House of Rock and Roll

Retro Glam & Collegiate Charm: Two Looks for Fall

There are two looks – Retro Glam and Collegiate Charm – that seem to be the benchmark of Fall trends from year to year. Slight variations like plaid, bubble skirts, short boots, high boots, colored tights, black tights and the like only enhance those basic looks.

Here’s what to look for when you shop for a retro glam or collegiate charm look:

To dress retro glam, don’t be afraid to wear vintage cuts in new and unexpected ways. If a print is a little too old-fashioned for you, have the dress, skirt or blouse altered into a more modern shape. On the other hand, if the cut of the item is very vintage, pair it with modern accessories to avoid a costumed appearance.
Jewelry is key to a retro glam look. A little goes a long way, and try mix up what you wear so as not to appear straight out of Grease, for example. Pearls would be too much with this outfit, so I paired the retro-fitting dress with a long, rock-and-roll chain necklace.
When it comes to retro glam, the bigger the sunglasses, the better.
Here’s what to look for in shoes: a chunkier heel (no stilettos), buckles, round-toes, vintage (gold, red, etc.) or muted colors, mary-jane styles or classic peep-toe pumps.
A scarf completes the retro glam outfit. Tie it loosely, or with a more retro-flair by flipping one end over your shoulder.
For a bit of authentic ladylike coordination, use a clutch instead of your huge, leather tote.
A 50′s/60′s style jacket finishes off the outfit. A bit of boxiness is a must. Look for large buttons or a peter pan collar. With longer dresses/skirts, try a cropped jacket. If you’re wearing something shorter on the bottom, then make sure your coat falls slightly above your hemline, but not too far.

Like what you are reading? Then, here are some tips for your next fall shopping spree:

Start off with an interesting blouse. It can be longer, like a tunic, or a bit shorter. Ruffles are preferred, but not required. A print is good also, but a solid color is easier to coordinate the accessories with.
Every collegiate girl worth her salt knows that some plastic-framed reading glasses add a bit of quirky charm.
A few bright-colored items in a coordinating color family add some conversation pieces to the entire outfit. See how well the colored pants, bracelet and blue cardigan look together? The yellow on this bracelet is a bright color, yes, but is also surprisingly neutral.
A long, grandpa-style cardigan worn over the blouse helps keep you warm, but that’s not the real reason I included it. Skinny jeans are tricky to proportion: if your top is too short, you end up looking very “hippy,” or bottom-heavy, without balance on your upper-half. Use a longer cardigan to correct that and balance out your collegiate charm look.
A big, leather tote bag serves two purposes: one, it has that collegiate – and somewhat scholarly – look we are aiming towards without seeming like a briefcase. And the second reason is that the bag adds a good neutral base for the entire outfit.
Interesting, comfortable shoes with a slight heel to accentuate the skinny pants: these are exactly what I’m talking about.
An outfit with a bit of quirk would not be complete without a standout piece of jewelry, like this snake bracelet.
Skinny pants with color, instead of the classic denim washes, are fun and easier to wear than you might think.

Interested in seeing some great samples of retro glam & collegiate charm? Check out my personal Stylefeed at http://www.stylefeeder.com/profile/jaclyndwile. For a full version of this article, with images, check out http://blog.stylefeeder.com/2008/08/12/retro-glam-collegiate-charm-two-looks-for-fall/.

A Look Into The Life of Elvis Presley — And His Fashion

Aside from being the king of rock and roll, one of the few things that made Elvis Presley stand out as one of the greatest men alive is his fashion statement. Today, many events feature a lot of Elvis costumes – jumpsuits, sunglasses, even the haircut that made him famous all around the globe. If you really want to get to know the start of his fashion then you might want to read through Elvis Presley biography first.

If you read the life story of Elvis Presley, then you will see that he started out as any normal kid in the early 19th century. He has always been a shy boy — both in school and church — and doesn’t stand out in the crowd. His fashion sense started when he moved to Memphis with the rest of his family in 1950. He started growing out his sideburns and start dressing up in the flashy costumes of the Lansky Brothers.

Most Elvis Presley biography give a lot of definition to his hairstyle. The sideburn is practically the most notable feature of this cultural icon. Others would include his white jacket with flashy rhinestones that carries a lot of weight to his appeal, especially on stage.

But despite this popular outfit of the King of Rock and Roll, he first started out as would be normally seen in people during that in time — striped shirt tucked neatly into tight-fitting jeans, and, of course, leather or a plain jacket to spark of the Presley mood. Since he started out his career as a truck driver, his main outfit included rugged jeans and shirts.

Elvis’ fashion sense improved when he moved up into his career as a musician. He is often seen wearing heavily decorated skin-tight jumpsuit with a high collar, white boots, white bell bottom pants, and, of course, his patented hairstyle and sideburns.

Of course, you would never be a true Elvis fan if you don’t consider his trademark sunglasses — brown-tinted lens and a heavy frame that brings out his distinguished looks — which he is never without during concerts when you read through this Elvis Presley biography.

Find More Rock And Roll High School Articles

Show and Shine

Americans have a long-standing love affair with the automobile. Car ownership is a treated as a right and its part of the fabric of our culture.  We accessorize and idolize motor vehicles.  We may not have invented cars but we perfected using, buying and selling them. We cruise town for the fun of it. We love to pile in a car with friends or plan family Holidays around the “Road Trip”.  Granted, the country is and we have plenty of places to drive: The United States highway network consists of over 4 million miles of roads and streets.

