Lord's Cricket Ground Tour, Mobile Wifi Rental, Regent's Canal Walk, South African Underground Wonderland

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From Laura Porter, your Guide to London Travel
The Lord Mayor's Show is this Saturday. If you're in London, enjoy the daytime parade and early evening fireworks. P.S. I've seen Santa! Harrods Christmas Grotto is open. I've been and here's my review...
P.P.S. Do scroll down as there are more interesting articles under 'Featured Articles'. Two royalty stories and Hollywood royalty...

Lord's Cricket Ground Tour Review
Even if you know nothing about cricket (like me), a tour of Lord's Cricket Ground is a fascinating day out. You'll find out more about the history of the club, the architecture and the nuances of the game, plus see areas generally not available to the public. Find out more...

Mobile Wifi Rental - Forget Data Roaming Charges
As international data roaming charges are so high it means most of us switch off data roaming while traveling but this takes away the convenience of our smartphones! This inspired me to try the Fonmigo mobile wifi with my iPhone to see if it could keep up with all the apps, maps, Facebook, Twitter, emails and internet searches that get me through the day. Find out more...

Regent's Canal Walk From Little Venice to Camden
Walking beside the Regent's Canal in London from Little Venice to Camden is a wonderful way to pass a few hours. The route passes beautiful houseboats at Little Venice, Nash Regency houses and London Zoo before reaching Camden Lock. Find out more...

Shaka Zulu - South African Underground Wonderland
Shaka Zulu is a huge underground South African restaurant in Camden Town that needs to be seen to be believed. There are hand-carved African carvings covering all walls and marble/stone tables. Everything in there was handmade so it's easy to see how £5.5 million was spent. Find out more...

Puerto Vallarta

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During the month of November, those spending their vacations in Mexico can enjoy different activities according to what they like the most. In this article we will include two options: the ninth edition of the Vallarta Golf Cup, for lovers of this sport, and the opening of the art season, for those who enjoy cultural activities.

A trip to Mexico, and to Puerto Vallarta in particular if you choose to travel this November, can include your participation in the 9th edition of the Vallarta Golf Cup, which will take place this coming Sunday, November 14th, 2010, in the golf course of Vista Vallarta. Practicing sports in Mexico is great, with a nice surrounding and pleasant environment.

If you prefer spending your trip to Mexico learning more about its culture, and if you like art, Puerto Vallarta can also be a good destination for your trip to Mexico in November. The art season was launched this October 27th and will go until May 25th. It is for this reason that 16 art galleries will expose the works of over 300 international artists. And if you are all about parties, the artistic event also includes, every Wednesday, a special 6-10pm session with free entrance and a complimentary welcome cocktail.

Sports, arts and parties, have you already started planning your next trip to México?

the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro

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Carnival is arriving and the city of Rio de Janeiro starts getting ready to host the greatest party in Brazil. If you would like to see the Sapucaí parades from a box – or “camarote”, as it’s called in Portuguese-, you should take action as soon as possible, as tickets started selling this Wednesday, November 10th,  from RS 18.500 – about 11.000 USD-.

Starting December 2nd, the “frisas” –lower boxes, almost at the same high as the stalls, will start to be sold. The stands –“arquibancadas”- will only start selling the first half of January, and admissions for popular stands will be sold from the second half of February.

To reserve a box –or next month also a “frisa”-, you need to fax your request to the number 2122-8080. All requests will be processed in chronological order, so the earlier the better if you want to book an area in the Parades’ Avenue.

The best time to take a trip to Rio de Janeiro is around carnival, so that you can enjoy the city at its best. If you want a real Carioca experience, arrive to Rio towards the end of carnival days, and stay for a few days after it ends, in order to suck up the atmosphere of the city once those doing tourism in Rio de Janeiro just for the carnival are gone.

For further travel tips of other tourist destinations, check our Travel Blog.

Five college football games to watch

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Another busy week in college football. Here are five games to keep an eye on during Week 11 action.

Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore will lead the Broncos 

against in-state rivals Idaho Thursday. (Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE)

No. 4 Boise State at Idaho
When: Thursday
Where: Kibbie Dome, Moscow, Idaho
Time: 9 p.m.
TV: ESPN2/ESPN 3D
Buzz: With forty years of in-state rivalry between these two schools, it’s not hard to figure out there is no love lost between these two schools. The Broncos have claimed 11 straight victories in the series including the last six matchups in Moscow with the winner claiming the Governor’s Cup. Boise State has won 22-straight games, the longest winning streak in the nation. Keep an eye on QB Kellen Moore. The redshirt junior has already claimed three school records and is making a case for the Heisman Trophy.

Georgia at No. 2 Auburn
When: Saturday
Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama
Time: 3:30 p.m.
TV: CBS
Buzz: If you are looking for the definition of a trap game, this one would be it. Undefeated and ranked No. 2 in the BCS, Auburn could be looking past the struggling Bulldogs to their big Iron Bowl showdown with Alabama on November 26. Top it off with rumors and innuendos surrounding Heisman Trophy quarterback Cam Newton and his eligibility, and you can see where Auburn is ripe for a loss. Georgia has the No. 2 rushing defense in the SEC (106.4 yards per game) and will need to slow down the league’s No. 1 rushing offense (307.2 ypg) led by Newton (114.6 ypg).

No. 20 Virginia Tech at North Carolina
When: Saturday
Where: Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Time: 3:30 p.m.
TV: ABC
Buzz: It’s pretty simple for Frank Beamer and Virginia Tech. Beat the Tar Heels on Saturday and hope for a Miami loss to Georgia Tech to clinch your fourth ACC Coastal title in six years. A loss by the Hokies gives Miami and North Carolina a sliver of hope for a division title. This one features a matchup of two of the best quarterbacks in the ACC. Tyrod Taylor (258.1 ypg) and T.J. Yates (254.4 ypg) rank No. 2 and No. 3 respectively in total offense.

No. 23 South Carolina at No. 22 Florida
When: Saturday
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida
Time: 7:15 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Buzz: South Carolina travels to Gainesville and a date with Florida with the Eastern Division on the line. The winner gets a trip to Atlanta for the Dec. 4 SEC Championship Game. For the Gamecocks, a trip to the title game would be the first in school history. Florida knows what they need to do to get back to Atlanta. The defense must stop Marcus Lattimore and find away to run the ball against the conference’s No. 1 rushing defense.

No. 1 Oregon at California
When: Saturday
Where: Memorial Stadium, Berkley, California
Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV: Versus
Buzz: On paper, this one doesn’t even seem to be close. Cal has owned the Ducks, winning four of the past six meetings including three straight in Berkley. But games aren’t played on paper. Oregon leads the nation in scoring offense (54.7) and total offense (567.2 ypg) and with Heisman Trophy candidate running back LaMichael James, the Ducks don’t look like they will slow down any time soon. James is 15 rushing yards away from passing Jonathan Stewart for second all-time in Oregon history.

Watch Oregon-Cal game

"K2T Wisata"

Yesterday we mentioned that the VERSUS network will produce and broadcast Saturday’s match-up between No. 1 Oregon and Cal in 3D.

Bright House Networks will show the game at a special “sports bar” viewing tent at the Orlando Food & Wine Fest at Lake Eola on Saturday.

There will be no charge and the 3D glasses will be provided for viewers.

If you can’t make the Orlando Food & Wine Fest, tune into Bright House channel 1770 for the 3D version. Of course, you need a 3D-capable television set.

Fans participating at the Orlando Food & Wine Festival at Lake Eola can
watch the No. Oregon Ducks take on Cal in their special 3D "sports bar"
Saturday. (Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE)

Montana to stay in Football

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The University of Montana has decided to stay in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Montana President Royce Engstrom announced the decision Thursday stating that the Grizzlies would stay in the Big Sky Conference as well.

“It was a complex issue with many pros and cons,” said Engstrom in a press conference. “In the end, the better course is to stay with the conference we helped establish in 1963 and to continue building on its solid foundation.”

School officials had been considering a move up to the Football Bowl Subdivision and joining the Western Athletic Conference.

