By admin, on March 27th, 2011%
The 67th Venice Film Festival will premiere the anticipated new action film, Machete, conceived as an expansion of the faux Grindhouse trailer, directed by Robert Rodriguez with Ethan Maniquis. The International Jury for the Competition at the 67th Venice International Film Festival has been selected, with American director and screenwriter Quentin Tarantino as president. American Director Julie Taymor’s The Tempest has been chosen as the closing night film (Out of Competition) for the close of the festival, September 11.
Each year the Salento International Film Festival introduces filmmakers worldwide to the Salento area’s resources, while celebrating the history and future of the film industry. This year the guest country is Mexico, and to celebrate the bicentenary of Mexican independence from Spain (1810 – 2010), and the centenary of Mexican revolution (1910-2010), Salento International Film Festival under the guidance of the Mexican Embassy in Italy will dedicate ample resources to the Mexican culture represented by its folklore, music, and traditional food. A traditional Mexican Fiesta Party happens September 3 while the festival continues till September 12.
UNESCO, the UN Office for Partnerships, and Wheel Houz combine efforts on International Literacy Day, Wednesday, September 8, for the Symposium, “Literacy: An Essential Foundation for Development” to be moderated by CBS News Chief National Correspondent and author, Bryon Pitts. Speakers include Laura Bush, Honorary Ambassador for the UN Literacy Decade; Irina Bokova, Director-General, UNESCO; and Jacob Atem, Founder, Home at Southern Sudan Health Care and former “Lost Boy of Sudan.” and creations by iconic 1970s pop artist, Peter Max. Seating is limited and early registration is strongly recommended.
Popkomm 2010 International Music Business Market and Showcase, presents artists to an international audience of interested specialists from the world of media and music at concerts and showcases in more than seven clubs and venues. Exhibiting labels are in attendance to showcase their artists who perform in all musical genres. There are three activity areas to Popkomm: B2C and B2B marketplaces, conference and festival â the live music segment of Popkomm. In 2010, Popkomm is an integral part of the first “Berlin Music Week”. Popkomm takes place in the historical (and decommissioned) Airport Berlin – Tempelhof, the world’s largest integrated building complex when it was built in 1923, and often referred to as the “mother of all airports”. It is still regarded third largest building in the world after Peking Airport and the Pentagon. The New Music Award together with the Popkomm opening party will take place at Airport Berlin – Tempelhof (entrance hall) on September 7, and the festival carries on through September 10.
The Americana Music Association is a professional trade organization whose mission is to provide a forum for the advocacy of Americana music, host a yearly Americana Conference, publish the weekly Americana Airplay Chart, produce the annual Americana Awards Show, participate in other industry events that advocate and support this genre of music noted as an amalgam of roots musics formed by a confluence of sounds from folk, country, rhythm & blues, rock & roll, but popularly referred to as alternative country. That includes the annual Convention & Festival, running this year, September 8-11 in Nashvillle.
SCENEPR!, a career event organizer and networking hub for media entrepreneurs and professionals working in independent film, launches its first major social event for the month, September 9, SoHo, New York, geared to a crowd made up of musical artists, filmmakers, photographers, models, and other creatives, to enjoy ambient sounds, exchange business cards and ideas. Attenders are also encouraged to bring headshots, postcards and other promotional material for distribution. With an international call for entries, the group is beginning a new short film series with subjects of any genre, shot in HD, titled, Cinematique, the first screening set for September 15 in Astoria. Then, on September 29, SCENEPR! presents “The Main Event,” a recurring event series for men (and women) who want to learn how to maximize their time, better their health, augment their careers, improve their looks/style, networking, education, male bonding, professional enrichment, and for fun.
BMI will present its President’s Award to founding member of the Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am, at the 10th Annual Urban Awards ceremony. The BMI President’s Award is presented on unique occasions recognizing an individual who has distinctly and profoundly influenced the entertainment industry. This honor celebrates will.i.am’s work as an artist, producer, and humanitarian. This invitation-only event will also honor the world’s premier r&b, rap and hip-hop songwriters, producers and publishers of the past year’s top urban music, as well as crown the Urban Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year. The Awards will be hosted by Del R. Bryant, President & CEO of BMI, and Catherine Brewton, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Atlanta.
A recurring theme for this year’s annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival, September 9-12, is “Other Places”, and about 90% of film selections are non-US productions, helping to fulfill the festival mission of promoting cross-cultural understanding through film. Opening night there’s a sunset cocktail reception with live music on the roof of the Mansion House Inn overlooking Vineyard Haven harbor. Friday and Saturday night feature post-screening parties with world music, prepared appetizers, and refreshing drinks provided by festival sponsors. Closing night will be on the deck of the Vineyard Haven Marina where Festivalgoers will hear live bluegrass by Ballyhoo, appetizers by Vineyard faves Blue Canoe restaurant, Net Result, and Il Tesoro of the Charlotte Inn along with libations from the fest sponsors.
