This week we are are going to look at the music today which is all so popular with the youngsters. Indie is an abbreviated term for Independent Music which describes a bands independence from a major record label. A band on this approach is known to make music for the music, not for the wealth, this is why smaller bands are becoming increasingly big with individuals, it helps with defining their individuality.

Within the UK there are many Indie bands present who are hugely famous for their great music. This week we are suggesting just a few!

What’s Your Genre? Indie Music Top Ten:

1. Editors – Munich
2. The Kooks – She Moves in her Own Way
3. The Dead 60′s – Riot Radio
4. The Wombats – Moving to New York
5. Bloc Party – She’s Hearing Voices
6. The Libertines – Can’t Stand Me Now
7. Dirty Pretty Things – Bang Bang You’re Dead
8. New Young Pony Club – Tight Fit
9. Razorlight – Before I Fall to Pieces
10. Arctic Monkeys – I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor

I’m not the biggest fan of Indie, but I do like a few songs named above. What do you reckon? Have a nice weekend!

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Well done Charlie! You were correct in identifying that Mickey’s first apperance was in Plane Crazy on May 15^th 1928! Steamboat Willie was his first apperance with synchronized sound on November 18^th 1928, I was hoping that wouldn’t catch anyone out!

Now for this week’s question:

New York City, The Big Apple, Gotham, The City That Never Sleeps, The City So Nice They Named it Twice! In being the most populous city in the United States of America, there are so many attractions to enjoy such as:

• The Statue of Liberty – which greeted millions of immigrants as they came in the 19th – 20th century.
• Wall Street – the main financial centre and home to the New York Stock Exchange.
• The City has some of the tallest buildings in the World including the Empire State building and ground zero, the former home of the Twin Towers.
• 5th Avenue – the shopping centre of New York and in 2008 was ranked as one of the most expensive streets in the World.

New York City is a city to see during the day, perhaps on a cycling tour, as well as during the night when everything lights up giving the city a beautiful glow. There are many TV series set in New York City such as The Cosby Show, All My Children, Gossip Girl, Sex and the City and Ugly Betty, however there is one TV series than ran for 10 Seasons, set in New York City (not filmed here though!), based on six characters lives and became one of the most popular sitcoms of all time. Can you tell me what it’s called?

Hint: See the picture!

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This week were are going to get on the dance floor with some funky Disco! The roots of Disco come from African American Psychedelic clubs which catered for them as well as other communities in New York City and Philadelphia in the late 60′s and early 70′s. It was a form of black commercial music, popular among gay men but soon caught on to white gay clubs in New York. It’s main influences are funk and soul music consisting of Strings, Horns, Electric Pianos and Electric Guitars which give it a beautiful lush background.

I am a huge fan of Disco, I love the feel good beat, the good vibes and the big smile it puts on my face. I have involuntary dance fever when listening to Disco, boppping my head if I am driving, or dancing around in my room. I thought this would be a great way to boost that Friday Feeling!

What’s Your Genre? Disco Music Top Ten:

1. Odyssey – Use it Up, Wear it Out
2. Sylvester – You Make Me Feel (might Real)
3. Amii Stewart – Knock on Wood
4. Earth, Wind & Fire – Boogie Wonderland
5. Donna Summer – Hot Stuff
6. Boney M – Daddy Cool
7. KC & The Sunshine Band – Get Down Tonight
8. Diana Ross – Chain Reaction
9. The Village People – Macho Man
10. The Jacksons – Blame it on the Boogie

Have we missed some brilliant Disco artist? Get your Disco Fever down onto the dance floor, enjoy the beats and vibes and have a great weekend!

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Well done Sven! You were in fact correct, it was The Beach Boys and the five songs were indeed “I Get Around”, “Surfin’ USA”, “Good Vibrations”, “Fun, Fun, Fun”, and “Wipe Out”!

Now to this week’s question: Orlando is the perfect place for a family holiday, Disneyland, Universal Studios as well as being able to drive through Florida to see many other cities. Walt Disney is one of the most famous motion picture producers this world has seen, co founding Walt Disney Productions with his brother. His most famous creation, Mickey Mouse, is, and always be the main symbol of Disney. What we want to know this week is, what was the name and date of the film of Mickey’s very first screen appearance?

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Do you love the thought of a new and exciting ‘Holiday ideas’ then tour Venezuela and find out what this amazing country has to offer.

