MiraQua: The Tiny Zero Emission Electric Car

With President Obama aiming to have 1 million electric cars on the road by 2015, there has never been a better time for manufacturers of EVs to think big… or in this case, small.  Like the electric SMART car before it, the MiraQua is a tiny electric car that aims not only to make urban parking easy, but completely emission free. It also has a stylish door that allows drivers to enter from the front of the car just like Steve Urkel’s ride – remember him?
Conceived by Chinese designer Chaoyi Li, the MiraQua aims to combat Australia and China’s congestion problems but if successful in those markets, it could go worldwide. The teensy auto is a unique vehicle in that it has an in-wheel-motor and drive-by-wire-technologies. A foldable front allows for passengers to get in the back, although with the space they’ll have, they’d better be thin. The complete interior space is 1.9 x 0.6 meters.
The fact that the entire front section of the car opens up allows for drivers to put large packages such as bicycles inside the car. Not bad, we think you’ll agree, for a tiny car. Being so small and functional means that the car is expected to be a big hit with city dwellers. The fact that it’s zero emission is just icing on the cake.
by Timon Singh
+ MiraQua (James Dyson Award)

Estuaries Could Provide 13% Of The World's Power Needs

A team of researchers from Stanford University recently announced that estuaries around the globe could provide 13% of the world’s energy needs. For those of you who skipped geography, an estuary is where a river meets the sea, and the team believes that these areas where fresh water and salt water converge could be tapped as a renewable energy goldmine. Whenever river water diffuses into salty seawater there is a slight rise in temperature – this energy could theoretically be captured and harnessed to create electricity.
The researchers are working on a system for generating energy from moving water that does not involve ecosystem-damaging hydroelectric dams. Instead, the process hinges upon the principle of entropy, wherein energy is created from the mixture of salt and fresh water.
Traditional systems utilize osmotic power, where salt water draws fresh water through a membrane, causing an increase in pressure. This pressure then turns a turbine to produce electricity — but the Stanford team is working on a new method.
As reported by the Royal Society of Chemists, the Stanford team has developed a system that uses a battery to draw energy through a crystal lattice made of manganese dioxide nanorods. This enables a large surface area to be packed into a small space, creating the potential to generate large amounts of energy.
The system would also enable salt to be gathered so it can be converted into molten salt, which we all know can be used in power plants, wastewater treatment, energy generation and hydrogen gas production.
Granted the system is still in its infancy and the 13% figure that is bandied around should be taken with a pinch of salt (sorry!), but it is an interesting idea.
by Timon Singh

+ Stanford University

Montage Hotels & Resorts Announces New VP Acquisitions & Development

Herthel joins Montage Hotels & Resorts having recently returned to the United States from Abu Dhabi, where he served as Senior Vice President of Project Development for Viceroy Hotel Group, a position he held since 2008.

Montage Hotels & Resorts today announces the appointment of Jason Herthel to the role of Vice President of Acquisitions and Development.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome Jason to Montage Hotels & Resorts,” said Alan Fuerstman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Montage Hotels & Resorts. “His extensive background directing business development and acquisition strategy for luxury hospitality groups makes him a natural fit for this position. We look forward to the continued growth of Montage Hotels & Resorts with his impressive leadership.”

Herthel joins Montage Hotels & Resorts having recently returned to the United States from Abu Dhabi, where he served as Senior Vice President of Project Development for Viceroy Hotel Group, a position he held since 2008.  During his tenure with Viceroy, Herthel directed all aspects of the company’s expansion and business development, including the successful addition of upcoming Viceroy properties in the Maldives, Europe and the United Arab Emirates.  He also held the position of Senior Vice President of Project Development and Associate General Counsel for The Kor Group, prior to that company’s 2008 restructuring as Viceroy Hotel Group.

Previously, Herthel served as Principal & General Counsel for The Setai Group, where he played an instrumental role in the company’s development of more than 1.2 million square feet of residential and mixed-use hotel and resort properties in South Florida and the Caribbean.

In his new role, Herthel will serve as a key member of the Montage Hotels & Resorts executive team, reporting directly to Alan Fuerstman. He will be responsible for spearheading all strategic development for Montage Hotels & Resorts, including the expansion of the company’s portfolio of hotels and resorts, both within the United States and internationally.

Herthel holds a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard Universityand a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Stanford University.

Montage Hotels & Resorts is a hotel and resort management company founded in 2002 by Alan Fuerstman. Designed to serve affluent travelers and homeowners, the company features an artistic collection of distinctive hotels, resorts and residences in stunning settings that offer comfortable elegance, a unique sense of place and spirit, impeccable hospitality and memorable culinary, spa and lifestyle experiences. Montage Laguna Beach, the company’s flagship oceanfront resort, opened in the vibrant arts community of Laguna Beach, California, in 2003. Montage Beverly Hills, the company’s second hotel, opened in Beverly Hills in 2008 and was the first Gold LEED certified hotel and residences in Southern California. Montage Deer Valley, located in Park City, Utah, is the company’s third property which opened in December 2010.

PortAventura fue el primer parque temático de España

Vino al mundo para arrancar sonrisas, ofrecer sensaciones de vértigo, adrenalina e intensa diversión. Transportar a niños y niñas, padres, madres, tías y tíos, abuelos y abuelas, amigos y amigas hacia lejanos países, para que pudieran sentir que, por un día, vivían una intensa aventura. En las bellas islas de la Polynesia, en el colorista y animado México, en la exótica China o en el duro y fascinante Far West. Como el Parque nació en el mar Mediterráneo, y éste es nuestro hogar, siempre nos gusta dar la bienvenida a nuestros visitantes y amigos a orillas de la Mediterrània.