During this year’s 35th Toronto International Film Festival, opening September 9-19, industry professionals host the “Meet With…” series of informal and intimate information sessions on pressing topics in today’s film industry. The sessions give insight into the fundamentals of the business and craft of filmmaking. Filmmakers’ Lounge, formerly the Match Club, is a new meeting space for Festival filmmakers and industry professionals, and the site for panels and industry sessions as well as a place to meet, work, dine, have a drink and talk films. Now in its seventh year, Talent Lab is presented by Canadian Initiatives during the Toronto International Film Festival and is an intensive four-day artistic development program that provides emerging talent with an opportunity to learn from established film artists.
The West Coast Documentary and Reality Conference in Santa Monica, September 13-15, brings together accomplished producers, directors, writers, network executives, agents and distributors for stimulating discussions, as well as networking opportunities. WESTDOC runs two areas of professional interest, designated as The Documentary Village and The Reality Village. Attendees and speakers are able to take full advantage of both of these arenas and to select seminars from any village they choose. The third day of the conference is entirely devoted to PitchFest, a live presentation for Documentary and Reality producers to pitch new concepts to network and development executives for potential acquisition in front of a live audience.
The Oldenburg Film Festival is a non-competitive film festival, and embraces an “open” format for what it screens. There is a cinema-trailer part to the festival that is usually popular highlight, stressing off-beat innovations and ideas to stimulate the festival audience. Another feature of the festival, which goes from September 15-19, “Speed Pitch,” is overseen by the Wirtschaftsförderung Oldenburg, which functions as an economic development zone, which is focusing on the promotion of creative businesses by creating networks between economic development agencies and creative entrepreneurs.
The Boston Film Festival opens September 17-23 this year. This year there will be a 35th Anniversary screening on Opening Weekend of Steven Spielberg’s legendary film Jaws, starring Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfus. The festival’s Closing Night film is a special sneak preview of Iron Cross, a thriller starring the late Roy Scheider as Joseph, a retired New York police officer and Holocaust survivor. Evening receptions are hosted by the region’s signature chefs and restaurants where filmmakers are able to network, and for the festival’s closing night, special events will feature the recording Group Ernie and The Automatics with a special performance by James Montgomery.
As the annual Independent Film Week and Filmmaker Conference gets underway in New York, September 19-23, the Project Forum offers a meetings-driven forum connecting filmmakers who have new narrative and documentary projects with industry executives interested in identifying projects with which to become involved with at the financing or distribution stage. Another new section, IFP Independent Filmmaker Labs, will introduce and support “under-the-radar” new talents â first-time feature directors who have little previous industry exposure and live outside the film hubs of New York and LA â providing them with the access, mentorship and tools necessary to ensure that their unique stories reach audiences. Opening each day at the Filmmaker Conference, a “Conversations With…” series sponsored by Kodak, features one-on-one, in-depth discussions with luminary writers, directors, executives and new-media experts about their experiences in the industry and where filmmaking is heading next.
Held annually each fall in New York City, the birthplace of modern television, and this year from September 20-25, the New York Television Festival brings all interested parties together to celebrate the medium and to help shape its future. NYTVF’s Independent Pilot Competition has put in place a pipeline allowing producers, writers, and directors to showcase their original TV pilots directly to the decision-makers of the industry. Along with the Independent Pilot Competition, the Festival presents parties, seminars, and other special events designed to honor television as an institution and as an art form. Launched in 2007, the TV Festival PassPort Program offers an opportunity for outstanding TV producers, writers, and directors to showcase their work on an international stage through an exchange program.
Opening in Port of Spain September 22 and running through October 2, the trinidad + tobago film festival presented by FLOW and supported by Trinidad and Tobago Film Company, mounts an exhibition of films made in the Caribbean region, including Latin American countries in the Caribbean Basin, Caribbean people of the Diaspora, and international filmmakers that reflect Caribbean culture and way of life both in the Caribbean and the Diaspora. Also, continuing the ttff’s heritage initiative, that started last year with a focus on the cinema of India, the Festival is this year focusing on African cinema. Also, this year the ttff will present, in association with the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brasil, a showcase of Brazilian cinema with Daniela Thomas who will be hosting a mini-retrospective of her work. During her slated time, she will be leading a workshop on directing feature length films with screenings of her work at Studio Film Club.
The Film Society of Lincoln Center opens the 48th New York Film Festival September 24, running it through October 10, in New York City. The Festival includes main slate program selections along with special events, panel discussions, the experimental film showcase, Views from the Avant-Garde, and more. The Film Society of Lincoln Center was founded in 1969 to celebrate American and international cinema, to recognize and support new filmmakers, and to enhance awareness, accessibility and understanding of the art among a broad and diverse film going audience. One NYFF special event will be, Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff, screening with A Matter of Life and Death and Dracula (George Melford, Director) the 1931 Spanish-language version of the classic tale freshly accompanied by an eerie live solo guitar performance by guitarist, composer, and Grammy-nominated songwriter Gary Lucas.
