Rapper T.I. back in federal prison after luxury bus ride (Reuters)

ATLANTA (Reuters) – A ride in a luxury bus from Arkansas to a halfway house in Atlanta has landed Grammy Award-winning rapper T.I. back behind bars just two days after his release from federal prison.

The Atlanta entertainer, whose real name is Clifford Harris, was scheduled to spend the last month of his sentence in a residential transition facility, prison officials said earlier in the week.

Prisons spokesman Chris Burke confirmed on Friday that T.I. had instead been incarcerated in a federal prison in Atlanta but said he did not know the reason why.

The rapper's release date from prison is September 29, Burke said.

According to Steve Sadow, T.I.'s attorney, prison officials had an "issue" with the bus the entertainer used to travel from Arkansas to Atlanta.

"We are awaiting the opportunity to quickly resolve whatever the issue may be that the Federal Bureau of Prisons has with T.I.'s method of transportation -- bus -- from Arkansas to Atlanta, so that T.I. can return to the halfway house to complete the remaining days of his sentence," Sadow said in an email to Reuters.

The entertainer was sentenced in October 2010 to 11 months in prison for violating the terms of his probation on federal gun charges after he was arrested on suspicion of possessing the drug ecstasy.

It was his second stint behind bars in three years.

T.I.'s career began as a rapper in 2001 but he then branched out into other areas of the music and film industry, finding success both as a producer and actor.

On Wednesday, cable channel VH1 said it had teamed up with the 30-year-old "Got Your Back" singer for a 10-episode series that will follow his readjustment to life outside prison and the making of a new album. The series is due to premiere on December 5.

(Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Jerry Norton)

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Lavish luxury for Monaco's royal newlyweds in S.Africa (AFP)

DURBAN, South Africa (AFP) – It's a venue fit for a prince and princess: a five-star hotel famous for sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and a presidential suite that lists for 50,000 rand ($7,400, 5,100 euros) a night.

The Oyster Box, one of South Africa's most lavish hotels, will host a reception for Prince Albert II of Monaco and his new bride, Charlene Wittstock, as they visit the eastern port city of Durban this week.

The royal newlyweds, who are in town for a meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) -- of which Albert is a member -- will be throwing a party at the seaside hotel for 400 guests on Thursday night.

The hotel, which opened in 1947, is famous as one of Africa's most opulent destinations.

It has hosted princes William and Harry, supermodel Naomi Campbell and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, among other notables and celebrities.

Located in the resort town of Umhlanga, just north of Durban, it prides itself on its "colonial charm", a historic lighthouse and oyster beds just offshore that supply the hotel's renowned Oyster Bar.

Joanne Hayes, chief of public relations for the hotel, said it's an obvious choice for an event like the royal reception.

"We're thrilled. It's a great honour. But as far as we're concerned, when you see the Oyster Box, there is no other choice really," she told AFP.

The Oyster Box was built in 1869 and originally served as a navigationa beacon before being converted to a hotel.

It recently underwent a two-year renovation, reopening in 2009. The new owners, the Red Carnation luxury hotel group, sought to blend new furnishings and technology with the original decor of the 1940s and 50s, when the old hotel was in its heyday.

Today the hotel has 86 "individually appointed" rooms and suites, including eight garden villas that each have their own plunge pool.

The crown jewel is the 450-square-metre (4,840-square-foot) presidential suite -- a two-level room served by private lift, with a private swimming pool, private study and marble his-and-hers bathrooms.

South African media have reported that the couple are staying in the suite, but the hotel is tightlipped about its guests.

The Oyster Box boasts six restaurants overseen by executive chef Kevin Joseph, who trained at Michelin-starred establishments in London.

It also has an all-white ballroom adorned with crystal Venetian chandeliers, an infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean and a 24-seat movie theater that can be booked for private screenings with dinner and popcorn.

The royal reception is expected to spill into the various venues of the hotel, which will be reserved exclusively for invitees that night.

The hotel is keeping details of the function under wraps, but Joseph says he is planning a menu that is "seasonal, with a South African touch".

Police and security are expected to set up a cordon around the property.

"This is a private function," said general manager Wayne Coetzer.

"We will do all we can to ensure that the couple and their guests are able to enjoy the renowned Oyster Box hospitality to the fullest."

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