Who Said It Couldn’t Be Done?
Indias Tata Motors is about to do what car manufacturers said couldnt be done. Its about to release the Nano, a $2,500 car. The Nano, which is 10 feet long and 5 feet wide, has 4 doors, can accommodate 4 adults and is expected to get 47 miles per gallon. The companys chairman compares the start-up production of 250,000 Nanos with the invention of the airplane and the moon landing. Considering the present gridlock on Indias roads, other comparisons come to mind – like the sinking of the Titanic and the crash of the Hindenburg – and thinking of those took only a – Nanosecond.
Before the start of the 2008 Summer Olympics, Chinese officials announced theyd use top-secret, weather-modification technology if any Olympic events were threatened by bad weather. A spokesperson for Chinas Meteorological Administration said they might not be able to stop a raging thunderstorm, but they could clear up a light rain. Rain during several Olympic events proved that couldnt be done. Because it doesnt rain when I carry an umbrella, maybe all 15 million Beijingers should have carried umbrellas during the Olympics.
Something theyre trying to do in France is fight childhood obesity. Because its been on the rise for 2 decades, French officials introduced healthy school lunch programs. Dominique Valadier, chef at a public high school, uses all fresh ingredients in the lunches he prepares for 800 students. By buying his ingredients locally hes able to keep the cost of lunch to $3 – less than the cost of the fast food served in many French high schools. One of Chef Valadiers recent lunches was stuffed turkey with a squash au gratin casserole. This could be done in American schools too – as soon as all the turkeys are off school boards.
Rock Port is a small, American town – population 1,300 – in northwestern Missouri. Rock Port is the first town in the U.S. to be completely powered by wind. The towns four turbines were the idea of one of the residents. After Eric Chamberlain saw wind turbines in Iowa, he made a strong case to investors. As a result, the John Deere tractor company leased land and partnered with the St. Louis-based Wind Capital Group. Now Rock Port has extra energy to export. Although the Department of Energy wants 20% of the countrys electricity to come from wind power, the Show Me state has shown it can be done now.
Travelling In Luxury During Olympic Games in China 2008
The Olympics in China will begin very shortly, with the focus of the entire world on this one city, for at least a few weeks. Several decades ago, it would have been impossible to find a luxury hotel in China, however with reforms to the communist system of government in China, the economy is booming – and along with it, the luxury accommodation industry.
Beijing used to be home to an abundance of one-story shacks, where the country’s poorest lived with several family members in a single room. However, these have recently been razed, and new hotels and developments have sprung up in their place. Demand for this ultra-cheap space to live has slowed considerably since the advent of China’s economic boom, with more and more citizens now able to own a car, have a detached house, and wear designer clothes, rather than the traditional blue communist garb.
With the Westernization of Chinese society in general, there have also been the first wave of luxury hotels built in the city. There had always been stragglers and huge branded developments in China, however now the luxury market has some hope of keeping up with the enormous demand that will be placed on it by the Olympics. The Tourism Bureau of China says that there are around 120 top-grade hotels in Beijing, that is, 4 stars and above. However, some places like the Ritz-Carlton, have been booked out for a year prior to the Olympics -before the building was even complete.
The Ascott Beijing is a great place to check out for luxury travelling in China during the Olympics. All the basics of luxury hotels in China are covered, like an indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, laundry service, a business center and a beauty centre. There are also extra facilities like a fitness center and even a dance studio, as well as home entertainment systems in the rooms (over and above the usual choice of local television stations). The decor is new but authentically Asian in its flavor.
Shangri-La hotels are also known the world over for their genuine Asian feel and absolute luxury. Shangri-La in Beijing is decorated in light, rich luxury. Furnishings like walls, carpeting and bedspreads are done with a gold theme, making you truly feel like royalty while you travel in luxury in China. If you are finding yourself deprived of your usual personal space while in Beijing for the Olympics, the spa facilities at Shangri-La will help restore your sense of well-being, with herbal steam rooms, massages, wraps, scrubs and treatments, all in an environment where space and privacy are the focus.