Engstrom stated the three keys to his decision for the school to stay put were the fact he wanted to maintain the cross-state football rivalry with Montana State, he wanted Montana to compete against institutions with similar academic missions and he wanted to maintain the prestige and integrity the program.

“At this time, FCS football presents the best overall fit for the University, it provides our student-athletes and fans with a great experience, and it is consistent with the strategic direction of the University,” Engstrom said.

The Grizzlies have won two national titles (1995 and 2001) and have played in another six national championship games.

Photos of Yankee Stadium as a football field

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Next week, Yankee Stadium will play host to the Army-Notre Dame game.

It will be the 50th meeting between these two schools and the first at the new home of the New York Yankees. For 22 seasons – from 1924-46 – these two teams played at the old Yankee Stadium.

The New York Yankees tweeted this photo of the stadium being prepared for next week’s game. Pretty impressive.

The New York Yankees tweeted this photo of Yankee Stadium being converted for next Saturday's Army-Navy college football game.

A goal post went up today for Army/Notre Dame on 11/20 and the New Era Pinstripe Bowl on 12/30 at Yankee Stadium.

LaMichael James grace Sports Illustrated cover

"K2T Wisata"

Oregon, Auburn, and TCU lead the charge in the Bowl Championship Series Standings thanks in part to LaMichael James, Cam Newton, and Andy Dalton. All three are featured on the cover of this week’s Sports Illustrated.

Sports Illustrated cover for Nov. 15th issue.

The cover story, written by Austin Murphy and Dan Wetzel, is titled “What a concept playoff: How (and why) the BCS is blocking what college football needs.”

At least the cover story focuses on something positive for Newton and not focusing on his off-the-field allegations.

Cam Newton’s dad asked for money (AUDIO)

"K2T Wisata"

Former Mississippi State football player Kenny Rogers appeared on KESN-FM in Dallas today and dropped the bombshell that Cam Newton’s father, Cecil Newton, asked for money to recruit his son to play at Mississippi State.

Before Thursday, Rogers has reportedly alleged that he solicited money on behalf of the Newton’s to play for the Bulldogs and Dan Mullen. But we can now take off the reportedly with his statements on the radio station via Sports By Brooks.

KESN-FM host Ian Fitzsimmons was interviewing Rogers and asked the question everyone was wondering.

“Did he (Cecil Newton) tell you flat out, ‘this is what it’s going to take for any school to get my son to sign a letter of intent and go play for them?‘”

Rogers: “Yes he did.”

Fitzsimmons: “How much was it?”

Rogers: “Anywhere between a hundred and a hundred and eighty thousand.”

A List of Books on Italian Design Chosen

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If Italian design fascinates, intrigues or even inspires you, then you might like to extend your Italian design library.  The trouble is the choice of books is vast.

Well, Paolo Feroleto who writes about Italian design for BlogfromItaly.com has come up with a list of ten books on Italian design which are well worth investing in.

As we all know, Christmas is just around the corner, so Paolo’s list may just give you some Christmas gift inspiration too. Alternatively, why not just treat yourself?

Here is his list of ten books on Italian design every Italian design enthusiast should take a look at.

Italian design

1. Short N Strong: Taste the Real Italian Corporate Identity

2. 100 Objects of Italian Design

3. Italian Interior Design

4. Stile Italiano: Twenty Years of Graphic Design in Italian Fashion

5. Italian Design (MoMa Design)

6. Fifty Chairs That Changed the World

7. Vespa: An Illustrated History

8. Milan (Cool Shops)

9. Travel Italia!: The Golden Age of Italian Travel Posters

10. Italian Auto Legends: Classics of Style and Design

Of course after having read these books, you might feel the urge to come to Italy. Sorry about that. Not!

Paolo Feroleto runs design company Four Design in the UK.

HP Board Result

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Plus Two, Plus One, Middle Supplementary Examination 2010 RESULTS NOW AVAILABLE.

The himachal pradesh hp Board of school education has announced the results of class Plus Two, Plus One, Middle Supplementary. The results can be checked at http://results.himachaleducation.net/,

TAKE AWAY RESULT ON SMS :
SMS – RESULTHP12ROLLNO to 56263
PASS PERCENTAGE – MIDDLEPLUS ONE

the reults can also be checked on your mobile, follow the procedure below

for Matric Class 10 Supp Exam.