We rarely look on a car as just a mode of transportation or a way to get from A to B. Cars are a reflection of our personality, our status, preferences , what we do and who we are. We look at cars as our ticket to freedom and a symbol of independence.   Most Americans get a “Learner’s permit ” the day they are eligible (15 years 6 months in my State). Everyone I know got a license on their 16th Birthday and a car.  This may sound extravagant but inexpensive cars can be easily found and a Driver License fee is  (and all the other aspects of owning a car in the US are less complicated and expensive)  Aside from dense urban areas we don’t rely much on mass transit so you need a car.  Yes, everyone. It’s typical for a family with 3 kids to have 5 cars at their house. It’s not usual for an individual to have two cars or a car and truck. We will own score of automobiles over the course of our driving lives.  It is not usual for Americans to have multiple cars, collect certain makes or invest in classic cars.

Many familiar icons of American life sprang from our lives being intertwined with our automobiles: Drive-In movies and “Car Hops” at drive-in soda shops.  Beyond the Golden Arches, we have a drive through for every type of food imaginable.  Why get out of the car when you have drive through? Drive-through banks, coffee shops, libraries, bakeries, automated teller machines,  liquor stores, and drive in churches.  If you are in a hurry, more than one Las Vegas chapel can offer you a drive–through wedding.

A mainstay of American life is the ‘Car Show’. We take advantage of any opportunity to display our cars or look at other people’s cars. It’s a typical social event in most every community. These shows can be anything from the prestigious Concours d’Elegance  (a multi-million dollar collection for one-of a kind vehicles from around the world at Pebble Beach) to a local “Cruise In” (an unstructured ‘show’ with no entry fees and no prizes- a car meet-up). Around any town there will be a group of enthusiasts staging a car show every weekend and several nights a week.  The Concorso Italiano is all Italian makes; exotics, muscle cars, just MG’s , only German brands , Corvettes, antique, vintage or any class of classic- you name it, there is a show for it.   ”The Good Guys” have 20 events annually across the country only for Hot Rods. These car shows are three and four day extravaganza’s attracting over 100,000 auto enthusiasts. (see video)

The car show in my neighborhood is held at the a 50′s themed ” Rock N Roll” McDonald’s. The restaurant parking lot is the site for what they term as the “World’s Longest Running Car Show”. It is a come all, classic cruise-in on Saturday nights, that’s every Saturday. This free event (for both participants and spectators) has been going for every Saturday for 22 years!  The car owners occupy lawn chairs while families stroll up and down the aisles bee-bopping to “Oldies” music, taking in the shiny metal and recounting their car stories to the next generation of car lovers.

Five Famous Americans Whose Birthdays Are February 9Th

FEBRUARY 9TH BIRTHDAYS OF FIVE FAMOUS AMERICANS

  WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON was born in Charles City County, Colony of Virginia in 1773.  He was a soldier in the U.S. Army for most of his adult life. His years of service were 1791-1797, 1811, 1812-1814.  Some of the major battles/wars he participated in were the Northwest Indian War; Siege of Fort Recovery, Battle of Fallen Timbers, Tecumseh’s War-Battle of Tippecanoe, and the War of 1812.  He was elected the ninth President of the United States but served only for a month. He died of complications from a cold.  He had the shortest tenure in U.S. presidential history.  (d. 1841)

 DAVID DEAN RUSK  Secretary of State under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson; the longest serving Secretary of State, behind Cordell Hull.  He  was born in Cherokee County, Georgia in 1909.  He also served as a colonel during World War II and received the Legion of Merit Award.  (d. 1994)

 ROGER MUDD was born in 1928, in Washington, D.C.,   He is a television journalist and broadcaster.  Mudd’s most recent job is as primary anchor for The History Channel.  Before that he was weekend and weekday substitute anchor of CBS Evening News and also co-anchor of NBC Nightly News and hosted NBC Meet the Press.  He has received the Peabody Award, the Joan Shorenstein Award for Distinguished Washington Reporting and five Emmy Awards.

 CAROLE (KLEIN) KING was born in 1942, in New York City.  She is an American singer and songwriter in the genres of folk rock, pop, and jazz.  Carole and her husband Gerry Goffin have written over two dozen chart hits for many artists during the 1960s.  Many of these have become standards.  She has four Grammy Awards to her credit and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (along with Gerry Goffin).  Some of the songs include Love Me Tomorrow (1960), Take Good Care of My Baby (1960), The LocoMotion (1962), Crying in the Rain  and Go Away Little Girl.   

 MARIA de LOURDES VILLIERS FARROW was born in 1945 in Los Angeles, California.  She is an American actress and singer.  She has more than forty films to her credit.  Farrow has won many awards including a Golden Globe Award, three BAFTA Film Award nominations, and won for best actress at the San Sebastian International Film Festival.  She’s also done extensive humanitarian work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.  She also is involved in humanitarian activities for Darfur, Chad and Central African Republic. In 2008 Time Magazine selected her as one of the world’s most influential people.

Learn About 26 Famous People From the State of Alaska click here to Read Full Article

Find More Rock And Roll History Articles

Munnar-Mind refreshing hill stationa

MUNNAR

Munnar – breathtakingly beautiful – a haven of peace and tranquility – the idyllic tourist destination in God’s own country.
Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations – pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests – aroma of spice scented cool air – yes! Munnar has all these and more. It’s the place you would love to visit – it’s the place you would wish never to leave- so welcome – log on to munnar.com for all information on Munnar anytime, every time.