One reassuring factor to consider when booking your luxury hotel in China for the Olympic Games is that the government has promised to take action to control traffic in the city. While you may not be able to conveniently get in your car at the hotel, drive to the Olympic venue and find a park right next to the entrance, at least you will not be stuck in city-wide traffic jams.
One of the best ways to see Beijing from the base of your luxury hotel in China is by bike. Bikes are a ubiquitous sight in Beijing, Olympics or no, and they are a beautifully authentic way to see the city. You can rent a bike for a very small amount, usually around 10 to 20 kuai a day, plus a cash deposit. Ask the desk at your luxury resort in China for help with finding a bike to rent.
No matter which Chinese luxury resort you decide on for your stay in Beijing during the Olympics, you’ll need to book fast. Space is running out quickly in the Olympic City!
Should the US boycott the 2008 Beijing Olympics? – Part 1
To many people around the world, the Olympics represent the pinnacle of human achievement. For over a century, the Olympic Games have provided an outlet through which athletes from around the world may compete as equals, regardless of national differences. According to the Charter of the Olympic Movement, Olympism, the philosophy upon which the movement was founded “seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.” The charter elaborates on these ethical principles, stating its goal to be the promotion of “a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity” through sport. To this aim, despite its tumultuous history, the Olympic movement has striven to promote equality, solidarity, fairness and respect for the common man. Throughout its history, the Olympic movement has met a wide Array of challenges ranging from the ethical dilemma of the use of the games as a propaganda tool for a rapidly militarizing Nazi Germany to the question of how to respond to symbols of disunity born out of racial inequality in the United States. It has met the challenges of wars of world superpowers to terrorism and violence at the games themselves. When times have presented the world with pressing issues which could not be ignored, the International Olympic committee and the many national Olympic Comities of participating nations around the world have had to make many difficult and often controversial decisions in order to maintain the underlying principles of the Olympic movement itself. Now, at the beginning of another Olympic year, it is time for these Olympic comities to make another decision of Olympic proportions. The 2008 Summer Olympics are scheduled to take place from the eighth through the twenty-forth of August of this year in China’s capital city, Beijing. Though the Chinese government is gearing up for what Juan Antonio Samaranch, former president of the International Olympic Committee, has stated will be “the best [games] in Olympic History”, certain practices of the Chinese government put the ethics of holding the Olympic games here in question. Among these practices are the Chinese diplomatic and financial support of ongoing conflict in North Africa, Chinese environmental policy and the recent forcible displacement of residents in Beijing to make way for the construction of Olympic facilities and tourist accommodations. Given the long history
China Cashing 2008 Beijing Olympics
2008 Beijing Olympics are infusing in the city hopes of record revenue generation by its hotels during the games. The city is expecting a huge influx of tourists to witness the event. Thus, the occupancy rates are also anticipated to soar high during the games. The hotel industry has already started the preparations to improve the quality of service.
Deputy director of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Tourism, Xiong Yumai, said that the hospitality industry in Beijing has seen a rapid growth in last two years and the same pace will continue during and after the Olympics. Occupancy rates in Beijing are already high. Five-star hotels, even if they charge $150 per day, are registering highest daily revenue. High-end hotels have an occupancy rate of 75.3%.
Vice chairman of China Tourism Hotel Association, Stephen C.T. Hsu said that the growth of market is positive and promising. He added that as the 2008 Olympics are approaching, more domestic and international tourists would come to Beijing. The city is expecting around 500,000 foreign and 1 million domestic tourists in 2008.
RNCOS’ recent market research report “China Tourism Industry: New Opportunities for Growth (2007)” states that the Chinese government will invest excessively in the infrastructure development before the Olympic games. The government is increasing the number of rooms from 90,000 to around 130,000 in star-graded hotels for the games only.
