Interesting Facts about Argentina

February 13, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Argentina, the 2nd largest country of South America and the 8th largest country in the world is the country of the legend Lionel Messi. Despite the romantic lure of the Pampas and of huge Patagonian landscapes, Argentina is a largely urban country. The unique Argentinean culture separates the country from the rest of Latin America. Argentina has been home to multiple discoveries of gigantic dinosaurs.  Here’s a quick list to some amazing facts to explore about Argentina:

  1. Official name of Argentina

Argentine Republic is the official name of Argentina. The name Argentina comes from the Latin word for silver, argentum. The original European settlers believed the country was full of silver, but the rumor was never verified.

  1. Same sex marriage

Argentina was the first country in Latin or South America to legalize same-sex marriage, in 2010.

  1. An inspiration for Walt Disney

Walt Disney is usually associated with early animated films, but Disney is said to have been inspired by the Argentine filmmaker Quirino Cristiani

  1. The stunning Iguazu Falls

These falls are located on the border of Argentina and Brazil and are one of the new 7 wonders of the world.

  1. Founder of fingerprint as a method of identification

In 1925, the small Argentinean town of Necochea was rocked by the gruesome stabbing of two children. With no witnesses to the crime, local police were unable to tie the gory crime to any particular suspect. Utilizing a bloody fingerprint left on a bedpost, Detective Eduardo Alvarez was able to peg the murders on the children’s mother, who quickly confessed to the crime.

  1. Tango! What’s that?

Nothing arouses the passionate spirit of the Argentineans better than this very famous sensual and seductive dance. Tango is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Argentina.

  1. Lowest and Highest Point of Argentina

Argentina’s highest point is Mount Aconcagua in the Mendoza province (6,959 m or 22,831 ft above sea level) It is also the highest point in the Southern and Western Hemispheres and Argentina’s lowest point is Laguna del Carbón in the San Julián Great Depression, Santa Cruz province (−105 m or −344 ft) below sea level. It is also the lowest point in the Southern and Western Hemispheres.

  1. Perito Moreno: the Growing Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier is the only glacier in the world which is growing rather than shrinking. It also happens to be a major tourist pull as it is one of the most accessible on the planet.

  1. 10% of world’s flora in Argentina

Over 10% of the world’s flora is found in Argentina. Parana Pine and Evergreen Beeches are very common to the area.

  1. Borders of Argentina

Argentina is bordered by the Andes mountain range and Chile in west, by Bolivia and Paraguay in north and by Brazil and Uruguay in north east and it borders the South Atlantic Ocean in east.

  1. The Official sport

In spite of the fact that football – beyond question – is Argentina’s most loved game, a much lesser known game called Pato is the official national game in the country.

  1. Wildlife in Argentina

Argentina is super-rich in animal species. The coast of Patagonia is home to elephant seals, fur seals, penguins and sea lions. Sharks, orcas, dolphins and salmon swim in the waters off the Atlantic coast.

  1. One of the first country to have radio broadcasting

Argentina was one of the first countries to have radio broadcasting. The first broadcast was made on the 27th of August, 1920. Only twenty people had a receiver at the time!

  1. Rituals and Culture

Make sure you leave some food on your plate when you have finished eating. And put your cutlery across your place with the fork prongs facing down and the handles to the right. As for pouring wine, you need to avoid it because there are too many rituals and cultural “don’ts” about it

  1. Highest divorce rate

Argentina is said to have the highest infidelity rate in all of South America. Divorce has been legal in the country since 1987, and now the country has the highest divorce rate as well.

  1. The country has won maximum no. of noble prizes in Latin America

Argentina is the Latin American country with the most Nobel Prizes, for a total of five; all obtained during the second half of the twentieth century. The country has three Nobel prizes in science and two of peace.

  1. A great football team

Argentina with Lionel Messi is one of the most efficient national football teams in the world and has always been a top contender. Without him, it’s not even a top five team in South America.