MUNNAR – Fact File

Altitude : 1600 Mts to 1800 Mts above sea level
Temperature : Min. 0 c – Max. 25 c
Clothing : Warm Clothes and Rain Gear
Tourist Season : August to March .

Tea or Chai is the most widely drunk beverage in the whole world. The tea plant, Camellia Sansis, is a cultivated variety of a Tea planttree that has its origins in an area between India and China. There are three main varieties of the tea plant – China, Assam, and Cambodia – and a number of hybrids between the varieties. The China variety grows as high as nine feet (2.75 metres). It is a hardy plant able to withstand cold winters and has an economic life of at least 100 years.

The Assam variety, a single-stem tree ranging from 20 to 60 feet (6 to 18 metres) in height. Regular pruning keeps its height to a more manageable 4 to 5 feet tall. It has an economic life of 40 years with regular pruning and plucking. When grown at an altitude near that of Darjeeling (Assam) or Munnar (Kerala), it produces tea with fascinating flavours , sought after around the globe.

MAIN SUB VARIETIES OF TEA
The tender light-leaved Assam
The less tender dark-leaved Assam
The hardy Manipuri and Burma types
The very large-leaved Lushai
The dark-leaved Assam plant from Upper Assam.

The Cambodia variety, a single-stem tree growing to about 16 feet (five metres) in height, is not cultivated but has been naturally crossed with other varieties.

History of Tea

Behind this everyday brew lies a colorful and fascinating story that meanders its way through the social and cultural history of many nations. According to ancient legend, tea was discovered by chance by a Chinese Emperor in third millenium B.C. as some tea leaves floated into his boiling pot of water from somewhere.

Whether this is fact or fiction, we will never know. In fact, there was no written reference to tea until the third century B.C., until a famous Chinese doctor recommended it for increasing one’s alertness. Most historians however agree that tea was used in China long before this date.

Tea entered its ‘golden age’ during the Tang Dynasty in the 7th century AD. Tea entered the age of rituals and traditions. No longer drunk simply as a medicinal tonic, tea was taken as much for pleasure as for its restorative powers. The preparation and service of the liquor developed into an elaborate ceremony, while the cultivation and processing of the leaf were tightly controlled.

Tea became important enough during this period for a group of merchants to commission the writer, Lu Yu, to compile the first ever book on the subject – Classic of Tea. All tea produced in China was originally green.

However, with an increase in trade during the Ming Dynasty (A.D. 1368 – 1644), the Chinese growers were challenged to preserve tea’s delicate qualities during its long journeys, as far afield as Europe. The solution was the invention of new processing methods to make black and flower-scented teas. Ming producers found that fermentation was able to preserve tea leaves, making them suitable for the long overseas journey. And though Europe’s first taste of tea was green, the fashion gradually changed to black as Chinese growers altered tea production methods to suit the logistics of distant trade.

Top
When one looks at Europe, one is not sure who was responsible for introducing tea there – the Dutch or the Portuguese in the early seventeenth century, for both nations were then actively trading in the China Seas. The Portuguese shipped China teas to Lisbon, and from there the Dutch East India Company carried goods on to Holland, France and Germany.

Tea’s fate in Britain took a lucky turn in 1662 when King Charles II married a Portuguese princess. Britain’s new queen was addicted to tea and carried with her some tea as part of her dowry. As word of the new beverage spread, more and more people wished to try it. Soon tea became Britain’s most popular drink, replacing ale at break-fast and gin at any other time of day. Tea also became an essential part of people’s entertainment outside the home.

Luxurious tea gardens appeared all over the country, where people from all walks of life, including royalty, could take fresh air, drink tea, and enjoy a variety of entertainment. The British tradition of ‘after-noon tea’ is normally ascribed to Anna, the Dutchess of Bedford. She conceived the idea of having tea around four or five in the afternoon to ward off the hunger pangs between lunch and dinner. Soon all of fashionable London was indulging in these after-noon gatherings to drink tea, eat sandwiches, and exchange gossip and general conversation.

As tea consumption in Britain grew, the balance of payment turned in favour of the Chinese. Britain came up with an answer to correct the imbalance and trade in opium, which the Chinese wanted. But soon trade in opium became a serious international issue, and to secure monopoly, Britain declared war. China retaliated by placing an embargo on all export of tea. The Opium Wars had begun.

Its trade with China cut off, Britain began to seek other locations for the production of tea. Northern India was particularly promising due to its climate and altitudes. It is here that in 1823 the British East India Company’s first crop was planted. Its first shipment of Assam tea reached London fifteen years later, and the Company soon expanded into other areas, most notably Darjeeling and the hills of Munnar in Kerala. The Kannan Devan Tea was thus born.

It was inevitable that tea would find its way to North America along with the settlers from Europe. All over the New World, tea was drunk in the same elegant fashion as in Europe. In colonial America, tea and the complimentary silver and porcelain were symbols of wealth and social status. Even the less affluent families viewed the taking of tea as a display of their good manners. The Boston Tea Party ended America’s liking for both the British and their tea. The origins of the trouble lay in the passing of an Act of Parliament in 1767, which attempted to tax the American colonies.

Within two years of its passing, most American ports were refusing to allow any dutiable goods ashore, and when the British sent seven shiploads of tea from London, feelings ran high. In New York and Philadelphia, demonstrations forced the ships to turn back. In Boston, general unrest over several weeks was followed by the boarding of the Dartmouth by a band of men disguised as Indians, to cries of “Boston harbour – a teapot tonight.”

