Entries Tagged as 'Regional'

Disney World Food and Wine Festival

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Dinner at Disneysea
Creative Commons License photo credit: gwaar

The Epcot Center at Disney World is dedicated to international culture and technological innovation, and a natural extension from its interest in the global community is the celebration of everything that makes us different. The Holidays around the World event features storytellers speaking about their national traditions, specifically concerning holidays that are celebrated, their significance, and the history behind such holidays. A mass choir and a celebrity speaker are on hand to celebrate Christmas during the event. Without a doubt the tastiest special event at the Epcot Center, though, is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, an event that celebrates cultural differences through cuisine. Many countries around the world, even those that do not have permanent pavilions at the Epcot Center, are represented by their cuisine at the festival, one that lasts from September 26 to November 9.

As the third-most visited theme-park in the United States and the sixth-most visited theme park in the world, the Epcot Center has long been an important attraction for the United States and has become extremely popular with international tourists because of its celebration of cultures from all around the world. The name of the Epcot Center derives from the acronym EPCOT, which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Walt Disney planned a utopian society that would exist as the model of human civilization, and his ideal vision of the Epcot Center was as a test bed for city planning and social organization. The city would be built as a circle, with business in the center and the community residing around it, along with the necessary community buildings like schools and recreational complexes. Transportation would be completely public and underground, as to keep people safe. Walt Disney attested that his model city would encompass everything that is special about mankind, and that problems like slums and corruption would not exist because there would not be any mechanisms in place that would allow them to develop.

When Walt Disney died, the company realized that they would not want to be in the position to run an entire town, so the idea was scrapped for the most part. Instead, the Epcot Center was created as a place that would embody the ideals of Walt Disney’s utopian society without actually creating a town in which people could opt to live. Other communities in the United States, such as Celebration, Florida, are modeled around Disney’s original perception of the Epcot Center. The park opened on October 1, 1982, and the opening was very optimistic and cheerful. Disney’s chairman dedicated the Epcot Center to the traditions and values that Walt Disney himself set aside for his planned community. Eventually, the name of the Epcot Center became a mixed-case non-acronym, and it is now referred to as the Epcot Center. In all, the Epcot Center cost about $1.4 billion to make, and construction time was three years. Consisting of 250 acres, the park is twice as large as the Magic Kingdom, and the park was not officially dedicated until a month after the park debuted.

The Epcot Center is divided into pavilions that represent several different aspects of mankind. Future World consists of pavilions that explore innovative aspects of technology. They are: Spaceship Earth, Innoventions, Universe of Energy, Mission: SPACE, Test Track, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Imagination, and The Land. Each pavilion opened initially with a corporate sponsor who paid for everything, a favor which was returned with advertising and a posh VIP area for corporate employees to relax and get away from the park for a while. Several of these pavilions’ sponsors have stopped paying for the pavilion, which makes their future uncertain because of the fact that Disney would rather not pay. The World Showcase is one of the most iconic parts of the theme park, containing eleven pavilions that represent different countries in the world, such as Canada, Morocco, and Norway. Representative shops and restaurants are staffed by citizens of the respective countries, usually college students participating in a special program that allows them to live on the premises.

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is an extension of this nod to the international community at the Epcot Center. Beginning and advanced gourmets from all over the world come to the Epcot Center in order to share their culinary traditions with the rest of the global community. This year marks the 13th year that the Epcot International Food and Wine festival has been hosted by the Epcot Center. Marketplaces featuring regional foods, wines, and beers are established, and it is great fun to wander the stalls, trying out different delicacies from many cultures all over the world. It is not very often that you can try a Moroccan dish consisting of roasted lamb alongside a good old-fashioned American hot dog, but the Epcot International Festival makes such occurrences happen. Renowned chefs share their techniques at special programs and demonstrations, which is always a blast to experience. A trip to the festival could net you several exotic recipes with which you can impress your friends and family. Some of the finest cuisine from around the globe is represented at the festival, so if you consider yourself a gourmet, even in passing, you need to make the effort to attend the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

The sizzling sounds of the Eat to the Beat concert series provide the perfect music to savor your culinary journey through the festival. A stellar line-up of popular music acts make the event one to remember. One of the places you have to check out while you are there is the Festival Welcome Center, where you can attend a book signing by professional chefs, browse the Festival Wine Shop, or check out the Wonders Bar for champagne and wine. The Stockpot shop has fantastic merchandise and souvenirs for you to remember you excellent trip out to the Epcot Center, along with other things to make your journey even more worthwhile. An important purchase is the Festival Cookbook, which will allow you to recreate the delicious taste sensations that you experience at the Epcot Center in your own home. All in all, there is a huge amount of things to do at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, and you should plan to experience it over several days so you can savor every bit of it.

