Tag Archives: USA

Best places to visit in the US for couples

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There are some couple’s goals that a lot of couples love to carry out some of which include travelling around the world together. There is always a special feeling when you explore different places around the world with your partner. Although finding a perfect place that will suit your different interests is another problem and a lot of couples tend to cancel several trips because they could not come up with a perfect destination. To solve this problem, you need to write a list of places that could be considered. You should know that several places may be suitable for a couple’s trip. Also, your mission will determine your choice of destination. There are other factors that you should consider as they will do a long way in determining how your vacation will go and some of these factors include economy, cash at hand, different attractions present, level of development, and season of the year. The U.S is one of the best places you could consider when it comes to vacation. The country has several cities and towns that bring different people from different part of the world. There are numerous sightseeing locations and landmarks that will make your trip a memorable one. Also, there are standard hotels, good restaurants, and different parks that will make you want to visit the country again. The good part of visiting the U.S is that you will be entertained by different events no matter when and where you are visiting; there are perfect locations for couples and singles. You will be the one to choose where you want as several amazing places will suit your interest. You will also meet different people that have come 2 explore some of the amazing things in the country; therefore, always feel free to explore the US maximally. Below are some of the places you should consider as a couple visiting the U.S;

New York City – this is one of the cities to consider whenever you are planning to explore the U.S with your partner. It is one of the most visited cities in the country because of the various landmarks and sightseeing locations that invite people to do City. You will always enjoy your time because you will be entertained by various events ranging from Sports, music, and other exacting events. There are amazing restaurants that serve different American dishes and other dishes from every part of the world making it very easy for visitors to find their local foods. To enjoy your stay here, you should explore every part of the city if you have the time.

You and your partner must be found worthy before you can get access to enter the U.S at the port of entry. A perfect way to solve this is by researching all the documents needed by individuals traveling to the states. The documents may be different based on one’s mission in the country. Getting useful information before applying for any of the documents is essential as well because, without accurate information, you may get the wrong documents which may prevent you and your partner from going to the US. To travel to the states, you will need the esta only if you are from one of the Visa waiver program countries and if not you, will need an American visa. ESTA travel can play a vital role of a visa only if one is eligible for an ESTA. Therefore, you should confirm your eligibility to know if you are eligible to apply for the document. The advantage of being eligible for an esta is that you will be exempt from the visa interview and the stress of applying for a visa. There are several places you could visit in the US if you are with the right documents. The international passport is another crucial document that you must possess right from your home country. This will contain all your personal information needed to enter the U.S at the port of entry. You should know that the US does not joke with criminals and crimes; thus, any mistake from you could lead to deportation. Always be a good representative of your country and never allow anything to put you in trouble. Carry out the ESTA usa check before applying for an American visa as this could save you a lot of money and stress. Try to find out if you will need other documents like the police report, the driver’s license and other essential documents to be on a safer side

Savannah – this is a city in the state of Georgia, a good destination for couples that fall in love with nature. There are different species of plants that make the city more beautiful. You will find different restaurants that provide top-notch services of which you can enjoy as well. Try to explore every part of the city with your partner to save good memories together.

Sponsored collaboration.

Escape to Aspen with Jockey Loungewear AW14

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American underwear brand Jockey famous for it’s all-American style branches out for AW/14 with a brand spanking new Women’s Loungewear collection! In and amongst the collection are cosy tartan prints evocative of an Aspen Lodge but also mixed in the all American vibe certainly steeps through with the more stylish and hipper pieces such as the denim lounge dress and lounge pants.

The collection is built up into three different ranges. ‘Mountain Run’, offers casual lounge dresses, loose jersey t-shirts and shorts, cotton tank tops and boleros. The pieces in this range could definitely serve their purpose as they can be worn outdoors as well as in giving you that extra value for money.

 

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‘Colorado Highlands’ offers a similar range but with the added fun flowery print dressing gown, cosy knitted cardigan and matching hat and scarf. Here are a few of my favourite pieces;

 

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‘Aspen Lounge’ is definitely the part of the collection which will make you wishing Christmas would come sooner. Tartan prints and flannel fabrics are the main feature and the colours are classically Christmassy. Combined with the traditional flannel PJ bottoms and robes there are sexier pieces in the collection such as The Chemise below with lace detailing.

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What I can say about the collection is that they have nailed the essence of winter comforts and well done to Jockey for making the consumer  hope for colder night just to try out the collection.