Opening in Nashville September 27 and running into October 3, International Bluegrass Music Association Week, the annual business conference for the bluegrass music industry with artist showcases, an exhibit hall totaling more than 100 booths, professional development seminars, member constituency meetings, one-on-one networking, and more. From October 1-3, certain highlighted activities will be, Fan Fest, an indoor music festival featuring performances by some of the industry’s top acts, a Masters Workshop Stage, a Roots & Branches Stage, exhibit hall, and scores of jam sessions. This year’s International Bluegrass Music Awards Show happens on September 30 of the event week. The After Hours presentations are part of the overall event, but are hosted by individual groups and organizations, and are ticketed and do require conference registration or a music pass to attend or take part in.
Organizers for the Pop Montreal International Music Festival claim to have an open interpretation of what pop music is, and so it admits a wide range of artists and genres. So as the program opens September 29, its FilmPop category will showcase, Dark Night Of The Soul is a music and visual art project put together by Danger Mouse, Sparklehorse and a host of guest vocalists with a collection of original David Lynch photography, who’s imagery is wholly inspired by and based on the music providing a visual narrative to the record. Then, aside from the music, Lil Biz, a small business conference for artists, designers and the self-employed, offers four workshops that are completely free. Puces Pop Record Fair, will be a two day Record Fair in the Mile End featuring volumes of record collectors, instrument repairs and international and local indie record labels. This event runs along side Puces POP, Montreal’s largest do-it-yourself festival where over one hundred local and international artists, crafters, and indie record labels come to sell their wares.
The above events are only a sample of what is fully listed. Complete details are on the “Media, Entertainment and Performing Arts Industry News and Events” page which will now have a language translation button to convert its contents into any chosen language. The companion video news summary can be found on the podcast blog as well as on the most popular video sharing sites. Last month the video news summary featured Grey Duck Production’s ‘The Telephone Game’, Matt Oakey of Toronto based music and film producers, Padded Cell Productions with âLittle Noise’, Indian Slap Bass master out of Kerala, India, Jayen Varma, Parisian film director Vince Bosco with latest work, âBeyond Love’, Pop Rock  band out of  São Paulo, MegaRex. Follow the posting of the news summary on Twitter. Streaming video can now be played directly into your Real Media Player, and your Windows Media Player. Past video from the monthly video news summary is archived on the Free Home Video Showcase which now serves as an archive for all past video presentations but without the audio news narration.
The Actor’s Checklist is a web resource to provide news, information and exposure to professionals in the media and entertainment industry.
By admin, on March 27th, 2011%
What does a young modern women want these days. They can come to this site to find out what’s new, what’s hot in the world of fashion, restaurants, nightlife and more. All of their favorites in one place. We have found the latest social lifestyle website for young urban women from all over the world to come online and is expanding to countries all over the world. The site encompasses interesting guide to fashion, styles, food and drink, beauty, events and more. The site was founded in 2005 in Vancouver and built using Drupal content management system. The site has since grown and is an upcoming site for young urban women who not only want to read about the latest reviews. This also shares their own personal experiences.
The minimalist and clean look of the site is what makes it interesting and easy to navigate. Within the site, you can look for interesting features on fashion, styles, reviews on restaurants and nightlife and also the hottest events to attend in town. This entertaining site gives useful tips and guides as to what’s hot and what’s becoming hot in town. You can also provide comments, vote on items you like or dislike and bookmark items too. It’s like “sex and the city” but on the web.
With a plethora of women-focused sites out there, why would a woman want to come to this site? Well, women like to have choices and this site provides another alternative to the commercially successful sites that have grown to big and too commercial. The site also encourages writers from all walks of life to submit content that relates to the lifestyles of a young urban women. Selected writers are paid for contributing content.
Free, entertaining, and useful, HerFabLife.com is indispensable for the young urban hip and trendy cosmopolitan women of today.
By admin, on March 27th, 2011%
There are a lot of finishes, hardwood floor products and types of wooden layers available. All such forms are equally attractive and can add charm to any living space. Basically, wooden flooring is available in either prefinished or as unfinished type.
One will find the following types of flooring on most online wooden flooring stores:
Engineered Hardwood
Solid Hardwood Floor
Floating Floor Systems
Trims and Transitions
Glues and Underlays
Laminate Flooring
Sustainable Flooring
Amongst these, the Engineered flooring is more popular as compared to other types. The reason is that it is available at cost-effective rates and is moisture-resistant. This floor type can cope up with any climatic conditions as they can contract or expand as per need. Whereas, Solid Hardwood flooring can be seen in areas like schools, theatres and other places. As this kind of floor is available in a wide range of sizes, so one can select as per his needs and desires.
We also provide our customers with important information and advice about the benefits, drawbacks and installation of durable underlay, sound absorption and reflecting products, heat insulators, and environmentally friendly products as well as the do’s and don’ts of radiant heat.
Laminate flooring is scratch resistant and easy to clean and maintain. Sustainable Flooring is known for their stunning looks and versatility factor. Such floor arrangements can be seen in areas like hotels, restaurants, exhibition halls, garages, showrooms, basement and warehouses.
Other remaining types are also very unique in nature. The various flooring types need proper maintenance which can be achieved in the following ways:
Use less water during Mopping
Go for soft bristles based Vacuum Cleaner
Use Rugs on walkways
Avoiddragging furniture around
There are different companies in competition to provide better flooring products and services to people. But, one needs to have proper information about the products, their benefits and drawbacks before selecting any one of them.
