Friday, April 30, 2010

Accidently lodged inside a much larger and more ancient edifice.

Architecture is a bit of a non-theme, LEGO-wise. The people who build "town" are normally regarded as a subset of Train, but the last few years have been good to us. I speak not of LEGO's meager "Architecture" line, but of the ongoing "Cafe-Corner" modular sets. Nicely detailed in their own right, they also are powerful parts packs. But today we ignore the modern era, venturing first backwards, then forwards, in time.



Firstly, the Shrine of Nasir ibn Brick, by Sandy Cash. The dome is notable, with an interesting technique, if we understand correctly. The color scheme, however, is more than questionable. What is most impressive, and primarily why it is here blogged, is the inverted-slope double-concave corner technique. This, sirs, is attention to detail. (Hat tip to our dear Matt for pointing this out.)



A close eye has been kept on Tony Sava's current project, the Cathedral of St. Francis. Sava has been in the past known for going big rather than detailed, but he seems to be successfully combining the two here. The front elevation is so nice I almost Chartres myself. He's even detailed the interior, guaranteeing (should he manage to get this to a convention) a weekend full of standing by, opening and closing it, while answering how many bricks it is, and if it is available in stores.


It is questionable that this is indeed in the past, not the present (which we promised to avoid), but either way, Igolando's Dover Train station is a charming delight. The darkblue tower is a bit odd (shouldn't it be red, with a blue roof?), but he shows that you don't have to use the rarest of rare colors to make tweeful treats.



To the future! Futuristic architecture, and works that won't be complete until then. Tayasuune shows us his arctic apocalypse work-in-progress, with a minimal but positively golden tower block (what is this arctic apocalypse thing anyway? At least there won't be zombies.), and Carter treats us to this bit of tragically probably-never-finished industrial-gothic.



Finally, Mario Ander's "Elbphilharmonie leer," his take on Herzog & de Meuron's Elbe Philharmonic. Matt's German skills tell us that "leer" means "empty;" perhaps part of Ander's commentary on the project? The Hall will be Hamburg's tallest (likely superseding an historical landmark, which zoning had previously prioritized. "Akin to the US Capitol in DC, or the Eiffel Tower in Paris" you conjecture, though in both cases this is a myth; according to the zoning codes of each capitol, building height is regulated by street width, not set by any particular monument.) and has more than doubled in construction costs over the last 3 years: sure to generate controversy, unlike this blog.

A penúltima escala da estação.

A temporada 2009/2010 de cruzeiros na costa da América do Sul está chegando ao fim. Hoje, o MSC Opera, o único navio que continua por aqui, realizou a penúltima escala em Santos. O navio procedente de Ubatuba chegou à cidade às 7:14 da manhã, com 1.265 passageiros abordo. Ele atracou no armazém 25, em frente ao Terminal de Passageiros Giusfredo Santini, o Concais. Abordo, além dos 1.265 passageiros que desembarcaram aqui, e dos tripulantes, também haviam outros 537 em trânsito, que embarcaram no Rio, na última terça-feira e que desembarcam amanhã no mesmo porto. Em Santos, embarcaram novos 1.434 passageiros, para o último cruzeiro da temporada, um mini-cruzeiro de 3 noites com escala no Rio de Janeiro e Ilha Grande. Após esta viagem, no dia 3 de Maio o Opera parte para a Europa em viagem transatlântica de 19 noites até Amsterdam na Holanda, encerrando a temporada 2009/2010. Hoje, a sua saída a princípio estava prevista para às 17 horas, depois, foi transferida para às 18, e finalmente para às 19 horas. Mas, a saída só aconteceu às 19:20, já a noite. O Opera vem a Santos desde a temporada 2007/2008, e nas duas últimas ele foi responsável por encerrar a temporada, já em meados de Abril. Nestas três temporadas, ele também foi um dos navios que efetuou mais escalas na cidade, com exceção da atual, quando ele realizará apenas 14 escalas. Nesta temporada, dois navios ficaram empatados com mais escalas, o Vision of the Seas da Royal Caribbean e o Grand Celebration da Ibero.
Imagens e texto: (©) Copyright Daniel Capella, Santos.

Weirdness, new toy, League Of Gentleman

Tonight was a strange one as it was the first time that Toni and I haven't been together on a Friday in a LONG time. Wasn't a deliberate choice as such, Toni has to be in London first thing tomorrow for the handyman to do some work on her house and I needed to be in SWF as Livvy and Connor were staying over because I am taking them and Sam to see Bolt Thrower tomorrow. Will be seeing Toni tomorrow but it has been strange not being with her tonight.

My new toy, the iPhone arrived today and I have slowly been getting to grips with it. This blog is from my iPhone!

Spent the evening watching The League Of Gentlemen with Sam, Livvy & Connor. I forget how funny it is.





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Abremar confirma Cruise Day para o dia 02 de junho!

A quinta edição do Cruise day já esta confirmada para o próximo dia 02 de junho no Renaissance Hotel em São Paulo. Também será realizado o terceiro Fórum Abremar que contará com debates e discussões entre profissionais do turismo marítimo. O Fórum será realizado pela manhã e as palestras no período da tarde. Durante todo o dia haverá exposição de produtos turisticos no horário das 08h:30 às 18h:30.

