Posts Tagged ‘entertainment’

Thailand: My First Night in Pattaya

It was seven-ish and I was sitting in a nice-enough room overlooking the front entrance to the pub above which I had just moved in. The pub was the Pig and Whistle on Soi 7 in Pattaya. Across the way was a big hole, which they were hoping to construct a hotel in and next door to that, right opposite me, was a small bar with one lady sitting on a stool outside it. Not that there was a wall there, it was open on two sides. The Soi was nice and peaceful, I thought. I also thought that I might go and sit in that little bar and talk to that woman, if my friend was late, because I would definitely see him arrive from two metres away, the width of the Soi.

So, I went to the bar in the pub at 19:15 to await my friend who said he would arrive at 20:00. It was much busier than thirty minutes earlier but not noisy and I sat at the bar. The first thing a barmaid did was say hello, give me a menu and step back. I did not really want to eat, I only wanted a beer as I assumed we would be eating together later, but I wanted to read the menu anyway.

‘A pint of Boddington’s’, I said. It arrived and the girl started laying a place for me. I tried to explain that I was not hungry, but it was no good. Like in Spain, most people eat and drink at the same time. All the while the girl was smiling at me. Then she said: ‘You have room upstairs? My name Charli. What you want to eat?’. So, I gave in and ordered something and rice.

‘You first time in Thailand? You no can eat. Too spicy’, she said with a grin. ‘Oh’, I replied, ‘but I want to try. ‘I put only 50-50 for you’, she declared and went.

I struggled through that meal and it took a Boddingtons and a bottle of water. Charli had been accurate, it was too hot for first-time foreigners and she had reduced the chilis by 50%. I have always listened to a Thai’s advice on food ever since.

I changed seat to by the window to see what was happening as it was dark by 19:30 and I was curious. Within thirty minutes Soi 7 had changed completely. I could see hundreds of ladies and tourists milling about. I wanted to go out and join in or at least sit in the quiet bar across the way, but I’m ashamed to say that I was too scared, so I sat put, rivetted to the Pig like a rabbit in a hunter’s beam.

My friend arrived on time and after we had been chatting for an hour, he said: ‘Drink up, I have someone I want you to meet’. This was it, we were going into that mele. A waitress held the door for us and the noise and the heat were tremendous. Especially the noise. Every metre at least two or three girls would yell: ‘Hello, sexy man, you want a drink’. Trying to say no courteously to each call was impractical, so I just stuck close to my pal.

Luckily, we only had about fifty metres to stroll and we sat down in another bar. My friend said hello to several ladies and then said, this a girl I have been going out with for some time. I was astounded as I had never heard him talk about her, ever. She was gorgeous, but could not speak English, so I sat in the din in silence. Not for long through, as my friend said, I have a blind date for you and he introduced another girl to me who was equally beautiful, but with whom I could speak a little. She was captivating and I was captivated. The pandemonium seemed to pass away, but it was only because I was concentrating on my new friend. The four of us had the best time and the best food I had ever had in my forty-nine years of existence.

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Opera Glasses and Hairspray: A Musical Review

Hairspray the musical is set in Baltimore, Maryland the year is 1962. Our hero in the musical is is a young overweight girl named Tracy. Tracy has always dreamed of becoming a big star, if and when you attend this musical, make sure you have a front row seat, if you don’t you will want to be sure to bring your opera glasses, so as not to miss a moment of this fast-paced play.

Tracy hears on the television that The Corny Collins Show is having a dance contest and she excitedly wants to enter the contest. Her overweight mother frowns at the idea. (You may have heard actor John Travolta played this part in the movie Hairspray.) Tracy’s mother is just trying to protect her dear daughter out of love as she does not want people to make her daughter a joke for being overweight. Plus, her mother thinks the show plays racist music.

With the good grace of her father Wilbur, Tracy finally gets permission to go on to the dance audition. During the audition, she meets with, and falls in love with a boy name Link Larkin. As the author I recommend, preparing for this moment, by making sure that you are using your opera glasses! You will surely want to catch the expression on Tracy’s face as you see her fall hopelessly in love with Link. At this point, Tracy begins a beautiful song about love, and her dream of being with Link. Tracy is rudely awakened from her daydream, only to find out that due to her weight, she did not make the cut for the dance competition. Just as her mother suspected would happen from the beginning.