SMS – ResultHP10ROLLNO to 56263

for Plus One (Class 11) Supplementary Examination
SMS – ResultHP11ROLLNO to 56263

for Plus Two (Class 12) Supplementary Examination
SMS – ResultHP12ROLLNO to 56263

HP Board supplementary results 2010

"K2T Wisata"

The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Educations (HPBSE) has announced the supplementary results for the year 2010. The results of Plus Two, Plus One and Middle Supplementary have been declared. The results are there on the official website of the board and are available for download.

The link for the official website has been provided below and the students who are awaiting their supplementary results should click on the given link.

http://results.himachaleducation.net/

The students can also ask for their results through SMS, for that they have to type RESULT HP12ROLLNO to 56263.

The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education was established in the year 1969. Initially the headquarters of the HP education board were located at the capital city of the state, Shimla but later on shifted to Dharamshala, Kangra district.

The Himachal Pradesh Education Board is responsible for building syllabus for the schools, prescribing textbooks and conducting examinations.

Chinese Labor Unions Take on Kodak

"K2T Wisata"

The All China Federation of Trade Unions successfully organized a bus load of new union branches after having successfully done so against Wal-Mart, Inc. outlets in July.

Next on the ACFTU list is Eastman Kodak Co. and Dell, Inc.

ACFTU targets major foreign companies, especially those thought to be anti-union, says Guo Wencai, the director of ACFTU’s grassroots organizing.

Eastman Kodak Co. and Dell, Inc. are considered to be anti-union. Well, so would any other company for that matter. Is there a company that is pro-union?

The Chinese government permits the ACFTU to operate whereas the government usually does not allow independent labor organizations.

Wal-Mart Inc. took a beating. Is there any hope that the likes of Dell or Kodak could fair any better?

I hate unions in the US. I am sure I will hate them in China, too.

What do you think?

go to 老毕看中国

Aman Kachroo ragging case solved

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Aman Kachroo case solved. All the four students accused of ragging and torturing him to death have been found guilty.

The accused, all medical students have been found guilty under section 304 II, 452 and 34 of IPC. Section 304 is culpable homicide not amounting to murder, sec 452 is house trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint and sec 34 is common intention.

Kachroo was a medical student studying at Rajendra Prasad Medical College and Hospital, Tanda who was terrifically ragged by his seniors Ajay Verma, Naveen Verma, Abhinav Verma and Mukul Sharma.

The ragging included brutal beating by the four accused because of which the victim succumbed to his injuries on March 8, 2009.

The accused were convicted by the additional district and sessions judge Purinder Vaidya. After the judge hears the arguments on the case, he will pronounce the quantum of sentence today that is Thursday, November 11, 2010.

Chhath Puja 2010

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Chhath Puja is a very old Hindu (Indian) festival that is dedicated to ‘Surya’ (Sun is considered as God in Hindu mythology). This puja (worship) is also known as ‘Surya Shashti’. Chhath Puja has begun from yesterday that is Wednesday, November 10, 2010.

The Hindu mythology also states that by worshipping Sun, diseases like leprosy and many other are cured. Chhath Puja is also performed to ensure the longetivity of the family members and all the near and dear ones.

The festival of Chhath Puja is observed for four days and the rituals performed during this puja are indeed very rigorous. It includes severe fasting, keeping oneself aloof from drinking water and distributing ‘Prashad’ to the sun, in the morning as well as evening and standing in water for a long time.

Chhath Puja is mainly performed in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. But other regions too observe this festival. Even the Terai regions of Nepal celebrate this festival.

Greg Chappell in favour of spinner for Gabba

"K2T Wisata"

Australian selector Greg Chappell has said that he will want Australia to go into the first Test match at Gabba in Brisbane with one specialist spinner. Australia play England in the first Ashes Test match from November 25.

Chappell said that the track may assist seam bowlers but it is difficult to get the balance required if the side had four pace bowlers and no spinners on any track. England had won the previous Ashes in the final Test match of the series after the Aussies had gone in with an all-pace attack on a track that spun very early in the game.