 

Facts Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina

http://ohfact.com/interesting-facts-about-argentina/

http://www.slideshare.net/guestc6a73f/argentina-facts-3346075

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Spooky Fun in BADLAND

February 13, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Badland is an award-winning game, and deservedly so. My young one first saw the captivating adventure on a friend’s tablet. Since then, he’s been playing on our home computer. In Badland, players control a bunch of mysterious winged creatures. They look silly, flap their arms to fly, and tumble along any path. Badland is definitely unique, and it’s definitely fun.

I should mention that Badland might be a bit too spooky for very young children (much like The BoxTrolls or Coraline). It’s not a haunting Halloween game, but it’s not as bright and cheery as Cut the Rope. Badland has stunningly pretty graphics, with a glowing sun that lights up a foggy, interesting world. Old trees are overgrown with alien-like flowers and oddly colored bushes. Withered branches hang from high above, occasionally covered in autumn leaves. The world in Badland is deeply imaginative, and it may provide a strong source of inspiration for our creative little ones.

Learning how to play Badland is easy. When gaming on a computer, simply click the main mouse button or press the “up” arrow key to fly. Every single movement stems from that one button. Flying, rolling, and climbing all happens by flapping your character’s arms.

Despite having easy-peasy controls, this game isn’t easy to beat. As we’ve come to expect from single-player games, each new level is harder to beat than the last. At the beginning of the game, your child might progress very quickly, spending no more than a minute or two on each level. After that, the landscapes get tougher to cross, with all sorts of new variables coming into play.

Most of the action in Badland involves interacting with Mother Nature. Players must fly above hills and glide through caves. Certain branches are in the way, but they can be pushed aside or bent. In more advanced levels, dubious traps challenge gamers. There are windmill-like blades that block paths, teeter-totter barriers, and dangerously large boulders. The sheer number of special obstacles and traps makes Badland much more than a standard arcade game. It often plays like a puzzler, daring players to think creatively to cross the forest.

Badland has realistic physics, meaning everything acts as it would in our world. No two games play the same way. There’s a randomness to the levels, in what you’ll encounter and how you can win. I find this to be one of the elements children like the most, because there’s no repetition. Every time they play, something new happens. In fact, many new things happen.

There are ways to shrink your flying character and grow to massive sizes. Depending on the level, you might need to be very tiny to squeak through an underground tunnel. Or, you might have to be huge to barrel through a cluster of rocks. Each of the 300 missions is different, and that’s a very good thing. Badland is free, it is wonderful, and it’s parent-approved. Have a go, and you could end up playing it just as much as your young ones do.

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How to handle Valentine’s Day in a BRAND NEW relationship

February 13, 2017 by Leave a Comment

It’s Valentine’s Day; that special time of year dedicated to all things heart shaped, loved up and ohh la la!

Deciphering how you should spend the 14th of February is usually pretty easy; if you’re in a relationship you go on a date, share gifts and so forth, and if you’re single you rock out your singledom with friends and have fun… or you try not to text your ex and watch any romantic 90s Hugh Grant classics and cry in the bath.

But what about if you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a NEW boyfriend? You’ve both been dating for 2 months, a month, a couple of weeks… what are the rules here? How far do you go? Do you celebrate it all at?

Don’t panic, we’re here to help point you in the right direction!

1. Feel whether the time is right

It can be ‘too soon’ to celebrate Valentine’s Day with each other. If you’ve only gone a few dates with one another, then we’d suggest that it’d be best to ignore Valentine’s Day this year. Follow your gut, if you think it’s too soon… it probably is. At the beginning of a relationship it’s always best to keep it cool and casual than to appear to needy.

 

2. Are YOU ready?

Question how you feel about this relationship. Celebrating Valentine’s Day with one another is a big step and shows that you’re into each other and potentially looking for something more long term. Maybe you’re not looking for a relationship right now, if that’s the case question whether or not celebrating Valentine’s Day may send your new boyfriend the wrong message. You don’t want him to get hurt if you don’t see this as a long term relationship!

