Rich list time
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So this Sunday the 25th Annual Sunday Times Rich List will be published, When the first one was published on 2 April 1989, the paper called it an indictment of Thatcherism. But the face of wealth has changed drastically over the last 25 years... The Queen used to be the most wealth at £5.2bn, however it is unlikely she'll make top 10 this year following the fast growth of new business tycoons. So look out for the full list of richest 1,000 this Sunday. |
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My Torch 3AAA
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Times have moved on, everything has moved to bigger and better places, including Torches! It may seem hard to grasp the concept of a torch being any different or better, but Nex Torch have achieved this! The MyTorch 3AAA is the next generation Torch. To any on looker it looks like a normal portable torch requiring 3 triple A batteries to run. It is a smart modern looking hand held torch. But if you inspect the Torch further you will find a mini USB port. So what makes this torch new, different and special? Well there is a piece of software for your computer you can download, on which you can start making your own light sequences and patterns. You can download a number of preset modes for the torch for different circumstances. From an SOS signal to Camping to outdoor to wide coverage. So already there are all these different modes which you can easily and quickly download onto your torch by simply plugging it in via USB. You can then through the downloaded software also make your own modes for the torch. to make the torch perfect for you specific needs. But, is this really necessary? Do you really need to program your torch to do different things for different occasions, a torch is just a torch isn’t it? Well yes a purpose of a torch is to light things up so it is easy to see this as an unnecessary extra. Nex Torch pride themselves in the precision of design of the torches and take a number of steps to ensure they are made the the highest quality. Having infinite modes I see as a real bonus as it unlocks the potential of what you can you the torch for, have a wide angle for when out walking at night, a dimmer light for lighting a tent while camping, an SOS signal for if you fall into trouble. The possibilities are endless and the best thing is it is up to you! However if you are not a computer enthusiast more of the outdoor type you may not want to spend time programming a torch, although the word ‘programming’ is used for adding modes to the torch it isn’t like writing code you just use the simple software to either add a preset mode to the torch or simply make your own with the on screen builder, then send it to your torch! So the price…. £40, for what it actually is I feel this is very modest, i think it could be a lot more for the in depth technologies it uses and the incredible build quality, but then for a torch it is at the higher price end as it is still about pocket size so not that big! To conclude this is a torch with so much more potential, if you are the outdoor type then this is for you! |
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London 2012 46 days
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I think it is quite clear the hot destination for this Summer is London. The Olympics promises to be a spectacular event, but can we cope? We have already seen issues with immigration just on a normal weekend of people comb into the UK. So what will happen when the UK has to play host to the world? My advice is when you have Olympic events to be at leave plenty and plenty and plenty and plenty of time to get there the last thing you want is to be late! But I know without a doubt once you are there you will have really great fun! So roll on the Olympics bring on London 2012! |
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Never lost again
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Using an Xbox Kinect sight 2 scientists have developed a way to track belongings such as keys and phones around the house. So a bit like find by iPhone but anything with a tag can be tracked. So the future of lost property could be diminishing if all you have to do is search for it on your computer! How're the age old problem that is what happens when it runs out of battery, is still one to be beaten! |
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Azerbaijan
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Azerbaijan is the 2012 Eurovision song contest host country, but where is it? Azerbaijan is located on the western edge of the caspian sea. It's neighbours are Russia, Georgia, Turkey and Ukraine. Bring on the Final in a couple of weeks! |
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Free Volunteering
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So you've come to that point in your life when you want to travel the world, exploring far flung locals as opposed to your typical Spanish holiday by the sea. The problem? You're short on cash. Well, here is a cost-effective solution. Volunteering. Original volunteers is an organisation that will currently provide you with free accomodation in either India, Cambodia, Tanzania, Cameroon or Malawi in exchange for your help working (teaching english, helping build walls and the like) Placements last about three weeks, and then you are free to roam the continent as much as you like. For instance, I'm planning to volunteer in Cambodia in the near future. I'll teach English for the first three weeks, which let's be honest, isn't going to be very hard, but will no doubt feel very rewarding. Then I'll set my sights on the Thailand (Full Moon Party), Vietnam, Laos etc These opportunities are perfect for gap years before uni, or if you're just not ready to enter the world of fulltime work yet. You only need to pay for flights and then you can stay out there as long as you fancy. So get a couple of mates and check out the website here. ...also (for those old enough) beer will be really, really cheap. |
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The Stone Moai - Easter Island
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A remote island in the South Eastern Pacific doesn't sound like an ideal place to visit. When you combine this with a history of over-exploitation, famine and even cannibalism it becomes even less so endearing. However, if giant statues with abnormally large heads interest you then Easter Island could quite possibly be the place for you. They look cool and there is generally nothing like them anywhere else in the world, and it is purely on that basis that a visit to the island would make my bucket list. Could always get a picture with one. Surely that would have to be a Facebook profile picture? Worth a couple of likes... I've rather glazed over the tradition of these statues, but it generally is amazing and there is a rich history behind them. So I'll leave it to my man David Attenborough to explain the finer points, click here. So my point is you definitely don't see things like this in the UK.