Chappell said that it was only the West Indian side on the 1980s that could go in with an all-pace attack – it was difficult to imagine the Aussies play without a spinner at Gabba.

Nathan Hauritz has been going through some rough form and his tour of India was abysmal. Yet, it looks like he will take the appointed place in the side.

Zulqarnain Haider makes public appearance

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Pakistan wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider made a public appearance in UK and called for a press conference on Thursday. He said that he had fled away from Dubai where the side was playing South Africa after he was forced to accept money to fix matches.

Haider said that the ICC should tap the telephones of players to understand the kind of deals that keep happening in the ugly world of match fixing and betting in cricket. Haider also said that he was willing to talk to the ICC’s ACSU and give out any information that they wanted from him.

Haider did not name any cricketer but said that there were many players who were involved in the issue.

Haider had disappeared before the start of the fifth and the final ODI of the series against South Africa in Dubai.

Pakistan vs South Africa PAk vs SA 1st Test Dubai Live cricket score

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Pak vs SA 1st test Dubai

Watch Live cricket score, streaming and Highlights videos of the 1st Test between South Africa vs Pakistan which will be played in Dubai on 12th November 2010.

The Focus now shifts to the test series after South africa won the 5 ODI series by 3-2 margin.

Misbah-ul-Haq, in his new role as captain, leads a talented, yet highly inexperienced side in the two Test series against an in-form South Africa.

Zulqarnain Haider’s exit from the squad is  another addition to the long list of issues that have plagued Pakistan for a while now.

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium hosted the last three games of the one-day series, with the same strip used for every match. Howwever a fresh pitch will used for this Test.

Live score and Live Streaming

Pakistan (possible): 1 Taufeeq Umar, 2 Mohammad Hafeez, 3 Younis Khan, 4 Mohammad Yousuf, 5 Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), 6 Umar Akmal, 7 Adnan Akmal (wk), 8 Abdur Rehman, 9 Wahab Riaz, 10 Mohammad Sami, 11 Saeed Ajmal

The teams are as follows

South Africa (possible): 1 Graeme Smith (capt), 2 Alviro Petersen, 3 Jacques Kallis, 4 Hashim Amla, 5 AB de Villiers, 6 Ashwell Prince, 7 Mark Boucher (wk), 8 Johan Botha, 9 Paul Harris, 10 Dale Steyn, 11 Morne Morkel

Venice explored through great prose

"K2T Wisata"

By Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries—

Last week saw the publication of the sixth title in Oxygen Books’ innovative city-lit/city-pick series, with Venice joining a line-up that already includes Berlin, Dublin, London, Paris and Amsterdam. The idea is simple but inspirational. Oxygen’s editors gather together the very best prose to evoke the spirit of a European city.

Traveling in company

So in the latest volume, readers get the chance to arrive by sea in Venice with Jan Morris, take a gondola ride on a sultry summer day with Thomas Mann and be escorted over the Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs) with Casanova.

In Berlin we go to the cabaret with Joseph Roth and Christopher Isherwood (though not together), join Len Deighton and John le Carré on the trail of spies and even–just to prove perhaps that there is yet life in the traditional guidebook–join Karl Baedeker for some illuminating instruction on the efficiency of the Berlin sewage system.

Multiple perspectives

Oxygen Books have a knack of producing a heady mixture of old and new, interspersing excerpts from literary classics with snippets from the best of today’s bloggers. These are not just books to dip into between take off and the in-flight drinks, but really warrant a cover-to-cover read.

The joy is in securing a plurality of perspectives on the same topic. The extracts from Smollett and Camus in Oxygen’s book on Amsterdam told us more about the Dutch city than we could ever glean from a regular guidebook, or, for that matter, from a thousand tweets or a gigabyte of data from Google Goggles.

Ten bucks for great prose

These books are easy-to-carry pocket book size and, at about 250 pages each, easy to stash away in your hand baggage. The perfect travel read, we would suggest.

