Posts Tagged ‘2009’

Cascadia 2009

Image taken on 2009-08-02 18:57:40 by Gord McKenna.

Family Vacation 2009 Lake Tahoe Lassen and Coast Redwoods

Camping vacation from July 1st to July 17th, 2009

Hotel Phoenicia – Summer Sizzler 2009

Summer Sizzler at Malta’s Premier Hotel

For such a small island, Malta packs a punch. On this friendly island, the sun always shines on the oldest free-standing temples in the world, the friendliest of people and food that bubbles with Mediterranean influences. And on the horizon, the sea is always there, shining a turquoise invite.

Hotel Phoenicia is the island’s premier hotel. This historic gem is situated just outside Valletta and offers luxurious rooms, gastronomic delights, and a secluded pool guarded by 16th century bastions, making this hotel a unique city centre resort.

Hotel Phoenicia is offering you a special last minute deal to visit an island which has been waiting for you for thousands of years. Hotel Phoenicia is for a limited time only offering a special rate starting from €135.00 including daily breakfast on a per room per night basis and one free return transfer to the beautiful Golden Bay daily. This advance purchase rate is applicable for stays between June and August 2009, for stays of 3 nights or more.

This exclusive offer is only available on the Hotel Phoenicia Malta website. Terms and conditions apply. For more information visit www.phoeniciamalta.com

Whether travelling on business or leisure, or perhaps combining both it is important to choose a hotel which can comfortably accommodate your every whim. Hotel Phoenicia - 5 star hotel Malta is conveniently located in Valletta close to all amenities including Government offices, banks, commercial entities and corporate offices, yet the same destination offers a multitude of alternatives including outdoor cafes, restaurants, wine bars and pubs, museums, an art gallery, palaces, theatre, cinema, Caravaggio’s paintings and designer shops.

Romantic Beach Vacation Destinations Summer 2009

Summer is a short but splendid season, often spent with family and friends enjoying the endless array of festivals, food, and holidays. The Summer season is also a perfect time for a romantic walk on the beach at sunset during a hot summer vacations evening.   Put those long Summer days to good use exploring our list of beautiful beaches and vacation spots located across the United States.  This Summer, find your special beach destination, soak up the sun and play in the pristine sandy beaches while making Summer memories that last a lifetime.

Maine is one of the most popular romantic destinations of Summer vacationers for a variety of reasons. The beautiful, temperate weather and rocky coastlines with soaring, granite cliffs have provided unforgettable vistas to Summer travelers for over a hundred years.  A popular Maine Summer destination is Bar Harbor, located in the Acadia National Park area, providing beautiful white, sandy beaches and refreshing, cool waters to enjoy and help you unwind. Also located within this Summer vacation area along Route 1A in the Southern Coastline region of Maine, are the quaint coastal cities of Portland and Ogunquit.  Both offer smaller beaches, but are known for their quiet, romantic shorelines. Tired of the beach?  How about a trip to Maine’s Central Coastline to Southwest Harbor where vacationers will find wonderful boutiques, galleries, eateries, and bed and breakfast lodging unlike anywhere experienced before.  And of course, no Maine Summer vacation would be complete without sampling some of the local fair, including freshly caught lobster, hush puppies, fiddle head potatoes, and my personal favorite, New England clam chowder.

Another Summer vacation hot spot is New Jersey’s Southern Shore, with over 140 miles of pristine beaches, renowned restaurants, and celebrated Summer festivals and events.  This region contains 7 out of the top 10 beaches in New Jersey, including the #1 beach, located in Ocean City. Known as America’s Greatest Family Resort, it is a fantastic place for family reunions, group retreats, and of course, beach weddings. The 2.5 mile long boardwalk is complete with fine dining restaurants and downtown shopping area for adults, and two amusement parks, go-cart rentals, and a water park for the kids. Don’t forget about the many miniature golf courses, enjoyable for the entire family! There is truly entertainment for all ages in Ocean City, NJ. And no trip to New Jersey’s Southern Shore would be complete without visiting the historic, Victorian town of Cape May. Cape May offers a wide variety of Summertime activities including listening to the surf caress the shoreline, the thrill and excitement of walking the boardwalk, climbing to the top of one of the many famous Cape May lighthouses and enjoying the towering vistas, and finally, staying at a romantic Victorian bed and breakfast on the coastline. The New Jersey Southern Shore offers a wide variety of activities ensuring your Summer vacation will be a memorable one.