Texto: Copyright Silvio
Fonte/Adaptação: Copyright ttp://www.mercadoeeventos.com.br/ Imagem: Copyright Daniel Capella

Volkswagen electric Bik.e crease up, can be charged via AC, DC currents

Electric bikes are no longer amazing we’ll just see at the gym. Volkswagen has unveiled their newest electric vehicle: the Bik.e, which actually lacks pedals and can be charged straight from a typical AC outlet.

According to AutoBlog Green, Volkswagen turned out their first form of electric transport at Auto China 2010. VW is set to reveal its first electric automobile in 2013. I guess it’s superior to start somewhere small first, such as with a two-wheeler.

But this eco-friendly black and white creation is not too scruffy. Not only does the Bik.e fold up into a flat disc to be effortlessly stored in the spare tire compartment of your trunk, it can also charge up via an AC outlet or DC current from a car.

As for speed, don’t expect to go as fast or as far as a car or even a usual scooter on the Bik.e. The distinctive distance range on a full charge is 12.5 miles, and the peak speed is 12.5 miles per hour. Not exactly something to use when in hurry, but absolutely a decent option for traveling to work, school or just around the neighborhood.

Given that this has only been spotted at a car show, there aren’t any official details on pricing or release plans around the world now yet, but optimistically this goes commercial soon. Although, then I’m forfeiting the amount of exercise I get from a usual, old bicycle.


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Thursday, April 29, 2010

Happy 51 Labor Days!


51 international Labor Days call 51 sections, May 1 in every year.It is the whole world labor common festival of the people.



As for "51 causes of the section"s are such:

This stanza comes from the worker’s big strike of American Chicago.On May 1 in 1886, Chicago of 20 in order to fight for practicing eight hours to work to make but hold the big strike, many ten thousand workerses pass by hard of bloodshed conflict, acquired the victory finally.

For memorial this time the socialist that the worker’s one who exercise, July 14 in 1889, from all countries Marxist call represents the conference, Parisian solemn and impressive open in France.On the conference, attend meeting to represent the consistent approval:Common festival that May 1 settles for the international proletariat.This resolution gets the international community, the worker responds to actively.

On May 1 in 1890, the working class of Euro-American all countries leads off to go into the street, holding the grand demonstration and holding a meeting, fighting for the legal rights.From now on, every time round this international community labors the people to all want the catcall, parade, to show to celebrate.

At last, wish all my friends Happy 51 Labor Days!

* Original address of this China gift post: China Gift and Fine Arts & Crafts in China

Ford Fiesta a game changer in world of diminutive, nimble rides

Europeans are lining up from Bulgaria to Brussels for this small road runner; Ford sold 69,000 Fiestas in Europe in March; Americans will get their turn this summer.

For decades, very small cars in the United States have lived modestly at the bottom rung of the automotive social ladder. Cheap, cheerful and decidedly inexpensive, these cars were classically undersized, underpowered and understyled.

But then exposure hit Americans: Gas costs money.

Now, high-mileage subcompacts have become trendy. Other than the sporty Honda Fit, most of the little cars have offered little more than reasonable price tag.

The Fiesta ends the subcompact trade-off many buyers converse themselves through at dealerships. Yeah, it's a slight noisy on the highway, the door sounds like I'm closing a breadbox, and my Rollerblades produce more torque, but my car payment is only 99 (euros, dollars, dinars, baht) a month.


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Royal Caribbean libera primeiros roteiros do Mariner of the Seas em sua volta a América do Sul.

Hoje a Royal Caribbean International divulgou em seu site os dois primeiros roteiros do Mariner na América do Sul. As duas primeiras viagens pela América do Sul, são posicionais, desde a costa oeste do norte do continente. A primeira viagem começa no dia 16 de Janeiro de 2011 em Los Angeles nos E.U.A., onde até então o navio estará baseado. Esta viagem tem 16 noites, e vai até Valparaíso no Chile, fazendo escala Cabo San Lucas e Acapulco no México, em Puntarenas na Costa Rica, em Callao no Peru, e no Chile, em Arica e Valparaíso, onde a viagem termina no dia 1º de Fevereiro. Neste mesmo dia começa a segunda viagem divulgada, que fará o trecho Valparaíso - Santos em 14 noites. Neste trecho, o navio não faz muitas escalas, mas passa vários dias navegando pelo mar aberto, pelo Cabo Horn, Estreito de Magalhães e Fjordes Chilenos. As únicas duas escalas desta viagem são em Ushaia na Argentina e Montevideo no Uruguai, onde ele haverá pernoite. De Montevideo ele parte direto para Santos, onde chega pela primeira vez no dia 15 de Fevereiro, e quando inicia os poucos cruzeiros, ainda não anunciados, pela costa do Brasil, antes de partir para a Europa. As viagens já estão no site da Royal Caribbean, onde é possível consultar os preços e efetuar reservas. Os roteiros pelo Brasil devem ser anunciados até a próxima 5ª feira. Ficaremos aguardando, fique atento ao blog WorldCruises.com, que assim que estiverem disponíveis eles serão postados aqui.
Imagens: (©) Copyright elizabethcherie.com.
Texto: (©) Copyright Daniel Capella.

iPhone a go go & night in Eltham

Had a lovely text from O2 today saying my priority status has been upgraded from silver to gold which means I now qualify for an upgrade 3 months early, which is now YAY!

I didn't waste any time and called them up to arrange my upgrade to an iPhone. It won't be long before I have a nice new shiny toy in my possession *grin*

Spent the night in Eltham with Toni. Spicy mince and rice for dinner and then chilling on the sofa :o)

Carry On Cruising!