Broken hearted Tracy returns to school, but her troubles do not end there, almost immediately Tracy if given detention, due to her hair being so large, that those who sat behind her, could not even see past her! For this reason, the musical Hairspray, is given its name.

As Tracy sits in detention feeling sorry for herself she meets a nice black boy named Seaweed, Seaweed is a great dancer, and teaches Tracy some amazing dance moves. A dance party is scheduled for the school, and Tracy decides to attend despite her recent run of very bad luck. This time Tracy’s luck is about to change, attending the dance, is the owner of the Corny Collins Show, the show that is to feature the dance contest, as he watches the dancers he notices the moves that Tracy puts on, he falls in love with her dance style, and chooses Tracy to dance on his show. Tracy is ecstatic to find out that at long last she will be on the show! Make sure you are using your opera glasses at this point.

Tracy gets more good news, Link Larkin is to sing a romantic song to her. Another character, Amber, who is the snobby pretty girl is quite upset. At school Amber does some mean things to Tracy which includes whacking her head with a volleyball and knocking Tracy out.

As the play continues, Tracy and others are invited to the record show that Seaweed’s mother owns, A party is planned for all that attend. All during this time, Tracy becomes close friends with Seaweed, and is enraged to find out that blacks are only allowed to attend the Corny Collins T.V. Show once a month on “Negro Day” Tracy begins to fight for blacks rights. To find out how Hairspray ends, you will have to attend, but it will be a wonderful experience for all who go.

Hairspray is a magnificent musical that you are sure to enjoy. To get the most out of your enjoyment bring your opera glasses.

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The Early Years Of MMA: Ali Vs. Inoki

The UFC has only recently brought mixed martial arts to the mainstream in the US, but in Japan there’s a long tradition of fights pitting contestants from different disciplines against each other. While they’ve only been called MMA or ‘mixed martial arts’ in recent years, the sport clearly has its roots in these early contests between wrestlers, judo fighters and boxers. In Japan, Antonio Inoki’s fights against world famous martial artists brought great notoriety to the still evolving sport.

Inoki would often face other martial artists in fights that are widely accepted to have been “worked” (having a predetermined outcome) in the same manner as professional wrestling matches. While Inoki faced a number of karate, judo and boxing champions his most famous match was certainly his fight against world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali.

There are differing accounts of how the best heavyweight boxer in history found himself in a ring in Tokyo’s Budokan Arena against a pro wrestler. One thing is certain–it was viewed as an easy payday for Ali, who’d lost a good chunk of his prime earning years to his controversial stance over the Vietnam war. That’s what got him there in the first place, and that’s what kept him there after the two sides began squabbling over the rules and the outcome of the fight. Some suggest that it was supposed to be a “fair fight” going in and once Ali saw Inoki spar he insisted on rules changes to tilt the fight in his favor. Another more likely version of the story suggests that Ali’s handlers knew that the fight was supposed to be a “work” all along. They made the deal with Inoki’s people based on this fact, and were all on board as to the outcome of the match and how it would “finish”. The “original” plan was to have Inoki win in a controversial manner that would keep his undefeated streak in “MMA” matches intact while allowing Ali to “save face. The only person who wasn’t aware of the game plan, however, was Ali himself. When informed that he was supposed to “take a dive”, even in a convoluted fashion, Ali refused. No agreement was reached between the two camps and at the last minute a legit fight transpired. The promoters were left with a sold out Budokan, a worldwide PPV audience and two fighters who despite every effort to the contrary would actually have to fight each other.

Many conspiracy theorists have noted that these rules were never announced to the crowd on fight night, leaving many with the impression that they were being made up as they went along. Action in the fight would further validate this view, but there actually were rules that both camps agreed to heading into the fight. Not surprisingly, most of these were designed to protect Ali. In fact, they were so one-sided that if Inoki hadn’t been so concerned about preserving his big payday he would have been justified in not fighting. Inoki was prohibited from punching with a closed fist or striking Ali in the head (ostensibly since he wasn’t wearing gloves). Inoki was prohibited from using any sort of submission maneuver. The most absurd limitation was that Inoki was prohibited from “grappling or trying to take Ali to the ground”. A few observers noted that this was like not letting Ali throw a jab.