In the course of the next three hours, they threw 340 chests of tea overboard. The British government’s closure of Boston harbor and the arrival of British troops on American soil marked the beginning of the War of Independence and America’s coffee-drinking tradition. World War II marked a final blow to America’s affinity for fine teas. Prior to the war, Americans were well versed in the many varieties of tea. Imported exclusively in the Orient, however, these teas became scarce during the war, and were replaced with lower quality black tea from Argentina and other open markets. Sadly, to this day, almost all tea consumed in the United States is low-grade black.

Growing Tea

Tea bushes are planted 1 metre to 1.5 metres apart to follow the natural contours of the landscape. Sometimes they are grown on specially prepared terraces to help irrigation and to prevent erosion. Fifty years ago tea plants were raised from tea seeds and they Tea estatewere known as seedlings. Each plantation grew its own seed bearers in tea trees which grew to a height of approximately 25 metres. These young plants are raised from the cuttings obtained from a strong and rich bush. They are carefully tendered in special nursery beds until they are 12-15 months old and then planted in the tea gardens.

Trees are often planted in between the tea plants to protect them against intense heat and light, particularly on the plains of Assam and Kenya, where sunshine is most intense. The trees also provide microclimatic and soil improvements. Geometric spacing are used, often in quite wide spacing. This, again, ensures uniform treatment (shade) and ease in mechanized operations. Common shade trees are Erythrina, Gliricidia, and Silver Oak.

When the tea plant is allowed to grow wild and unfettered it becomes 10 mts high. To simplify cultivation and stimulate the production of leaf buds, they are regularly pruned and shaped into flat-topped bushes of about one metre in height. When the plant develops to a height of about half a metre above ground, it is cut back – pruned to within a few inches off the ground – to set it on course to develop into a flat-topped bush. Generally, a tea bush is 1 to 1.5 metres in height. Regular 2 to 3 year pruning cycles encourage the supply of shoots, the flush which is plucked every week to ten days, depending on where it is cultivated.

The tea leaves are mostly hand plucked. The tea plant is plucked every 5- 10 days, depending on where it grows. The length of Tea workerstime needed for the plucked shoot to redevelop a new shoot ready for plucking varies according to the plucking system and the climatic conditions. Intervals of between seventy and ninety days are common.

When the tea plant is plucked two leaves and a bud are cut. An experienced plucker can pluck up to 30 kg tealeaves per day. To make one kg black tea, approx. 4 kg tea leaves are needed. One tea plant produces about 70 kg black tea a year. In a warm climate the plant is plucked for the first time after four years and it will produce tea for at least 50 years. A suitable climate for cultivation must have a minimum annual rainfall of 1,140 to 1,270 millimetres. Tea soils must be acidic and tea cannot be grown in alkaline soils.

A crop of 11,650 kilograms per hectare requires 3.7 to 4.9 workers per hectare to pluck the tea shoots and maintain the fields. Mechanical plucking has been tried, but because of its lack of selectivity, it cannot replace hand plucking. Since 1900, advancements in tea cultivation have increased the average yield per acre in India from 180 to 450 kilograms, with many estates producing over 680 kilograms.

PLACES TO VISIT

Mattupetty (13 km from Munnar)

Situated at a height of 1700 Mts ,Mattupetty Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialised dairy farm, the Indo-swiss live stock project. Over 100 varietes of high yielding cattle are reared here.Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm

Visit Time : 0900 – 1100 hrs and 1400 – 1530 hrs.
Rate : Rs. 5/- per head. ( liable to change)

The Mattupetty lake and dam , just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed Launch and slow speed motor boats are available on hire.

Pothamedu (6 km from Munnar)

Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

Devikulam (7 km from Munnar)
Devikulam

This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar)

This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala and a place of immence scenic beauty.

Attukal (9 km from Munnar)

A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.

Nyayamakad (10 km from Munnar)

Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.

Chithirapuram (10 km from Munnar)

With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.

Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar)

This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.

Rajamala (15 km from Munnar)

The natural habitat of the Niligiri tahr ,Rajamala Rajamala is 2695 Mts above sea level. Half the world’s population of the rare mountain goat or tahr which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.The Niligiri tahr in Rajamala are now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Niligiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300.

Visiting Time : 0700 – 1800 hrs.
Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.
Entry Pass : Rs. 10 for adults, Rs. 5 for children below 12 years, Rs. 50 for foreigners.( liable to change)
Permitting Authority : Wild Life DFO, Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar)

The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam Eravikulam National ParkTaluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 Mts) is located in the Southern region of the park.

Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq kms of rolling grasslands and high level sholas (evergreen forests). The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.

Sanctuary Visit :

Nilgiri Tahr The park is divided into 3 regions – the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is in the Rajamala region. The Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at close quarters here.

Trekking facilities are available here. Tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi. This is also a place for adventure tourism.

Trekking Areas : Anamudi, Rajamala.

Power House Waterfalls (18 km from Munnar)

The waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock 2000 Mts above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic Western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.

Kundala (20 km from Munnar)

Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also near Kundala.
CSI Christ Church
CSI Christ ChurchThe British built the Christ Church in 1910 AD. Built of stone, the church is known for its stained glass windows. There are several brass plaques in the church placed in the memory of the tea planters.
IN AND AROUND MUNNAR

AnayirankalAnayirangal (22 kms from Munnar):

It’s a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot.