 

2. Be open and talk about it with one another

If you feel that both of you are ready, just be frank about it and simply ask him, ‘It’s Valentine’s Day, do you want to do anything?’ If it feels weird, just laugh about it and keep it light! If he’s not ready however, don’t push it and don’t let it bruise your ego, sometimes people need more time to dedicate themselves to a relationship.

 

3. Keep it low-key

Whilst talking to your new boyfriend, tell him that you don’t mind keeping Valentine’s Day low-key. You could make rules like no gift giving or only doing something during the day. Create a plan together that works for both of you.

 

4. Go out for drinks

If you’re a new couple, perhaps just going out for a drink or two is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Impress your new date with your favorite little black dress number, don’t go too overboard with something like a ball gown though… or a wedding dress. We’re pulling your leg of course, but wearing something flirty and simple is ALWAYS the best option for a Valentine’s Day date. If you feel like having fun, maybe go somewhere with a theme (like a 20s speak-easy style establishment!) or somewhere fancy!


5. Have a home cooked meal

If you don’t feel ready to go to a fancy restaurant together just yet, why not celebrate with a home cooked meal for two at your home? It’s still intimate, and fun, but it’s also causal. If you don’t know each other too well yet it’s also a great way to feel relaxed around one another and talk. Going to a posh restaurant can feel stifling and put pressure on you both. Give your new boyfriend the opportunity kick off his cool men’s chukka boots and relax in your company.


7. Do you get each other gifts?

Decide together whether you’re going to get gifts for one another. You don’t want to give him a bunch of flowers and a bottle of wine and discover that he’s got you zilch, or the other way around. Make a plan before Valentine’s Day.


8. Don’t get him anything too big for Valentine’s Day

You may want to get him SOMETHING to show that your relationship is going well and that you care about the guy, but you don’t want to get him something TOO romantic or serious as it may spook him. And the same goes vice versa! Just picture it: you’ve been going out for a month and a half and he gets you a huge plasma screen TV for you to watch Netflix together at your place. You’d want to run for the hills wouldn’t you?

Aim for a gift that’s not too expensive and something fun and casual. If he’s mentioned a book that he wants to read, get him the book! If he likes a band, buy him their latest CD or get him an itunes voucher so that he can download them himself! It would be too far to buy him tickets worth hundreds of pounds to their reunion tour… in Belgium. The thought is nice, but it’s too much too soon. For unique and quirky gift ideas check out some online shops like Mr Shoes.

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Radiator dos and don’ts: staying warm and safe this winter

February 13, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Having a central heating system and nice, smart, heat-emitting radiators in your home is, of course, all about making sure you and your family keep snug and warm through the winter months. However, sometimes one or all of your radiators may not feel like they’re as warm as they should be or you may feel they’re not operating as they should and, because of that, may even be dangerous to use. In which case, what should and shouldn’t you do when it comes to radiator safety…?
Don’t fiddle with the valve

The radiator’s valve is there to do a job and so, unless you definitely know what you’re doing, don’t play around with it in order to make the room warmer or cooler. Should you open the valve, it’s likely to allow excess piping-hot steam escape from the radiator. Generally speaking then, the valve should be open completely if the radiator’s not in use, or closed completely if it is in use. Moreover, should a banging sound be emanating from the radiator, it probably means the device is leaking – don’t fiddle with the valve, get in an expert to repair the radiator.

 

Keep the boiler’s pressure down

Something else people have a wont to do to generate more heat from their central heating system is to turn up the boiler’s pressure, believing this will increase the heat of the home’s radiators. Don’t do it; because it won’t. In fact, high-pressure steam from the boiler will actually move through the system slower than low-pressure steam. And, in addition to keeping valves closed on the radiators you’re using, check to make sure the pipes that connect the radiators to the boiler are well insulated.

 

Are your children aware of radiator safety?