The research report also addresses the issues and facts that are critical to your success:
§ Rising trends in the Tourism sector in China
§ Future prospects of the Tourism market in China
§ Key players in the China Tourism Industry
§ Opportunities for the Tourism market
§ Challenges for the industry
§ Effect of other economic factors on market
The report provides extensive research and objective analysis on the Tourism Sector in China. This report has been written to help clients in analyzing the opportunities critical to the growth of Tourism market in China. Detailed data and analysis will help the investors to comprehend the rapidly changing dynamics of the Tourism industry
For more information visit: http://www.rncos.com/Report/IM072.htm
Current Industry News: http://www.rncos.com/blog
The Oriental Plaza, a Place for Shopping, Entertainment and a Lot of Fun
This mammoth plaza located at a walking distance, away from Beijing’s Forbidden City is home to a wide plethora of offices, apartments, shops and hotels. The Oriental Plaza in Beijing is a one stop shop for practically anything you will ever need. The mall is host to a variety of branded goods stores such as Apple, Bally, Bossini, Burberry, Espirit, Givenchy, H2O, Jack Jones, Max Mara, Only, Paul Smith, Sisley, Soda, Tag Heuer, Valentino and Vera Modo and more.
The Oriental also features a grand cinema hall for those who desire to watch the latest movies in style and a CRC supermarket for all your grocery and household needs. Besides the rich variety of shopping options, The Oriental Plaza is also home to the Sony Explora Science Museum, The Wanfujing Paleolithic Museum, and Ten Fu’s Tea.
The Sony Explora Science Museum displays cutting edge technology as well as offering dramatic recreations of scientific experiments that are mainly targeted at children. The museum’s sleek look is definitely not to be missed.
Visit Ten Fu’s Tea and experience the time honoured tradition of every visitor receiving a free cup of tea as soon as they enter. Visitors can also sit and enjoy various types of tea with no pressure to make a purchase which makes a visit to Ten Fu’s Tea a must.
The Wanfujing Paleolithic Museum was built purely by accident as upon the grand plaza’s initial construction stages it was revealed that the ground that was chosen to lay the foundation was actually the site of a temporary camp over 24,000 years ago. It is said that the discovery was the archeological find of the Paleolithic Era in Beijing since the discovery of the Peking Man in the 1920’s.
Visitors to the museum can find the reconstructed digpit, a selection of original artifacts as well as a variety of displays that help explain the situation at the very site as it was over 24,000 years ago.
Getting to the mall is easy and a variety of Beijing hotels lie in the nearby vicinity of the Oriental Plaza. If comfort is your requirement, you need not fear as the area is home to numerous Beijing luxury hotels.
The Ming Tombs: a World Heritage Site
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A couple hours towards the northwest of Beijing City lies the mausoleums of thirteen Ming dynasty Emperors. Referred to as the Ming Tombs these historical structures have been flawlessly preserved and serve as excellent examples of Chinese palatial architecture and culture. It is said that the site of the mausoleum wee chose n by Ming dynasty emperor Yongle, who was also instrumental in moving the capital of China from Nanjing to Beijing.
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The site of the tombs was carefully chosen according to Chinese Feng Shui principles. This is why an arc shaped sheltered area at the foot of the Jundu Mountains was chosen as it deflected the evil spirits of the North Wind. Following the burial of Emperor Yongle twelve others where subsequently buried here, though their tombs bear the same architectural style and geometrical design they differ in their proportions and decorative features.
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However, of the thirteen tombs only two are open to the public today, known as the Changling and Dingling tombs. Of these the Changling tomb is the largest and covers an area of almost 2,000 square meters. The tomb holds the remains of Emperor Zhudi and is one of the most interesting Ming dynasty buildings in China. The tomb is supported by 32 large posts some of which measure up to 14 meters in height. The ceiling of the tomb is colorfully painted and features traditional Chinese inscriptions and drawings, the floor of the tomb is covered by gold bricks.