Devikulam (7 kms from Munnar)

This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns , exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air offers a rare experience to visitors. The Sita Devi lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal trout fishing.

Valara Waterfalls
Valara (10 kms from Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai highway)

Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick green forests.

Marayoor (40 kms from Munnar)

This is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory of the forest department, the caves(muniyaras) with the murals and relics from the New stone age civilization and the children’s park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan tree, are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby. +more

Cheeyappara

The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi – Madurai highway.

TopstationTop Station (32 kms from Munnar)

1700 Mts above sea level , this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodiakanal road. The rare Neelakurunji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. Top Station (a viewing point) also offers a panoramic view of neighbouring state of Tamil nadu.

Echo Point (15 km from Munnar)

This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.

Meenuli

It is noted for 2 acres of evergreen forests upon a huge rock. The rock is more than 500 acres in area and an ideal spot for mountaineering.

Malankara Reservoir (6 kms from Thodupuzha)

Located on the Thodupuzha – Moolamattam road, this artificial lake isMalankara Reservoir accessible by road. The reservoir is ideal for boating and fishing.

Thommankuthu waterfalls (17 kms from Thodupuzha)
The seven step waterfall here is a much loved picnic spot . At each step there is a cascade and a pool beneath . Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure tourism. (This is also a tricky spot and visitors are advised to exercise caution !)

Nadukani (25 kms from Idukki)
Moolamattam town , Malankara lake etc. can be viewed from the high pavilion situated here.

Kalvari MountKalvari mount

This is a famous pilgrim centre on the way to Kattapana.

Palkulamedu (12 kms from Idukki)

Kochi, Allapuzha and other nearby towns can be seen from this peak at 3125 mts above sea level.

Chithirapuram (10 kms from Munnar)

With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old play grounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel power project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantation.

RamakalmeduRamakalmedu (16 kms from Nedumkandam)

Rolling green hills and fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Kambam on the Eastern slope of the Western ghats. One can enjoy the splendid beauty of nature. This is an ideal place for trekkers and mountain climbers.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km from Munnar)

Situated on the Tamil Nadu border, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 90.44 sq km.

Giant Squirrel
Animals

Most of the Southern Indian wild animals can be found in this forest. These include the grizzled giant squirrel, champal squirrel, elephant, sambar deer, gaur etc.

Rare BirdBirds

Jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl etc.

Access
Munnar – Udumalpetta Road     60 km
Coimbatore – Udumalpetta – Chinnar Road     100 km
Cochin – Chinnar     190 km
Parambikulam via Pollachi – Chinnar via Udumalpetta     60 km
Kottayam – Chinnar     250 km

Visiting Time

0700 – 1800 hrs. Entry passes are available at the office of the Assistant Conservator of Forests or the Check Post Information Counter.

Permitting Authority
Wildlife Warden, Idukki Wild Division, Painav/Wildlife DFO, Munnar.

Trekking Routes
Palapetty, Champakad
Karimuty – Inchapetty
Karimuty – Alampetty

High Range Club

Charmingly colonial in style, this clubhouse built of wicker and teak still serves as a social centre for the far – flung farmers of the region around Munnar. The club houses an elegant lounge and a dining room, the obligatory gentleman’s bar, a billiards room, a library etc. Entry is limited to members only.

Trekking Points in Munnar
Anamudi, Rajamala, Meesapulimala, Top Station, Kundala, Devikulam.

Sightseeing Tours

Sightseeing tours are arranged from the District Tourist Infornation Office, Thekkady Jn., Kumili. Tours cover spice plantations, herbal gardens, tribal settlements, other places in and around Munnar etc.

Tourist Circuits in Munnar
Munnar – Mattupetty Dam – Indo Swiss Livestock Project – Echo Point – Kundala Dam – Top Station (34 km).
Munnar – Pothamedu – Chitirapuram – Pallivasal – Cheyappara – Adimali – Valara (40 km).
Munnar – Rajamala – Marayoor – Chinnar (70 km).
Munnar – Devikulam – Lock Heart Gap – Power House Waterfalls – Anayirankal (32 km).

Accomodation options

Luxury
1     Tea County      Munnar     4 Star     Rs.3,500 – 6,000
2     Club Mahindra     Chinnakannal     4 Star     Rs.5,000 – 15,000
3     Cloud 9     Naduparai     3 Star     Rs.2,400 – 3,400
4     Sienna Village     Chinnakannal     3 Star     Rs.1,800 – 2,500
5     Oak Fields     Pothamedu     3 Star     Rs.2,200 – 2,400
6     Eastend     Munnar     3 Star     Rs.1950 – 2,300
7     Issacs Residency     Munnar     3 Star     Rs.1,250 – 2,500
8     Chancellor Resorts     Chinnakannal     3 Star     Rs.1,500 – 3,500
9     West Wood     Munnar     3 Star     Rs.1,350 – 2,350
10     Sterling Resorts     Chinnakannal     3 Star     Rs.1,700 – 2,400
11     B Six Holliday Resorts     Latchmi Est.     3 Star     Rs.1,500 – 2,000
12     Fort Munnar     Chinnakannal     3 Star     Rs.5,000 – 11,000
13     Deshadan Mountain Resort     Potemedu     Luxury     Rs.2,750 – 4,000