OK, it may not be quite on that scale, but Gary Clading's new book Stars, Staterooms and Stowaways is a terrific 'insider' read into some of the many offbeat, rewarding and downright comical moments of spending a life at sea.

The P&O Cruise Director has been in the business for 25 years and covers a wealth of experience of ships large and small, with Hollywood celebrities, epic adventures, comical passengers and brilliant insights into the cruise world that many of us love but few know from the inside out.

The likes of Marti Webb, Ginger Rogers, Joan Fontaine, Eve Arden and many more all crop up throughout the pages but it is not so much a catalogue of the rich and famous as the real life of the staff and crew that jumps out at you.

At once both admirable and touching, it is a diary of sea-going delight, with Gary's own tendency towards extraordinary animal welfare shining through in various stories both small-scale and large.

Highlights include cruising along the Orinoco; a magic act that went horribly - and hilariously - wrong; a passenger 'mutiny' on the SS Norway; a perilously rough transatlantic crossing into the teeth of a hurricane; Christmas with Ginger Rogers; and a cat called Yalta.

It is a kaleidoscopic series of stories and vignettes, all told in first person and with a delightfully light touch. Clading knows he has been part of an extraordinary lifestyle and privy to a succession of famous figures, but he always comes across as a regular guy (albeit one who can speak eight languages!) who just happened to find himself in an irregular job.

For anyone who has cruised, ever thought of a cruise or just wants a good, light-hearted read from someone who has lived life 'behind the scenes,' this is an excellent choice.

I'm Like The Clock On The Wall



It's no secret that we're big nerds for wizards and horology here at Twee Affect, so we couldn't not blog this wizzardy clock tower, by hippotam. The mixed browns and snotted tiles make for a great masonry effect, and it is nice to see those ridiculous durmstrang ship flags in a moc big enough that they don't look disproportionate. The brown stone and sand green (corroded copper?) roofs sort of bring New York to mind, or at least Wes Anderson's fairy tale version of New York (via 111 Archer Avenue).

So is this wizard guy a sensitive hipster tweemo who chills out in his lil childhood tent in the clock tower ballroom listening to deep cuts from old Velvet Underground albums, while he rethinks his life plans? Or maybe it is 17th Century Manhattan Island and he is a dutch wizzard colonist who is one of the founders of a conceptual alternate history New Amsterdam.





Would this make these forestmen bros a sort of post-racial whitewashed representation of Native Americans, who sold Manhattan Island to the wizzard for twenty four dollars' worth of glass beads? Or are they meant to represent Peter Pan type Toysrus Kids who are "quitting the hobby" because of "new gray"?

Oh, it won't do to read too much into it! This moc is charming and great, the end!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Costa Romantica Celebra Primeira Escala em Hong Kong

Maior operadora de cruzeiros da Europa posiciona navio na Ásia, reforçando seu compromisso com a região Hong Kong (24 de abril de 2010) – A Costa Cruzeiros, principal operadora de cruzeiros da Europa, aumentou sua capacidade de passageiros na Ásia hoje, quando o Costa Romântica celebrou sua primeira escala em Hong Kong, com sua bandeira italiana e chaminé amarela, ícone da Costa.

O evento de boas vindas contou com as presenças de Dario Rustico, Diretor Comercial e de Marketing da Costa Cruzeiros para a Ásia e o Pacífico; Francis Liu, Vice-Diretor do Departamento da Marinha; Patricia So, Vice-Comissária em exercício para o Turismo; Gilly Wong, Gerente Geral de MICE (Reuniões, Incentivos, Convenções e Exposições, na sigla em inglês) e Cruzeiros do Conselho de Turismo de Hong Kong; Alessandra Schiavo, Consulesa Geral do Consulado Geral da Itália em Hong Kong, e representantes dos principais parceiros comerciais da Costa. A cerimônia marcou a importância de a Costa Cruzeiros ter posicionado um navio maior na Ásia, simbolizando o compromisso da companhia com o setor de turismo de Hong Kong.

“Este é o quinto ano de operações da Costa Cruzeiros na Ásia. Temos buscado oferecer aos nossos passageiros da região o verdadeiro estilo italiano, desde 2006. Com o aumento de capacidade na região, podemos atender à expansão da indústria de cruzeiros na Ásia", disse Rustico.

A Costa oferecerá um total de 97 cruzeiros em 2010, e espera-se que o Costa Romantica traga mais de 50 mil novos turistas para a região.

“A chegada do Costa Romantica à região é mais uma prova de nosso compromisso com a indústria de viagens de Hong Kong e da Ásia. Acreditamos também no potencial de longo prazo da Ásia e continuaremos a desenvolver este mercado, com o objetivo de transformar os cruzeiros na principal escolha dos viajantes,” completou Rustico

Na cerimônia, Patricia So, Vice-Comissária em exercício para o Turismo disse que “a chegada de mais um magnífico navio da Costa Cruzeiros em Hong Kong demonstra o compromisso da companhia com Hong Kong, além da crescente importância do mercado de cruzeiros na região. Hong Kong está bem posicionado para ajudar a alavancar o crescimento da região. Com a abertura do novo terminal de cruzeiros em 2013, Hong Kong passará para a próxima fase de desenvolvimento, tornando-se um pólo regional de cruzeiros. Queremos manter nossa parceria com a Costa Cruzeiros no desenvolvimento do mercado de cruzeiros em Hong Kong e na região”.