By admin, on March 26th, 2011%
“The ship hasn’t sailed, it’s docked safely in port waiting for the green light. It’s green. “
This part of life is interesting, the moment(s) between school and the âworking life’. With or without a proper education. This is my moment for a change. A once in a lifetime opportunity to go for change or go with the old. A decision that defines me and my future. Goals are being set every single day, moments are outlived and the will and power to change and look for (better) opportunities has risen more than the years before. It’s time to act upon the will to make a change and therefore in my case and opinion to be different (in both private and business). Don’t go where the flow takes you, I’ll lead the flow in its rightful direction. In this case I quit school (actually University, though self-acclaimed) because of the lack of motivation (from the school and within me).
Now why would someone quit school when there’s only 1,5 years left? Excellent question. The answer is fairly simple; âthe University didn’t feel like added value anymore and therefore my action [to quit] was the most humble thing to do by means of taking care of myself instead of others’. This particular decision was made after years (yes, you just read years) of consideration and groping for business opportunities. The last part defines me as a person; explicitly interested in the know-how around and within the world of business. Vision, mission and values are all present within me. They clearly state (for myself) what to do where, why, when, who and how (the how and who are tricky and most important ones). A business is defined by its actions and people. Therefore the people âbehind the scenes’ are the ones to break or make a company. I’m the one who literally makes the company, others could break it for a moment of time.
My school [name won't be mentioned for obvious reasons] is all about business and hopefully an Entrepreneurial success where the school can rely or profit from (profit from the means of media attention maybe indirectly financially due to possible new students). But an educational business institute should motivate its students to persuade a career on a higher level and make sure they get there. They make sure getting there is widely available and excellent at my former school. The structure is nowhere to be found. Tasks among its present owners are clearly not properly defined. Another issue, can’t believe I defended this while my leg was seriously injured after a scooter incident a day before, is that the school promised to be more practical than theoretical. One of the reasons why I signed up. The last 2 years where only theoretical. Another promise was that they had strategic alliances with other business related schools in Rome, London, Paris and New York. Only one made it to their curriculum, which is one of the worst âUniversities’ of England (it’s even not on the top1000 list of recognized Universities). Within every business, educational institute, governments etcetera it’s essential to listen [feedback] to your clients or potential customers. My particular school lacked this, it´s clearly a waste to the âcheap’ presence of students who come up with creative solutions to a problem [problems don't exist, solutions do]. But it’s obviously not entirely their fault, it’s mine as well. Due to a lack of âbeing motivated’ the years diluted [regarding school]. Outside school I was thriving in the digital world by means of blogging (obviously J), trading on the stock market [expense hobby especially during the last couple of years], starting a restaurant related website and many other initiatives. Those where the good days [sort of and outside school].
The days to come will even be better than the ones before due to the fact that I will start from scratch 8.000 kilometers away, in Vancouver (Canada). Opening a new business [radically] within the Canadian financial industry has always been my dream and wish. Studying can always be done (most people say that about working) especially these days through the use of the internet or be physically present in a classroom. Believe me, I’ll have a [business]degree someday. But not now ! Now it´s essential to make proper use of time, assets and be effective in its usage.
“I don’t care whether you think my decision or actions are wise or bad, it’s my life and I do what’s best for me [for a change]“.
(C) Yorick Reintjens
Visit his blog here.
By admin, on March 26th, 2011%
The practice of making stained glass has been existing for quite a long time. Stained glass windows and churches seem to go hand-in-hand, and you will some of the earliest examples of stained glass artwork in churches on the European continent.
Nowadays, stained glasses is not only confirmed to churches and other such religious places, you can also take a view of the beautiful stained glasses in homes, offices, hotels, restaurants, hospitals and so on. You can also take a breath taking view of stained glasses and have them installed in windows, doors, ceilings, room-dividers, mirrors, lampshades, sun-catchers, gift boxes and many other items.
The Tools which are needed in creating a stained glass are the following:
•Glass Cutter
•Carbide Wheel
•Glass Pliers
•Glass Grinder
•Glass Marker
•Soldering Iron
•Lathekin
•Work Board
•Push Pins
Types of Glass:
You can choose from a wide range of colored and textured glasses. The three main categories of stained glass are Cathedral Glass, Opalescent Glass and Full or Sheet Antique Glass. There are varieties of stained glasses which may prove to be expensive for some, so you might want to commence with ordinary glasses until you are sure about your glass-cutting or scoring skills.
The most crucial step that you need to comprehend before you start making your glass products is that you would not be able to create a stained glass successfully at the first instance. In order to attain a certain level, you must practice a lot before you could become an expert. It is recommended that you start practicing o pure scrap glass first. You can exercise your making and breaking techniques easily.
The second step is to cut as precisely as you possibly can. You will be able to save a bit of time and glass by cutting accurately. Considering the point, you can save a lot of glass by cutting it precisely. This will help you in saving glass and you will have more material to practice and it will immensely enhance your skills.