It’s important for young kids to be aware of what radiators are capable of. There aren’t many dangers associated with them, of course, but as soon as they’re able to understand, children ought to be informed that if they touch the hot metal of a radiator it could burn them (potentially badly) and that, technically, hanging something from a radiator could cause it to catch fire. Also, it’s true that not all radiators look exactly the same – for instance, standard traditional-looking models appear different to stylish radiators and, in turn, one of these will appear different to an electric towel rail. Thus, this may confuse a child if it’s not properly explained to them, so it’s important to stress all radiators can potentially carry the same dangers. If you are concerned, there’s always the option of installing an elegant metal or wooden cover over a radiator or placing a guard in front of it.

 

Location, location, location

Many radiators are located on walls beneath windows, specifically because this can be the most effective position for it to heat a room and keep it warm. However, this also means that the top of a radiator could come into contact with the bottom of a window’s curtains or drapes. You need to ensure this can’t happen, otherwise there genuinely may be a danger the curtains/ drapes could catch fire.

And that goes for furniture too. It may sound obvious to say that sofas, chairs, tables and the like shouldn’t be positioned too close to a radiator but, owing to the fact their upholstery could be burned or – again – in the worst case scenario they could catch fire, it’s worth pointing it out. Especially as there have been recorded instants of toddlers and young children falling into gaps between furniture – especially beds – and radiators and getting burned.

All in all then, like the other tips outlined above, use your common sense when it comes to radiator safety – and if you’re concerned about something that you can’t solve simply yourself, be sure to call in a professional expert.

 

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The Minimalist Guide To Managing A Vacation Rental

February 1, 2017 by 1 Comment

When it comes to choosing accommodations for your family vacation destination, you don’t have to be restricted to choosing between different types of hotel or motels. Now you have more choices, like short term house rentals, apartment rentals, AirBnB, or RVs.

You also have plenty of alternative choices when it comes to family activities other than going to the beach or a theme park. You could, for example, explore a cave, visit a state park, enjoy boating, go on day hikes, or take road trips.

Deciding Where to Stay

Assuming you’ve decided where to go and what to do, your main quest will be to find the perfect place to stay.

If you’re looking for an apartment, villa, house, or condominium a website like Your Rent can help you do a search by city.

If you’re looking for extra rooms, complete homes, or unique accommodations like castles, then check out Airbnb. This is an option if you’re planning an overseas vacation.

And if you’re planning on traveling by RV, then get a directory that shows you the best campgrounds.

When deciding where to stay, it’s advisable to start your search as early as possible.

Steps to Take when Renting

Once you’ve found a place to rent, here are 6 steps to make sure everything goes smoothly:

1. Don’t skim over the contract.

It’s tempting to skim over the contract and not read it properly. After all, you’ll probably be relieved to have found a nice place to stay. However, before you turn your attention to having fun, it’s important to read the whole document.

Besides the schedule of payment, you are also agreeing to take on certain liabilities. For instance, if the landlord believes the rental has not been properly cleaned, you may have to pay for extra cleaning costs. You also have to be clear who is responsible for paying for things like propane, housekeeping, cable, telephone, Internet, and utilities.

If you have to pay for utilities, you should get a good estimate of what it will come to as it might be more than you’d pay back home. Air conditioning, for instance, might run high in the summer months.

So, besides covering the down payment and the rent, be sure you have enough to pay for everything else you are liable for.

Finally, get a clear idea about the rules on subleasing, having pets, amenities, and furnishings.

2. Use an attorney.

If, for one reason or another, you don’t have a good feeling about the contract, then it might be worth spending a couple of hundred dollars to get an attorney to review it for you. There may, for example, be some ambiguous clauses that the landlord fails to explain clearly. Ideally, get a lawyer you know and trust who has real estate experience. This step will help you decide whether you should sign the contract or look for another place. The contract might be standard and fair, after all. Alternatively, you don’t want to be held liable for more than your fair share of costs.

What do you do if the attorney things that the contract is not fair? While, of course, you can always walk away, another option is to renegotiate the contract. The landlord might be willing to reduce excessive costs or waive restrictive conditions rather than have you walk away.