The days of the guidebook may be numbered, as travelers turn to online sources and mobile apps to get up-to-the-minute info on destinations. But good prose still has its place, and we think these anthologies of good writing from Oxygen Books will hit the mark for travelers wanting to catch a flavour of a city. Each book sells in the US for just about $10.

5 lookout points offering a drink with a view

"K2T Wisata"

By Guilhem Fauquier in Lisbon—

The Portuguese often refer to Lisbon as the cidade das sete colinas, or “city of the seven hills.” They’re not kidding. Although walking the hilly terrain will be a workout, the seven hills do offer outstanding views that the locals enjoy every day.

Most of these vistas offer dramatic, sweeping views from at least one major terrace. Most also have some sort of cafe or bar, where you can take a seat, take in the view, and enjoy some drinks and food. These wonderful spots are called miradouros in Portuguese, or “lookout places.”

You’ll see miradouros identified on tourist maps in Lisbon. But which ones are worth the climb? Here are my five favorite lookout points in Lisbon:

Miradouro da Graça

Miradouro da Graça
Location: Next to Graça church, in the Graça neighborhood
Hours: Open days and nights, drinks and snacks served from late morning to sunset

The Graça miradouro is one of the highest in town, offering an amazing view of the city from the east. From here, one can see the 25th of April Bridge, the “Cristo Rei,” the castle, and also look out over Lisbon’s downtown, known as “Baxia chado.” The snack bar is open until after sunset and serves a variety of drinks and things to eat.

Visiting this miradouro is convenient if you’re already planning to check out the Alfama and Graça neighborhoods. If you’re taking the famous tramway 28 (locally called “Electrico 28″), get off at the “Graça” stop, and you’ll be close to the “Igreja da Graça” (Graça Church). The miradouro is right next to the church.

São Pedro de Alcântara

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
Location: Between Bairro Alto and Chiado, above the Chiado train station
Hours: Open days and nights, drinks and snacks only from late morning to sunset

On your way to party in the Bairro Alto, stop by the miradouro of São Pedro de Alcântara. Very popular with both international and Portuguese students, it’s the perfect setting for a drink before or after touring the bars of Bairro Alto. It is probably the largest miradouro in Lisbon, offering both an upper and a lower terrace. On either one you can buy drinks or snacks from a kiosk and sit at one of the outside tables.

However, the tradition here is to head into one of the adjacent streets and pick up a “litrosas” (liter) of your favorite beer (Sagres or Superbock, depending on what Portuguese soccer club you support). Late at night, after all the bars have closed, this is generally where the party continues on. (Tip: You’ll own the scene if you manage to bring a few “litros” and can play the guitar!)

Miradouro da Santa Catarina

Miradouro da Santa Catarina
Location: Between Bairro Alto and Bica
Hours: Open days and nights, drinks and snacks only from late morning to sunset

When it comes to having a nice sunset view and a great atmosphere, there is almost nothing better than the Miradouro da Santa Catarina. Portuguese artists and expats come here to sit in the grass, on the benches or on the terrace for sunset.

As with other miradouros, you’re able to order drinks and snacks. However, when taking in the view at Santa Catarina, you must try their tap sangria. Sweet, sparkling and fresh, it might just make your day, as it has for so many (and it’s cheap–only €1 a glass!). You might also want to try the “tosta mixta,” a sandwich made of two big slices of toasted Portuguese bread, ham and melted cheese.

Castelo Sao Jorge
Location: Alfama district
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from March to October, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November to February

This unofficial miradouro is in the castle that dominates the city. In general, guidebooks classify the Castelo Sao Jorge in the “things to visit” category, and don’t list it for its vista. These days, however, apart from the walls and gardens, the only thing to see is the view.

The view from the top of the walls, the garden or from one of the bordering terrace is one of the best in the city. Since you’re probably already planning to visit the castle, why not go there at sunset and bring along a bottle of Portuguese wine? Of course, the entrance of the castle will cost you €5, but you were probably going to pay that anyway… (Just make sure you don’t forget your bottle opener!)