10 Tea Destinations You Should Visit Once In Your Life

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traditionsofteaaroundtheworld

Image credit: Turkish tea by Sztanco Demeter

It warms us up when we are cool and it will cool us if we are too heated. Tea is the second most consumed drink in the world after water and this is probably the reason why it has become a worldwide little treasure- From the time of the ancient Chinese Dynasty to our present, tea has taught us there is nothing better than its flavour when it comes to relaxing or catching up with friends and family. Welcome to the worldwide art of drinking tea!

 

Argentine: The land of mate

People say that in order to know beautiful Argentine, you need to try its meat and of course, its mate. Did you know there is an entire museum dedicated to mate? This herb is without any doubt the national drink in the country and it is said that the more you drink it, the strongest the after-taste. If you fancy some more information about this caffeine-rich infused drink, don´t hesitate to visit Museo del Mate (289, Lavalle, 1648 Tigre, Buenos Aires).  Image credit: Mate by Marta López

 

Morocco: Experience the mint tea!

You can’t really say you know the mint tea flavour unless you have been to Morocco. Touareg tea, how Moroccon mint tea is named here, is the real heart of this culture and it is strongly linked to the act of hospitality. In this sense, tea is served to guesses three times-Of course the guess will always have to drink the glass!

 

China: The art of making tea

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Image: All the tea in China by Adam Cohn via Flickr 

China is the birthplace for tea; here people have been producing tea over the years, something they call “Chao dao”, which was also exported to Japan. This country is a perfect destination for tea lovers that will be able to visit the only National Tea Museum in the country (opened in 1991 and based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang), where you can find out more about the strong tea culture in this place.

 

India: The world of Chai

 

India consumes more tea than any other country in the world. Whoever visits this destination will find out that this drink is literally served on every corner, especially in crowded train stations where you will see people selling this drink from early hours in the morning until night. To find out more about the tea culture in the country, pop in at Kanan Devan Hills Tea Museum (Munnar, India).

 

Japan: The matcha ceremony 

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Image credit: Matcha tradition in Japan by Flickr

Tea is in this country a huge part of the food culture. Even though the diversity of teas here is endless, whenever someone mentions this drink is known it’s referred to green tea. The tea ceremony is called here matcha and is seen as a ritual that generations have been using for ages and which consists of serving green tea to a small group in one of those popular old teahouses.

 

New Zealand: The tea explosion 

Like in America, people from New Zealand get interested in this drink because of its healthy reputation. According to historians, New Zealand imported considerable amounts of tea in the nineteenth-century, with the arrival of the British missionaries. A fun fact about the tea culture in this country is that its only commercial tea plantation is called Zealong, which launched its first list of products in 2009.

 

Russia: Drink tea as a guest 

Russians drink tea at different times of the day. Originally introduced by the Mongolians, it has turned into an important part of the Russian culture and today we could say that there is no Russia without this drink. Follow the local style and try a cup of Zavarka, a very strong tea prepared in a separate pot that allows guests to have several tea rounds.

 

Britain: Enjoy an afternoon tea

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Image credit: The Goring by Expedia

There is nothing more British than having a proper afternoon tea, which owes its origins to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. Today this ritual attracts hundreds of travellers, especially in London, a city that hosts a wide chic selection of hotels and cafés offering this service. Top tip: Although most hotels in London offer the best afternoon tea in the country, as blogger Antonia Windsor details in this article on the Expedia blog, it’s important to remember that British people, especially Londoners, tend to save these posh sessions for a special occasion. If you ever visit the British capital and you fancy a real afternoon tea, book a table at Claridge´s Hotel (Brook St, Mayfair, London) Cost: £50.

 

Thailand: A popular tea around the world              

Thai tea is one of the most popular teas in the world and it has been attracting consumers over the years across different continents. It is made from strongly-brewed red tea that usually contains anise, red and yellow food colouring and sometimes other spices too. Visit The Museum Coffee & Tea Corner (1, Damnernkasem Road, Hua Hin) and enjoy amazing garden views whilst enjoying classical music.

 

USA: The tea explosion

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Tea is in the States one of the most popular non-alcoholic drinks in 2014.  It doesn’t matter if you fancy green, red or even oolong tea, as they are all included in North American people’s healthy diet so you won’ t have issues when it comes to finding them on the menu. Top tip: Remember that American coffee is still preferred for the morning ritual!

 

Image credit: Starbucks tea by Vivian Farinazzo via Flickr

 

Author Bio

Marta López is a travel writer based in London. She loves travelling and discovering new cultures. When she isn’t writing on her laptop she can be found around the city looking for the latest tea shops.