Nuestro parque nació entre los municipios de Salou y Vila-seca en 1995.

El Parque también se hace mayor y con el tiempo ha ido creciendo e intenta ofrecer lo mejor de sí para todos los públicos. Ahora ya dispone de cuatro hoteles para que las familias pasen sus vacaciones en casa. De un Beach Club con 7 piscinas y vistas al mar. De tres campos de golf, para relajarse, jugar y evadirse de un modo más tranquilo. Además, acoge un centro de convenciones, para que todo tipo de profesionales puedan discutir y difundir sus conocimientos. Un lugar para que el trabajo tenga un marco agradable, tranquilo y abierto al horizonte del Mediterráneo.

Así pues, esperamos, que en este viaje que te invitamos a emprender, disfrutes, juegues, te relajes, descanses… y que te sientas bien cómodo. Nosotros procuraremos hacerte sentir emociones inolvidables y que vuelvas a casa con una maleta llena de buenos recuerdos.

Cronología
1995 Se inaugura PortAventura, el primer parque temático de España y entre otras su atracción emblema: el Dragon Khan
1997 Nueva montaña rusa: Stampida
1999 Se presenta el espectáculo Fiestaventura
2000 La atracción Sea Odyssey: el gran simulador submarino.
2001 Se inaugura el Templo del fuego
2002 PortAventura se transforma en destino turístico, gracias a la inauguración de dos hoteles y un parque acuático.
2003 Se abren las puertas del hotel Caribe Resort
2005 Llega la caída libre de Hurakan Condor
2006 Se inaugura el Beach Club
2007 Se Incorpora el Furius Baco: la aceleración extrema
2008 Apertura de los campos de golf diseñados por Greg Norman
2009 Apertura hotel Gold River y PortAventura Convention Centre
2010 Celebración 15 aniversario
2011 Apertura zona familiar


esta noticia esta archivada en la sección de PortAventura del año 2011
parquestematicos.org 

Представлен проект небоскрёба развлечений

Своим видением парка развлечений XXI века поделился Ким Хюнджу (Ju-Hyun Kim) – работающий в Нью-Йорке уроженец Южной Кореи. По его замыслу, парки целесообразнее размещать в центрах мегаполисов, а значит, им самое место в небоскрёбах, среди других таких же высоток.

Архитектор считает, что концепция вертикального тематического парка (Vertical Theme Park) выгоднее традиционной «горизонтальной» схемы экономически и экологически. Нынешние, расположенные в полутора часах езды за городом парки – это колоссальная инфраструктура, постоянно растущая и нуждающаяся в круглогодичной поддержке, однако на всю катушку работающая только в уикенды.

Занявшие «место природы» развлекательные центры ныне стали катализатором «грязной» пригородной застройки и дорожных пробок. «Всё это неудобно и расточительно по отношению к окружающей среде. Это нужно менять», – убеждён Ким.

«Высота конструкции только прибавит аттракционам скорости, а публике впечатлений от катания, притом виды на окружающую парк плотную городскую среду откроются поистине невероятные: и с каруселей, и с горок, не говоря уже о колесе обозрения, – описывает проект автор. – Очень важно, что до парка можно будет легко добраться на общественном транспорте и воздействие на окружающую среду станет минимальным. Сейчас самое время строить радостное место для всей семьи в центре города».

Хюнджу полагает, что вертикальный тематический парк очень удачно впишется в центр Манхеттена. Но нельзя сказать, что мнение Кима разделяет кто-нибудь, желающий реализовать этот эксцентричный проект.

membrana

Proposed New Theme Park on RAF Lyneham Site

A Theme park to rival Alton Towers could be the centrepiece of an ambitious plan for the redevelopment of RAF Lyneham.

The airbase is due to close next year and plans for the future of the site have been drawn up which could provide 3,000 new jobs for the area.

A public meeting has been organised in Wootton Bassett next week when the proposals will be outlined.

Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce has organised the meeting for Wednesday, April 6 at the Wiltshire Golf and Country Club, in Wootton Bassett, from 6pm.

Included in the proposals for the site are an eco-village, with up to 1,000 sustainable and affordable homes; a children’s fun-themed hotel; a holiday village and hotel with leisure facilities similar to those found at Center Parcs; a Wiltshire heritage area to include Stonehenge and Avebury facsimiles and an RAF heritage site.

There could also be a Snowdome and an area set aside for light industry, retail area and a restaurants and cultural area.

The proposals said existing runways could be used as connecting roads.

Eddy Shah, owner of the Wiltshire Golf and Country Club, who is behind the plans to develop the site, said: “The preferred option is for the base to go to the Army.

Posted by Mat South

European Union May Ban Gas Fueled Cars in Cities by 2050

An ambitious new proposal in the European Union calls for the elimination of fossil fuel-burning vehicles in cities by the year 2050. The radical plan, proposed by the European Commission, would prohibit gasoline and diesel fueled cars in an attempt to reduce Europe’s carbon footprint. The proposal, “Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area,” explains the steps to transform a gas guzzling transport system into a cleaner, emission-free one.