Gilly Wong, Gerente Geral de MICE (Reuniões, Incentivos, Convenções e Exposições, na sigla em inglês) e Cruzeiros do Conselho de Turismo de Hong Kong, também comentou que “com os cruzeiros se tornando mais populares na Ásia, nós damos as boas vindas aos navios internacionais, como o Costa Romântica, que fazem escala em Hong Kong, transformando-a em porta de entrada para a Ásia. Desta maneira, Hong Kong se transformará em um pólo regional de cruzeiros".

Também presente na cerimônia, Alessandra Schiavo, Consulesa Geral do Consulado Geral da Itália em Hong Kong, disse: “A Costa Cruzeiros é a única operadora na Ásia que é capaz de criar a autêntica experiência do estilo italiano de se fazer um cruzeiro, e esperamos que mais passageiros possam aproveitar esta jornada rica em cultura, proporcionada pela Costa".

Também estavam presentes na cerimônia de boas vindas de hoje: Brett Leon Dudley, fundador e presidente da ecruising Hong Kong/China Limited; Balwin Yeung, Gerente Sênior de Marketing da Hong Thai Travel Services; Ronnie Ho JP, presidente da Jetour Holiday Limited; Raymond Ng, Gerente Geral de Vendas, Marketing e Distribuição da Kuoni Travel (China) Limited; Kevin So, Vice-Gerente Geral da Sightseers; Jojo Chan, Gerente Geral da Wing On Travel Services Limited; Pietro Sinisi, Capitão do Costa Romântica; Oscar Salvi, Diretor de Hotelaria do Costa Romantica; e a celebridade Amanda Strang.

O Costa Romântica, navio com 53.000 toneladas úteis e capacidade para 1.697 passageiros, operará 30 cruzeiros que partirão de Cingapura, Tianjin e Xangai, rumo às melhores cidades da Ásia. As partidas acontecem entre 17 de abril e 20 de novembro de 2010, rumo a várias jornadas ricas em cultura para o Vietnã, as Filipinas, Brunei, Malásia, Indonésia, Tailândia, Taiwan, Coreia do Sul e Japão.


Texto: Copyright Costa Cruzeiros - Release

Imagem: Copyright Costa Cruzeiros

Costa Europa já navega sob as cores de sua nova operadora.

O Costa Europa, até então o mais antigo navio da frota da Costa, já esta navegando novamente, mas, sob as cores de outro armador, a britânica Thomson Cruises, uma divisão da Thomson. Em 26 de Fevereiro, o então Costa Europa, ganhou destaque em sites e jornais de vários países, ao se chocar contra o cais, em Sharm el-Sheik no Egito, quando três pessoas morreram, e várias ficaram feridas (veja notícia do blog World Cruises.com na época). O incidente aconteceu, enquanto o navio fazia o seu penúltimo cruzeiro pela Costa Crociere, que após o acontecimento, cancelou o seguinte, e mandou o navio para estaleiro, de onde ele saiu, já com as novas cores, e com novo nome, agora o Costa Europa é Thomson Dream. ,O Agora Thonsom Dream pode acomodar até 1.773 passageiros em suas 54.700 toneladas. Ele foi construído em 1985 como Homeric para Home Lines, e atinge a velocidade de 20 nós. Em 1988 foi transferido para a Holand America Line e passou a se chamar Westerdam. Só em 2002 que ele entrou na frota da Costa. E como anunciado no ano passado que ele foi fretado para a Thomson Cruises, o fretamento durará 10 anos. Nas fotos, ele é visto em um dos seus primeiros cruzeiros já com as cores da Thonsom.
Imagens: (©) Copyright Steed e Marco Moreno Martínez.
Texto: (©) Copyright Daniel Capella.

Pink tanks rule!

Does what it says on the tin!



Four-vehicle Pr. George's collide closes road, injures at least 7

A Prince George's County fire official now says four vehicles were concerned in the crash that shut down Route 197, and seven people were transported to area hospitals with injuries.

The crash, fire department spokesman Mark Brady said, began as a head-on collision that attentive a man and a woman in their separate vehicles; they were transported to the hospital.

Five others, an adult female, juvenile male, two teenage males and on teenage female, were also hospitalized with slight injuries, Brady said. Three other adults were evaluated on the scene and declined transport to the hospital. It is unclear how those people are linked to the original crash.

Route 197 in the Bowie area is closed between Route 450 and Old Chapel Road after a five-vehicle collide in the area left as many as 10 people with injuries, police and fire officials said.

The crash happened at about 4 p.m. on Route 197 near Grason Lane, police said. It involved five vehicles, as well as a school bus without any students on board, police said.

A Prince George's County fire official Tweeted that the incident, which troubled multiple vehicles and entrapment, might have produced up to 10 patients, but no one on the bus was injured. A police spokesman said he could not directly confirm reports of injuries because medical personnel were still examining those on the scene.

The circumstances and cause of the crash stay unknown.


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All things great at Cambria Suites!

Just thought I would share with everyone the great amenities that Cambria Suites provides along with a few pictures of the hotel! Visit us at cambriasuitesrdu.com to find out more!

· Oversized Suites with luxurious bedding and upscale Bath and Body Works® soaps and shampoos.

· Separate living room and bedroom areas divided by a decorative grid wall.