Known for it’s year round bountiful sunshine and crystal blue skies, the Florida Keys region including it’s neighboring barrier islands, have long been a favorite destination for Summer vacationers. Key West offers soft, white sandy beaches surrounding its scenic perimeter, and is famous for its outdoors activities including world class fishing, diving, water sports, and golf. After watching an unequaled Key West sunset, enjoy the many night life activities including live entertainment by the city’s many musicians and street artists. Treat your palate to an island specialty and dine at a local sidewalk cafe or gourmet restaurant, and enjoy a nightcap at one of the many legendary pubs and open-air island bars. Lodging in Key West is as diverse as the island itself, including top notch resorts to traditional conch houses to comfortable bed and breakfast inns. In a city of fascinating contrasts and inspiring diversity it is easy to envision yourself letting go of your mainland worries, and spending your Summer vacation in beautiful Key West, Florida. I have personally visited Key West several times, soaking in the memorable sites during the 4 hour drive from Key Largo to Key West, and would highly recommend the journey along scenic US 1 to any vacationer looking for an unforgettable beach getaway this Summer.

Home to some of the best beaches in the United States, the Texas Southern Gulf Coast region attracts millions of visitors every year, particularly during the Summer vacation season. With over 350 miles of coastline stretching in a gentle arc from South Padre Island north to the Louisiana border, this Texas playground is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The native cord grass and marsh lands provide the ideal ecosystem to support rich marine life and winter nesting grounds for migrating birds. In the Northern Gulf Coast area you can explore the historic beach communities of Galveston and Crystal Beach. Galveston offers 32 miles of magnificent, soft sandy beaches, top notch restaurants and live entertainment, and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country. Another popular Summer destination in the Texas Gulf Coast area is Corpus Christi, offering vacationers a rich blend of culture in the relaxed atmosphere of a historic coastal port. Upon traveling to Corpus Christi, one can expect to find soothing sea breezes, endless blue skies, and beautiful turquoise waters. Visit the bay front promenade, the arts and museum district, waterfront restaurants and entertaining nightlife while vacationing in Corpus Christi. South Padre Island is located on the tropical tip of Texas bordering Mexico.  It is known as one of the best vacation destinations in the country offering beautiful beaches, tall sand dunes, and warm Gulf waters. Contrary to popular belief, South Padre Island is one of the mildest places in Texas during the Summer season, with Gulf sea breezes keeping the temperatures moderate in the high 80’s to low 90’s. Some activities to explore while vacationing in this top rated Texas beach destination include saltwater fishing, dining on fresh fish and seafood served at local island restaurants, and staying at a historic bed & breakfast or hotel accommodation. There is certainly something for all travel enthusiasts when visiting the Texas Gulf Coast this Summer.

Located along the Pacific Ocean halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Central Coast of California stretches thousands of miles from Santa Barbara to Monterey. The region is widely renowned for it’s romantic, white sandy beaches and rock-lined coastal views, exquisite wine country tours, and artisan villages. Vacationers can choose from quaint, historic bed and breakfast inns to scenic, ocean-side cottages. During the beautiful, sunshine filled days, discover surfing, water-skiing, golfing, hiking, biking, horse-back riding, bird watching, farmers markets, and film festivals. If you are looking for beautiful blue skies, shopping, dining, endless activities, unforgettable experiences, and a marina complimented with a gorgeous beach, visit Santa Barbara, located on the southern end of California’s Central Coast. Situated near the Northern tip of Monterey Bay, 74 miles south of San Francisco, lies the quintessential beach town of Santa Cruz. A wide array of attractions await, from Santa Cruz’s award-winning boardwalk and majestic Redwood forests, to arts and culture events, and award-winning restaurants. An enchanting blend of history and natural beauty await, ensuring your Summer vacation to California’s Central Coast will be a memorable and enjoyable one.