SN.     Resorts/Hotels     Location     Rating     Tariff
Deluxe
14     Las Palmas     Devikulam     Classic     Rs.900-1,650
15     Spring Dale Resorts     Devikulam     Budget     Rs.650 – 5,300
16     Lonely Planet     Devikulam     Budget     Rs.750 – 5,000
17     Munnar Inn     Munnar     Classic     Rs.1,200 – 1,500
18     Hill View     Munnar     Classic     Rs.750 – 2,500
19     Elysium Garden     Munnar     Classic     Rs.600 – 2,500
20     S.N.Annex     Munnar     Classic     Rs.950 – 2,000
21     S.N.Tourist Home     Munnar     Budget     Rs.850 – 2,000
22     Munnar Tourist Home     Munnar     Budget     Rs.900 – 3,000
23     Misha Tourist Home     Munnar     Budget & Classic     Rs.480 – 1,300
24     Sun Mount View Resorts     Pullivasal     Budget     Rs.950 – 2,000

SN.     Resorts/Hotels     Location     Rating     Tariff
Economy
25     Tea Garden Resorts     Munnar     Cheap     Rs.450 – 1,200
26     Dhanyasree     Munnar     Cheap     Rs.550 – 1,500

courtesy

www.myhappyjourney.com

More 90s Rock And Roll Articles

Bon Jovi Tour – They Just Get Better

Well we are coming into that time of the year where you start to see the major acts come out of hiding and bring their wares on the road. This year we are seeing quite of few heavy hitters on the road like Tom Petty, Toby Keith, Dave Matthews and Sugarland but while all of those acts are good, nobody puts up the numbers like a Bon Jovi Tour does.

While the band has been touring quite a bit over the last few years, seems every time you see them they just get better and better. The played out tired story about them is that they emerged from the caldrons of the 80′s hair metal days and while this is true,  it is time to now identify them as one of the true legends of Rock and Roll. If you want to go strictly dollar and cents, they will rank right up there with all time touring acts and if you want to go catalog for catalog, look their music has endured and has actually gotten better with age.

Sure I know many of the old school hard rock guys will argue this and that is fine. Go down to your local bar and argue with all the bands you defend that nobody has heard of, because that is where they are at that bar. While Bon Jovi is STILL selling out stadiums nationwide.

The 2010 tour is being fueled by their latest CD, “The Circle” and this CD has a more country feel to it then the last couple and the last couple definitely had a bit of Twang value. Sorry did not mean to steal George Strait’s song!

I have read some of their recent reviews out of the Pacific Northwest and California and what do you expect? They are all glowing. One of the sets lists I saw went like this:

1.    Blood on Blood

2.    We Weren’t Born to Follow

3.    You Give Love A Bad Name

4.    Only Lonely

5.    Born to Be My Baby

6.    Whole Lot Of Leavin’

7.    Lost Highway When We Were Beautiful

8.    Superman Tonight

9.    We Got It Goin’ On

10.  Bad Medicine / Bad Case of Lovin’ You

11.  It’s My Life

12.  Homebound Train Richie Sambora VOX

13.  (You Want To) Make A Memory

14.  Something For The Pain

15.  Someday I’ll Be Saturday Night

16.  Bullet

17.  Work for the Working Man

18.  Who Says You Can’t Go Home Love’s The Only Rule Encore:

21.  Runaway Wanted Dead or Alive Livin’ on a Prayer

This set list is a nice mix. You have new some way back old and some more recent songs. You can buy tickets for this tour at your local box office or at my preferred site, ConcertKings.Com.

Look, with the economy the way it is, none of us will be doing a ton on the entertainment front, so why not treat yourself and take in a true legendary band. If you are young, go see what rock is, and if you are my age, feel like you are 17 again only this time leave the leather fringe jacket at home, the kids will think you are weird!

Related 80s Rock And Roll Articles

Rickenbacker Bass Guitars – 4003 Model

The Rickenbacker 4003 Bass is famous for its ringing sustain, treble punch, and solid underlying bottom end. It’s also famous for its distinctive, elegantly curved body shape, accentuated by a subtle strip of binding, deluxe triangular fretboard inlays, stereo output, neck-thru-body construction, double truss rods, and high output single-coil pickups with wide response range and brilliant clarity. The Vintage Tone Selector activates a capacitor in the treble pickup circuit to emphasize the high end. Pressed in, you get the familiar 4003 sound, pull it out to add bite and crispness.

In the short lifetime of electric string instruments, very few basses have earned the accolade necessary to genuinely call themselves “classics.” Even less can claim the title of industry standard – but no one can dispute the fact that the Rickenbacker 4000 Series deserves these titles. The piano string-like ring, punch, and sustain brought the bass player out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

Unique style and unmistakable tone!
Rickenbacker’s original solid-body electric bass was first introduced in the spring of 1957, bringing its own unique style to the Rock and Roll explosion of the early 60′s and 70′s. In the hands of bass-masters including Paul McCartney, Chris Squire, and Geddy Lee, 4000-series basses forged a solid reputation for distinct tone and comfortable playability. The latest Rickenbacker 4003 bass stays true to its roots, offering these same characteristics to a whole new generation of players.

Neck-thru construction
True pioneers in musical instrument construction, Rickenbacker luthiers were the first to produce a neck-thru-body bass design. A single piece of wood from the headstock to the tailpiece allows string vibration to travel unhindered through the length of the instrument. This results in a clarity of tone and ringing sustain unmatched by bolt-on or set-neck designs. The 4003 uses this same neck-thru principle today. This construction process is too time-consuming for most mass-production brands to implement, but many boutique bass builders are now discovering the benefits of what Rickenbacker has been doing from the beginning. It may take a little longer to build this bass, but Rickenbacker knows it’s worth the wait. Get one in your hands, and you’ll agree.

