• 10
  Jul
  2009

• Space Tourism

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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Space tourism is a fledgling industry, born out of necessity, yet driven by the same curiosity and ambition that took humanity to the Moon. In Russia, Europe and the United States, private companies are already vying to become space tourism leaders. Space tourism is a recent phenomenon where wealthy individuals or corporations are spending up to $25 million for a chance to travel in low Earth orbit (LEO) and beyond.

Californian multi-millionaire Dennis Tito spent $20 million on space tourism to become the first paying tourist, in 2001. Tito, the founder of Wilshire Associates and former JPL scientist, traveled aboard a Russian Soyuz capsule, launched by U. S. company, Space Adventures, Ltd, where he spent 7 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Following Dennis Tito as the second to partake of the space tourism industry, in 2002 was South African millionaire, Mark Shuttleworth, who spent around $20 million to travel aboard a Russian Soyuz TM-34 and spend 8 days aboard the ISS. Following Shuttleworth in 2005, was Greg Olsen, who spent the same amount on tourism to travel to the ISS via a Russian Soyuz capsule. Olsen is co-founder and chairman of Sensors Unlimited Inc., a company developing infared cameras and sensors. In 2006, Iran-born American citizen Anousheh Ansari became the fourth in the ISS tourism lineup and the first female to buy a ticket in the space tourism industry.

Space tourism has been criticized as being a “playground for the rich.” And, while there may be some current truth to this, the vision for the future is to make space tourism affordable and available to the middle class in just a few, short years.

• 09
  Jul
  2009

• Statue of Liberty

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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Located on a 12 acre island, the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. Standing on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, she welcomes visitors, immigrants, and returning Americans traveling by ship. The copper-clad statue, dedicated on October 28, 1886, commemorates the centennial of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence and was given to the United States by France to represent the friendship between the two countries established during the American Revolution.

The statue is of a robed woman holding a torch, and is made of a sheathing of pure copper, hung on a framework of steel with the exception of the flame of the torch, which is coated in gold leaf. It stands atop a rectangular stonework pedestal with a foundation in the shape of an irregular eleven-pointed star. The statue is 151 ft (46 m) tall, but with the pedestal and foundation, it is 305 ft (93 m) tall.

The Statue of Liberty reopened her crown to the public on 4th July 2009 for the first time since the 9/11 terrorist attacks eight years ago. The base, as well as the enormous pedestal and observation deck, reopened to the public in 2004, but the crown had remained closed – until now. There had been fears that in the event of another assault, tourists would not be able to evacuate the narrow, 168-step, double-helix spiral staircase that leads to the 305ft apex in time to avoid a similarly devastating loss of life. The first 10 visitors to pass through the inner sanctum of the 122-year-old statue since it was closed for “safety and security reasons” in 2001 marked the country’s 4 July Independence Day celebrations by gazing out through her eyes at the Manhattan skyline.

• 08
  Jul
  2009

• RIP MJ

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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All roads in Los Angeles led to the Staples Centre yesterday. Perhaps the largest media event the world has ever witnessed, the memorial service of Michael Jackson was spectacular, emotional and unbelievable. The King of Pop was given a king’s farewell with many popular personalities coming together to pay their last tribute. Former South African President Nelson Mandela and singer Diana Ross sent their condolences to the Jackson family.

It was an event to remember, a celebration of Michael Jackson’s life. Hearts melted as the mortal remains of the singer was carried to the stage in a $25,000 bronze casket covered with flowers. Mariah Carey started the memorial service with the song “I’ll Be There”, which she sung along with Trey Lorenz. Many big names in the world of music like Lionel Ritchie, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer and Usher performed at the event.

A video of Michael Jackson performing as a kid was flashed on the big screens, making the audience go nostalgic. Giving a family touch to the event, Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson sang the song “Smile”. ‘Smile even though your heart is aching, even though it’s breaking….’ went the lyrics of the song.

As the memorial service was about to conclude, Jackson family and dignitaries sang two of Michael Jackson’s most popular numbers “We are the World” and “Heal the World” on stage. Emotionally choked Marlon Jackson shared his cherishing memories with his brother and Jermaine Jackson thanked the audience and fans. Michael’s daughter Paris Jackson broke down on stage as she said ‘Daddy is the best’.

• 07
  Jul
  2009

• Summer time is beach time!

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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All of the continents and many countries have their best beaches, and each region of the planet has unique features that distinguish their beaches from others. Beaches are ideal for a family holiday with children. Children don’t necessarily enjoy museums and architectural marvels. So when with children it is ideal to plan a vacation on the beach.

Aruba is a 33-kilometre (21 mi)-long island of the Lesser Antilles in the southern Caribbean Sea, 27 km (17 mi) north of the Paraguaná Peninsula, Falcón State, Venezuela. Together with Bonaire and Curacao it forms a group referred to as the ABC islands of the Leeward Antilles, the southern island chain of the Lesser Antilles.

Palm beaches of Aruba are considered ideal for families. Most of the restaurants and resorts offer kid-friendly services which include discounts and free gifts and babysitting facilities. Aruba’s ideal weather with natural beaches and turquoise water invites tourists from all over the world. Aruba is well-connected with flights from American Airlines, Continental, Delta, United Airlines and US Airways. It is only 2 1/2 hours from Miami and 4 ½ hours journey from New York.

The island has other attractions also which includes Kibaima Miniature Village and Park where you and your kids can explode miniature Aruban city. There are beautiful playgrounds like Tira Koochi Park and Neptalle Henriquez Park with latest kiddy items ensuring hours of fun for your little ones. The best way to explore is through guided four-wheel drive through desert hills, small towns and rocky shoreline. The water activities like swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, water safaris, jet skiing and fishing are other popular options.