Announced by commissioner Siim Kallas, the plan takes a few factors into consideration. It realistically assesses the world’s over-usage and dependency on oil as fuel, while calling attention to the pollution and carbon emissions caused by traffic congestion. The plan also calls for a “transport area” which would create a unified transportation infrastructure that would span the entire continent. This would drastically reduce carbon emissions, and confine them to specific areas.
The plan also targets airplane emissions with a proposed ban on flights under 186 miles. Travelers would be encouraged to use trains and buses instead.
However many international business and residents see the plan as unrealistic and archaic. The Association of British Drivers feels the plan would bring Europe back into the “Dark Ages,” not due to the ban on fossil fuels, but because of the limitations on travel.
The other deterrent is the cost. An investment of over $2 trillion dollars would be necessary to make Kallas’ plan a reality in the next 40 years. Unfortunately, signs indicate that the dependence and usage of fossil fuels will only increase in the coming 40 years, further damaging the environment and depleting the earth’s sources of said fuel. Although seemingly premature, elements of the European Commission’s plan will be inevitable as fossil fuels are used up.
by Lori Zimmer

Eduardo Souto de Moura Wins the 2011 Pritzker Prize

Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura has been named the winner of the 2011 Pritzker Prize ahead of the official announcement date – the announcement of the $100,000 prize winner was not supposed to happen until April 11, but a Spanish news organization broke the embargo on the story. Souto de Moura has produced a varied body of public and private work, but he is best known for his stadium in Braga, Portugal. His buildings are praised for their use of natural materials. The esteemed 58-year-old architect is the second Portuguese architect to win the award, the first being Alvaro Siza, who nabbed the prize in 1992.

Во Львове сгорел Цирк

Во Львовском цирке не до смеха - он минувшей ночью горел. Из-за конструктивных особенностей здания пожарные тушили огонь несколько часов. Ни люди, ни животные не пострадали, а вот свод цирка теперь дырявый.
Львовский цирк в эти дни напоминает Ноев ковчег - "каждой твари по паре". Почти сотню животных-гастролеров из Венгрии пришлось спасать от пожара.

Роман Здреник, коммерческий директор львовского цирка:

- В нас в даний момент знаходяться дресирувальники птахи, значить, 68 видов птиц, два верблюда, две лами.

Животные даже не испугались. К их вольерам не добрался ни огонь, ни дым.

Работница цирка:

- Тут больше пахнет навозом, чем пожаром, если честно.

Огнеборцы тушили пожар более трех часов. Работу осложняли особенности конструкции цирка. А именно - его знаковое место - свод.


www.circusland.com 

Hans Martens has passed away

Following a long illness, Hans Martens, since 1981 the director of the Staatscircus van Moskou / Holiday, died on Saturday, March 19.
The circus world has lost a dedicated promoter of circus arts. He attended the founding of the ECA in Haarlem in 2002 and since then he actively promoted the activities of our association. When he was in Monaco, he used to visit the members meeting and the symposium. You could always call on his help in dealing with national and regional authorities in the Netherlands. Thus, he was a member of a panel critically examining the study of the welfare of circus animals in the Netherlands.
We are grateful for everything he did for the circus industry and we regret that he passed away so early. We would like to express our sincere condolences to his children, family and friends.
A commemoration service will be held in the circus tent in Tilburg, Het Laar, on Monday, March 28 from 12 to 2 p.m. The reception of the guests will begin at 10 a.m.

SésamoAventura, la 6ª área temática de PortAventura, abrirá sus puertas el 8 de abril.

Vila-seca – Salou, 21 de marzo de 2011.- La nueva temporada de PortAventura llega con una gran novedad para las familias con niños pequeños. El próximo 8 de abril, y coincidiendo con la apertura de la temporada, abrirá sus puertas SésamoAventura, la 6ª área temática del parque. Cuenta con 11 atracciones y servicios adaptados a las necesidades de los más pequeños de la familia. Con una superficie cercana a los 13.000 m2 esta nueva área constituye la ampliación más ambiciosa del parque desde la apertura en 1995.

Esta nueva área familiar es la principal novedad de la temporada 2011

La nueva área familiar, ubicada junto a Polynesia, conllevará también la puesta en funcionamiento de SésamoAventura Station, la 3ª estación del ferrocarril que recorre todo el parque. De este modo, además del acceso peatonal, el área dispondrá de un transporte interno directo desde la zona de Mediterrània, evitando a las familias con niños pequeños un recorrido de 15 minutos a pie.

La tematización, obra de Claudio Mazzoli, director artístico del proyecto, es muy diferente a la que se encuentra en el resto del parque ya que está inspirada en el universo cartoon y en el mundo de Barrio Sésamo. Este laborioso proyecto se considera único en España por su cuidada decoración y el detalle de su tematización.


Nuevas atracciones para los más pequeños

Una monumental entrada enmarca el acceso a la nueva área familiar. En ella, los conocidos personajes de Barrio Sésamo invitarán a los visitantes a entrar a un mundo de ilusión. De aquí parte la avenida principal de la nueva área, que desemboca en una amplia plaza donde encontraremos El Árbol Mágico, un peculiar árbol sonriente de 12 metros de altura que sin duda alguna se convertirá en el reclamo favorito para los más pequeños.

Situado en pleno centro de SésamoAventura, su divertida apariencia hace inevitables las ganas de entrar y trepar por él. En su interior, las familias pueden contemplar como ardillas juguetonas se roban las bellotas unas a otras. Desde su balcón tenemos una excelente vista de toda la zona. Además, es un lugar perfecto para hacer fotos familiares. Cada día, los personajes de Barrio Sésamo realizarán actuaciones alrededor del árbol, integrándolo como un elemento más del espectáculo. 


Los espectáculos de Barrio Sésamo

En cuanto a los espectáculos, la nueva área contará con TeatroAventura, un anfiteatro al aire libre con un aforo para 300 personas donde se programarán shows a lo largo de toda la jornada. Destacan “SésamoAventura” y “¡Es la hora de la Aventura!”, ambos protagonizados por los divertidos personajes de Barrio Sésamo, combinando baile, música y diversión. Además, el área contará con su propio pasacalles: En “Sésamo on Tour”, los personajes pilotarán un gran avión de juguete que circulará por las calles de SésamoAventura. 