Venezuela is a tropical country with a fascinating variety of landscapes, from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to a splendid Caribbean coastline. Discover the wildlife-rich savannahs where table-topped mountains or ‘tepuis’ rise vertically from the plains and then lead to numerous waterfalls. Among them, the famous Angel Falls which at 979 m, is the world’s highest waterfall.

People in Venezuela seem to live life to the full – from moving their hips to sexy salsa beats, attending vibrant festivals, watching soap operas and their favourite sport, baseball.

Best of Venezuela

• Canaima National Park – Sixth largest national park in the world in the Gran Sabana region with numerous waterfalls, lagoons and exotic creatures such such blue – cheeked parrots, king vultures and porcupines.
• Angel Falls – The highest waterfall in the world (979 m) surrounded by dense jungle, rivers and stunning mountains.
• Merida – Famous for the highest (4,765 m) and longest (12.5 km) cable car in the world.
• Medanos de Coro National Park – Huge sand dunes which can reach 40m in height.
• Los Llanos – Wildlife observation including anaconda, caiman and wildcat.
• Los Roques National Park –Over 365 islands home to coral reefs and marine world.
• Isla de Margarita – Famous for its beaches and atmosphere.

Have you been to Venezuela? Anything better than this? Let us know what you liked best!

Useful information when planning your holiday

• Visa is not required for British Citizens for a stay up to 90 days.
• Weather in Venezuela is good all year around. Temperatures are between 28-30 ºC. Dry season – November until May. Wet season is the best time to see waterfalls. Avoid August, December and Easter when places are packed with travellers from other countries within Latin America.
• Access to Angel Falls is by boat (May-January only) 70 kms downriver from Canaima lagoon in wooden dugouts with benches and outboard motor. Over flights of Angel Falls can also be arranged. There are no hotels, only camping or simple lodges.
• Flights from London Heathrow/Gatwick to Caracas via Europe (Frankfurt, Madrid, France or Lisbon) – with Luftansa, Iberia, Air France or TAP respectively. Regional departures also available upon request.

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According to Travel Weekly The Alps have seen heavy snowfall which predicts the start of a great ski season.

The Pistes have already opened up to the public in Austria as a metre of snowfall fell on the glacier and snowstorms have been reported in France, Italy and Switzerland.

The Managing Director of TUI, Matthew Prior has said “It was around this time last year that the snow started, and I think it is a very good omen. Since the middle of September we’ve seen quite a big upturn in bookings, with some very strong volumes.”

He has also said that consumers are likely to choose more package holidays over dynamic packages as earlier in the year we saw the pound drop against the Euro. Choosing a whole package rather than a do-it-yourself holiday will work out around 20% cheaper.

So get your ski boots on and get geared up for ski season! Auto Europe are offering great deals on car hire in France, Switzerland and Austria as well as USA to help your holiday run smoothly.

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This week were are going to look at Grunge Music. It emerged in the 1980′s as a sub genre of Alternative Rock in Seattle, Washington. It is mostly inspired by heavy metal, hardcore punk and indie rock and there are lots of distorted guitars and angst lyrics about social alienation, confinement and the huge desire for freedom. The name for Grunge music originally was a slang term used in 1965 to refer to words such as “dirty” or “ filthy”.

I listened to Grunge music growing up, I liked many bands and felt the songs related to how I was feeling sometimes. Today, it is just great music!

What’s Your Genre? Grunge Music Top Ten:

1. King Snake Roost – Cannon Fodder
2. The Scientists – We Had Love
3. The Nymphs – Sad and Damned
4. Beasts of Bourbon – I Don’t Care About Nothing Anymore
5. Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit
6. Pearl Jam – Deep
7. Temple of the Dog – Reach Down
8. Mudhoney – Pump it Up
9. Green River – Corner of my Eye
10. Alice in Chains – Man in the Box

So get your head banging going on your drive home and have a lovely weekend!

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As skiing season hits us and the Metro Ski and Snowboard Expo comes to the London Olympia, we thought we would see if we could find you some great skiing holiday ideas in the USA.

Skiing for Luxury: Killington is the largest Skiing Resort in Eastern USA and also is the one that is closest to the UK. There are six mountains that all connect with each other so are ideal for all levels. The night-life is also buzzing with a vast array of bars and restaurants for you to enjoy. If you are lucky, you may also be able to see live bands! You can get lessons on how to ski and snowboard and do everything at your own pace, great for a perfect holiday in the USA.