· 2 flat screen LCD TVs in each suite and connectivity jack in the wall to connect your laptop and be able to do your work including email and presentations on the LCD TV.

· Sealy Posturepedic® Plush Pillow-top mattress, choice of down or synthetic pillows, and luxury linens.

· Refrigerator, microwave, and Wolfgang Puck® coffee service.

· Movable, ergonomic desk.

· Pullout sleeper sofa, lounge chair, and ottoman in living area.

· Free wired and wireless high-speed Internet access throughout the hotel.

· 2000 square feet of meeting space perfect for any conference, meeting, seminar or party that you may be planning!

· Refresh - State-of-the-art fitness center with indoor pool and spa.

· Reflect - Full Restaurant open for breakfast and dinner as well as a full-service bar serving beer, wine and variety of mixed drinks.

· Refill - 24/7 Sundry shop featuring sodas, energy drinks, snacks , beer, wine, fresh grab ‘n go gourmet salads, sandwiches and other essential items.


Amanda Jo Charms - promoting a friend

Recently got in touch with a friend from WAY back in the Metal Legends days. Amanda Gosse has since flown the UK and now resides in Australia where she makes custom jewellery under the name Amanda Jo Charms. She has recently launched a blog to go with it too.

Please take a moment to have a look at her sites and check out her wonderful jewellery.

Website: www.amandajocharms.com.au
Blog: blog.amandajocharms.com.au

You can see some of her pieces here:
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/ajamandajo

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

'American Idol''s Top Six Sing Songs from the Shania Twain Songbook

'Idol Gives Back' Raises Millions
The countdown to the "American Idol" finale continued Tuesday night when the Top Six performed music from the songbook of country artist Shania Twain, who also served as this week's mentor.

Lee DeWyze kicked off the night's performances with "You're Still the One." Randy Jackson commented, "This is one of my favorite songs of all time. I love this song. I was a little worried about you doing it. You started pitchy, but half-way through, you found a way to make it your own. You did a pretty good job." Ellen DeGeneres

felt that Lee did better than a pretty good job, saying, "You always make a song yours. It always sounds like your version rather than someone sang it before. I say all aboard the Shania Twain!" Kara DioGuardi told Lee, "The sound of your voice on every song makes it sound so relevant. Look how far you've come. That is a love song. I don't know if you related to the love portion, but you did smile a few times." Simon Cowell wrapped up the critiques saying, "I agree with everything everybody has said. That was the perfect choice out of Shania's songs."
Michael Lynche showed off his softer side on Shania's "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing." Randy complimented, "Here is what I love. You really found your zone. It can be a country song, or an R&B song, but you were really in the zone of who you are. I hope you keep that in the future. There is a big, wide-open space for you." Ellen admitted, "I was nervous for you, but it felt like Luther Vandross singing that song. I felt your emotion. I felt you getting into it. I thought it was beautiful." Kara pointed out, "One of Shania's greatest gifts is how connected she is when she sings. I always feel you go to that place. The melody is so beautiful. I was glad you didn't change it too much, but just enough to put your mark on it." Simon agreed with Ellen, saying, "I know what Ellen meant when using the comparison with Luther. It was spot-on. A good analogy. I thought it was a little wet. A little musical theater. It was a little girly."
Casey James tackled his inner country crooner with "Don't." Randy praised, "For me, this is one of the best Casey James performances ever. You really learned something here. This could be a great thing in your wheelhouse with what you already do with the guitar." Ellen concurred, adding, "You sang that as if it is where you belong. I think it was your best performance to date." Kara pointed out, "Artists don't hide the good, the bad or the ugly. That is what you did in that performance. That is what you need to keep doing to be at the front of this competition." Simon commented, "Last week was a much-needed wake-up call for you. I actually agree with Randy that this is your best performance so far. I felt you were singing the song. It felt like your song."
Crystal Bowersox tackled the Shania track, "No One Needs to Know." Randy remarked, "It wasn't my favorite performance, but I love you. I am glad you mixed it up and somebody did a country version." Ellen told her, "I say it every week. There is nothing you can't do. It wasn't my favorite performance, but you are brilliant." Kara said, "It is impossible for you not to be good, because you are coming from a place of truth. That is why I always respond to you. Was it your best? No." Simon laid it on the line: "We don't like Crystal this week. I thought it was limp. It was something you expect when you are in a coffee shop and they hire a band to sing to you when you don't want them to. I felt the song was forgettable compared to some of the other songs. This was the only week, I haven't liked you."
Aaron Kelly chose the ballad "You've Got a Way." Randy complimented, "Dude, this is definitely your wheelhouse. You are our country artist on the show this year. I think you did a real good job." Ellen pointed out, "This is going to be tough tomorrow night because everybody is doing well. I can't believe you are 16 and you sang that so well." Aaron corrected her saying, "I am 17." Ellen laughed, and continued, "The maturity you had to embrace those lyrics … good job." Kara completely concurred with Ellen, adding, "It is like you really felt those words. And you changed one line." Aaron admitted he did because he was singing the song to his mother, which got "Ahs." Simon said, "I am going to be honest with you, I know you are only 17. I think the last two weeks you have struggled. However, tonight you were like a different artist. This is the kind of record you should make if you are going to make records. It felt sincere and not like you were singing someone else's song. Well done."

shania-twain-songs-american-idol-shania-twain-night-recaps


Tonight on American Idol, it would be Shania Twain songs night. Would the idol wannabees give justice to Shania Twain songs? I think that some would make a good job out of it but I am also sure that many would butcher her songs. I love Shania

Twain songs, I love their melodies and I love her voice, I could not imagine how it would come out if someone else would be singing her songs.On tonight's American Idol, the Top 6 are taking on the songs of Shania Twain.