Restauración y tiendas

SésamoAventura se complementa con un restaurante autoservicio al aire libre, La Cocina de Epi. Dispone de tres terrazas cubiertas por setas gigantes a modo de parasoles, un lugar perfecto para hacer un alto para recargar energía. En este restaurante encontraremos una oferta distinta a la del resto de locales del parque, con menús y servicios pensados especialmente para las familias con niños pequeños. Asimismo, en la Chiki Tienda se podrán adquirir recuerdos de los personajes de Barrio Sésamo.

Un proyecto sostenible

Sésamo Aventura ha supuesto una inversión de 15 millones de euros y uno de sus principales retos ha sido el compromiso con el medio ambiente. En esta línea se ha aprovechado la vegetación existente en la zona que se ha llevado al invernadero general de PortAventura y otros espacios para ser replantada posteriormente en la nueva área. Además, se ha respetado al máximo la topografía conservando los desniveles naturales del terreno.

La obra ha durado 14 meses y en ella han participado más de 12 empresas tanto españolas como internacionales.

A lo largo de la avenida principal encontramos algunas de las atracciones más emocionantes como CocoPiloto, un recorrido de monorail aéreo que discurre por lo alto de SésamoAventura. Frente a ésta se encuentra Mariposas Saltarinas, atracción giratoria dónde los niños montados en bicicletas voladoras pueden elevarse y descender en función de la fuerza de pedaleo.

Otra de las atracciones que harán las delicias de los más pequeños es La Granja de Elmo, donde los niños se pasearán por una animada granja montados en un gracioso tractor. Durante el recorrido encontramos todo tipo de animales como vacas, cerditos o cabras además de los divertidos personajes de Barrio Sésamo que se mueven al ritmo de una animada banda sonora.

La diversión continúa en El Salto de Blas, dos torres de siete metros de altura en la que los niños desplegarán toda su fuerza para poder subir hasta la cima y una vez en ella experimentar una divertida caída libre hecha a su medida.

En la zona norte se ubicará El Huerto Encantado, dos estructuras de juegos de grandes dimensiones dónde los niños pueden trepar, saltar y bajar por toboganes para pasarlo en grande. Tienen una capacidad para hasta 300 niños al mismo tiempo. Otra de las atracciones que desafiará la habilidad de los más pequeños es Magic Fish, una atracción acuática en la que los niños podrán montar en unos peces que se deslizan por el agua al ritmo que ellos les marcan.

En SésamoAventura se han incorporado también tres atracciones infantiles que ya existían en PortAventura: la montaña rusa Tami Tami, y las divertidas Waikiki y Loco Loco Tiki. No obstante, los incondicionales de PortAventura no las van a reconocer, pues las tres han sido objeto de un profundo rediseño para darles una imagen absolutamente nueva.
http://www.parquestematicos.org

Hawaii’s Oahu Island Could Receive 25% of its Electricity from Wind and Solar

Hawaii is famous for many things – surfing, grass skirts, and the sun, so it seems obvious that the islands would embrace solar power. A new study by Hawaii’s Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, General Electric (GE) Company, and the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) has revealed that Oahu could fulfill 25% of its energy demands by taking advantage of 500 MW of wind power and 100 MW of solar power.


The study, called the Oahu Wind Integration Study (OWIS), found that 600 MW of renewable energy could eliminate the need for approximately 2.8 million barrels of low-sulphur oil and 132,000 tonnes of coal each year.
“The findings of this study show it is feasible to integrate large-scale wind and solar projects on Oahu but [they] also have value beyond Hawaii. Both large mainland utilities and relatively small and/or isolated grids that wish to integrate significant amounts of renewable energy while maintaining reliability for their customers can learn from this study,” said Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) director Dr. Rick Rocheleau.
“To reach our renewable energy goals we need to use all the resources available to us. For O’ahu, this includes the utility-scale solar, roof-top solar, waste-to-energy and on-island wind that we are pursuing. But on-island resources are not enough to meet Oʻahu’s power needs,” said Hawaiian Electric executive vice president Robbie Alm.
Now if only they could harness honeymooning couples for energy…
by Timon Singh
inhabitat.com

Ohlala - Circus wird sexy

Ohlala - der Liebescircus ist eine für Europa völlig neue Produktion – ein neues, aufregendes und anregendes Abenteuer der beiden innovativen Circusproduzenten Rolfund Gregory Knie.

Ohlala spielt nur gerade 28 Tage in einem kleineren dafür intimen Chapiteau auf dem Flugplatz in Dübendorf bei Zürich. Und Zuschauer unter 16 Jahren dürfen nicht dabei sein.

Ohlala erzählt die ewige Geschichte der Liebe neu und in einer anderen Dimension. Die Artisten und Künstler werden in einem verführerischen Ambiente präsentiert. Sie erzählen die Geschichte der Liebe sinnlich, leicht, lustvoll, amüsant und artistisch. Eine Show zum Verlieben.

Spieldaten: 1. September – 2. Oktober 2011, Flugplatz Dübendorf

Ticketpreise sind zwischen CHF 69 – CHF 169. Tickets erhalten Sie unter:info@circusohlala.ch

Free Wireless Internet Pilot at Disney's Contemporary Resort Starting March 25, 2011

Free Wireless Internet Pilot at Disney's Contemporary Resort. - Starting Friday, March 25, guests will be able to utilize free wireless Internet in certain areas of Disney's Contemporary Resort.

- Where will the free wireless Internet access be available at Disney's Contemporary Resort?

Free wireless Internet access will be available only in the lobby; main pool area; The Wave Restaurant and lounge; and the Convention Center common areas.

- Why is this free Internet access available at Disney's Contemporary Resort, and why isn't it available at other Walt Disney World Resort hotels?

We're currently in the process of performing a pilot program to test a new design of a wireless/cell phone coverage configuration.  After the pilot is complete, we'll review potentially expanding this access to other areas of Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

- How can guests access the free wireless Internet?