 

 

WIRELESS THEATRE COMPANY WIN SILVER OGLE AWARD FOR BEST FANTASY AUDIO PRODUCTION

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WIRELESS THEATRE COMPANY WINS THE SILVER OGLE AWARD FOR ‘BEST FANTASY AUDIO PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR’

The Wireless Theatre Company’s first-ever audio serial, ‘The Strange Case of Springheel’d
Jack’, is to receive the Silver Ogle Award for Best Fantasy Audio Production Of The Year, 2011.

Set in 1837, the first series in the on-going Springheel Saga follows the exploits of Jonah Smith, a
brilliant young police constable who finds himself investigating a series of mysterious attacks by a
devilish monster that stalks the streets of London. Having already been nominated for two Radio
Production Awards*, this fantasy serial has been a smash-hit with listeners all over the world
since it’s launch as a free download on the Wireless Theatre website last year.

“We’re thrilled and delighted. This news was the most awesome way to have started production on
our second Springheel’d Jack serial. This is for everyone involved, who all pushed themselves so
hard and made it something extra special. They’ve all been acknowledged in such wonderful style.
My thanks to the Mark Time judging panel,” said Jack Bowman (actor, co-writer, producer).
“It’s brilliant that Springheel’d Jack has been recognised. We’re so happy that all our hard work has
culminated in this award,” said Mariele Runacre Temple (producer).

“This project has been a labour of love for all of us, so it was a happy day and a great honour to
learn that The Strange Case of Springheel’d Jack is to receive this wonderful award. I’m extremely
proud to have worked on such a great project with so many extraordinary people, and it’s going to
be a hell of a lot of fun converging on CONvergence and waving the flag for the Wireless Theatre
Company,” said Robert Valentine (co-writer, producer, director).

The Strange Case of Springheel’d Jack was written by Robert Valentine and Gareth Parker**.

It stars Christopher Finney (Dead Ringers), Matthew Jure (the award-winning The Diary Of A
Madman), Jessica Dennis, David Benson (One Man, Two Guv’nors, The Scarifyers) and Julian
Glover (Games Of Thrones, Doctor Who, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Empire Strikes
Back), all leading a cast of over thirty actors.

Artwork is by Jamie Egerton. Casting was by Leoni Kibbey and Andrew Swann. Music was
composed and performed by Francesco Quadraroupolo.

It was edited and sound designed by Andrew Swann and produced by Jack Bowman, Mariele
Runacre Temple and Robert Valentine, and directed by Robert Valentine.

The Wireless Theatre Company has commissioned two further serials in The Springheel Saga;
The Legend of Springheel’d Jack, which has just concluded recording with it’s distinguished
guest star (see below), and The Secret of Springheel’d Jack, due to enter production in June.
All three episodes of The Strange Case Of Springheel’d Jack are available to download free via the
Wireless Theatre Company website, or on iTunes.

Listen to The Strange Case of Springheel’d Jack as a free download here:
Episode One: STREAM / DOWNLOAD
Or on the Wireless Theatre Company’s iTunes page
.
Robert Valentine and Jack Bowman will be flying to Minneapolis, MN, USA, to collect the
award at CONvergence on July 5th, 2012 on behalf of the entire production team.

*Mariele Runacre Temple, Robert Valentine and Jack Bowman; Radio Academy Radio Production Awards, 2011,
nominated for Best Drama Producers (The Strange Case Of Springheel’d Jack). Jack Bowman; Radio Academy
Radio Production Awards, 2011, nominated Best Radio Creative.
**Gareth Parker is the pen-name of Jack Bowman.

NICHOLAS PARSONS JOINS ‘THE LEGEND OF SPRINGHEEL’D JACK’

Photo (left to right): Silas Hawkins, Josephine Timmins, Robert Valentine, Adam Hall, Jack Bowman, Mariele Runacre, Julian Temple, Nicholas Parsons, Sue Casanove.

Hot on the heels of Stephen Fry joining the Wireless Theatre Company last week, comes the
exciting news that radio legend Nicholas Parsons, currently celebrating the 45th anniversary of
‘Just A Minute’, has been in the studio to take a major guest-role in the next installment of their ongoing Springheel Saga, as well as taking a cameo role in We Are The BBC.