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The smaller Dingling tomb is built underground at depth of about 30 meters. The important sections of this tomb are the Stone Bridge, Soul Tower, Baocheng and the Underground Palace. The later section was only found and excavated in the 50’s and is constructed completely from stone. The entire Ming Tomb enclosure was recently declared a UNESCO World heritage site making it a tourist attraction among visitors in many a Beijing hotel. Being a rapidly expanding city with a vibrant tourism sector a luxury hotel in Beijing would not be difficult to find for tourists wishing to visit the Ming dynasty tombs.
A Guide On How To Emulate Michael Phelps
If you have been inspired by the Olympics there are plenty of gadgets to get you fit and fast so when it comes to 2012 you are raring to go. Here are just some from the wonderful world of swimming.
If money is no object then top of your swimming list will be the Speedo LZR Racer swimsuit. Worn by all the top Olympians, it is going on sale to the general public for those keen to go faster.
The most famous of swimmers to embrace the suit is Michael Phelps, the trouble is for us mere mortals its going to set you back around 550 USD when it becomes available in October later this year. The first fully bonded bodysuit is a full-length bonded suit with seams ultrasonically welded together that according to Speedo creates low profile silhouette and reduces skin friction drag.
In the first 8 days of swimming at the Beijing games, 23 out of 25 World records have been won by athletes wearing Speedo LZR RACER with 94 percent of gold medals at the games have been won and 89 percent of all medals by swimmers wearing the swimsuit.
Just make sure you aren’t overtaken by the 85-year-old slow-coach when wearing it, that really could be embarrassing. Okay so we do not all need to go faster than a dolphin, swimming can be boring at the best of times so what about livening it up with a waterproof headphones set.
The new range from H2O is called the AMPHIBX will offer a 100 percent watertight secure seal up to 12ft underwater, the ability to control touch and click wheel controls even under water and come with a connector for using a standard headphone plug under water.
Besides the iPhone the case range will offer underwater protection for the iPod players, iPod touch, as well as most mp3 players and phones. The AMPHIBX series is designed to accommodate more than one specific device without sacrificing performance say its makers.
The company is hoping that users will use the soon to be released SURGE bass-amplified waterproof headphones. Available in the US this month the cases are expected to cost around 69.99 USD to 79.99 USD.
Finally if you have got to do some swimming you will need a pool. Thanks to the wonders of Google Maps raucous revellers are using Google Earth to find new venues to party in. Revellers rules include stipulating that everyone has to wear fancy dress and also bring a bike to allow a fast getaway if the pool owner appears. A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police warned owners of swimming pools should be on their guard.
Standard service looms at luxury hotels for Beijing Olympic Games
The XXIX Olympiad is due to open on 8th August; but with only several months to go the Chinese still have a few hurdles to clear, not least of which is the recruitment and training of hotel staff for the plethora of high-end hotels that has been built specifically for the games.
Ever since the games were awarded to Beijing the decision has been mired in controversy. Objections have been made about China’s human rights record; concern has been expressed about pollution levels in the Chinese capital; and many point to the country’s lack of experience in delivering a major sporting event on this scale.
But, putting the objections aside, one of the bigger challenges surrounding the 2008 Olympics has been to build and subsequently staff a sufficient number of hotels in the Chinese capital, capable of accommodating the huge amount of anticipated visitors to the games.
In addition to the sheer construction challenge, there is an additional and probably more pertinent issue especially for luxury hotels; that of the level of service expected and associated with high-end status hotels.
News has recently emerged which reveals that China’s current, state-sponsored hotel rating system ignores service issues altogether and concentrates purely on the facilities offered in the hotels. As service is not even being considered in the rating system it has led many in the global hospitality industry to question what they can expect when they turn up at the games with their important, corporate and high-end paying guests.
They are anxiously seeking re-assurances from hotel operators and games organisers that service levels in the Chinese capital’s luxury hotels will be on a par to those provided throughout the rest of the world. However, it appears that it is a numbers game. There is simply not enough hotel workers familiar with the western service ethic when it comes to luxury hotels, meaning that many hotel operators may have to attempt to bring in experienced staff from other countries. The first hurdle there will to overcome the high level of bureaucracy imposed by the Chinese regime, and the second will be that the fiercely proud hosts will not wish to appear to show that they cannot cope by allowing that to happen.