As mentor, she tells the contestants they need to interpret the songs and make them her own.
Lee DeWyze is first, and he's singing "You're Still the One." Shania tells him he is rushing the guitar somewhat and gets him to slow it down a little. I think maybe she should have suggested he start a little lower in the chorus because it's a little rough, but overall still good, typical Lee. Randy Jackson says this is one of his all-time favorite songs. He says he was worried for him, but he found his sweet spot in the lower part of his register. Ellen DeGeneres says it was better than "pretty good" and that he made it his own. Kara DioGuardi says his voice makes every song sound "so relevant." She thinks it was "a good job." Simon Cowell agrees with "everything everyone's said." (Whoa, Twilight Zone.) He says he was pulling some weird faces here and there.
Michael Lynche is singing "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing." Shania Twain says he takes the song to a whole other place. He does a lovely job with it, and Shania is even tearing up in the audience. Randy says he was in the zone of who he is. Ellen says she was nervous, but it felt like Luther Vandross singing that song, and she felt all his emotion. Kara says he is always connected to the songs, and he put his mark on it. Simon agrees with Ellen's Luther analogy. But he thinks the performance was "wet," but no one really understands what he's talking about. He says it was "a little bit girly for you."
Casey James tells Ryan that after last week, he went through all his performances and realized that last week, he didn't give anyone anything new. He is singing "Don't." Shania tells him to let his confidence come out through the song. He says it's "a singing song," and probably the first one of those he's done in a while. I think he's probably right -- this is way more of a performance than a jam. Randy says this was one of the best Casey James performances ever and he hopes Casey really learned something from this. Ellen says he sang it like that's where he belongs. She thinks it was his best to date. Kara says artists don't hide, and tonight that is what he was doing, he was out there. Simon says last week was a much-needed wakeup call and he agrees with Randy that it was his best performance.
Oooh! Did you see the So You Think You Can Dance ad? The Top 10 will be paired with 10 all stars from past seasons. (Yes, I know this is old news that Nigel has been tweeting about for ages, but now it's really real!)
Crystal Bowersox says she loved working with Shania because she is so nice and is surrounded by an aura of positivity. Shania says she should bring in a more positive feeling to her tone because this is a peppy song. Crystal interviews that it's a message to her boyfriend, who will "man up" one of these days. Heh. She sings "No One Needs to Know," and it's sweet and fun, a bit of a change for her. Plus, she seamlessly harmonizes with her background singer -- how many times have we seen people mess that up on this show? Randy says it felt like Nickel Creek, but it wasn't his favorite performance, but he's glad she did a country performance. Ellen says there is nothing she can't do, though it wasn't her favorite either. Kara says it's impossible for not to sound good because she's so authentic, but it wasn't her best. Simon says it was limp and felt like a coffee shop where they hire people to sing when you don't really want them to.
Aaron Kelly is singing "You Got a Way" and he tells her he is debating about some part of it. She tells him to stop thinking so much about hitting the notes and just feel the song. He sings and reminds us that he has a big voice -- it's one of his better performances, I'd say. Randy says this is his wheelhouse and that he did a really good job. Ellen says this week is going to be tough because everyone is doing so well. Kara says he really felt the words and he changed a line. He adds that he was singing the song to his mom, which is why he changed the line. Simon says he's struggled the past couple of weeks, but tonight "you were like a different artist."
Siobhan Magnus is singing Shania's first No. 1 hit, "Any Man of Mine." Shania tells her to put some character into the words to make them come alive. She sings it fast and with some attitude, and then closes with a couple of those huge, incredible notes. I don't always feel her big notes, but tonight they worked. Randy says he loved it, loved it, loved it. Ellen says it was fantastic and a good way to end the show. Kara says Siobhan is back. Simon says he really, really liked the song, though the thought the end went on a little too long. He says it was like she was giving birth up there if you just heard that note in isolation (bahahahahaha), but he liked it.

Seabourn Sojourn completa testes no mar.

Ontem o Seabourn Sojourn completou seus quatro dias de teste do Mar Mediterrâneo, proximo a Gênova. O navios voltou aos estaleiros T. Mariotti onde os funcionários estão executando os toques finais, antes da entrega do navio, que esta prevista para o dia 28 de Maio. O Sojourn é o segundo novo navio da Seabourn em 2 anos.
Foto: Cruise News Daily.

Day off, doing the garden and chilling

Had another day off today.
Got loads done, washing was done, most of tidying was done and I even managed to mow both the front and back lawns. Hopefully the weather will stay good so I can have one more pass over it and we can have a BBQ at the weekend.

After the chores, the rest of the days was spent catching up with WWE TV, NXT, Extreme Rules and the RAW Draft.

Sam and I then watched Enemy At The Gates before playing on the PS3.

For your viewing pleasure I would like to submit these two little gems:



Marinheiros gregos protestam e impedem passageiros de embarcar

ATENAS (Reuters) - Estivadores em greve e outros manifestantes no maior porto da Grécia impediram centenas de turistas de retornar a seus navios nesta segunda-feira, em um protesto contra as reformas preparadas pelo governo para evitar que a economia grega, altamente endividada, mergulhe em uma crise mais profunda.

