News about Mike Smith

Viktor Bout (left) preferred to sleep at night with his helicopter crew, sleeping as close as possible to a chopper that was ready to fly in minutes no matter how lavish the hotel was laid on for him by his generous patrons. A fast getaway was in his line of work. Bout's playful boast that he sent "every army but not the Salvation Army" in the 2005 film Lord Of War (right), may have influenced Nicolas Cage's arms dealer role, although Bout may have been too quick to mention both directions in a conflict.

Gamekeepers at estates around Scotland said the importance of the season's start date, dubbed Glorious 12th, should not be underestimated this year, as many lodges and local businesses welcome locals and international visitors alike. Ross Ewing, Scotland's tourism manager, said August 12 marks a 'essential extension' to the tourism season. Rural businesses need trade now more than ever, and the return of international visitors to Scotland's iconic moorlands is a crucial lifeline,' said the author. The importance of the Glorious 12th this year should not be underestimated.' According to study, grouse shooting consistently produces higher rates of local and regional investment than other rural areas, making it a vital building block of the rural economy that supports more jobs per hectare than other industries.'