Balanced sound for diverse musical styles
Some basses offer deep tone at the low end of the spectrum, but the higher notes tend to be a bit thin. The 4003′s combination bridge/tailpiece assembly reflects more string energy over the pickups for a consistent, balanced sound across the entire fretboard. You get piano-like clarity at the top with plenty of growl down below. This is why Rickenbacker basses are played by such a diverse group of musicians. Lemmy from Motorhead, Andre 3000 from Outkast, Mike Mills from REM, and Chris Ross from Wolfmother are all able to get the tone they need from the same instrument. With so many genres represented, you’re sure to dial in a sound that suits your style.

Super-slim body
Instead of the chunky, bass-heavy designs used by many manufacturers, a slim, streamlined body gives the 4003 increased treble response and added punch. Both body and neck are made of maple for a full, bright tone with a nice, crisp bite. The rosewood fretboard adds mellow warmth, so notes in the upper register don’t sound harsh or shrill. Any style, any technique, comes through with expressive, dynamic clarity.

All about the neck
The thin, fast neck has become a favorite among progressive-rockers and bass-shredders alike. Check out some of Cliff Burton’s earliest work with Metallica, Chris Squier’s jaw-dropping solos from the 70′s, or any of Geddy Lee’s blistering Rickenbacker riffs. You can play the slickest runs from low to high and back again without getting bogged down like you would on a fat-necked bass. It may be skinny, but it’s also strong and stable thanks to the dual truss rod system. Each neck is designed with a natural curvature, or “neck relief”, to ensure the best possible string/fret contact. If the neck relief changes, you’ll get fret-buzz and even dead spots in extreme cases. The truss rod adds stiffness from inside, maintaining the proper curvature. Neck relief is partially dependent on string tension, so changing to heavier- or lighter-gauge strings can cause problems, along with temperature and humidity fluctuations. In these situations, the dual truss rod system can be tightened or loosened to compensate for the new conditions, letting every note ring out as it should.

You can find more info about the Rickenbacker 4003 Bass Guitar at:

http://RickenBacker.YouGet.info

Turquoise Jewelry In The Spirit Of Tibet And The United States

Amazing mysterious power stone

Surprising strength of the local stone

Why has such a beautiful gem light? It is because of its unparalleled beauty, makes it inconceivable that any people would be attracted by the magic.

Jewel pieces of the earth, the universe of products, although the rolling stones in the street is also a product of the universe, but in this one are extremely hard and has a gorgeous color of the stones there, let people feel it is beyond the power of the universe wisdom .

The strength of stone are all God wants to do is give you a present! Spent tens of thousands of years, combined with the delicate nature of various conditions that produce crystals so tiny. That after such a long mammoth project, it generates a gem.

Sun and water plant breeding, just as the energy plant as a natural, precious stones also need a variety of energy absorption edge edge grow. Overcome a variety of harsh conditions bred out of precious stones, is to have an incredible powerful forces! This is the china gemstone wholesaler known as the strength of one of the reasons.

Stone to the development of power need a lot of natural energy, of course, you can also say that the origin of gem itself has a powerful energy, while those on the place known as San Fa force is the Earth receives cosmic energy pathways. Energy is the place people in terms of spiritual sensibility. Moving around the environment changes because Ershi, many people will find that the physical condition and mental condition has changed so it! Will focus on living human on Earth is also based on a region with a reason, a place with a strong power to attract people to form a town near; the contrary, on Earth there are close to the barren land of human difficult.

The cradle of ancient civilization in the world almost all of the power rock of origin, this is not accidental. Egypt produces emeralds, turquoise produced in Mesopotamia, in the production of Maya and Inca civilizations in South America such as affinity for turquoise and jade, in India, diamond, sapphire and ruby so much power rock in these places are mined. These forces produce stone, gave birth to the great culture that is accepted the location of the power of the universe.

In the excavated remains of ancient civilizations around the power of rock, at the time was used for decorations, props, or slayer incantation, some even used to make drug treatment. Ancient power of the stones used to guard the body and make their own would not be natural disasters or evil invasion, sometimes used in the treatment of mental and physical aspects. Power Stone has the power of knowledge, these effects in their daily lives is very useful.

However, no matter what the human past, to use the power of rock purposes, why can not it in modern power applications development?

I think it was because the power of gems too, and together with the precious stones used on the reason for evil purposes! Now, is there to curse, hate, to meet the purpose and self-serving use of power stone, and this is not just to force the use of the chian jewelry supplier wrong stone, also part of the people on the strength of stone, therefore fear, and then stand away.

The new era, we once again of the power of rock close to, let us once again the opportunity to use it, so that the strength of the Earth Gem therapy, the further development of its power.

It can be said about the correct use of power stone, will become an important way we create the next one.

Power Stone real effect is to promote the flow of energy, adjusted to the direction to be moving. Smooth flow of energy can make you more sensitive, and seize the lucky, you can make your tentacles wider, which is fortunate because the stones will be brought to the owner, but also will host some of the original that is sensitive to susceptibility or hidden live ability to find out.

Stone does not own the master guide, if only want to get the magic and journeying to wait, what is also not available, make precious stones function is to play your strong will and sensibility. Gem not let your body gives rise to new forces, but to help you make already existing ideas and energy enhancement.