Despite the repeated howls from the media that the fight was ‘fixed’, it was anything but–it was a real fight and painfully boring. Ali did next to nothing, Inoki did whatever he could within the one sided rules. Eventually, Inoki spent most of the fight on the ground trying to throw kicks at Ali’s legs. The event ended up as a 74-74 draw. Both fighters got paid, and the fans got to watch a fight albeit a really, really bad one.

Some interesting trivia about the fight–the referee was former pro wrestler “Judo” Gene Labell, who is considered by many ‘the baddest man on the planet’ even in his 80’s. He could have very likely beaten up both men at the same time–a spectacle that might have been welcomed by the live crowd and closed circuit audience worldwide.

In the aftermath of the fight, Inoki’s popularity was greater than ever–in a perverse way he was something of a hero due to his trying to fight despite the rules being stacked so soundly against him. He remained one of the country’s most popular professional wrestlers and even enjoyed a career in Japan’s parliament. Without missing a beat, he quickly resumed his series of fights against other martial artists who were apparently all more comfortable with the “worked” environment of pro wrestling. Among his “victims” was none other than Leon Spinks, presumably serving as some sort of vindication for his draw with Ali. The popularity of these matches led to a number of promotions that were essentially hybrids of martial arts and pro wrestling, and these led to the big Japanese MMA promotions of today.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer specializing in casino gambling, fine dining and sports betting. He has appeared on a number of TV and radio programs offering strategies for successful NFL football betting. He lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a pet llama. He is currently writing a biography of former NFL quarterback Jim Plunkett.

CFL Canadian Football For The American NFL Football Fan

In the United States, summertime is when teams get prepared to play football. NFL teams start training camp, and college teams start practice. North of the border in Canada, however, summertime is when their professional football season begins in the form of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

American football fans may not realize just how long and storied the history of Canadian pro football CFL style actually is. The league has been around since’30 and the Grey Cup championship (essentially the CFL Superbowl) has been in existence since’09. Many NFL stars got their start in the CFL including Doug Flutie, Jim Kelly, and Jeff Garcia.

The CFL is a very professional and highly competitive league, but its important to understand some important differences between it and the NFL:

First of all, the football itself is bigger–the CFL ball is larger than its American counterpart. If you know anything about rugby, its roughly the same as a #3 rugby ball meaning it is somewhat longer and fatter than the NFL ball. The CFL field is also longer (110 yards) and wider (65 yards vs. the NFLs 53.5 yards), and the CFL end zones are 20 yards deep as opposed to 10 yards in the NFL. The CFL goal posts are on the goal line, while the NFLs are on the end line at the back of the endzone.

CFL teams are allowed to have 12 players on the field at a time, one more than is standard in American football. The extra offensive player is a wide receiver, and on defense they’re allowed an extra defensive back. CFL teams allow a team only three downs to move ten yards as opposed to four in the US game–references to a team going “two and out” are common on CFL broadcasts.

There’s also a significant difference in the way the game is scored. The first time many US fans see a CFL score update reflecting a 1-0 game they’re usually left scratching their head in confusion. CFL teams are able to score a single point, known as a “single” for a kick that lands in the end zone such as a punt or missed field goal.

The rule differences don’t end there–CFL teams are required to maintain a certain percentage of Canadian born players on their roster. The idea is that this will protect the unique identity of the game, as well as prevent it from becoming little more than a farm system for the NFL. Currently’ of the 40 players on a CFL roster must be Canadian natives.

Many US football fans look at the rules that include more players, a wider field, and fewer downs meant to encourage more passing and expect to see a wide open high scoring style of play similar to Arena Football. That’s not really how it works out–most games end up with final score totals in the 40’s, but the game itself really isn’t much more offensively oriented than its American counterpart. The rules may be different, but as in the NFL you need a solid rushing game and a stout defense to win games and championships.

The requirement of native born players making up 50% of a CFL roster also results in a much more even distribution of talent across the league. Certainly there are good teams and bad teams, but the end result is greater parity than is found in the NFL.

Considering the 21 non- Canadians on the team, its also important to remember that the CFL doesnt get the pick of the litter of American football talent. Certainly those who have the ability are in the NFL, or on an NFL practice or developmental squad. While some players are uniquely suited for the CFL game–former Clemson University QB Nealon Greene, for example, who couldnt make the NFL but has had a lengthy career in Canada–most of the Americans in the CFL are players whose ability just isnt up to NFL levels. Remember Vince McMahon’s failed XFL experiment? That gives a good indication of the type of American player that ends up in Canada.