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Pamplona Bull Run
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Running down the street with a pack of raging bulls chasing after you - the adrenaline junkie's dream and everyone elses nightmare. The Pamplona bull run in Navarre, Spain, consists of just that. <----Ouch. The bulls run at 15 mph and pretty much you just have to run as far as you dare before jumping out of the way and clinging to something on the side of the road for dear life. Unsurprisingly then there is usually 200-300 casualties every year when the run takes place, rarely are they fatal. In fact there has only been 16 deaths in over 100 years. Let's be honest, those 16 probably had it coming. Trying to stradle or hug a bull is never a good idea, or as some guy tried to do in 1935, entice it with his jacket. He was subqeuently gored. Check some clips from the 2008 run here. You definitely can't do this in the UK...
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Haunted House - Raynham Hall
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I was searching around the internet for the most haunted locations in the world (in time for halloween) and happened to stumble upon this place. Raynham Hall in Norfolk is supposedly one of the most haunted buildings in the world, with there having been several sightings of the 'Brown Lady.' The details are sketchy and there are several different theories as to how she died (probably because none are in fact real) but my favourite is that the Brown Lady was pushed down the grand staircase, which is the most popular locations for sightings of the ghost. People that have seen the ghost have described their experience as 'more than frightening', which to me sounds rather subdued for something so extraordinary. One man fired a gun at her, but the bullet just went through her head and into the wall behind her, then she vanished, allegedly. Other sightings have described her as having disheveled hair, a face of ashy paleness and dark sockets for eyes. Scary. One guy even got a picture (left) that apparently hasn't been tampered with... Anyway the old bird hasn't been seen knocking about lately, so maybe she found what she was looking for and has finally reached peace, or more likely she never even existed in the first place. ...yeah I don't believe in ghosts and if I did I know who to call so I'm not too worried.
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Capilano Suspension Bridge
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You may be forgiven for thinking that the Capilano Suspension Bridge is just a huge glorified overpass. And you may be right - but I reckon it looks worth going to. If not just to shake in order to terrify and continuously annoy whoever you may be crossing it with. The bridge is one of Vancouver, Canada's top tourist attractions, or that's what the official website says - no bias there at all. It's 230ft above a river and is 446 ft long. There are other things to do there to, like 'go ape' style adventure parks and the like. Small warning though. Once a woman dropped her 18-month-old disabled child off the bridge. That's right a 230ft drop. Miraculously the child wasn't hurt, but the woman still lost custody. Although she did try to claim that she stumbled and hence accidentally dropped her child. I'm sure that's a legitimate claim...hmmm. Anyway, my point is if you go to this bridge then don't throw a baby from it. Good? Good. |
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Meteora, Greece
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Suspended in the air. That is the meaning of the Greek word Meteora, and so looking to the left it's not hard to see how this place got it's name. The English word meteorite is derived from the word, and at times this place does look as such. Anyway language lesson over - this looks like a really cool place to travel to. Meteroa is a place with rich history and tradition. Monasteries were constructed upon the rocks by Monks (a very long time ago) hence the whole suspended in the air thing. There seems to be plenty to see and do, well more than just staring at a rock anyway. So go if you get the chance, or, you know, if you happen to be in Greece. If this isn't your thing then Mount Olympus is just a two hour drive away, you could always get stuck into climbing that, but that’s another story...
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Giethoorn, Holland
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Giethoorn is a village in Holland. Much like a typical English village... well except for I don't know, maybe the fact that THE ROADS ARE MADE OF WATER. More precisely there are no roads in Giethoorn, all transportation is done by canal - which is pretty cool. Think Venice, only it’s not sinking and doesn’t have all the boring Italian romantic references. To get from one place to another locals and tourists must travel via boat or gondola. Although these days there is also a cycle path for those who are scared of water, but then why would you live/go here?! Probably not worth the trip on it's own, but if you’re going to Holland I reckon its worth checking this little village out before hitting Amsterdam...or whatever. I'm assured there is plenty to do, like sailing and stuff. Click here for more pictures of this beautiful place! |
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Youth Hostels - Cheap Travel
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Hostels are underrated - in general they have bad reputations, not helped by 2005’s brutal horror flick of the same name. When you travel you only want to spend money on things that matter, experiences, perhaps a drink or two, not accommodation. For this, nothing beats a good hostel. So forget staying in an overpriced luxury hotel. All you really need is a bed, running water and your mates. Having said that, as competition has increased amongst hostels across Europe, you can get some tidy little extras, and save all your cash for more important things.