Although people with positive volatility can improve your strength, but also help the growth of negative energy may have evolved into making gem from the master. Removal of the emerald man with evil, if the owner of the moral is not high, gem will change color, even then high, then a beautiful china emstone wholesale, if not by the character who can match owned, then not only will not have any effect, they may lead to unfortunate, when you get the power stone, you must recognize this.

Communication to and precious stones, the most important thing is to abandon the original idea, and hold love. No matter how you cheat, deceive themselves, the power stone will be properly detected your energy, and it increased, reflected. Therefore, in the case of precious stones have feelings or events that occur, are reflected in your heart.

If you want to get out from the self or attachments, or make some efforts to reform their own, then strength of rock will be able to help you, because it can be adjusted to correct your sense of direction, and guide you into the lucky road.

Stone is a powerful force of energy minerals, if you always hold up the heart to the mind the beautiful words, the power of rock with powerful energy will help you.

 

Vintage Shirts – Grab all the attention you want!

When everyone is wearing something trendy and modern, you can stand out by wearing Vintage Shirts. Why look like everyone else, right? If you have a look at Vintage Shirts, you’ll notice that they have a wide variety of vibrant colors that are usually overlooked in the professional world, which is why people more “Black and White”. A well stitched Vintage Shirt, a pair of jeans, sunglasses and sports shoes will bring out a totally different person in you.

These days people just want to wear something that’s modern, just for the fact that others are wearing it and they want to be included. Instead of being noticed and appreciated, you actually find yourself “lost” in the crowd that way. So if you are amongst those who blindly follows trends, stop right now and start experimenting with your looks. Take the time to discover the looks that suits you the best. I am sure that Vintage Shirts will definitely get you noticed in a short span of time.

You might think that Vintage Shirts are out of fashion and no one loves them, but the fact is that some things in life are timeless. Even after decades, you’ll still find people wearing Vintage Shirts. Ask yourself, is rock and roll really outdated? Are people really hating rock music today? As a matter of fact, rock music is appreciated all over the world and so is Vintage clothing and soon after the current trends are wiped out from the surface of the earth, you’ll find people going back to retro style clothing. So why not be the first one to start a trend?

The biggest names in the fashion industry today were originally inspired by vintage clothing. The designer clothes that you come across today are actually derivatives of Vintage Shirts. Moreover, their fabric is much better than the synthetic fabrics being used in the clothing industry today, which is why you’ll find yourself more comfortable in Vintage Shirts.

So if you want to stand out from the crowd vintage is the way to go. Get online and visit a reputable vintage clothing specialist and you are sure to find a particular style or era that you like. Whether you like the 50′s rock and roll style, 60′s mod or even 70′s disco fever the world of vintage shirts has the answer. So what are you waiting for? There is a whole world of vintage waiting to be discovered.

U2 Continues To Churn Out The Hits

Few people familiar with popular music have not heard of the band U2. The group, formed as an alternative rock band in Dublin, Ireland, in 1976, has dominated the mainstream music scene since the 1980s, and is still going strong. The band consists of Bono, lead singer and songwriter; The Edge, lead guitar, keyboards, vocals; Adam Clayton, bass guitar; Larry Mullen Jr., drums.

U2 takes stands on human rights and political issues. They have created and are involved with numerous charities. Lead singer Bono literally puts his time and money where his mouth is. He was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 and was honored by the Nobel laureate with the “Man of Peace” Award in 2008 for helping to tackle African debt, poverty, and disease. Bono was dubbed an honorary English knight and is a past Time Magazine Man of the Year. He continues to fight for an end to poverty throughout the world, campaigns for relief from AIDS, and promotes trade in Africa.

However, not all of these social causes and personal accolades should overshadow the band’s musical accomplishments. Their lyrics are infused with themes that resonate with the youth of the past three decades. 1983′s “Sunday Bloody Sunday” was a lyrical plea to end the slaughter of innocent civilians in Ireland. With this song as their backdrop, the band campaigned against the Irish Republican Army’s (IRA’s) fund-raising efforts to support continued armed warfare. The campaign caught the attention of the IRA, who threatened to kidnap the band members if they continued their protest. They continued.

U2′s theme of non-violent protest of all things unjust has continued through subsequent albums to present day. The group also penned songs dedicated to their heroes. The singles “Pride” and “MLK” from 1984′s Unforgettable Fire both were tributes to the band’s icon Martin Luther King, Jr. The band has written songs about social themes such as heroin addiction, the excesses of commercialism, and poverty.

U2 even selects tours that support the causes in which they believe. The group participated in 1985′s historic Live Aid concert, which raised approximately 0 million for Ethiopian drought relief. They played in Sarajevo soon after it was devastated by war, and did a concert in New York City shortly after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

In 2005, U2 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. To date, U2 has won 22 Grammy Awards, the most of these ever won by a group and a number exceeded only by two other artists in history. Fans will surely tell you that the awards will keep on coming as long as the group is in existence.

No Line on the Horizon is the group’s latest album. Fans less familiar with the group’s history might be surprised to learn that U2 has released only 12 studio albums. Not to mention, four out of five of these were released during the first five years of the group’s three decade-long career.

Tickets for the 2010 worldwide leg of the group’s 2010 360 degree Tour are currently on sale. Several tour dates are already sold out, so be sure to purchase tickets soon. You do not want to miss your chance to see this classic group perform.

Related Rock And Roll History Articles