When guests connect to the network using a wireless enabled device (e.g. laptop, cell phone, etc.), they will notice a network option labeled "Guest ­ Access (unsecured)".  Once they click on that option, they will be taken to a screen that prompts them to accept the terms and conditions.

After accepting the terms and conditions, they will have free wireless Internet access.

- How long is the pilot program, and will wireless Internet access in the pilot areas continue to be free, moving forward?

The success of this pilot will be monitored over the next 30 days and after we've reviewed the results, we can then determine if the tested setup will remain in place.

Golf.Rose suffers as Woodland wins Transitions Championship

Third-round leader Justin Rose endured a nightmare final round as American Gary Woodland clinched victory in the Transitions Championship in Florida.

Rose, who led by a stroke going into the last day, shot a 74, including four bogeys in a row from the seventh, to see his victory chances disappear.

Woodland had a 10-foot par on the final hole for a 15-under total and a one-shot victory over Webb Simpson.

Rose finished five shots back on 10 under alongside Scot Martin Laird.

It was a first PGA Tour title for Woodland who only managed one par on the back nine at 18 after five birdies and three bogeys.

He missed most of the 2010 campaign after suffering a shoulder injury in late 2009 and lost a Bob Hope Classic play-off earlier this season.

He birdied the 17th and then held his nerve with the par putt at the 18th while Simpson missed a 20ft putt for par which would have forced a play-off.

"I was just trying to hit the ball solidly. I was struggling with my swing all day," Woodland said.

"My putting usually saves me. This time it won me a golf tournament.

"When I was hurt, my coach and I looked at my statistics. We attacked my weakness and it has really paid off for me. I've been doing the right things."

BBC

Man dead after fall from roller coaster

(March 20, 2011) - At the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Houston, Texas, a 46-year-old man fell from a roller coaster and later died. Witnesses said the man fell from the "Hi-Miler" roller coaster as his car made a sharp turn about 30 feet in the air. The man was rushed to a local hospital, where he died.
The man struck a passerby as he fell to the ground; the passerby suffered a broken ankle.
The ride passed an inspection before it opened in Houston, and no defects were reported.
The accident is under investigation.

Самарская область – лучший регион по развитию гольфа

Ассоциация гольфа России назвала лауреатов Всероссийской гольф-премии 2010 года, которая присуждается в 18-и номинациях.

 Лучшим регионом России по развитию гольфа была признана Самарская область.

Как сказал Волга. Ньюс руководитель Самарской областной федерации развития гольфа Владимир Фесенко, эта престижная премия присуждена за системный подход в развитии гольфа в регионе.

– Не остались незамеченными проделанные нами шаги на пути популяризации и повсеместного развития гольфа, – констатировал Владимир Фесенко.

В календарный план Ассоциации гольфа России включены официальные региональные  соревнования по мини-гольфу – чемпионат и первенство Самарской области, а также Кубок Самарской области.
Статус физкультурно-спортивных межрегиональных и региональных мероприятий по мини-гольфу имеют первенство и чемпионат Самарской области среди лиц с ограниченными возможностями, областная спартакиада среди студентов вузов, муниципальных районов Самарской области, работников СМИ, лиц третьего возраста.

С 2010 году на кафедре гимнастики и спортивных игр Поволжской государственной социально-гуманитарной академии ведется подготовка специалистов по физической культуре и спорту по специализации «гольф».
На базе Самарского института повышения квалификации работников образования открыты курсы для подготовки инструкторов по мини-гольфу.
В ряде самарских школ работают секции по обучению мини-гольфу.
9 октября 2009 года гольф был включен в программу летних Олимпийских игр 2016 года, которые пройдут с 5 по 21 августа в Рио-де-Жанейро (Бразилия).

Cirque du Soleil brings the circus to Africa

By JENNY GROSS, Associated Press

JOHANNESBURG – The audience gasped as a performer in Cirque du Soleil's "Saltimbanco" circled up a brass-colored pole and stretched his body out into an extension perfectly perpendicular to the pole while his hands gripped it tightly.

As the acrobat slid down 20 feet to the floor, in pranced Daniel Buckland, Cirque du Soleil's only South African performer, clad in a blue sparkly pair of pajamas and a long pointy hat. Buckland murmured some phrases in a made-up language, dancing across the stage and seducing the Johannesburg audience into the show's dreamlike world.

Wednesday's opening performance in Johannesburg was the Montreal-based company's first-ever performance in Africa.

"Performing with Cirque is an absolute dream," said Buckland, who joined the company in January, and has since performed in France, Germany, Turkey and now his home country of South Africa.

Cirque du Soleil, renowned for creating surreal atmospheres and showing captivating and awe-inspiring stunts, is reaching out to new audiences worldwide, said the company's spokesman Maxime Charbonneau. In the past year the show "Saltimbanco," has been performed in Budapest, Hungary and Croatia, all new countries for the company. After the success of the World Cup, the Cirque du Soleil organizers knew it was possible to bring the circus to South Africa too, Charbonneau said.

"Everywhere we go here, people say, wow, finally, this is cool," Charbonneau said.

After 19 shows in Istanbul, 94 crew members and artists boarded a plane for South Africa, some making their first trip to the continent, Charbonneau said. Cirque du Soleil chartered another plane to transport the artists' more than 2,500 costume pieces and 250 shoes, all handmade in Montreal.

"It was brilliant," Marianne Sutherland, a Johannesburg native, said after the show. "You always hear about all these shows and we've seem them in other countries, but it's fantastic to have them here."

Christian Helberg, who works in technology, said the show was "out of your mind" and "long overdue."