Here are a couple of reputable hostels in Europe that are cheap, have all the necessary amenities and more.
Budapest, Hungary - Marco Polo Hostel
Berlin, Germany - St Christopher’s Hostel Krakow, Poland - Momotown Hostel Sofia, Bulgaria - Red Star Hostel
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Kjeragbolten
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The Kjerag is a popular Norwegian mountain, with climbers and base jumpers visiting it from around the world. The pinnacle of any climb however is the Kjeragbolten. A mouthful yes, but what is sure to be some of the most exhilarating seconds of your life. The Kjeragbolten is a round boulder wedged solidly in-between two cliff faces on the mountain. It doesn’t sound like much, but at 3200 feet above sea level, one slip of the foot could be fatal. People have walked, climbed, danced and jumped across it in the past. It's definitely a good place to travel for any climbing enthusiasts or adrenaline junkies alike. Not so much for those with acrophobia...
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Underwater Restaurant
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I think dining at this restaurant would be worth traveling to the Maldives alone - as if we really need another reason. The Ithaa Restaurant is located 16 feet below sea level on Rangali Island and boasts 180 degree panoramic views of the surrounding ocean. The unique underwater experience is only set to last 20 years, and it was constructed in 2004, so you have about 13 years before it’s gone! I can’t think of many cooler places to eat in the world! Can you?! |
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Igloo Hotel
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Hotels can be incredibly dull. The Igloo Village in Kakslauttanen, Finland does not fit that description. The hotel, located in the Arctic Circle, offers tourists the chance to stay in glass igloos built from special thermal glass. This makes them more than comfortable and keeps them at room temperature, even when it plummets to -30°C outside. Each has a toilet and luxury beds, but most importantly gives a ‘one of a kind opportunity’ to see ‘Aurora Borealis’ also known as the Northern Lights. Either way, it looks like a pretty sweet place to stay. |
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Camper Van Tent
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Camp in style this summer and absorb the hippie vibes with this officially licensed VW camper van tent. It's totally radical man. This four-person tent is a to scale replica of the van released in 1965, in a generation of flower power, the Beatles and making love, not war. It's guaranteed to stand out at any campsite or festival, and it would generally be a practical purchase - you can stand up in it. Far Out! The nostalgic camper is available at a not-so-groovy price of £299.99. So either split the price with mates, or try and get your Grandma to buy one for you. I'm sure she'll remember the days! I've just about exhausted my limited knowledge of hippie culture. So if you're interested click here. Right on brothers and sisters!
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Evason Hot Springs - Jordan
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In a picturesque valley in Jordan, 865 feet below sea level, lies Evason Ma In Hot Springs, an inspired and serene sanctuary set amongst hot-spring waterfalls. The Six Senses Spa sits under these falls. How cool is this. Check out their website: http://www.sixsenses.com/Evason-Ma-In/ |
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Best view ever!
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Watching an improved England side against the All Blacks last week, I could not help notice that the Marriot Twickenham has pitch facing bedrooms! An epic idea for a family weekend away (as long as they like rugby that is). The 6 Pitch facing Suites have Revive bedding, flat screen LCD televisions and WIFI. And if you are really pumped up after a good bosh fest you get Virgin active Classic Health club for free! I am trying to persuade my Dad to take me and my brothers to the Samoa game. Come on England!!!!!!!! |
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Ski's up - nearly!
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It's nearly that time of year again. Time to pack your wooly hat, boots and skis and pray that they don't get lost in the airport; that is if you are flying to go skiing this year. Last year saw some of the best skiing ever known in Scotland and as a result my parents are threatening to take us skiing this year in Nevis Range, Scotland - and yes, they want to drive us up there! I really hope there is enough snow and I'm not sure what the atmosphere will be like. Why can't we go to Val D'Isere like everyone else. |
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Sooo excited about Norfolk!
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Right.... I've never written an article for a website, but I'm so excited about my summer I thought why not! I saw the travel section and thought most people would write about going to amazing places all around the world BUT I am not. This summer I am going to Norfolk with all of my bestest friends to celebrate our GCSEs. I've never been before but my friend India says it is the coolest place to go all summer much better than Rock and other places and there are so many HOT boys!!! We're going in Tennis Week (in August some time) so if ur going we'll see you there XXX Share |
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Travel article...
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Hello and welcome to the new travel section of the new lifestyle section of our new website! The Lifestyle section is for you to upload as much and what ever content you want. As an introduction to this new feature, we are going to give away a years supply of tickets to a Capital VIP events to who ever submits the best travel blog this month. The winner will be announced here on 31st August. Share |
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