The third step is to understand the proper use of grozier pliers. If you are serious about working with the stained glass, then it is really mandatory to learn the basic use of grozier pliers.
By admin, on March 26th, 2011%
So call me a Negative Nelly or whatever they call someone who sees the negative in things, but I cannot ignore the negatives, and to be fair, I shouldnât. So Let me state up front that this review will have some negative points in it, but let me also state that we did enjoy our cruise and would do it again.
Our first cruises were on the Royal Caribbean Monarch of the Seas and the Carnival Paradise. Both of these ships did cruises out of Los Angeles (Long Beach) to Catalina and Ensenada. Both are smaller ships of their respective lines and are the basis of any comparisons that I made when looking at this cruise. Of course that could be like comparing a SUV to a VW Bug, albeit in the case of the Monarch a classy Bug and in the case of the Paradise a Party Bug!
When we booked this cruise our expectations were a little lower then if we were booking a regular itinerary for a ship because it was a repositioning cruise. It turns out that we should not have had lowered our expectations that much, the cruise ship had its full crew and the entertainment scheduled was for a 7 night cruise while we were on a 5 night cruise, this gave us more entertainment choices not that we needed entertaining since we found ways to entertain ourselves, boy that “Do Not Disturb” sign came in handy.
We arrived for check-in around noon (we wanted to get to the room early, we had not seen each other in a week), which appeared to be a good time as we were able to walk right up to the check-in desk and were promptly handled by one of the agents. A few minutes of verifying paperwork, viewing passports, taking blood (not really) and swiping a credit card (They wanted to keep it but I wouldnât let them) and we were directed to board the ship. We learned something new on this cruise that we suspected earlier. Arriving early for check-in works to our favor and gets us aboard quickly. Score!
We boarded the ship and headed to the Windjammer Restaurant for the lunch buffet. This was the first of a few disappointments for the cruise. The food for the boarding lunch was dry and bland, kind of like the foods the kids cook at home when it is their turn to cook; compared to the Monarch we were greatly disappointed and hoped that it was not the norm for this Windjammer. Unfortunately this did prove to be the norm for the Windjammer on this cruise but a glass of lemonade improved things some and gave it a tangy taste. Every time we ate in the Windjammer we found the food to be dry and relatively bland, I looked around the restaurant and peeked into the kitchen but I didnât see my kids working, there were a few dishes that broke the pattern but not many.
When the staterooms were available we visited our stateroom and while we had an interior cabin the layout of the room made it feel larger then our previous visits to the Monarch (They say that shaving makes things appear bigger). Our stateroom was set up with the beds together in the queen configuration, which pleased us since we did not need to request it. Additionally our Crown and Anchor books and the Terry Robes that were part of our reservation bonus were in the room waiting for us. One disappointment here was that we did not see our stateroom attendant until the 3rd day of the cruise, it could have been because of the “Do Not Disturb” sign, but we were careful to not have that out during the bulk of the times that they are supposed to be attending to the rooms. While he was taking care of our cabin he really did not seem interested in addressing any personal cares we may have had. Fortunately we didnât have any. The only other time we saw our attendant was when he gave us the customer satisfaction survey and pointed out his section. I will give him credit, he did take care of the room, but there was no personal touch and it felt like he had his hand out.
We loved the layout of the ship and how easy it was to get from one area to another. We were in the Centrum quite a bit and enjoyed the music that was often played in that area. We also enjoyed playing tag and hide and seek in the ship. Problem was we hid together and no one came seeking us, so we got a little preoccupied at times. It was on one of these trips that we met a delightful young woman named Sandie who was enjoying her first Solo cruise. What a sweetheart, she was delightful and always had a few wolves following around her. She always had a drink in her hands due to the diligence of the wait staff. Proof that a single person can enjoy a cruise without having a wingman. I would just hate to see her bill at the end.
The mandatory muster drill went rather quickly and our muster leader had a great attitude and did what he could to make the whole muster drill more enjoyable then it could have been. It may have been a bit much for him to be doing the shuffle and the twist and the dive but it was interesting to watch him enjoying himself. He also did a fair imitation of the cruise director and the captain. I think I saw him floating off the side of the ship at one point, but that may have been a trick of my eyes.
Dinner in the Aquarius Dining Room was fantastic; we were not disappointed once by the quality of the food or the service that we received there. We ate dinner in the Aquarius every night, breakfast every morning but one, and lunch twice. Our waiter and assistant waiter were very attentive, after the first night (Well, second night, Sandie was a bad influence on Karla, got her drunk and she couldnât find her way to the dining room with me trying to guide her. She kept insisting that it was out the aft door of the ship, which would have led us into the wake behind the ship. Karla doesnât drink much and in that one night she drank more then she had in months, Sandie still drank her under the table and I suspect that Sandie might have drank a platoon of Marines under the table.) the waiters called us by name as we were arriving, had our preferred drinks waiting for us and made us feel at home (Unlike our kids who make us feel like we shouldnât be home.) Where the Windjammer disappointed the Aquarius made up for.
