Happy New Year. The Chinese Year of the Tiger begins with celebrations in Chinese communities in the UK and worldwide this weekend. Everywhere, all are welcome to join the party.

Sara Nauman, About.com's guide to China, has rounded up a list of the best Chinese New Year celebrations all over the globe for a Celebrating Chinese New Year Around the World Blog Carnival. She's even included some traditional Chinese New Year recipes for stay at home celebrations.

C, ioincidentally, the tiger is set loose on Valentine's Day this year and, in case you need a hint, and red and gold (roses and rings perhaps?) are traditional Chinese celebration colors.

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Photo courtesy of www.britainonview.com

If you're still stuck for some romantic ideas for Valentine's Day, About.com's crackerjack travel team (aka The Cupid Squad) comes to the rescue with a whole slew of clever, romantic ideas from all over the world.

Check out our Love Makes the World Go Round blog carnival over at Susan's Honeymoons and Romantic Travel Blog.

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I've just stumbled across a great new way to try out new experiences, in and around London, for free. TasterLab

Fancy a chance to learn tango or salsa, to try out singing lessons, learn how to give a massage or to speak Mandarin Chinese? The TasterLab offers vouchers that you can use for one taster lesson or experience with a variety of tutors, groups and suppliers. What's the catch? As far as I can tell, you might get a mild sales pitch offering more lessons, perhaps at a reduced price. The participants in this program offer their services free as a way to get you try them - kind of like free samples at the supermarket - so it's only natural that they'll want you to come back for more.

But, otherwise, there's no obligation and you can sample something you've always wanted to try, for free. What a good idea. Find out more on the TasterLab website.

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Atlantic Fast Food, a family owned fish and chip restaurant in Coatbridge Lanarkshire, near Glasgow, was named the UK's best fish and chip shop late last month in a competition held by Seafish, a public body sponsored by four government fisheries departments.

Back in November, Seafish nominated the top 10 fish and chip shops in the UK as finalists in the competition. Interestingly, not one of them was in London - so if you're planning to visit the UK, it's worth knowing that not all of cool Britannia is in the capital.

Second place, and best chippy in Wales (where they do make really fine chips), is Finnegan's at Station Hill, New Road, Porthcawl in Mid Glamorgan. Third place and title of best fish and chip shop in England was awarded to Great British Eatery in Birmingham.

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