Skiing for Families: Mammoth Mountain is in California with beautiful settings of trees where most of the lodges are set. It’s full of many activities for all the family to do and there are lessons for the kids to learn skiing and snowboarding too! As well as a cinema and many restaurants catering for all it’s a great holiday to go to. If the kids get bored of the snow, you can always take them to Disneyland California!

Skiing for a Large Group: If you and your friends are planning a skiing trip, why not consider Vail in North America which stretches over seven miles east to west. It has everything a large group of friends will be looking for, skiing, snowboarding, 70 restaurants, shops, amazingly lively night-life and a great choice of bars! What more could you ask for? Perhaps 300 days of sunshine 346 inches of snow? It is one of the finest skiing resorts in the world and you are bound to have a good time with ice skating, ski biking and dog sledding.

There are so many skiing resorts out there, you need to find one that is suitable for your needs. Some offer equipment hire in the price, as well as all inclusive, ski passes and maybe a free lesson if you are lucky!

A little something to help you on your trip, download our Ski Holiday Check-list so you don’t forget anything! All you have to do is click the link, print and away you go!

Let us know about your Skiing Holidays and what you got up to!

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Well done Steph! The answer was infact Douro Valley!

We are Surfin’ the USA this month! I get around California in my hire car, it’s a great place to surf and pick up some good vibrations while enjoying drinks in the sunset. With the vast array of shops and one of the most popular beaches in California, Santa Monica Bay is where you can have lots of fun, fun, fun and learn to surf, but make sure you don’t get wiped out in those waves!

This week’s question is: In the paragraph above, there are some very popular songs from one of America’s Best Bands, I want to know who the band are and the list of songs I’ve named.

Hint: There are 5 songs!

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Is the latest headlines hitting our papers today. The Dailymail, The Times and The Telegraph are all covering the story that drivers should pay by the mile on some of the UK’s busiest roads depending on what time they drive to work. We could be paying as much as £1.50 a mile! In 2004 a similar scheme was announced by Alistair Darling but over 1.8million people signed a petition against this green tax.

The Committee on Climate Change have come up with some ideas on how to help the UK reduce their carbon emissions by 2 – 3% a year to meet the 2050 target.

On the Road: This road pricing tax has been proposed again by the committee saying that it should be an additional tax, with no reduction on fuel duty.

In case of you were wondering, we already pay 66% fuel duty and if this scheme goes ahead it will be far more, especially if they charge per mile.

Also, reducing the speed limit on motorways from 70mph to 60mph can save an additional 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 a year.

In the Home: People are going to have to do more to reduce their emissions in the home. Turning off appliances, insulating homes and fixing inefficient boilers by 2015.

In Power: New Wind Turbine Farms and 3 new Nuclear Power Stations will need to be built to provide clean energy.

The Chief of the Committee of Climate Change David Kennedy has said that the Government policy needs to start helping people change their lifestyles, which will include road pricing.

However Matthew Elliot, Chief Executive of TaxPayers Alliance has said “Motorists already cover the cost of their carbon dioxide emissions so the idea that they should be punished – especially in a time of recession – is just plain wrong.”

I completely agree with Matthew Elliot. Why is that motorists continue to be penalised? I do not use my car unless I have to like going to work. For people who live near a tube line and work in Central London, should have to take the tube. But for us who live far outside London, having to drive over 30miles to work everyday on a motorway and being charged for it? That is wrong.

Maybe the Government need to start looking at other ways to help save the planet, like a worldwide change. The UK is just one tiny country in a vast array of land. The US still drive 4×4′s, have cheap fuel with no look on changing their lifestyles! Considering you can fit many UK’s in the States, don’t you think they should be doing something?

How about Europe who’s fuel is far cheaper than ours, who don’t have such strict speed limits and cameras etc, what about these countries changing?

Do you not think it will lead to more illegal cars on the road? More uninsured drivers? Which already account for 5% of motorists according to the RAC.

Another interesting article I read today in The Telegraph says that Britain has the worst quality of life in Europe, I think I am starting to agree, people are trying to change their lifestyles but how can they when the quality of life is so poor? Let us know your thoughts on this.

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