Clube Ferroviaro

Clube ferroviaro
Location: Behind Santa Apolonia train station
Hours: Evenings only, Wednesday to Sunday

The “railroad club” is a newly renovated space that offers two rooms for concerts, and a gigantic roof terrace equipped, quite appropriately, with train seats. It’s also located close to the Tejo river, which offers an outstanding view from the roof terrace.

It is not the cheapest place (€2 a beer, kind of pricey for Lisbon), but if you go there in the evening, you might be able to enjoy, along with the view, a free electro or funk concert. Tapas and light meals are also served.

Wang Dalei

"K2T Wisata"

If you’re looking for a hero who hasn’t been shackled by the tragic bout of boring political correctness from which most footballers currently suffer, Wang Dalei is your man.

And really, though we joke, every little guilty pleasure in football – the fights, the bribes, player candor, etc. – seems to be emanating from China. There might be something to this growing domestic superpower afterall.

Wang’s candor has erupted into a small scandal, and it all stems from their 3-0 loss to Japan in the Asian Games on the weekend, particularly the second goal, which can be seen here.

I mean, it’s not a good punch, that much is clear, but it’s certainly not the worst we’ve seen, not least with a current rash of inexplicable howlers sweeping the globe. (Honestly, who released the airborne pathogen which prevents goalkeepers from checking their surroundings?)

Getting a verbal lashing from China’s 1 billion football critics, Wang responded in kind:

A national TV commentator compared Wang to “volleyballer”, saying his save was amateur.
Wang reacted by filling his microblog on a popular Internet portal with angry outbursts, calling Chinese soccer fans “morons” and reporters “haters of Chinese soccer”.
“I heard that there are 7,000 professional soccer reporters (in China) and I guess 4,000 of them must hate soccer,” Wang wrote. “Is that really necessary?
“I’m not a ‘Spiderman’. I punched the ball out, but you guys still laugh at me. I was beaten on the pitch and verbally abused off. Don’t say you know how to play soccer. Because you know nothing about it.
“Go home and first count how many pieces of leather a football has. ‘Hit a person when he is down’, that’s what you bastards are doing. That’s why Chinese soccer is a mess.”

He then confirmed his rant with his best rapper impression:

“I didn’t use dirty words. If you think I did, that’s your problem,” said Wang after Tuesday’s training for next match against Kyrgyzstan.

Wang then used dirty words to push across the point that he didn’t use dirty words.

“I don’t give a shit to what other people would say. That’s who I am,” he added.

Clearly we all need more Wang Dalei in our lives.

And it sounds like we may get it, considering he’s been on trial with Man City, Inter and PSV. The day shall come.

Muslims Who Breastfeed Save Planet Earth

"K2T Wisata"

New parents and nursing Muslim women will be pleased to know the Islamic perspective on nursing is pro-breastfeeding. And it doesn’t cost the Earth.

At Islam’s core of a stable society is a functioning family where, interestingly, the mother has a higher status than the father. And for a family unit to be healthy, mothers are given the greatest responsibility for nurturing the next generation. Breastfeeding is a greener, more eco-friendly and wholesome feeding method for mother, baby and environment.

Islam encourages mothers to breastfeed their new babies as it develops a better maternal bond, so much so that prophetic teachings (hadith) state that each gulp of milk the baby takes counts as an act of charity and reward for nursing mothers.

It is difficult though, for newly mothers to leap into feeding with ease when Muslim cultural values or even the woman’s own self-evaluation, puts the whole process to question. … [visit site to read more]

Israel-France Renewable Energy Conference Taking Place

"K2T Wisata"

Thinking heads from two countries are better than from one.  French and Israeli scientists meet to discuss renewable energy.

A two-day Energies Renouvelables Colloque franco-israelien (or Israel-France Renewable Energy Conference) has been taking place this week in Tel Aviv, in order to bring scientists and developers from both nations together.  Spread over November 10th and 11th, the participants at the conference have been discussing issues pertinent to the future of renewable energy, such as biofuels, photovoltaics, energy storage, and concentrated solar power.