Na primeira manifestação desde que a Grécia pediu ajuda financeira a seus parceiros da zona do euro e ao Fundo Monetário Internacional (FMI), na sexta-feira, marinheiros protestaram contra uma das primeiras medidas do governo para liberalizar o restritivo mercado de trabalho no país.

A Guarda Costeira informou que cerca de 400 estivadores e manifestantes da central sindical comunista Pame impediram aproximadamente mil passageiros, na maioria espanhóis, de retornar ao navio Zenith, de bandeira de Malta.

"Tivemos de levá-los par albergues", disse o chefe da Donomis, operadora do Zenith. "Estamos aguardando para ver se eles poderão partir mais tarde ou amanhã de manhã cedo. A impressão que tivemos é realmente muito ruim."

Antonis Dalakogiorgos, líder da União Pan-heleênica dos Marinheiros, disse que a reforma no setor de navegação, que permite que cruzeiros estrangeiros atraquem em vários portos gregos sem ter de contratar uma tripulação grega, é inaceitável.

"O levantamento das restrições significará o fim dos cruzeiros de bandeira grega e o funeral dos marinheiros gregos", disse ele.

As manifestações vêm crescendo no país desde que o governo do primeiro-ministro George Papandreou cortou salários do funcionalismo público, congelou pensões e elevou impostos, como parte de um plano para reduzir este ano o déficit orçamentário para pelo menos um terço do registrado no ano passado, de 13,6 por cento do PIB.

Muitos gregos estão agora se preparando para mais austeridade e a mídia informou que autoridades da União Europeia e do FMI propuseram mais de uma dezena de novas medidas para cortar gastos do governo e elevar a competitividade da economia da Grécia.

Fonte: Portal G1 / Mundo.

Imagem: Daniel Capella.

GE, Nissan concur to research vehicle charging


General Electric Co (GE.N) and Nissan Motor Co (7201.T) on Monday announced a three-year agreement to jointly research development of charging stations for electric vehicles.

Nissan will debut the electric Leaf hatchback afterward this year in Japan, the United States and Europe. The Leaf's batteries will permit it to have a 100-mile range on a full charge, Nissan says.

The two companies say the work will centre on "smart" charging stations that would permit for communication with utility companies to ease strain on electric power grids. Finally, car companies and utilities hope that vehicles can form a power storage source.

Together with Nissan, we will take inclusive look at what technologies will be needed in the car, on the grid, and at home or work to make smart charging a reality, said Mark Little, director of GE Global Research.

GE and Nissan said they will in the next few months recognize specific projects for the new partnership.

Utility companies are working with home and business owners to install 220-volt charging stations what will charge electric vehicles more rapidly than the conventional 110-volt outlets in most U.S. homes.


Visit This Site: Car transport | auto transport | Car shipping

Wine For Valentine's Day, Glasses of Wine for Your Valentine

Wine For Valentine's DayValentines day is all about love expressing, love confessing and love making to come close to each other. So add that passion on your romantic date with a pair of wine glasses raising toast for their love relationship. Dont let this day go away, make efficient use of the day by taking your partner either to some romantic place or in your bedroom where the two of you can share romantic moments of love with wine. Get into the dream land of yours where no one is there to interupt you and your confessions. We would like to suggest our viewers get the wine shades of red, white or pink in a silvery glasses. A bottle of wine is a fantastic idea to add zine of romance to your dinner. Get things ready well in advance with the taste of your partner, glasses, music, roses, scented room freshener to create best environment of your love making. Thoroughly go ahead with these ideas and tips offering guide as Wine For Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day Nail Art, Valentine's Day Nail Designs

Nail art has become famous these days among girls who add beauty to their hands by getting nail art done through professionals who make designs on the nail. During valentines day, the demand for nail art rises because girls get their nails beautifully done to allure their partners. We are going to list few designs and patterns of Valentine's Day Nail Art for our lovely visitors to get the same done on their nails. Glitters, ribbons, stones, paints, polish, acrylic nails, manicure and other themes are done to give nails hot look. Enjoy getting your nail art done from some reliable saloon who will do nail art with great care and quality material so that they should not harm natural nail enamel. Pinks, red, whites, golden, silver are the main colors for valentines day special nail art beauty.
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Bedroom Decor Ideas for Valentine's Day, Romantic Bedroom Decorating Ideas

Dress it up your bedroom for the valentine's day night of romance and love making between you and your partner. Raise the spirit of excitement and the fragrance to turn your partner on in the bedroom. These useful tips and Bedroom Decor Ideas for Valentine's Day are going to help you turn your bedroom environment propelling your romantic love relationship. Transform your bedroom into a stunning heaven with fragrance of fresh flowers, beautiful painted walls, nice quilts, lighted candles, bottle of champagne, hanging chimes, playing soothing music, placing fluffy soft pillows, scattering rose petals on the bed and other ideas to bring spice of romance and love making to your love life.
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Tyra Sanchez wins RuPaul’s Drag Race


The end has come when no one has to lip sync for their life. Tyra Sanchez has taken the crown for the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and it ain’t pretty. Many

people are fuming mad on Twitter exclaiming their reaction to the win. Many wanted JujuBee to win and some think Raven deserved it. We personally think the contestants of the season were mostly not that great. Anyway, Tyra Sanchez is the queen for now until the next season and everyone knows that Jujubee will get the “Miss