The Epcot Center sprang from Walt Disney’s vision of the perfect society, but his death led the Epcot Center in the direction of embodying his desires without actually requiring the creation and management of an entire city. In this way, the values of peace and international appreciation are certainly present. Whether you come to the Epcot Center for Future World or the World Showcases, you should definitely try to coordinate your visit so that you can indulge in the Epcot International Food and Wine festival. It is an event that is not to be missed, because no other celebration of our global culture, specifically concerning culinary styles and tradition, can be experienced elsewhere on the planet. From September 26 to November 9 is the time to go to have this wonderful experience, so do not miss out!

Anime Festival Javits Center

Haruhi
Creative Commons License photo credit: Animefreak101

Although it may surprise American anime fans, the distinct style of animation originated in Japan almost a century ago. Just like our style of animation, anime is an alternative format of storytelling that allows for much more of the imagination to be expressed than could be in a live-action depiction. Anime has become popular all throughout the world because of its distinctive characteristics and its natural connection to manga, which is the Japanese word for comics. Manga’s popularity throughout the world has led to several mangas being adapted into anime, which then leads to more awareness for anime. Fans of anime who can make it to New York City from September 26 to September 28 should definitely check out the Anime Festival at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Manhattan.

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Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

SKULLS
Creative Commons License photo credit: sturgis07
When an event promises to almost double the population of a state, even if it is temporary, there must be something very important about said event. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally boasts the ability to draw over 500,000 visitors to South Dakota, a state with only 782,000 residents. They flock to the town of Sturgis which has even fewer residents – only 6,700 year-round – in order to experience the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the largest and most unique event of its kind in the world. As the organizers themselves would proudly proclaim, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally may not be the oldest event of its kind, but it certainly is on the most massive scale and promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience that even motorcycle neophytes should see for themselves. 2008’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Marks the 68th incarnation of the event, an amount of time that has only given the event room to grow.
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Mardi Gras Krewes

When you think of New Orleans, likely the first thing you think of is Mardi Gras. If you’ve been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, you know all about the festive atmosphere and the elaborate parades. From January 6th all the way through Fat Tuesday, New Orleans is seemingly partying non-stop. Fat Tuesday, which in 2008 is February 5th, is the official day of Mardi Gras and the final day of the celebrations. However, the parades, parties and events happen all month leading up to Fat Tuesday.

Mardi Gras Parade

Parades are a huge part of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The costumes, colors and music give Mardi Gras its unique characteristics. During the parades, Mardi Gras krewes are on display. Krewes are the clubs or companies that are responsible for putting on the shows and spectacles during the parades. When you see a group of costumed people coming down the parade route, each of those groups are krewes.

In the early days of Mardi Gras, krewes were a secret society. The membership of the krewes was private information and it was oftentimes difficult to join one of the krewes. However, krewes now have to register with the city and are no longer as secretive. A lot of modern day krewes are run like regular companies.

New Orleans is home to a large number of krewes. While there is a different story behind the origins of all the different krewes, they all have similar goals – to entertain while having fun.

Here is a list of some of the krewes in New Orleans:

Krewe of Bacchus
With the goal of re-energizing Mardi Gras, the Krewe of Bacchus was created in 1968 by Owen Edward Brennan, Sr. This krewe currently has more than 1,000 members and over 30 floats.

Endymion Krewe
The self proclaimed largest and most successful parade organization in New Orleans, the Endymion Krewe can attract stars to be their Grand Marshal. For example, in 2008 the Grand Marshal is Kevin Costner. This is one parade to be sure not to miss out on!

Krewe of Carrollton
Created in 1924, only three parading organizations have longer histories. The Krewe of Carrollton was originally created by business owners on Oak Street. This krewe is responsible for many of the innovations seen today in the Mardi Gras parades.

Krewe of Cleopatra
Created by women for women, this all women krewe now has over 500 members. Dating back to 1972, this was the first all-women krewe of its kind. The Queen’s Royal Barge is one of the most popular of all parade floats.

Krewe du Vieux
This krewe was formed after the Krewe de Clones collapsed. One of the most entertaining of all krewes, the Krewe de Vieux has its roots in the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans.