The event was attended largely by academics, with nearly every educational institution in Israel represented.  The various panels were chaired by professors from the Ben Gurion University of the Negev, the Institute of Technology in Haifa, Tel Aviv University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Technion, and the Volcani Center. … [visit site to read more]

Qatar and Russia Nuclear Co-op

"K2T Wisata"

Qatar and Russian sign co-op deal on nuclear energy, but with a Qatari alliance with Iran, this could spell trouble for nuclear sanctions.

Nuclear energy is definitely not the cleanest alternative to fossil fuels; and it is certainly a lot more dangerous to deal with. But introducing more nuclear power plants into a Middle East lying under the threat of a nuclear armed Iran on the eastern side of Persian Gulf and just a short distance away, could herald the beginning of nuclear proliferation in this part of the world. And this is despite safeguards to prevent this from occurring; even for peaceful purposes like powering desalination plants.

A new agreement between Qatar and Russia, reported in the Russian news site, The Voice of Russia, will allow the two nations to interact in fundamental and applied research, R&D, the construction and operation of nuclear energy production and research reactors, radioisotope production and their use in industries, medicine and agriculture. This is not the first time that Russia has entered into cooperation agreements with Middle Eastern countries. Over a year ago, we wrote about Jordan’s plans to build a nuclear power plant, with Russia’s assistance. But with Qatar linked to Iran in nuclear, this new alliance could be dangerous.

… [visit site to read more]

Israel Aerospace Industries

"K2T Wisata"

This statue by the United Nations HQ in New York City expresses the biblical vision of “beating swords into plowshares.” An Israeli industrial powerhouse is also seeking to transition from military to civilian applications.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel’s largest industrial exporter, whose current product mix is 70% military and 30% civilian, is seeking to enter the clean energy market, IAI’s chairman Yair Shamir told the Globes business newspaper.

In an interview published last week under a catchy title (“IAI wants to sell plowshares”) Shamir defended the company’s military sales to Turkey and Russia, but expressed hope that in these and other markets: “IAI will get into new civilian areas, and then the sky is the limit. Then there will be no more political restrictions.”

… [visit site to read more]

Solar-Powered Arab Superman Travels 130km

"K2T Wisata"

Sponsored by Masdar, Mr. Taleb defies limitations and inspires greener thinking on his 130km wheelchair journey.

Christopher Reeve – most famous for his role as Superman – fell off a horse and became a paraplegic. No longer the studly object of fan’s attention, he could easily have disappeared into obscurity, but instead demonstrated real superhuman powers by facing his limitations with extraordinary courage. He and his wife then created an organization that supports others bound to wheelchairs. Earlier this year, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation set a record with 193 men and women rolling together in one long wheeled line.

But today, Mr. Haidar Taleb will set a new record by traveling 130 continuous kilometers – from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates – not in a solar-powered car, but in a wheelchair. … [visit site to read more]

Olga de Amaral Sculptures

"K2T Wisata"

My friend Lynn, of Lunch with Lynn fame, told me about a most fabulous exhibition at an Art Deco gallery next door to her on the Ile St. Louis. She was right on the money: the Olga de Amaral exhibit at Galerie Jean Jacques Dutko is exquisite. They are hanging sculptures made of threads of hand cut and dyed linen. I especially love the shimmery metallic ones. They change texture and color if you look at them from different angles.

Olga de Amaral, born in Bogota, Columbia, has had worldwide exhibitions, and her works are included in collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and Chicago's Art Institute, Art Museum of the Americas and National Museum of American Art, in Washington DC, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Museo de Arte Moderno in Bogota, National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto, Musée Bellerive in Zurich, and Museo del Instituto de Arte Contemporaneo, in Lima.

The gallery also specializes in Art Deco furniture and I have photographed a few of the pieces including a stunning sleigh bed.

Don't miss this show if you are in town.

Olga de Amaral
Till November 20
Galerie Jean-Jacques Dutko
4 rue de Bretonvilliers, Ile St. Louis, 4th arr.
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 2:30PM-7PM
Tel. 01 43 26 17 77
www.dutko.com 

 

 

Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale

I am happy to announce the sale of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos.  I am offering 17 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my courtyards, doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great holiday gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.

Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.

 

New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotteís professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.

Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.

Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.

I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.

Tours cost 195 euros for up to 3 people, and 65 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com