3. Understand the conditions of the deposit.

Be sure that you have enough in your budget to cover your security deposit before you commit to renting. Sometimes the deposit may be higher than you might expect for a down payment because the landlord has had some inconsiderate renters in the past and had to pay for cleaning and repair. Also, be absolutely clear what conditions have to be met before you can get your full deposit back. If you’re not clear about these conditions, then the landlord can always make ambiguous claims that you did not leave the place in a good condition when you left and refuse to return your deposit.

4. Understand housekeeping policies.

Different properties have different rules about housekeeping. You may have to do the cleaning yourself; the cleaner might come in when you’re there; or the cleaner may only come on the last day before you leave. Cleaning services might be part of the rental service or you might be asked to pay the bills. So understand the housekeeping policies, and don’t assume that they are the same as the last place you rented on your previous vacation rental.

5. Do a walk through before and after renting.

Walk through the premises with the landlord before and after renting out the property. Take photographs of any existing damages when you do your first walk through so that you are not stuck paying for a problem a previous renter created. By doing the two walkthroughs with the landlord, you will both be aware of the property conditions.

6. Get contact numbers.

You may have an emergency when you’re vacationing, so be sure to get the landlord’s number. In case of an emergency, like a plumbing problem, an electric shortage, or a burglary, you will have someone to call to take care of it right away.

Renting a vacation home, apartment, villa, or condominium is often a fairly straightforward process, and armed with these 6 steps, you’ll be able to forestall any potential problems.

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Great Brisbane Destinations for Young Travelers

February 1, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Young, wild and free? Here are some of the best Brisbane destinations that are perfect for young travelers (or anyone who’s up for the challenge, really.)

Some tourists may be hard pressed to find rental car once they arrived, which is why it is recommended to book before arriving. The car hire in Brisbane by DriveNow, for instance, allows you to easily and quickly book car hire online and get behind the wheels right after arriving at the airport.

Tree top walk. Found at Lamington National Park, this trail of suspension bridges is the closest you can come to walking on air. The structure was built 25 years ago and features 180 meters of suspended bridges, which sways 15 meters off the ground. Conquer your acrophobia (fear of heights) and burst through the canopy by climbing up to one of two observation decks along the way. The highest tower reaches 30 meters above ground.

Games night out. Put some supersized fun into your next board game by playing with your buddies using a giant version of classic board games. Game Night is held in King George Square every last Thursday of each month starting at 5 PM up to 9 PM. There are giant versions of Connect Four, Jenga, Dominoes, Chinese Checkers, as well as a selection of regular board games. What’s best is that joining is free and you can bring your own games.

Moreton Island glamping. Love camping but not the gear-lugging, latrine digging and tent-pitching? Take a trip to Merton Island and take advantage of their “glamp,” which is a collection of permanent two and four-person tents which are splendidly furnished with a queen size bed, veranda and other necessities. No more creepy crawlies! You can choose to rough it by cooking your own meal at the communal kitchen and barbecue area or glam it up by simply strolling to the on-site restaurant.

City hopper ride. If time is on your side and wants to explore Brisbane’s inner centre, then jump aboard a CityHopper. A free service ride that uses reconditioned Brisbane City Council ferries and meanders along the river. The ferry stops at North Quay, South Bank 3, Maritime Museum, Thornton Street, Eagle Street Pier, Holman Street, Dockside and Sydney Street terminals. Catch the red-hued CityHoppers between 6 AM and midnight, seven days a week. They run every 30 minutes, so you and your travel buddies have plenty of chance.

Seafood. Craving for seafood? You can buy fresh prawns from the trawler in Cabbage Tree Creek at Shorncliffe.  The trawlers can be found mooring along the Sinbad St. stretch of the inlet, playing their ocean-fresh offering on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings.

Rooftop Cinema. The rooftop bar of Fortitude Valley’ Lime Hotel has the best view in town. They screen classic films as well as recent releases on Thursday nights starting at 7:30 PM while you recline on couches and pillows or you can even set yourself up at bar tables. The bar opens at 5 PM, serving tapas and drinks, and stays open after the movie ends until midnight.