Air pollution in the Chinese capital is being touted as a potential problem for both competitors and visitors, and there is even talk of athletes competing in masks to filter the polluted air.
Human rights issues and the threat to athletes to not speak ill of the Chinese regime while at the games may be the stories that are grabbing the headlines; but, when the games get going it may well be the hotel operators’ sheer disregard of the western service ethic that causes most problems for visitors.
2008 Olympics: Advice to travelers attending the Beijing Olympics – Part 1
All Olympics lovers around the world are curiously waiting for the upcoming Olympics. Their minds are filled up with all events, games that are going to be held in the Olympics. First and the foremost is to know well about the Olympics. The Olympic Games are considered as an international multi-sport event with various sporting events. In this Olympics, most of the countries look forward for their participation. These Olympics are usually held for every four years. The logo of the Olympics includes five rings in different colors. Many Athletes participate in these Olympics.
The 2008 Summer Olympics will be held in China based Beijing National Stadium during the month of August. Beijing is the capital city of the People’s Republic of China. This Olympics is called as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad. The Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee is making the feel of this Olympics by selling over 10 millions of Tickets to the public through different ways. The travelers who are eagerly waiting to show their participation in the upcoming Olympics can also take their great advantage of traveling by visiting China’s most popular tourist attractions such as the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, and many others. Travelers to China can book the four-star or five-stars hotels that are near to the venue of the Olympics.
Most of the tourist operators of china are providing large facilities for the travelers visiting China to participate in Olympics. For example, Cavalier Travels based in China has made well-arrangements for the travelers. The arrangements include the booking of flights, hotels and cruise ship rooms, visiting wonderful places in China and other facilities. An wonderful opportunity for people who cannot travel to China is that they can feel the original experience of Olympics in their home by watching the television. They can avail full opportunity at their home itself.
Hence, the upcoming Olympics in China is expected to be a great remarkable event around the globe. People staying in China can avail this wonderful opportunity in their beautiful life. Though there may be a language problem for non-Chinese people, but there are many Chinese translations to aid the outside Chinese travelers.
Popular Items in Women’s Shopping Bag
T-Shirt: Women’s Fashion Statement
T-shirts are a fashion statement that is not just another fad that will go away in a few weeks. T-shirts have been around for a very long and are here to stay only now they are not something you wish to hide under your shirt to keep you warm during the winter; they are works of art worth displaying to the world. Make your own fashion statement to the world or find a great looking, funny, Christian, or just a beautiful T-shirt for a family member or friend. You will be excited to show off your new tee and so will your friends.
How to Choose a T-shirt: Color and Design
The thing that you will want to look for when shopping for a t-shirt is that it offers a color palette and design that will fit into your wardrobe and that also is appealing to you. If you will be using the t-shirt as a layering piece then you may want to buy several t-shirts in a variety of colors that compliment the other existing pieces in your wardrobe. If the t-shirt will be worn to work then you will need to make sure that its color and design are appropriate for a work environment. On the other hand, if you are looking for a fun casual t-shirt then you may want to look for one that offers a funky color and design.
Some Latest Trends That Apples in T-shirt Industry:
1. Military wear t-shirts – it has extra pockets and the masculine feeling, they add is far above any struggle from other kind of looks. Just add white and black to them and feel the variation right away.
2. Polo cool T-Shirt: it comes in the top list of shirts. Wear a polo shirt with a Jeans, it gives a casual look. One can add a nice coat on it while attending corporate function.
3. Layering T-shirt – it works, particularly in winters.
4. Logos – it is not a new style. If there is enough money and wandering what to wear, then go the biggest and trendiest store and spend money and exhibit by wearing logos. But be careful, do not get too loud or too calm color.