Despite some major differences, the NFL and CFL have more in common–they’re both high level, intensely competitive professional football leagues. Once you understand the rule differences and the unique and fascinating history of the CFL, it is a very enjoyable brand of professional football to watch.

Before the Internet became ubiquitous, it wasn’t easy for an American fan to keep up with the CFL. While they still don’t receive coverage on ESPN, the Internet affords access to the sports media of every CFL city along with the national Canadian sports media at sites like Slam! Sports. The CFL’s official site is also a great source of news, stats and information on Canadian football.

Ross Everett is a freelance writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

Book Budget Apartments In Sa Coma

There are many places that you can take a vacation. It can make it hard because choosing one location is hard. To make things easier you should go to Sa Coma in Majorca in Spain. If you rent at apartments Sa Coma you can actually save a lot of money. You and your entire family can stay in one apartment and get a lot more privacy then you would at a hotel. It is a great way to save some money that you can spend doing fun things while you are there.

The actual cost of renting an apartment in Sa Coma is actually very low. This is because Sa Coma is a resort town in eastern Majorca which is the largest of the Balearic Islands. There is a lot to do there and plenty of great entertainment.

This is such a great place for families to go on vacation. There are some of the nicest beaches there. Bringing your family to Sa coma can be a great vacation.

For more information on prices you should try calling a few travel agents. They can get you some great quotes. You should also do some research online to find good prices. You can also see pictures online. This can help you to see what the apartments look like.

Make your own food in an apartment and you can save so much money. You can’t do this in a hotel. Your whole family can eat in the apartment.

Sa coma is a very hot place to visit. This may determine what month you would like to go and visit. If you’d like to visit Sa Coma then try renting an apartment. You will definitely have a great family vacation with your entire family in Sa Coma. Plan a fun filled vacation for a lot less money.

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Things To Do In Arlington Texas

What is there to do in Arlington? Well the question should be what isn’t there to do! Arlington Texas is an amazing city with wonderful things to do; you will literally never be bored!

To start with you can visit the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. This Stadium is simply amazing! It’s normally seats 80,000 but can hold up to 110,000. The stadium is the largest domed stadium in the world, has the world’s largest column-free interior, and the largest video screen which hangs from 20 yard line to 20 yard line.

The facility can also be used for a variety of other activities outside of its main purpose (professional football) such as concerts, religious ceremonies, basketball games, college football and high school football contests, soccer matches, motocross races and rodeos. It’s an absolute must see when visiting Arlington! There is tours you can book to view the stadium!

Another great stadium to visit or to simply go to watch a game is the Texas Rangers Stadium. There’s nothing better than taking in ballgame with the family or spending it with a loved one. Did you know the stadium is between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas!

It was known until May 7, 2004, as The Ballpark in Arlington when Ameriquest bought the naming rights to the ballpark and named it Ameriquest Field in Arlington. Even with the changed name, many fans continued to refer to it as simply “The Ballpark” or “The Temple” (short for “The Temple of the Great Game.”) On Monday, March’, 2007, the Texas Rangers severed their relationship with Ameriquest and announced that the stadium would be named Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. This truly a beautiful stadium located with lovely scenery around it.

If sports isn’t you’re thing then Six Flags is also in Arlington. This place is a blast! If you’re going with family, friends or a loved one you’re guaranteed to have a good time! With amazing rides for adults to young kid rides this pace truly has it all!
Arlington Texas, is a stunning place to visit! With many attractions to keeping everyone entertained.

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Fascinating Sights To See On Sofia City Breaks

If you love Russian culture, take a few Sofia city breaks this year. This ancient metropolis is home to over a million people. As one of the European Union’s largest urban areas, Sofia is rich in history. Archaeologists have uncovered civilizations dating back 7, 000 years. Evidence of 7th century culture is one if the most fascinating points of interest.

See glorious old churches

Set among a beautifully attended garden is the–th century Boyana Church. Inside is an astounding assortment of medieval frescos. This art is so susceptible to atmospheric conditions that tourists can only view them for 10 minutes. Replicas can be seen in a nearby museum. Then there’s the Aleksander Nevski memorial church, which was completed in’24. It’s the country’s finest piece of Balkan architecture. The shimmering gold leaf inside was donated by the Soviet Union. It holds 5, 000 people.

