Posted by seetaludeshi | Under Friday Drivetime
It’s only 4 weeks until Christmas! Have you started your shopping yet? Are you going away? This week on Friday Drivetime we realise that this can be a stressful time for some people, panicking to get their presents on time, trying to find a bargain, so I thought I would get everyone to mellow out with some Reggae. One of the most well known Reggae artists is non other than Bob Marley. Born on February 6th 1945, he was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. Sadly, Marley was diagnosed with cancer and died May 11th in 1981. His music still touches people all over the world and with his music, he has made Reggae a well known genre in itself.
The Best Of…Bob Marley:
- Buffalo Soldier
- I Shot the Sheriff
- No Woman, No Cry
- Could you be Loved
- Jamming
- One Love
- Stir it Up
- Iron Lion Zion
- Exodus
- Three Little Birds
I absolutely love Bob Marley. His music has so much meaning to it and is so mellow. So don’t get stressed this Christmas! Take some time to relax and enjoy his music. What are your favourite Bob Marley songs? Have a nice weekend!
Posted by seetaludeshi | Under Motoring and Travel News
According to The Telegraph this is three times the amount collected by speed cameras and the councils are now being accused of using parking fines as a cash cow.
265 councils have the power to control parking their boroughs and keep the fines. The government guidance has said they should not be using these powers to rake in the cash, but research suggests otherwise. Even though this amount has fallen by 16% compared to the year before (2007) large sums of money have still been taken.
Peter Roberts, chief executive of the Drivers’ Alliance has said “Parking enforcement has become a massive money making industry and we are seeing unscrupulous and target driven enforcement of parking laws where the penalties far outweigh the offence. This report shows that some local authorities are treating drivers unfairly and cashing in on parking fines.”
Jennifer Dunn, Policy Analyst with the Drivers’ Alliance and the Taxpayers’ Alliance, added: “For many councils parking fines have become a lucrative source of income. But while revenues are being made at the cost of the motorist, taxpayers haven’t seen their council tax fall, or their local services improve. Motorists are being treated like cash cows, but the only people that appear to be benefiting are wardens and their bosses.”
What a surprise. When I park locally near a tube station or near controlled areas, parking signs are never clear so it can cause confusion for drivers parking there. Lucky enough I try to find a warden to ask so I know for next time.
I agree that parking conditions should be in place to ease congestion, but I also think signs need to be made very clear to what times you can and can’t park, whether it is permit holders only 24/7, loading bay only 24/7or whether it is no parking at any time, then I think people will be more careful where they park.
I feel sorry for motorists, with rising fuel prices, potential mileage taxes, speed cameras and parking fines, it’s a wonder how we all cope. I’d be interested to see no one drive for a month or a year and see how the councils and government cope then. Where do you reckon the money would come from?
Posted by mariamarquez | Under Holiday Inspiration
Winter is on the way and many of us will already be thinking of our next holiday abroad. But why wait until summer? If you are looking to escape the winter blues and want to find an exotic place the Galapagos islands might be the answer.
The Galapagos islands are one of the great natural wonders in the world. They are located in the Pacific Ocean formed by 13 volcanic islands (and more than 40 smaller islands). The oldest of the islands are about 4 million years old and the youngest are still in the process of being shaped. Its surrrounding marine reserve has been called a unique “ living museum and showcase of evolution”. There is unusual animal life such as the land iguana, the giant tortoise and many types of finches. If you love water activities, then sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving here are superb. Land lovers, can also enjoy extraordinary best bird watching.
Top 5 Galapagos Islands
- Isla Bartolome (Penguins & Moonscpes) – This tiny island is among the younger of the archipelago. It offers a unique opportunity to swim after playful penguins and enjoy a lunar-like landscapes in the space of an afternoon.
- Isla Punta Espinosa (Animal Spotting) – This island is in the west of the archipelago and provides the most fascinating example of inter- species coexistence. You will see colonies of animals casually walking or swimming or, in the case of gigantic group of marine iguanas, just hanging around.
- Isla Isabela (Volcano Lovers) – The largest island in the Galapagos. There are five young and active volcanoes which formed a skyline as impressive as Manhattan’s but it’s the animals who prosper in this isolated landscape that make the long and usually rough trip here worth doing.
- Isla Punta Espinosa (Beaches) – This is one of the best islands to visit due to its variety of landscapes. It has a beautiful white-sand beach and excellent opportunities for snorkelling.
- Puerto Ayora (Town) – The largest town of the Islands and main tourist centre. It is home to the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park. Here You will have the opportunity to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the history of the archipelago and the future conservation.
Most travellers to the Galapagos fly into Quito and organize activities and tours on Ecuador’s mainland. Wildlife lovers go to camps of the Amazon region and explore the town of Mindo or take the route of “Avenue of the Volcanoes” surrounded by snow capped mountains and volcanes. History enthusiastics explore colonial haciendas and city centers of Cuenca and Quito.
So, why not take a step back in time an enjoy a part of the world that stimulated Charles Darwin to change the way that man saw his natural environment.
If you’ve already experienced an ideal winter getaway, why not share it with us?