"Especially in Africa, we don't have much variety in terms of circus and when there is, it's normally focused on animals," Helberg said.

Cirque du Soleil is a Montreal-based traveling circus with more than 1,200 artists who have performed in almost 300 cities across the world. "Saltimbanco," from the Italian "saltare in banco," which means "to jump on a bench," is Cirque du Soleil's longest-running touring show, having traveled to Europe, North and South America, Australia, Japan and New Zealand and now South Africa since 1992.

The show creates a fantastical world that explores the whirlwind of city life, with characters dancing with each other, entering and exiting the stage and contributing to the frenzy. The first half of the show features performers in identical, gold body suits, slithering on the ground and representing the masses. By the second act, each character grows into his own identity, wearing different colorful costumes, inspired by the baroque period.

Artists flip across trapeze, bungee jump and perform tricks on an acrobatic bike.

Cirque du Soleil joins an increasing number of performances that are for the first time coming to Africa, a place tour groups have traditionally written off. Cirque du Soleil hopes more productions will follow them to the continent, Charbonneau said.

The show's 50 artists, coming from 20 different countries, will perform "Saltimbanco" in Cape Town, South Africa from March 20 to April 3 before traveling to Perth, Australia. An ongoing demand for tickets in Johannesburg and Cape Town led the show organizers to add 12 extra shows to its South Africa debut.

Ofrece Pxndx espectacular concierto en el Teatro Chino en Six Flags México.

Una noche espectacular ofreció el grupo de rock Panda ante más de 3,500 seguidores que se dieron cita en el Teatro Chino para disfrutar de los éxitos del talentoso cuarteto.
Pepe, Ricky, Jorge y Arturo ofrecieron por cerca de tres horas un concierto en el que tocaron una veintena de éxitos como “Narcisista por excelencia”, “Cita en el quirófano” y “Muñeca”, con las que lograron encender el ánimo de los asistentes quienes coreaban sus canciones y demostraban con gritos el apoyo incondicional al grupo.

Hacia la segunda mitad del concierto, más éxitos como “Feliz Cumpleaños”, “Los malaventurados no lloran” y “Quisiera no pensar” dieron muestra del talento que ha cautivado por más de diez años a sus fans. La agrupación regia entregó a su público canciones de varios de sus álbumes por lo que la gente pudo disfrutar de muchos de los éxitos que los han colocado en el lugar donde están.

Para el final del concierto, Pepe Madero, vocalista del grupo, agradeció a los fans en el Distrito Federal el seguirlos apoyando y reconoció que se sentían felices y orgullosos de regresar a este escenario y de sentir la calidez de este público, indicó que la canción con la que cerraría el concierto, “Nunca nadie nos podrá parar” estaba dedicada especialmente para el público capitalino que los recibió con los brazos abiertos.
No te pierdas los próximos conciertos que estamos seguros ¡te van a encantar!

¡Días de emoción y noches de música sólo en Six Flags México!

European conferences – busy schedule for May/June

European parks and attractions professionals looking to educate themselves and network with peers from a range of associated industries suddenly have a series of events to consider over the next few months.

Fresh from the success of its inaugural Leadership Conference last month in San Diego, California, IAAPA will be holding a new event for its German-speaking members in Europe. The IAAPA Europe Spring Forum will take place at Europa-Park near Freiburg, Germany, on May 17 and 18.

A gala dinner on Tuesday night will be followed on Wednesday by a full seminar programme focusing on marketing and trends in the European entertainment industry, delivered in German. Delegates will be able to stay on site at one of Europa-Park’s excellent on-site hotels and there will, of course also be an opportunity to visit the park itself. For more details, contact Jakob Wahl:jwahl@iaapa.org, +32 2 401 6161.

Two years after a trial summer event at the Vienna Prater in 2009, the TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) will stage its first SATE (Storytelling, Architecture, Technology and Experience) conference for European members.

Arctic cold cuts Volvo C30 Electric's range down to 50 miles

Recently, Volvo wheeled out its C30 Electric for some cold-weather testing in the Arctic. In temperatures that hovered around -33 degrees Celsius (-27.4 degrees Fahrenheit), Volvo claims that the battery-powered C30 had "no problems coping with the climate." As Obi-wan would say, this is only true from a certain point of view.

While the C30 Electric started without problem, traversed the snowy terrain with relative ease and provided sufficient heat for its occupants (thanks, ethanol!), the vehicle's range dropped off significantly. The car's range is listed at 93 miles in ideal conditions, but the frozen C30 whizzed down snow-covered roads for only 50 miles before its battery was fully depleted. Volvo says that the drop in range was due, at least in part, to the added friction from the use of studded winter tires but, as most of us already know, cold temps alone can diminish range. Hop the jump to watch the C30 Electric tackle the Arctic.

9th ECA Symposium in Monte-Carlo

The 9th annual symposium of the European Circus Association (ECA) took place at the Marriott Hotel in Monte-Carlo on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 January 2011. The symposium is always organized during the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo and this year’s main subjects were “Music in the Circus” and “Animals in the Circus.”

Attila Maka, the band leader of the circus orchestra in Budapest, did a presentation about his work in the circus, accompanying the circus shows with live music and composing and arranging traditional and modern style circus music. A mix of both styles is contained in his composition of the music accompanying the hand voltige act Quinterion (ECA prize winners at the Latina Festival in 2010). Franz Althoff, from Germany, explained his point of view of the possibilities of mixing live with recorded or electronic music. Both showed examples from live shows: Maka from the circus in Budapest and Althoff of the production “Der Zauberwald” (The Magic Forest). Many guests from all over the world, from the circus business and international press, took part in the discussion following the presentations.

Hot Ice 2011

The award-winning Hot Ice show returns to the Pleasure Beach in Blackpool (England) this summer after the 2010 production proved to be the most successful show to date.