Revel in rebirth of Muslim heritage

Muslims were once persecuted by communists in Bulgaria. As a result, the Banya Bashi mosque, dating back to 1576, was left abandoned for many years. It fell into disrepair, but thanks to a grant by the European Union, the mosque is being restored and Muslims have claimed their rightful place within its walls. It is located a short distance away from the city’s mineral springs. Artifacts from the former Thracian civilization, along with Greek and Roman artifacts are displayed at another mosque in Sofia, the Buyuk Djami, which is open to the public.

Natural heritage preserved in Sofia

The Natural Science Museum, opened’89, is situated on Sofia’s Boulevard Tsar Osvoboditel. Inside is a meticulously kept archive of Bulgarian wildlife, including lizards and snakes. Next to the museum is a fascinating Russian church with a glorious exterior of vivid tiles, several gilded domes and an amazing spire all in emerald. The’13 church was built by a diplomat who was fearful that praising God in a Bulgarian church would send him straight to hell.

High on Sofia’s mountain

Mount Vitosha, famous for its natural vistas, natural hiking trails and winter sports is located just 7 km from Sofia’s city centre. Experience life with villagers as you make your way to the base of the mountain. You’ll stroll through villages in the foothills on the way to Mount Vitosha. Bring a picnic lunch and in the winter, make sure to pack your downhill or cross country skis. The lifts are open from late December to mid-March.

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The Best Restaurants In Mississauga To Choose From

There is an enormous amount of different restaurants to choose from when you visit Mississauga. They range from luxurious to intimate and on down to casual in style. The restaurants in Mississauga will help make your dining the experience of a lifetime.

Texas Longhorn Restaurant

The Maki Maki offers you an all-you-can-eat buffet or a menu where you can order the meal of your choice. They are set up to serve large parties of 25 or more guests. A big advantage of this restaurant is that you can order a takeout meal or have your meal delivered to your home or office. You can also have a meal catered for your next party or business meeting. You can make reservations for the Maki Maki online. This is a family style restaurant.

Mandarin Restaurant

This is a large, all-you-can-eat buffet of Cantonese, Chinese and Asian food. It is the tastiest buffet ever with beautifully prepared foods and desserts. They have fast and efficient servers ready to make your dining experience pleasant. This buffet is so good that people from all over drive quite a distance just to enjoy their food. The food on the buffet is varied throughout the week so that you never get the same food if you eat here several times during the week. If you are in a hurry, you can order a take-out meal to eat at home or at the office. The Mandarin has progressed to the point where it has taken a prominent place in the community. Various hospitals and other charity organizations have highly profited from the donations they have received from the Mandarin restaurant.

Mango Rain Restaurant

At the Mango Rain you will experience Indian and Thai cuisine at its very best. This is a great place for people who have food allergies. Every dish is made to order so all you have to do is tell the waitress what your allergy is, and the cook will take care of the rest. All meats, except for the chicken in one dish, are served de-boned. The serving time varies between 15 minutes and one hour, depending on the meat you choose.

Bairrada Churrasqueira Grill

Cagney’s Restaurant is the home of the best ever Caesar’s Salad. Every meal you eat here, will be the very best in food preparation and flavor. Cagney’s Restaurant has been serving the families of Mississagua with fantastic food and mouth watering deserts for the past 34 years. Nearly everything that is served here is made fresh daily, even their delicious salad dressings. At Cagney’s you will find casual dining at its very best.

Pomodoro Italian Kitchen

The Pomodoro specializes in genuine Italian cuisine. They even make their tomato sauce from Italian grown tomatoes. You can visit the restaurant for a relaxing, delicious meal, or call to schedule your next large event. They serve pizzas, salads and appetizers. You can make your own pizza by choosing the meat, vegetables, sauces, cheeses and herbs.

When you come to Mississauga for your vacation or honeymoon, one of the things you will enjoy the most is the opportunity to experience the culture and cuisine from countries around the world. The diversity in restaurants will make your stay an extra rewarding one.

While Mississauga restaurant offers some of the best tasting cuisines, the atmosphere of it has also played a vital role in customers’ satisfaction. If you’re thinking about eating a one-of-a-kind meal, don’t forget about visiting a restaurant Toronto!