom fuel prices

(NEWSER) - Dubai yesterday opened its gleaming new $7.6 billion metro rail system, the first on the Arabian peninsula, AP reports. The sheikhdom's leaders hope the system will help clear Dubai's chronically traffic-clogged streets and provide some good press for the downturn-battered emirate. Each 5-car train on the driverless system has a women-only carriage, and a VIP car at the front with leather seats. More»

Underground out of service, but strikers have little support

(NEWSER) - London commuters faced a trial to get to work today as a subway strike pushed millions onto buses, bikes, and boats. The 48-hour strike began last night after talks broke down with one of the Tube's unions over disciplinary measures against two train drivers. Some lines are running irregularly, however, as dissenting Tube workers showed up to work in defiance of the union, reports the Evening Standard. More»

(NEWSER) - After failing to reach an agreement with management, London Underground workers will go on a two-day strike starting tomorrow evening, Reuters reports. The dispute over worker safety could affect millions of commuters and tourists. London transportation authorities say they will add extra buses and ferries to accommodate the disruption. More»

It's not the stuff of legend, but it makes a fine cocktail

(NEWSER) - Absinthe is back on sale in the US after being outlawed since 1912 because of a compound believed to cause hallucinations, but two brands were approved for sale last year. So Esquire rounded up the five best bottles of absinthe.

1. Vieux Pontarlier ($65): Absinthe at its finest.

2. Versinthe ($55): This "training-wheels" absinthe weighs in at just 90 proof.

Cops collar 17 as thousands celebrate subway alcohol ban

(NEWSER) - Thousands of drunken revelers filled London's subway last night to christen a new law, against drinking on the subway. One partier called it "boisterous but friendly," although police nabbed at least 17 and shut down two stations, the London Times reports. More»