The skating show features everything that is hot in ice skating with 28 of the very best performers from around the world taking to the ice in stunning costumes, accompanied by mesmerising music, state-of-the art lighting and explosive effects.

Show numbers include ‘Fire’ a high energy pyrotechnic spectacular with fire-breathing skaters, fast skating, daring lifts and the infamous “head banger spin.” Other scenes will see performers gracefully fly above the ice suspended from silk.

The winner of several IAAPA “big E” awards, Hot Ice returned to the Pleasure Beach after a brief sojourn in 2010, bolstered by the popularity of TV show Dancing On Ice, which features several of the show’s performers. Appearing in the 2011 production will be Katie Stainsby, Trent Nelson Bond and Anna Lioveria.

The show is produced and directed by Pleasure Beach managing director Amanda Thompson. The Pleasure Beach Arena has been home to regular ice shows since 1937.

The latest production of Hot Ice will run from July 6 to September 4. Matinee performances cost £5 and evening shows £10 for Pleasure Beach wristband/pass holders. Alternatively, tickets are £11.50/£20.

Jóvenes europeos de 4 países descubren la evolución de zoológicos del s.XIX al s.XXI en Valencia

De “colección de animales salvajes” a “centro de conservación”. Jóvenes de entre 15 y 17 años procedentes de Alemania, Holanda y Reino Unido, junto con un grupo de Valencia descubren el papel que cumplen los nuevos zoológicos del siglo XXI y visitan Bioparc Valencia como icono en la conservación de la naturaleza.
Numerosos alumnos de los centros educativos de St.Neots (Inglaterra), Haarlem (Holanda) y Bielefeld (Alemania), además del IES Josep de Ribera de Xàtiva, forman parte del Programa Comenius sobre los parques zoológicos del siglo XXI. Este programa se promueve desde el OAPPE, el Organismo Autónomo de Programas Educativos Europeos que refuerza la dimensión europea en el campo de la educación y fomenta la cooperación entre diversos centros educativos. 
El primer encuentro se celebró en el mes de noviembre en el zoo de Amsterdam y también está previsto visitar los zoológicos de Berlín y Londres. En esta ocasión, esta iniciativa llega a nuestro país y se ha escogido BIOPARC Valencia como icono de la modernidad en el tema de la conservación. Valencia se convierte así en un foco turístico y BIOPARC Valencia como el foco de otro tipo de ocio, el medioambiental. 
Durante la jornada del martes el grupo que ha visitado BIOPARC Valencia ha estado formado por 45 alumnos con edades comprendidas entre los 15 y 17 años que han ido acompañados por sus profesores. En primer lugar, se ha realizado una visita guiada por el parque donde todos los alumnos han podido sumergirse en los hábitats africanos y conocer de primera mano las especies que lo habitan. A continuación, uno de los especialistas de BIOPARC Valencia ha ofrecido una charla que ha versado sobre los zoológicos de nueva generación, en la que se ha explicado sus características principales así como el objetivo con el que se conciben.
Los zoológicos del siglo XXI y, en concreto BIOPARC Valencia, trabajan bajo el concepto de zoo-inmersión, que busca trasmitir la sensación del contacto directo con la vida salvaje, algo que ningún documental visionado en una pantalla podrá nunca lograr. Se trata de que el visitante sienta y conozca ese mundo, apreciando al animal no solo individualmente, sino como parte de un complejo y fascinante ecosistema que está en peligro y al que hay, pues, que proteger y conservar. La tematización es la técnica de construcción que se emplea cada vez más en los zoológicos, mediante la cual se construyen, lo más fielmente posible, elementos naturales como rocas, troncos y ramas. 
Los zoológicos han sufrido una evolución durante los dos últimos siglos bastante considerable. En un principio, en el siglo XIX se concebía estos lugares como una mera colección de animales salvajes donde el motivo de su existencia era la taxonomía; el tema principal era la diversidad de las especies animales exhibidos en jaulas y su interés se centraba en el mantenimiento de las mismas. A continuación, en el siglo XX se dio un paso más allá y se empezaron a conocer como parques zoológicos. En este momento, existía un motivo ecológico; el tema principal era conocer los hábitats de origen así como la biología de los animales y su comportamiento. Por ello los recintos comenzaban a simular características de los hábitats naturales y el mayor interés se orientaba a la reproducción de especies. Ahora, en pleno siglo XXI los zoológicos se conciben como centros de conservación en los que el motivo principal de su existencia es el medio ambiente y su tema principal los ecosistemas y la supervivencia de las especies. El interés radica en la conservación de la naturaleza y todo ello se demuestra desde el concepto de la zoo-inmersión; de manera que los humanos nos podamos poner en la piel de los animales para comprenderlos, solo así entenderemos la necesidad de conservarlos. 

Altering microbe's metabolism leads to big jump in n-butanol production

Researchers at UCLA's Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a way to produce normal butanol — often proposed as a "greener" fuel alternative to diesel and gasoline — from bacteria at rates significantly higher than those achieved using current production methods.

 The findings, reported online in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology, mark an important advance in the production of normal butanol, or n-butanol, a four-carbon chain alcohol that has been shown to work well with existing energy infrastructure, including in vehicles designed for gasoline, without modifications that would be required with other biofuels.

 

The UCLA team, led by James C. Liao, UCLA's Chancellor's Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, demonstrated success in producing 15 to 30 grams of n-butanol per liter of culture medium using genetically engineered Escherichia coli — a record-setting increase over the typical one to four grams produced per liter in the past.