The shows put on in the main theater were enjoyable, however once again we were disappointed by the shortsightedness of some of the staff. There was a large group on the cruise that needed use of the main theatre and the staff changed the show time for the second nightâs second show without notifying the guests. From what I understand when the curtain raised there were around 25 people in the audience because most of the audience showed up 15-30 minutes after the show started because they expected the show at 10:45 and it started at 10:15. This portion of the show was supposed to have been incredible with man-eating tigers (It actually ate a man) and an act where the dancers all melded into one writhing pile, that would have been a sight. *wink*
On the last night of the cruise the main entertainment was a pair of comedian jugglers, as far as comedian jugglers go they were good. But the highlight of the show was not the jugglers themselves but their “victim” for one of their acts. The jugglers looked for a kid to join them onstage and had him lay on the stage, they were going to juggle bowling balls over him. As part of the comedy of the act the juggler dropped one of the bowling balls. The boy they picked up sat up, looked at the jugglers, got up, and promptly walked off stage back to his parents. They apparently did not expect this response because they then proceeded to try and convince the boy to rejoin them on stage. This cruise did not have a lot of kids on it and this boy was the only kid in the audience, so they proceeded to bribe him to return to stage. They finally bought him with a bribe of $10. He rejoined them on stage and they had him lay down again and the second juggler told him he would lay down with him. When he laid down he was on the other side of the boy from the other juggler. As soon as he got settled the boy sat up again, they started asking him not to leave, but the boy apparently was not leaving without his money, he got up and laid back down on the other side of the juggler that laid down, putting him next to the juggler with the bowling balls. This caught the jugglers off guard again because they both started laughing and the act couldnât continue for a good 30 seconds while they got control of themselves. They then performed the juggling bit. When they gave the boy his money they were short a dollar, and the kid had counted it, out loud, then turned to the jugglers and demanded the rest of his money. We know (or at least strongly suspect) that this was not staged because the boy in question ate dinner at the table next to us each night and so at dinner we asked them about it and they were all excited about what had happened and his brother was asked to go to the late show and recreate the performance.
I took advantage of snacks in the Solarium diner a few times and was greatly disappointed by the quality of the food and the attitude of the staff, I think my kids were hiding in the back room again and coaching the staff here. When I asked for something from the Solarium Staff I was made to feel as if my request was an imposition or annoyance, they much preferred to continue chatting with their crewmates rather than serve the guests, just like my kids.
The wait staff & bartender in the Schooner Lounge was attentive of us as guests and we were impressed with how much they seemed to care about our trip. The best bartenders on the ship are Rommel, Dordi, Diego, Orlando, Nestor, Tishar, and Karl. They did a real good job of helping Sandie corrupt my bride of 23 years. The bartenders, waiters, and waitresses live on tips and this group was earning every additional tip they got, some of the other departments on the ship could take lessons from there folk.
The Casino table game staff did not seem to know what they were doing, it seemed as if I constantly had to remind them that they did not pay a bet, did not remove a lost bet, paid my winnings to another player, or they just did not seem to understand their games themselves. My biggest disappointment in the Casino came from the Texas Hold-Em table, which was only opened once during the cruise, was dealt by a dealer that did not seem to understand the game, and had an outrageous rake of 10% to $10 per hand, most poker rooms, including the poker table on Carnival Paradise, only rake $3-$4 per hand and lower that rake when they donât have a full game this casino seemed to figure that they could take the players for all they could.
Internet Access, both on the ship terminals and wireless was sporadic at best. I often had 5 bars when I was wireless and could not even connect to the ships server to sign in. When using the ships terminals I rarely was able to get past the login screen and was signed out several times when I attempted to go to Gmail or the other forums. This could be viewed as a positive as it limited my time online and I didnât get to go to any girlies sites. *wink*
Our stop in San Francisco, CA was great. We crossed under the Golden Gate Bridge around 6:15 in the morning and the lighting was great. We have been on that bridge before and it seemed small, but crossing under it is magnificent and a view that many people donât get. We docked at pier 35, which is one of the older cruise terminals on the west coast. Unfortunately this terminal is more of a warehouse then a processing facility but it did serve sufficiently as a gateway to the city for us. We did not take any excursions but we did disembark and wander along the waterfront to Fishermanâs Wharf and then over to Ghirardelliâs Chocolate Factory (A must-do stop in San Francisco). We then paid for a Metro Day Pass and took the cable car over to Chinatown, which proved to be an interesting walk. We then took the cable car back to Fishermanâs Wharf and the Streetcar back to the ship.
Disembarking the ship in Victoria, BC was a chaotic mess, on previous trips the elevators to the gangway were disabled for the gangway deck so that guests could line up from the upper deck and not be dropped by the elevator in the beginning of the crowd allowing late comers to move in front of other guests that had been waiting patiently for the gangway to be placed and opened for disembarking. Instead guests that did not feel the need to wait in line were allowed to move in front of other guests and were being directed into place by the activities director, this really hit a sore spot for me.