“A legend for The Legend! I couldn’t have been more thrilled to welcome Nicholas Parson into the
Springheel family,” said Jack Bowman (co-writer, producer). “While he’s the colossal figure that
has driven Just A Minute to the top of it’s game for 45 years – and think about that, to be top of
your game for 45 years – it’s been a delight to see him return to his roots as a dramatic actor.
Years ago he broke my heart as the doomed Reverend Wainwright opposite Sylvester McCoy in
Doctor Who. And here he is, joining the cause – and just in time – as the world of the Springheel
Saga is about to get darker, and far more dangerous…”

“For The Legend of Springheel’d Jack we’re incredibly lucky to have the great Nicholas Parsons
guest-star as Cuthbert Leach, a Victorian stage magician with more to his magic act than meets
the eye. It’s not every day that you get to work with a national treasure, and his performance is
quite simply spellbinding,” said Robert Valentine (co-writer, producer, director).
The Legend of Springheel’d Jack takes place in London, 1845, and sees the return of
Christopher Finney as Jonah Smith, now promoted through the police ranks to Detective
Inspector. When 13-year-old Maria Davis is brutally murdered in Folly Ditch – supposedly killed by
Springheel Jack himself – Smith leaps headlong into action. However, while still as obsessed as
ever, he has his doubts as to the true identity of the attacker, observing grimly, “Jack’s never killed
before…”

What connects the murder of this young pick-pocket to a travelling theatre troupe? Why has
Charlotte Fitzrandolph, played by the returning Jessica Dennis, finally come back? And can it be
true – has the infamous, unstoppable terror of London returned, with murder on his mind?
The Legend of Springheel Jack also features another epic cast that includes Nicholas Parsons
(Just A Minute), John Holden-White, Andrew Shepherd (ASC Random, currently directing A
Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Chelsea Theatre), Neil McCormack (Taggart), Josephine
Timmins, respected stage actor Jeremy Stockwell, Ashley MacGuire (Harry Potter, Coronation
Street, Dead Boss), Philip Lawrence (Action Figure Theatre), and Silas Hawkins and many
others.

It was produced by Jack Bowman, Mariele Runacre Temple and Robert Valentine, and directed by
Robert Valentine. The Legend of Springheel’d Jack is written by Robert Valentine and Gareth
Parker.

The Legend Of Springheel’d Jack will begin release via the Wireless Theatre Company website and iTunes from early 2013.

Meanwhile, casting has now begun on the final instalment of The Springheel Saga – The Secret
Of Springheel’d Jack.

King of Cats – America | Music Review

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King of Cats is a boy called Max from Oxford but I’m afraid I don’t know about the name. I don’t like to ask. He sends me nice emails and is very polite but I do need to get one thing off my chest: I don’t much like cats. My sister has one that looks like it is going to defecate when you look at it. My parents have one called Pumpkin who drew blood from me the first day we met, and 19 years later she’s nothing if not Machiavellian. What I do like, though, is the King of Cats.

This album is what happens when a singer-songwriter from Oxford takes himself off to America to travel around on greyhound buses armed with only an acoustic guitar and a four track. I say only but I hoped he’d taken some clean pants and a toothbrush but Max hasn’t let on to me about that so we’ll have to assume.

America, the debut record by KoC, was committed to tape in some odd places whilst on his travels in the USA. Max recorded on a cherry picker in Seattle, in the mountains of Oregon and at a hardcore show in San Fransisco. Having sat in on more recording sessions than is enjoyable I wish more were conducted in such delightful surroundings. The results are really rather good.

Each song on the album is named after where it was recorded. My personal favourite is “Hooters Casino, Las Vegas, whilst Mike was showering” but other stand out titles include “Next to the train-tracks in Flagstaff, Arizona” and “on a plane, in the high desert and Seattle”. It’s a nice record.

The album begins with the aforementioned “One a plane . . . “which builds with each of the many plucking of guitar strings. It sounds like Super XX Man were they to have been from Middle England.

Each song captures not only the sound of Max’s guitars and vocals but also incidental sounds such as dogs barking and the sounds of people clapping and talking. At the end of “Golden Gate Park . . .” a couple can be heard arguing between themselves including the female, Suzie, uttering the cutting line of “I’m not trying to be mean but I just don’t give a shit.” She’s set her stall out clearly there and so I will do the same for you: this is a good record. If you like the idea of the folky acoustic sound of the Mouldy Peaches with the vocals of Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel then this is a record for you. Otherwise move along, because, like Suzie, you just won’t give a shit.