 For the study, Liao and his team initially constructed an n-butanol biochemical pathway in E. coli, a microbe that doesn't naturally produce n-butanol, but found that production levels were limited. However, after adding metabolic driving forces to the pathway, the researchers witnessed a tenfold increase in the production of n-butanol. The metabolic driving forces pushed the carbon flux to n-butanol.

 "Like human beings, microbes need an incentive to work," said Liao, the study's senior author.

 "We created driving forces by genetically engineering the metabolism," said Claire R. Shen, a UCLA Engineering graduate student and lead author of the study.

 

While certain microbes, including species of the bacteria Clostridium, naturally produce n-butanol, Liao's team used E. coli because it is easier to manipulate and has been used industrially in producing various chemicals.  

 

"By using E. coli, we can make it produce only the compound with no other byproducts," Liao said. "With native producing organisms like Clostridium, which naturally produces n-butanol, there are other byproducts that would add cost to the separation process."

 

The next step in the research, the researchers say, will be to transfer the study to industry for the development of a more robust industrial process.

 The study was funded by the KAITEKI Institute Inc. of Japan, a strategic arm of Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp., Japan's largest chemical company.

Leadership in place at Legoland Florida

After interviewing internal and external candidates from around the globe, I know that we’ve hired the absolutely best leadership team possible,” says Adrian Jones, general manager of Legoland Florida (pictured).

Los expertos de Terra Natura Benidorm trasladan a 10 ibis sagrados al aviario del complejo

Los cuidadores del parque de naturaleza y animales Terra Natura Benidorm han trasladado a 10 ibis sagrados (Threskiornis aethiopicus) desde la clínica veterinaria del complejo hasta el aviario, espacio que a partir de ahora compartirán con otras aves exóticas. Estas aves proceden de un intercambio realizado con un zoológico de Málaga y han permanecido durante dos semanas en la clínica del parque benidormí para completar el periodo de cuarentena.

L’Aquàrium celebra el día 22 de marzo el Día Mundial del Agua.

L’Aquàrium de Barcelona dispone de un sistema de recogida de agua directo del mar mediterráneo, el cual filtra para hacer su uso, recicla y devuelve el agua al mar totalmente limpia.Con motivo del Día Mundial del agua, L’Aquàrium de Barcelona ofrecerá los días 19, 20, 26 y 27 de marzo la actividad “La zona técnica de L’Aquàrium de Barcelona”, donde se explicarán los tratamientos y los mecanismos de depuración, que hacen posible la supervivencia y adaptación de todos los habitantes de L’Aquàrium.

Washington's new waterpark

Shark Reef Water Park is coming soon to Kennewick, Washington. The project is the brainchild of local businessmen Mike Hillman and Dave Schlotthauer.A seasonal attraction with year-round indoor facilities, phase one is scheduled to open on a 10-acre site in May 2012. Ground breaking is set for this July.The waterpark will include a package of attractions by SplashTacular, as well as car parking that will convert into a drive-in movie theatre in the evenings.

Many ECA members take part in the World Circus Day

Organized by the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque, the first World Circus Day was celebrated in 36 countries on 17 April 2010. After theEuropean Circus Association (ECA) had launched the European Circus Day in 2008, this European event has now gained world-wide significance. 
Organized by the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque, the first World Circus Day was celebrated in 36 countries on 17 April 2010. After theEuropean Circus Association (ECA) had launched the European Circus Day in 2008, this European event has now gained world-wide significance. 

HAPPY ST-PATRICK'S DAY MARCH 2011! Dedicated to the Irish & Irish at Heart all around the World

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by the Irish and Irish at Heart in big cities and small towns alike with parades, "wearing of the green," music and songs, Irish food and drink, and activities for kids such as crafts, coloring and games. Its a time for fun. Some communities even go so far as to dye rivers or streams green! See all the Parades&Events going on around the World to celebrate St Patrick's Day March 17th 2011, or.... find your nearest Irish Pubs!

park-design: 700 млн в «Русскую Лапландию»

park-design: 700 млн в «Русскую Лапландию»: "Министерство экономического развития Мурманской области, администрация Ловозерского района и поселка Ревда, а также ООО «Норд» подписали ин..."

700 млн в «Русскую Лапландию»

Министерство экономического развития Мурманской области, администрация Ловозерского района и поселка Ревда, а также ООО «Норд» подписали инвестиционный договор о реализации проекта туристического комплекса «Русская Лапландия», строительство которого обойдется почти в 700 миллионов рублей, сообщают РИА Новости со ссылкой на региональное правительство.

В рамках проекта будет построен горнолыжный комплекс «Аллуайв», туристско-рекреационный комплекс в районе губы Мотка, этнографический туристско-рекреационный комплекс «Саамская деревня», всесезонный туристический комплекс на озере Кривое, туристический комплекс «Музей под открытым небом» и гостинично-рекреационный комплекс на базе профилактория.

Banana Peel Applied to the Solid Phase Extraction of Copper and Lead from River Water: Preconcentration of Metal Ions with a Fruit Waste

This article reports on an investigation into the ability of minced banana peel to extract lead and copper ions from water and the parameters involved in this process. The kinetics of copper and lead uptake reached equilibrium in 10 min and the extraction of metals ions was favorable above pH 3. The medium was characterized by FTIR, which showed absorption bands of carboxylic and amine groups at 1730 and 889 cm¹, respectively. The adsorption isotherm fitted by Langmuir’s model showed maximum adsorption capacities of 0.33 and 0.20 mmol g⁻¹ (or 20.97 and 41.44 mg g⁻¹) for Cu(II) and Pb(II), respectively. Minced banana peel was applied in the preconcentration system and showed approximately 20-fold enrichment factor and the column was reused for 11 cycles without loss in the percentage of recovery. The proposed method was applied in the determination of Cu(II) and Pb(II) in a sample of raw river water and was validated by comparison with a standard reference material.