Congeniality” award. Let’s just hope that Tyra Sanchez doesn’t attempt to release a single with that voice of hers.Tyra Sanchez Winner of Rupaul Drag Race Season 2 Finale – Reality TV show’s season finale for the series that is hosted by Rupaul, America’s Next Drag Superstar. The new Drag Race queen for season 2, it’s no other than Tyra Sanchez. The season finale was aired yesterday, April 26, 2010.
The last three queens will have to face their ultimate challenge, recording a music video for RuPaul’s next single: “Jealous of My Boogie.” Robert Verdi, Mathu Anderson and choreographer Ryan Heffington will be the guest stars, and Jujubee (Airline Inthyrath) was eliminated in the 11 episode.Congratulations to Tyra Sanchez for winning Season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race last night. I thought Raven would win, but based on what we saw during the finale it's hard to disagree with the judge's decision. Tyra Sanchez has calimed victory in the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race . Many people have been extremely angry on Twitter in relation to the win. JujuBee was the favourate to win, and many think Raven deserved it, not being able to understand how Tyra Sancez managed to seal the win.
For now Tyra Sanchez is the queen for now until the next season and whil everybody can be certain that Jujubee will get the “Miss Congeniality” award. With such a critical responce to Sacnhez’s singing voice, people are hoping that the confidence and fame associated with the win will lead to her releasing a single.

First reviews of 'Iron Man 2' appear

136754-iron_man2-341x182After capturing the hearts of audiences' (and the Academy) for his moving role in "The Wrestler," Mickey Rourke shows a darker side in his new role in "Iron Man 2." As Tony Stark's nemesis, Rourke is Ivan Vanko, a tattooed Russian physicist determined to overpower Robert Downey Jr.'s character.

"It's been OK," he said of the dramatic change in characters. "You know, I wanted to do a different kind of movie after 'The Wrestler,' and this was definitely different--way different--so it was a lot of fun to do this."

To prepare for the role, Rourke told us he actually spent time in Russia."Iron Man 2" has its mega world premiere in Hollywood in just a couple of hours, but the movie screened today in the U.K., where it opens this Friday. (Yes, much of the world gets to see it a week before North America.)
A popular U.K. blog, Hey You Guys, seems to have the the first review. I'm going to try holding off reading these as long as possible but you guys feel free to indulge.
And I just came across a take on the movie from the Mirror, which is billing itself as having the first review (sorry buddy). I'm not reading it but I can't help but notice the headline: "mind-numbingly dull, chaotic and unwatchable."
"I was in Russia on other business and it just happened to come at the right time, so I was able to go there and visit the prison," he said. He brought back what he learned there and "laid it out" for director Jon Favreau, who allowed the actor to the freedom to "roll with it." After some silly little volcano in Iceland tanked the “Iron Man 2″ premiere in London, Paramount Pictures did the next best thing and moved it back to Hollywood. I mean, where else were they gonna go, New York? Not a chance! The Iron Man 2 premiere was held at the El Capitan Theater (which is right across from the Grauman’s Chinese Theater) in the heart of Hollywood."Iron Man 2" has its mega world premiere in Hollywood in just a couple of hours, but the movie screened today in the U.K., where it opens this Friday. (Yes, much of the world gets to see it a week before North America.)
A popular U.K. blog, Hey You Guys, seems to have the the first review. I'm going to try holding off reading these as long as possible but you guys feel free to indulge.
And I just came across a take on the movie from the Mirror, which is billing itself as having the first review (sorry buddy). I'm not reading it but I can't help but notice the headline: "mind-numbingly dull, chaotic and unwatchable."

Mickey Rourke discusses his darker side at the 'Iron Man 2' premiere

http://www.comicbookmovie.com/images/users/uploads/7601/Mickey%20Rourke%20vs%20Iron%20Man.jpg
After capturing the hearts of audiences' (and the Academy) for his moving role in "The Wrestler," Mickey Rourke shows a darker side in his new role in "Iron Man 2." As Tony Stark's nemesis, Rourke is Ivan Vanko, a tattooed Russian physicist

determined to overpower Robert Downey Jr.'s character.
"It's been OK," he said of the dramatic change in characters. "You know, I wanted to do a different kind of movie after 'The Wrestler,' and this was definitely different--way different--so it was a lot of fun to do this."

To prepare for the role, Rourke told us he actually spent time in Russia."Iron Man 2" has its mega world premiere in Hollywood in just a couple of hours, but the movie screened today in the U.K., where it opens this Friday. (Yes, much of the world gets to see it a week before North America.)
A popular U.K. blog, Hey You Guys, seems to have the the first review. I'm going to try holding off reading these as long as possible but you guys feel free to indulge.
And I just came across a take on the movie from the Mirror, which is billing itself as having the first review (sorry buddy). I'm not reading it but I can't help but notice the headline: "mind-numbingly dull, chaotic and unwatchable."
"I was in Russia on other business and it just happened to come at the right time, so I was able to go there and visit the prison," he said. He brought back what he learned there and "laid it out" for director Jon Favreau, who allowed the actor to the freedom to "roll with it." After some silly little volcano in Iceland tanked the “Iron Man 2″ premiere in London, Paramount Pictures did the next best thing and moved it back to Hollywood. I mean, where else were they gonna go, New York? Not a chance! The Iron Man 2 premiere was held at the El Capitan Theater (which is right across from the Grauman’s Chinese Theater) in the heart of Hollywood.