Posted by seetaludeshi | Under Travel Trivia
Well done Sven! Rene Laennec did indeed invent the stethoscope!
Now for this week’s question:
Today there are many expensive fashion and perfume brands out there, Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Prada and Armani just to name a few. The French have some of the most influential fashion designers and perfume makers today, such as Christian Dior, Jeal-Paul Gaultier, Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton. There is one famous lady who I have missed of that list, can you name her? She has one of the most expensive fragrances in the world, her very first signature fragrance was launched in 1921 and has had films made about her, one released recently in April 2009. Who is she? And an extra point if you can name that fragrance!!
Hint: The photo of the village she was born in is shown below.
Posted by seetaludeshi | Under Friday Drivetime
It’s 5 weeks until Christmas today! For the next few weeks we are going to look at some of the biggest bands/ artists in the world today. For this week, we are going to start with none other than Queen. The English rock band formed in 1970 consisting of Freddie Mercury, Brain May, John Deacon and Roger Taylor. They were voted the greatest band of all time in 2007 in a national BBC poll. They have sold more than 300 million albums worldwide as of 2009. With 15 studio albums, 5 live albums, 12 compilation albums and 9 DVD’s they are one of the biggest bands in the world. So let’s take a look at some of their greatest hits with The Best Of… Queen.
The Best Of…Queen:
- Bohemian Rhapsody
- We Are the Champions
- Radio Ga Ga
- Don’t Stop Me Now
- Somebody to Love
- A Kind of Magic
- Another One Bites the Dust
- We Will Rock You
- Crazy Little Thing Called Love
- I Want to Break Free
What are your favourite Queen Songs? I’m sure everyone has their favourites! Have a nice weekend!
Posted by seetaludeshi | Under Travel Trivia
Well done Charlie! That was indeed correct. The highest mountain peak in France is Mont Blanc in The Alps at 15,781ft! And yes, the First Winter Olympics were held here too!
Now for this week’s question.
Having done some research I was very surprised at what the French actually invented! Did you know the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France by French sculptor Bartholdi? Or that Louis Braille invented Braille Printing. The French even invented the Diesel engine and the bikini! Talking of inventions, can you name us one contraption that a French inventor and physician has made that is used all over the world by doctors today? And extra point if you can tell me the name of the person who invented it!
Hint: The photo shows where the contraption is used.
Posted by seetaludeshi | Under Friday Drivetime
This week on Friday Drivetime we’re getting rocking! Rock music entered mainstream in the mid 1960′s and revolves around guitars, bass guitars, drums and keyboards. There are many sub genres of rock music but this week we are going to look at the Harder side of Rock because some great artists came from this genre.
What’s Your Genre? Rock Music Top Ten:
- The Kinks – You Really Got Me
- The Who – My Generation
- Jimi Hendrix – Purple Haze
- Deep Purple – Smoke on the Water
- Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love
- Alice Cooper – School’s Out
- Aerosmith – Walk This Way
- Queen – We Are the Champions
- Thin Lizzy – Boys Are Back in Town
- Van Halen – Jump
Rock on! I love Hard Rock, it was a great genre with some amazing artists. I hope you have a great time rocking out! Have a nice weekend!
Posted by seetaludeshi | Under Travel Trivia
Firstly, I would like to apologise for not putting up Travel Trivia Tuesday yesterday, I was at the World Travel Market which was great fun!
Steph, you were almost right! The answer is in fact 8 and these are Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Monaco and Andorra! So well done for getting 6!
Now for this week’s question.
France is well known for it’s beautiful ski slopes and mountains. What we want to know this week is, what is the name of the highest mountain peak in France, where is it and how high above sea level is it? You can have an extra point if you can tell me what sport was held here for the first time.
Posted by seetaludeshi | Under Friday Drivetime
This week on Friday Drivetime we are going to look at hip hop. It is based on looping, rapping, free styling, DJing, scratching, sampling and beatboxing. The music is used to express political, social and personal issues. Hip hop emerged in the 1970′s in The Bronx in New York city and DJ Kool Herc is generally known as the godfather of hip hop.
I like a little bit of hip hop, some more than others, so here are my top ten artists and songs for a boppin’ drive home.
What’s Your Genre? Hip Hop Music Top Ten:
- Kanye West – Stronger
- Jay Z – Encore
- Beastie Boys – Intergalactic
- De La Soul – Eye Know
- Jurassic 5 – Jayou
- 50 Cent – In Da Club
- 2Pac – Changes
- Missy Elliot – Lose Control
- Busta Rhymes – Gimme Some More
- Sugar Hill Gang – Rappers Delight
What great songs in my personal opinion, are there any other that you like? Have a nice weekend!
Posted by seetaludeshi | Under Travel Trivia
Well done Sven and Rowen, the right answer to last week’s question was in fact, Friends. I love that sitcom, I still watch the repeats today!
Now for this week. We are in November and our destination of the month is France. Throw your baguettes and croissants in the air and take out your French flag! I thought I would start with an easy question this week! How many countries is France bordered by? Extra points if you can name them all!