The Bed and Breakfast Directory.com suggests the above Summer Beach Vacation destinations based on personal experiences and other valued traveler input. The locations were selected due to overall entertainment options, quality and popularity of beach, amount of sunshine-filled days, softness of sand, temperature of water, and dining & shopping options.

Fifty things of Miss Universe 2009

The final will take place a few hours a month, eight, four beautiful girls from different countries around the world work hard for this moment. The world is the emergence of another beauty queen. Yes, I am referring to the grand final of Miss Universe. This is one of the top beauty pageants in the world and will be followed by thousands of people around the world. Here are some interesting facts that I collected on Miss Universe

1. Miss Universe began as a local bathing in Long Beach, California. E ‘was organized by Catalina Swimwear. As time has turned into one of the most prestigious beauty contests in the world.
2. Since 2002, the Miss Universe Organization jointly by NBC and Donald Trump has been consulted. Paula Shugart is the current president of the Miss Universe Organization. He sells the television rights for the show in other countries. It also produces Miss Italy and Miss Teen USA. The winner of Miss Italy has participated in Miss Universe.
invalid result data4. Venezuela, United States, Puerto Rico, are just some of the most prosperous countries of the Miss Universe contest.
5. In the past, Finland, Germany, the most prosperous countries of Sweden to Miss Universe.
6. England is the most successful non-win with the nine countries, five seats.
7. Many countries have expressed interest in participating in the competition, but some might not for religious and cultural reasons, while others were due to cost. Countries like Algeria did not participate in Miss Universe, because of the swimsuit competition. Countries such as Mozambique, Armenia and Nepal have expressed interest to participate in Miss Universe, but not because of the high proportion of franchising in the amount of Miss Universe.
8. Last countries, delegates to the Miss Universe China (2002), Albania (2002), Vietnam (2004), Georgia (2004), Ethiopia (2004), Latvia (2005), Kazakhstan (2006), Tanzania (2007) Kosovo (2008).
9. Since 2007, only four countries participated in Miss Universe since its inception in 1952. They are: Canada, France, Germany and the United States.
10. Yolande Betbèze, Miss America 1951, refused to pose in a swimsuit to swimsuit Catalina. Following the brand manufacturer Pacific Mills withdrew from Miss America and introduced to Miss Italy and Miss Universe beauty pageant.
11. Armi Kuusela of Finland won the first beauty contest in 1952, but she gave him the title of Virgilio Hilario, marrying a Filipino businessman.
12. Until 1958 the title of Miss Universe was post-dated. Sun was declared Miss Universe 1953 Miss Kuusela
13. Miss Universe was conferred in 1955 on television. From 1960 – 1965, CBS’s nationally televised Miss Universe and Miss USA. In 2003, NBC took over the TV rights.
14. In the early years of the candidates for Miss Universe were announced after the qualifying round. From 1965 until today, the semi-finalists were not announced until the night of the Main Event. The semi-finalists then compete in evening wear, swimwear segment and one of the top five were announced.
15. The interview section was introduced in 1960 to determine the finalists and winners.
16. From 1959 to 1963, there was no system of selection of the five finalists. The finalists and winners have been named finalists for fifteen half. In 1964, he was fifteen top ten. After a series of interviews, the winners and runners-up were called by the 10 finalists.
17. It is interesting to note that from 1965-1989, took the Miss Universe to its old form of election of five.
18. A Miss Universe 1969, a final question was the five best candidates. Then the last question was sometimes included and excluded from the parade. Finally, in 1990, has become mainstream.
19. Since 1990, the trend was reversed in the selection of five finalists, and there were six finalists. Each participant was randomly by a judge, who later said he chose a question. This was further reduced to three finalists.
20. In 1998, the number of finalists was reduced to five, but was reduced in the first three. Which lasted until 2001, when the final 5 format was restored.
21. The interview was completed in 2000 and competitors in the segment of the Miss Universe swimsuit competition and dress.