Krewe of Elks-Orleanians
Backed by the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, this krewe was the first krewe to use truck floats. Currently there are more than 4,500 riders and more than 100 floats. Their parade generally takes more than two and a half hours to complete.

Krewe of Grela
Dating back to 1947, this krewe gets its name by using by combining the words Gretna and Louisiana. With over 400 participants in the parade, this isn’t a large parade but it’s well orchestrated.

Krewe of Hermes
One of the oldest night parades, the Krewe of Hermes dates back to 1938. It was created by four businessmen in New Orleans with a mission of revitalizing the city. It’s also famous for being the first krewe to use neon lighting.

Krewe of Iris
Dating back to 1917, this is the largest krewe exclusively for women. It was named after the Goddess of Rainbow. If you are going to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, this is one of the parades you really must see.

Krewe of Lil Rascals
The Krewe of Lil Rascals has the motto “Today’s little rascals are tomorrow’s leaders and our hope for the future”. This is a krewe that aims to keep the youth involved in Mardi Gras.

Krewe of Mid-City
Named for the part of the city where the krewe originated from, the Krewe of Mid-City dates back to 1933. This parade is great for families, particularly children. Of all the krewes, this one uses perhaps the most imagination.

Krewe of Orpheus
Although it doesn’t have a vast history (formed in 1993), the Krewe of Orpheus has quickly become one of the largest krewes in all of New Orleans. It’s a music based krewe that opens that is famous for opening its doors to anyone who wants to join.

Krewe of Pegasus
Created by fifteen military vets, the Krewe of Pegasus has roots that go back to 1957. Named after a Greek mythology character, this krewe has kept true to its origins by always honoring the military.

Krewe of Phunny Phorty Phellows
You know its Mardi Gras season when you see the Krewe of Phunny Phorty Phellows. This krewe does the kickoff celebration for Mardis Gras and is known for being a fun and entertaining krewe.

Krewe of Proteus
The Krewe of Proteus runs a parade with a theme from Egyptian Mythology. This krewe dates all the way back to 1882 and is known as the second oldest of all the krewes. After a hiatus, this krewe once again became active in 2000.

Krewe of Twelfth Night Revelers
The Krewe of the Twelfth Night Revelers is unique in that its functions aren’t open to the public. Instead, you need to be invited. Although this krewe has roots that date all the way back to 1870, this is still a relatively secret organization.

Krewe of Tucks
The Krewe of Tucks owes its existence to the University of Loyola. A group of students from the school created this krewe and it is now known as being one of the most humorous of all the krewes.

Mistick Krewe of Comus
Dating all the way back to 1857, this krewe is obviously rich in history. It was founded by six New Orleans businessmen who wanted to celebrate Mardi Gras with class. This krewe is best known for its obscure references mythology and history.

Mystic Krewe of Barkus
The krewe is stars canines. With dogs in charge, this is a highly unique krewe and has quickly become a fan favorite. Created in 1992, currently thousands of dogs are involved in the parade.

When you are visiting New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you should check the parade schedules and locations to make sure you get to watch the krewes which interest you the most. After Hurricane Katrina, some of the krewes had trouble coming back together but almost all of them are back on their feet. The few that are not are almost all trying to eventually get back together.

All in all, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a great place to party, have fun, meet new people and experience one of the great celebrations in the entire world. You simply can’t match the atmosphere that can be found during Mardi Gras and it’s perfect for everyone from families with children to college students looking for a vacation.

Head to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and find out which of the Mardi Gras krewes will become your favorite. With so many different krewes to pick from, you’ll have to visit Mardi Gras a couple of times before making your final decision. That’s always a nice excuse for a vacation!

Brooklyn Bridge to Go Green

Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge in New York will turn 125 years old next year and it’s time for a modern makeover. Within the year, the landmark bridge and many of the city’s other bridges will “go green.”

The famous necklace lights on the bridge will be switched from 100-watt mercury vapor lamps to 24-watt bulbs. The new light-emitting diodes (LEDs) will not make the 160 lights on the bridge appear any dimmer, according to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Other eco-friendly changes that will be taking place in the city including replacing 25,000 street lights, testing three hybrid garbage trucks, and phasing in hybrid police cars and fire engines.

This holiday season, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is also using energy-saving lights. Plus, solar panels on top of 45 Rockefeller Plaza are helping power the tree.