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TRAVEL TO SPACE FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR LIVING ROOM @ExploreSpaceKSC #JoinTheJourney

January 25, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Experience space as only NASA astronauts have before with the new, custom-designed Space Visor virtual reality headset and mobile applications available exclusively at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Available for purchase at visitor complex gift shops and online at TheSpaceShop.com, the Space Visor transports users to a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), where they can explore inside and learn about each module, and then to the surface of the moon on a rocky lunar rover ride.  Other experiences include visits to restricted areas at the visitor complex such as the Gemini IX and Apollo 14 capsules and more. The headset can be used while at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and then from anywhere else a user might be.

“At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex we create immersive space experiences for our visitors,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “The Space Visor is the next step to bring our guests an unparalleled experience at the height of current technology.”

The premium headset allows users to interact with three separate applications:

  • KSC 360 Expedition encompasses all parts of the visitor complex, and users are prompted to learn facts about each rocket in the Rocket Garden, gaze at space shuttle Atlantis as she floats in orbit, take a ride on the moon in a lunar rover at the Apollo/Saturn V Center and sit in the commander seat of the Mercury-Atlas 8, Gemini IX and Apollo 14 capsules.
  • Space Dreams explores the room of a space-inspired child to learn facts and figures about the solar system from galactic-themed décor including each planet, a Mars rover and a Mercury spacesuit.
  • Edge of Home allows guests to see the International Space Station like an astronaut; they will take part in an extravehicular activity, walk around the outside of the ISS while learning facts and figures about each module.

Delaware North, operators of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, worked with Orlando-based VR technology partner, brandVR, to create content that is compelling and approachable for all audiences.

For more information, click here.

This information has been provided by and used with permission of www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

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5 Places you can get Sun in the USA Now

January 19, 2017 by Leave a Comment

As winter has taken hold, many people consider travelling the world in search of a spot of winter sun. The blue skies, burning sun and time to relax can help to recharge the batteries during the winter months, especially at a time where the days are short and all there seems to be is darkness.

Winter sun can rejuvenate and help blow away the winter blues, therefore, the following five places in the USA will enable you to grab the winter sun that you need.

Miami and Key West

Miami and Key West is known for its subtropical climate. Wildlife from Northern US and Canada flock there to bask in the warm temperatures which can reach as high as 79F during the day during the winter months while dropping to 60F at night. For those who enjoy the sun during the day and a good nightlife, Miami has it all. Stunning beaches can be enjoyed in the comfort of the warm sun while Key West is the southernmost point in the US where the laid-back style of life accompanies the beautiful sunshine.

Orlando

Orlando is known to the playground of Florida as it is home to the likes of Disney Land and Universal Studios. However, during the summer months the heat can be almost unbearable as well as there being a risk of thunderstorms on an almost daily basis. Therefore, during the winter months, the temperature is pleasant and certainly an improvement on the winter weather in the UK. On average, the temperatures in Orlando are around 75 degrees during the winter months.

Baldwin County MLS

Here you can find the stunning Gulf Shores and mile upon mile of sandy white beaches. The average temperature here is around 66F which is warm enough to take walks along the beach or enjoy the many different activities on offer such as dolphin spotting or deep-sea fishing. Regardless of what you choose to do when you are visiting Baldwin County MLS, you can be sure that the weather, especially during winter, will be kind to you.

San Diego and Palm Springs

Southern California is the place that conjures up images of long days in the sun, vast beaches and people keeping fit. It is not only the summer where the sun shines because here, there is sun all-year round. The temperatures during the day reach an average of 66F which is perfect for getting out and about and taking in the sights without having to wrap up warm.

Palm Springs offers the warm desert air just east of Los Angeles and many golf courses, architecture and hotels to enjoy.

Hawaii

Hawaii is on-par or comes a close second to the sunshine state of Florida when it comes to Winter sunshine. This is a real winter-sun playground with a wide range of resorts where temperatures reach around 77F during the day. Hawaii is littered with stunning beaches and amazing scenery all of which is topped off with incredible winter sun.

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