22. Miss Universe 2003 was used, the first fifteen times, instead of the top ten. Then it was reduced to five above.
23. In 2006, hours, eight semi-finalists in the competition, while in segment announced a bathing suit. The data was then reduced to ten, and these delegates competing in evening gown section. After the five finalists have been announced. Then they compete in the round of the interview. Then the finalists are announced and the winner was.
24. The format has changed once again in Miss Universe 2007, where fifteen semi-finalists in the competition in this segment of swimwear. Then, ten candidates competing in evening gown segment. From there, five were selected. Then the five participants attended the question “final” segment.
25. They were in Miss Universe 2009, for the first time, the first races streamed online. The reign of Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza and Ed Fields, a local personality adio Bahamas hosted the qualifying round.
26. For the first time, the Bahamas to host the Miss Universe contest. Moreover, the country was also a semifinalist for the first time
27. In Miss Universe 2009 Jewel Selver was to represent the Turkish and Caicos islands, but withdrew from the competition, August 22, 2009. He said he was suffering from dehydration. Selver is transferred from one side, beyond the preparation for the event.
28. Croatia was interested could participate in Miss Universe 2009, but not because of economic problems and economic recession.
29. Investor Jonathan Westbrook did everything to bring the Miss Universe 2009 for Australia, but show no interest at all sites as possible.
30. Donald Trump, who owns the Miss Universe organization was very interested in keeping the exhibition in Dubai, but he could not do because of bad relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel.
31. The grand final of Miss Universe 2009 will be held at the Imperial Ballroom, Atlantis Paradise Island.
32. Atlantis Paradise Island is a tourist resort. E ‘was created in South Africa from the businessman Sol Kerzner and Kerzner International Hotels Limited. Has adapted to the station of the best and most beautiful in the world.
33. Before Atlantis was named Trump Plaza has been changed after the construction of Atlantis Royal Towers.
34. Travel + Leisure named the Atlantic pinnacles remain inside best offer
35. Atlantis Paradise Island has seen a new edition has been added to call the Cove and Reef Atlantis
36. Dean Cain is a popular television actor and producer Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.will Judge of Miss Universe 2009
37. Colin Andrew Wilkie Cowie, is a lifestyle guru and party planner to the stars are great judges of Miss Universe 2009
38. Award-songwriter, producer, style guru Gerry DeVeaux will be the judges of Miss Universe 2009
39. Farouk Shami, a Palestinian-American businessman who is the judge of Miss Universe 2009
40. Be Heather Kerzner, a philanthropist and ambassador Kerze is the judge of Miss Universe 2009
41. Richard Lefrak, Chairman, President and CEO, will be the judges of Miss Universe 2009 Lefrak Organization
42. George J. Maloof Jr. owns the Sacramento Kings, the Sacramento Monarchs, and The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, go to the judges of Miss Universe 2009
43. Raquel Valeria Mazza, Argentinian model will be one of the judges of Miss Universe 2009
44. Matthew Rolston Russell, a fashion photographer and music video director in the U.S. is the same judge Miss Universe 2009
45. Andre Leon Talley, editor of American Vogue will be the judges of Miss Universe 2009
46. Actress Tamara Tunie Lou, best known for her role as medical examiner Melinda Warner on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit will be the judge at Miss Universe 2009
47. Keisha Whitaker, fashion maven and founder of the Kissable Couture lip gloss line is part of the jury of Miss Universe 2009
48. South Asia, India has been very successful in a beauty contest. This year, Ekta Choudhary participate in India. Ekta Delhi. She is 5 \ ’9 .5, and vital statistics are 32-24-36.
49. Ekta Choudhary parents wanted to come to the Bahamas to support his daughter, but she could not come because they were threatened by local thugs. They fear that their house was attacked in his absence.
50. Miss Universe officials have decided to release part of the high without the photos out of Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza. Previously, these photos were the beauty queen in the title, they forced her to give up his title, but this time the Miss Universe officials made an exception. The photos were published in the September issue of Maxim magazine.