The mayor’s goal is for the city to reduce its greenhouse gases by 30% by 2030. Over the next several years, many progams will go into place to improve the light and operations of municipal offices, the fire and police department and schools throughout New York.

Apple iPhone makes it UK debut

Apple iPhoneAlthough the Apple iPhone has been available in the United States for a while, it’s set to hit the United Kingdom market on November 9th. Apple has named O2 as the exclusive carrier for the iPhone in the UK.

Since O2 was selected as the only carrier, that means that UK customers will have to use the O2 service if they want to use an iPhone. The good news is that the monthly plans are reasonable. In the cheapest plan, UK customers can get 200 monthly minutes for 35 pounds a month.

A more advanced plan calls for 1200 minutes for 55 pounds a month. No matter which of these options are picked, unlimited data is included. Additionally, they’ll be nearly 8,000 hotspots around the country in which WiFi will be provided for free.

The plans also contain between 200 and 500 included text messages depending on the plan. Additionally text message above the quota will be charged to your account on a monthly basis.

To distribute the Apple iPhone, all 1300 Carphone Warehouse stores will have the iPhone available for purchase on the November 9th release date. At each location, there will also be an Apple iPhone specialist on hand to answer any questions.

  • Apple - Learn more about the iPhone from Apple.com
  • Talk iPhone - The latest news and rumors about the iPhone
  • Cell phones - Everything you ever wanted to know about cell phones
  • Mobile electronics - Information about mobile electronics in the UK

The Holland Tunnel turns 80

Holland Tunnel

In 1906, the Hudson River ferries were carrying nearly 3 million vehicles between New York and New Jersey each year and city planners were looking for a more efficient way to accommodate the growing number of automobiles. A coalition was established to try to come up with a feasible solution for building a bridge from Manhattan to Jersey City. [Read more →]

Salem Wax Museum and Haunted Neighborhood

Wax museum

The Salem Wax Museum is located on a dead-end street in Salem, Massachusetts, adjacent to the Charter Street Old Burying Point, the second oldest burial ground in the United States, and the Tricentennial Witch Trials Memorial. [Read more →]

PhotoPlus conference and expo

PhotoPlus Conference and Expo

The PDN PhotoPlus International Conference and Expo will take place in New York City from October 18-20, 2007.

This conference previews the latest cameras, equipment and technologies in the photography industry, and give attendeeshands-on experience with advances in digital and film outputs.

There are also a number of photo galleries on the expo floor, as well as dozens of seminars on film and digital photography, photo management, portrait photography, wedding photography, sports photography, travel photography, lighting, Photoshop and much more.

The PDN PhotoPlus International Conference and Expo is a must for anyone in the photo industry from seasoned professionals to photography novices.

Registration for the expo only is $40. You can also select a Gold Expo Pass, which includes expo admission, free admission to several keynote speakers and a private Gold Expo lounge. This price for the Gold Expo Pass is $79. You can also receive a free Gold Expo Pass by purchasing any of the seminars.

Expo Schedule:

Thursday, October 18, 2007
9am–10am - Preview for Gold Expo Pass and seminar attendees only
10am-5pm - Exhibit Hall Open

Friday, October 19, 2007
9am–10am - Preview for Gold Expo Pass and seminar attendees only
10am-5pm - Exhibit hall open

Saturday, October 20, 2007
10am-4pm - Exhibit hall open

Seminar Pricing:

1-2 seminars - $95 each
3-4 seminars - $85 each
5-7 seminars - $80 each
Full seminar package - $495 (excluding 3-hour seminars or hands-on lab)
Three-hour seminars - $120 each
Hands-on lab - $170 each

Canon, Nikon and Panasonic will showcase new professional digital SLR cameras at the conference Kodak, Samsung and other top names in the photography industry will also feature products and demonstrations. Here is the entire exhibitor list.

The conference and expo takes place in Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. The convention center is located at 655 West 34th Street (on 11th Avenue) in Manhattan.

Several Manhattan hotels are offering special rates to attendees. You can reserve your hotel room online or by calling 866-772-4411 or (404) 584-7458.

You can also find airline discounts, car rental and parking information at the PhotoPlus website.

To register for the event, please visit photoplusexpo.com or call (508) 743-8505.

Oktoberfest 2007 Begins

Every year, Munich, Germany hosts the biggest festival in the world: Oktoberfest. Today marks the first day of Oktoberfest 2007, and over six million attendees are expected to flood the streets, down a few steins of delicious brew, and party until they just can’t stand it anymore.

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