When we arrived at our final port in Vancouver, BC things moved extremely well. While we had to wait for out group to be called we waited in one of the lounges and enjoyed some Seattles Best Coffee served by a delightful young lady who gave me the news that the Vision of the Seas will be taking over the 3-Night/4-Night Baja Itineraries that the Monarch of the Seas currently handles in the next year or so, this means I will get several more visits to the Vision as L.A. makes the best spot for a weekend getaway right now.
While I identified a lot of negatives in this review overall we did enjoy ourselves, but we can see several areas where the crew of the Vision of the Seas could improve if this is reflective of their normal attitude. Hopefully we can schedule a trip on the Vision when it is on a regular itinerary and we can see what a trip then would be like.
Our adventure for this vacation continues with a one night cruise on the Norwegian Star and a trip home on Amtrakâs Cascades, so watch for reviews of these trips.
Tom Truxton lives in Portland, Oregon, is the father of 4, a website developer and with his wife also operates a home-based travel agency and website at http://www.timeenoughtravel.com.
By admin, on March 25th, 2011%
In response to the growing “chemical-consciousness” in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I decided to perform more and more of my services outside the home and office. “This is justified?” You can ask the following question. Before answering this question, I would like to address something that concerns me even more: the landlord of extermination.
If you do not mind, I would like Cut To The Chase here. Most people know EPA is regulated, what products can be “sprayed”, “fogged” or “Dusted” inside the occupied structure. And, as expected, it does not mean products are used in accordance with label specifications, so that the user error may create unnecessary problems impact. As a professional, I personally witnessed much more toxicity issues with people who are pest problems before I ever arrived at the scene. Now I want to reward their courage, because they have an empty spray cans error, homeopathic methods, such as red pepper, naphthalene, chewing gum, you name it (and I’ve seen it). But I do get concerned when I see that in their zeal, they exposed their families unnecessary levels of insecticides or other household items that are not even labeled for errors (or rodents).
Okay, now that I got that out of my system, let’s talk about the professional <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.haltpestcontrol.com/”>pest control</a>. There was a real turn around in the last 15 years in the professional pest control, which forced us to be more responsible and more acute in connection with our treatment. An example would be what we call the IPM (Integrated Pest Management). “What is it?”, You ask. Do not worry, there are some pests guys who do not know. IPM is an art, using a combination of methods to eliminate pests without using pesticides entirely.
An example is the following: we have a rat infestation at a dump next to our favorite restaurant. Instead of throwing the bait around baskets exterior, IPM will tell us that we must move basket from the building, exposing the natural predators of rats. Then ask the restaurant owner that his / her staff locked the doors closed on the basket, except when it is used (sewage). Then, and only then safe rat bait stations to be used next to the basket, and regularly monitored.
In addition to IPM, the majority of our pesticides are being developed that have virtually no odor and creates less risk of infection. An example would be the micro-encapsulation method by which the active insecticide is silicone bubble around him to reduce the break down from light and moisture. In addition, there have been some products were more readily available without prescription for pets, which I know is used in professional products for <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.haltpestcontrol.com/”>pest control vancouver</a>. I know that does not make sense, but the public can use to focus on his dog, but can not get the same active ingredients, which will be used up to 100 times weaker in its termite (homeowners do not have the equipment to use the product anyway, why not ‘worry, T). I mention this only to prove that the pest control products for which we use, are usually safer than most things under your kitchen sink. What makes us special then? Training. In addition, we are in the pest control industry is not ready to lose a license over misuse.
By admin, on March 25th, 2011%
BUY LOCAL CANADA IS HERE!, GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED FOR FREE
Buy Local Canada is offering your local business the chance to get a free business listing in a new Canadian directory. Yes we are offering the first 1000 businesses to sign up, one free year as a standard membership, obviously you have the option to up grade to a premium listing if you like but.
We are entering into a new world of technology and how we use computers, with all the new trends like social media, blogging and video creation sites, we need to evolve and create a new business directory that allows the customers to use these tools to help their business get noticed and maintain credibility.
Unlike most online directories that offer free listings or even paid listings we recognize your true needs. Buy Local Canada understands the online community, and the direction of the new wave of business owners, customers and trends are headed. We are designing or pioneering the new way directories will function, search and be designed by trend research, consumer marketing and recent studies.
Currently what you get is a full page listing, Choose your category, Logo upload, Google map support, Display coupons by simply writing in your deals, 2000 word description of your business, website links, social media sharing options, and upload up to 5 videos. All this for free
What this will do for your business?, This will give you a stronger web presence especially if your business currently has no website, this can act as a landing page for your customers. Google crawls the internet every second to find what information is important by connections and other things, the more sites your connected to; the better your search result and you will be found. This gives your business credibility as well, established businesses get listed in directories and books, correct. This shows your local customers your serious about your business and will do whatever it takes so they can find your business. So all these methods are just another tool for your marketing and advertising campaign and will help your business get more local customers.
Our Business customer goals are to offer Canadian businesses a website they can call home. The latest in online technology, design and keeping things easy so you can seamlessly have a smooth transition. We don’t want to overwhelm you or confuse you so we will be introducing new tools, services and options one at a time. You are welcome to contact our staff at anytime regarding questions about the site, tools and membership options.