Fashion Accessory to Remain Cool: Sunglasses
Sunglasses are like any other fashion accessory. With each passing season, sunglass styles change. Old styles become the kind of sunglasses that “your grandmother used to wear,” while newer styles can be seen on the faces of Hollywood stars and glamour queens on magazine covers and at red-carpet events. Eventually those old styles stage comebacks as “retro” Sunglasses and the fashion cycle comes full circle.
Some of the hippest sunglass styles continue to be the oversized type. Sometimes these shades can look like they take up half of your face. But all the starlets and stargazers are wearing them, whether on the sand or on the way to the supermarket. Try some of the newest versions of the oversized genre, such as the “bug eye” look or “wide-line” styles that can actually fit over your prescription eyeglasses.
As for colors and textures of today’s top sunglasses, keep your eyes out for the newest designers that feature animal skin and lizard leather textures, crystal-jewel touches, or even mother-of-pearl inlays. Even sunglasses’ carrying cases can be glamorized with touches of gems, dangling doodads, or the designer’s logo.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that the shade of your sunglasses should match the color of the outfit you are wearing. Sunglasses in a single shade would most likely match any outfit. Choose a shade that would bring out certain colors in the clothes that you are wearing. Choose a shade in sunglasses that would also break the monotony in the color of your clothes.
It is important not too spend too much on sunglasses. You can have two or three designer brands which may be expensive but you can still find cheap ones that look good as well. If you aren’t sure yet if a particular pair of sunglasses would suit you or not choose to buy the discount ones. It is best that you invest in sunglasses that are classics and will never go out of style. For those that are just the fad, don’t spend too much on it for it will just soon end up in your drawers. If you are the tech-savvy individual and you enjoy listening to music, there are sunglasses that incorporate an MP3 player with it.
That’s far from enough to fill your Shopping Bag, let’s take the focus to shoes.
Footwear Must Have: Casual or Formal; High Heel or Low Heel
Boots in a medium or dark neutral
These leather alternative boots are classic enough for work-wear yet sexy enough to add an edge to jeans and an everyday tee. Top-of-the-calf boots Shoes with a flat heel are one of the cold weather season’s hottest looks, but are surprisingly in-demand even as the weather grows warmer.
One pair of neutral-colored casual boots for the weekend
A woman can never go wrong with classics such as the Amy boot. Your weekend casual cruelty-free boot should have an extremely soft and flexible sole making it extremely comfortable for all day wear. Make sure your casual eco-friendly boots exteriors are made of “leather” like synthetic micro-fibers giving you that stylish look, while the interior is made of a soft cotton lining and a generous foot bed that will accommodate your feet.
One pair of attractive non-leather sneakers.
The fall time is the perfect time to run around the track at your nearby park, and enjoy your surroundings. Whether your eco-friendly non-leather sneakers are made from hemp or synthetic micro-fibers, they are go well with your tracksuit, yet hard-working enough to perform at the gym. The best athletic/sporty shoes are the pairs that have an extremely supportive EVA sole, and a thick padded tongue.
Women also love Sports Shoes
New Opportunity in Sports Shoes Market: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
With the approaching of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, more and more Chinese customers attend in various of sports, athletic sports gradually become one of the parts which can’t lack of in common people’s life, sport shoes market will be more and more larger. Besides townsman’s professional demand to sport shoes is advancing.
The influence of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games to science and technology content of Sports Shoes: product. Nowadays the current of product with the same quality is more and more serious, who can keep ahead of technology and make out larruping and suitable product for customers, who will be favorite. Besides, sport shoes manufactures need improve professional capability, at the same time enclose with athletic sports requirement, via reduce cost to supply bargain gym shoes product for person.
Flip-flop Slippers: Summer Shoe Star
This kind of slipper originates fom Korean, and quickly gain popularity around the world. It’s casual enough, totally informal, but you still can see holiwood star worn it working in the street or even attending some formal party. Flip-flop slipper is simple to were and free your shoe. People like the comfort it brings and the cool touch of it in the hot summer.