America is released on 19th May 2012 via http://kingofcats.bandcamp.com/album/america

 

MASTERS OF DIRT BRING THEIR WORLD CLASS FMX SHOW TO THE UK

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**FIRST TIME UK EVENT PREVIEW**

MASTERS OF DIRT BRING THEIR WORLD CLASS FMX SHOW TO THE UK

14th LONDON- WEMBLEY ARENA
16th MANCHESTER – MANCHESTER ARENA

TICKETS ON SALE NOW – £32.50

www.mastersofdirt.com
www.wembleyarena.co.uk // www.mcr-arena.com

Masters of Dirt have been setting the standard for world class FMX and bike stunt entertainment for the past 10 years performing across Europe. Hitting London and Manchester for the first time, The UK now has the chance to see the World’s top Freestyle Motocross, Quad, 50cc mini bike, mountain bike, bmx and even snowmobile riders perform their death defying whips, backflips and other jaw dropping tricks live and up-close at the action packed 2 1/2 hour fully seated indoor arena shows.

UK Champion Chris Birch and Aussie superstar Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams confirmed for Masters of Dirt UK Tour 2012.

We are delighted to confirm British FMX champion Chris Birch for the Masters of Dirt UK Tour hitting London 14th March and Manchester 16th March. Twenty Seven year old Birch competes on a world-class level bringing the most amazing whips and backflips this side of the Globe.

‘I can’t wait to ride MoD in my home country and you can guarantee I will bring some serious new tricks to the ramps in March’

25 year old Aussie Sensation Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams has also been added to the all star cast.

Bilko was the first ever athlete to land a cliffhanger backflip, as well as winning X Games Gold, Silver and Bronze and competing in X-Fighters, makes him one of the most exciting athletes to flip the Masters of Dirt ramps in March.

Sam Reynolds, 20yr old British Mountain Bike champion also adds to one of the most exciting line-ups MoD has seen for years. He said ‘I cannot wait to bring MoD to London and Manchester riding along side some of the best freestyle athletes across the globe’

Confirmed Rider List:
Edgar Torronteras (ESP)
Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams(AUS)
Derek Burlew (USA)
Alastair Sayer (SA)
Rob Adelberg (AUS)
Andreu Lacondeguy (ESP)
Chris Birch (UK)
Jostein Stenberg (NOR) (Snowmobile)
Jon Guetter (USA) (Quad)
Tomas Barta (CZ) (Minibike)
Sam Reynolds (UK) (Mountainbike)
Bienvenido Aguado (ESP) (Mountainbike)

Guided By Bob

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Robert Pollard is a musician from Ohio, USA who has been recording songs since the 80s.

His output is not easy to dissect as there are just too many albums to list here. I myself have well over 70 albums and there are probably a lot more. What I can tell you is that once you get into his grooves, the albums all make up one massive assault on the musical senses.

If you are a truly passionate music fan, you will get to the point of living inside each and every track this fella has put out – and still puts out at an alarming rate. His band, GBV (Guided By Voices) were truly the first band that recorded what is now called lo -fi music and reached a global scale, yet almost everything was recorded in his basement onto cassette tape.

I can’t recommend going to his site enough as it will show you more doors to open and it may even give you a few keys to fit them!

Truly inspiring.   http://robertpollard.net/index.htm  or   http://www.gbv.com/index1.html

Get addicted to Pretty Little Liars {TV}

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There’s a new TV show to get addicted to and it’s just started on VIVA! The nail-biting guilty pleasure of a drama that is Pretty Little Liars is about four teenagers with a BIG secret. When Queen Bee Alison disappears, her four friends believe their secrets are safe forever. It’s never that simple in the world of a teenage TV drama as they soon find out. A year later their lives are turned upside down when they start to receive threatening text messages and it seems somebody out there knows the truth…
Set one year after the disappearance of Alison, the manipulative and vindictive queen bee, the drama revolves around four 16-year-old girlfriends — Aria, Spencer, Hanna and Emily – who have lost touch since Alison went missing. Linked by their former bond and the terror the enigmatic text messages cause, the friends are suddenly reunited. Each of them has their own secrets, secrets they don’t want anyone to know…

Filled with mystery, scandal, intrigue and suspense, Pretty Little Liars stars Trojan Bellisario (Quantum Leap, JAG), Ashley Benson (Eastwick, Bring It On: In It to Win It), Lucy Hale (Privileged, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2), Shay Mitchell (Rookie Blue) and Sasha Pieterse (Without a Trace).

Like Desperate Housewives meets Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars is set to be the next big thing, tune into VIVA! Thursdays at 8pm