Our user goals are to offer the public an easy to navigate website that offers all the local Canadian businesses they might have been missing out on. Don’t you hate when your searching Google and looking for a local restaurant but you get blasted with paid ads and businesses who paid for the top positions who are mega-box corporate restaurants, it so hard to find the real local businesses online. This could be your solution to finding real local businesses in your community, Canada wide.
We thank you Canada, and look forward to making the community stronger one listing at a time.
Sincerely,
Buy Local Canada
A seasoned professional with practical experience and solid understanding of a diverse range of business management applications, high caliber presentation, negotiation, and closing skills. Tenacious in building new business, securing customer loyalty, and forging strong relationships with external business partners. Dominate with driving growth of company revenues and improving sales-team performance exceptional mentor and coach. Entrepreneurial management strategist with a 7+ year record of achievement and demonstrated success driving multimillion-dollar sales growth while providing award-winning sales leadership in highly competitive markets.
By admin, on March 25th, 2011%
Everybody loves to travel with friends and family. Planning a family holiday can be a great fun especially if you have all your loved ones with you. Appropriate planning is considered as a key ingredient for a pleasurable family vacation. Trip should be scheduled in a proper way so that one gets time to relax and various other unexpected events.
In order to avoid any inconvenience, it is always suggested to take help from travel guides especially when one is travelling with family members. Carrying a travel guide not only provides essential information regarding the travel destination but also offer innumerable additional benefits like:
Suggests mode of transportation
This is a major benefit offered by travel guides in the direction to make transportation easy and convenient. The books assist individuals by suggesting best means of transportation for the particular place they are planning to visit. This way, they find the appropriate way of reaching that particular country either through bus, flight, car, train etc.
Detailed information regarding weather
To enjoy better results from any trip, it is extremely important to keep an eye on the weather conditions. If this factor is ignored, there are chances of complete disappointment. In this regard also, travel guides are of great help as the books provide individuals with necessary information regarding climatic conditions and that too region by region and season by season.
Safety
The travel planner guides give priority to safety factor. The books inform vacationers about safety measure which needs to be taken while visiting any particular place. Also the books inform them whether the place they are planning to visit is safe for children or old age people or not.
Cultural events
The guide also explains cultural events of a particular country in detail. Thus, individuals can be a part of these events if they wish to be.
Finding restaurants and hotels
This is another important benefit of travel guides for vacationers. They come to know about different hotels and restaurants available in the particular area they have planned to visit. Thus, at the end it can be concluded that these guides are extremely helpful for vacations as they can plan a stress-free trip all over the world. There are many websites which have been providing customers with these guides along with their important features. You can grab the guide which suits you best in terms of budget and requirement.
Open Road Travel.com is a website owned by penny Jennings and Russell which comprises of a collection of travel books to help individuals plan a successful trip worldwide.
By admin, on March 24th, 2011%
I’m in smack downtown, Vancouver. And I mean DOWNTOWN-downtown… (not the
outskirts).
Here’s what’s odd… We’re gearing up for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The Olympic flame has been lit and it’s currently making its way across Canada.
I live literally blocks up from BC Place stadium where some of the ceremonies and
events will be held. Since I’m in a high-rise, I can still see the cranes finishing up the Olympic Village where star athletes will be housed.
I’m surrounded by sports pubs and arenas. Yet the buzz in the air, at least here at
Casa-de-My-Crib is not about the 2010 Winter Olympics …
… But instead, a 20-something year old English-as-a-THIRD-language guy named Hymen. You may remeber 2 reports I’ve recently published on my website?
The “Internet Millionaires” SCANDAL report and the newer “Cartel and Internet SCAMS” reports? Hymen wrote them.
You might not know…
His previous product release, which a good friend of mine worked with him on, was one of the highest grossing info-product releases in the history of the internet.
Obviously, a massive BLOCK-BUSTER. Hymen himself has had $100k+ profit days.
Those kind of numbers get the attention of the market.
Well…
Hymen lives a good 5-minute stroll from me, just blocks away. I met him through my friend at a Cactus Club not long ago (interestingly, I replaced my job at one of the Cactus Club restaurant chains over 6 years ago). Recently I’ve also had a special Starbucks date with Dave, one of the tech and content dev partners on Hymen’s team…
And yesterday, BIG Jason Henderski, the new affiliate manager and snow bunny lover, flew into town to work with the team. Because of this convergence, there’s a cloud of “genius” out there right now and I’m giddy to see what these guys cook up.
Since you’re reading this article, it’s because you’re interested in either ”marketing” or “making money” or both … Hymen’s entrepreneurial ability, marketing savvy, down-to-earth nature and ability to work with seriously impressive numbers AND to also teach it is top notch. Sure I’m BIASED since he’s now a Vancouverite… but there’s no question his content is top quality.
If you haven’t read the short reports, it’s well worth your time investment…
Here’s the link to both of his reports: Wealthy Affiliate Review
If you are in the Vancouver area for the 2010 Winter Olympics, shoot me an email, maybe we can hang out… I have a hut tub!
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