Short budget,
the car of your dreams now is possible

 How much would you pay for this model?

(picture1)

and, how much would you pay for this model?

(picture2)

Can you tell the difference?  Check twice and make sure if you are watching the same car. In first instance both cars looks the same, but they are not.

The estimate price of the first car, the Bugatti Veyron in the first picture, is $1.5 million dollars, while the price of the second car in the second picture, the Cougatti (Cougar + Bugatti = Cougatti), is $89,000 dollars “some kind of 1/10th the original price.”

With a top speed of 260mph, the Bugatti Veyron is the fastest and expensive road-legal car in the world. Maybe some millions of dollars are separating reality from fantasy, but not for Mike Duff from Florida, who decided to build with his own hands the car of his dreams

Necessity, the mother of all inventions

Maybe the lack of access to some luxury of certain social class create in some persons, like Mike, to work on ideas that make possible the impossible and reach such dreams. We have to recognize that he did a good job there, but sometimes visual is not the same as performance. In this case a Bugatti is much more superior in performance and durability than the Cougatti.

The Cougatti is equipped with its original 2.5-liter V6 engine that produces roughly 170 horsepower. In contrast, the Bugatti with the 8-liter 16-cylinder power-plant produces a neck-snapping of 1,000 horses. Now you can tell the difference.

Next time if you are around Florida and you see a Bugatti, give yourself the benefit of question the authenticity of the car…perhaps is Mike driving his Cougatti trying to impress some girls in the boulevard. 

Really?!!

Take your time and delight your mind and eyes visiting the Minneapolis Museums

There is nothing worse than someone who does not know that there are museums in the cities of Minneapolis and St Paul. Contrary to the urban belief that “museums are boring and for nerds,” the reality is complete different.

Museums are well defined as places that exhibit collections or a conjunction of objects that represent some part or period of the human existence. Also, you can see and admire a little piece of history from different cultures or admire the art expression of certain personality.

Picture from http://attractions.uptake.com/blog/files/2009/02/2823071510_5f8bd05b90.jpg

A visit to the museum can be cool and interesting because you can see a special collection that could be unique and not always available in other museums around the country.  



To be around a museum exhibition is always fun and cool because you can discover new things that you might don’t know and reaffirm something that you already knew.

Believe me when I tell you that a museum gives you a wonderful experience that you won’t regret.  

Let’s think out of the box - Benefits of a Museum

How many of you know a person that most of the time has the preconceived idea that an exhibition in a museum is boring and difficult to understand? Well, it might be if that person does not open his/her mind a little for some knowledge.

As long as you don’t want to become some kind of art critic, an exhibition is not always difficult to understand. Remember that there are museums guides, flyers, plate explanations, and headphones with the respective explanation about the exhibition.

Picture from www.minnesotamonthly.com

A museum is not always “observe and do not touch.” Recently there are some museums that invite the visitors to interact with the exhibition, just like the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Just giving some extra ideas:  

Break the routine a museum as perfect place for a date: show to your girlfriend/boyfriend that you are not only and expert in restaurants, bars and night clubs. Show your cool and cultural side taking him/her to a visit to the museum.

Picture from: http://allwomenstalk.com/

* A date with your beloved is a date with history too, maybe you can see how human relationships have been evolve trough time. Also, not everyday someone has a date in a museum. The MIA has a nice calendar of activities that can be a wonderful experience for you and your date, family, friends, etc. 

http://demetriaburton.efoliomn.com

* A museum can help you to get close to those cultures that are far away, even here at home. Break the wall and establish an intercultural communication with those that are around you, maybe now you can understand more about the background of your neighbors or the origin of the diversity in our roots.

* Remember that museums are not only for school activities or families with kids that do not behave. Museums foment cultural diversity, art expression, and gather people and ideas in one place.

Just give yourself a chance and you will discover an infinite number of attractive topics that can make you think and comprehend how our society has been evolved into a cosmopolitan society.

Some Museums Websites:

Sience Museum 
 *the recent exhibition of King Tut is something you cannot miss.

MIA or Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Walker Art Center

Bell Museum of Natural History

Wesiman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota

Mill City Museum

The Bakken Museum

Minnesota Planetariums

HAVE FUN..!!!

CONGRATULATIONS JAPAN!!!

The sixth edition of the World Cup of Women's Soccer 2011 with Germany as host concluded with the final match between the representative of Japan and the USA, in the Stadium of Frankfurt. 

With a total sold out of tickets, Germany and the rest of the world witnesses how a new story was about to be written.  Just like if you were watching a movie, with a lot of drama and turnovers, the USA was looking for their third cup in their history, the first in 1991 and then in 1995, and Japan, first time that reached the finals in their story, to show that they are a serious contender.

Before the Game

There was a lot of skepticism about the Japanese team, with a negative record in previous games against the USA in 2011 (3 lost and 0 win), the statistic were in favor of the Women National US Team. But trough the tournament Japan was showing something that not much people want to admit, Japan was playing with hearth and discipline. Also with that spirit that characterizes almost all the Asian teams and with a philosophy of never to be defeated, firm and persistent, Japan managed to eliminate big teams like the host team Germany with a score of 1 to 0, and the unstoppable Sweden with a score of 3 to 1.

On the other side, the Stars and Stripes team was inspired after defeat Brazil 3 to 5 in an epic game that finished in shootouts in favor of the USA, and France which was playing well but had not arguments to continue on the road with a score of 3 to 1.

During the Game

Nevertheless, during the first 45 minutes the United States domination of the game was unquestionable with an aggressive offensive and constant pressing of the USA team Japan was not creating danger to USA goal keeper Hope Solo. Rapinoe, Cheney and Wambach were doing their best, but the Japanese keeper, Ayumi Kaihori, and the goal frame did not allow the expected goal for the Americans. During the second half, the Japanese came with more intentions to overcome the midfield, but a goal of Morgan in the minute 69 send the USA aspirations higher and close to their third cup in their history. With less than nine minutes to play in the regular time, the Japanese team came to equalize (1-1) when 12 minutes later in an action that was not dangerous created by a double mistake of the US defense, Aya Miyama send the ball to the net.

Extra time and penalties

One more time, the United States managed to go up sensationally when Abby Wambach scored and set the 2 to 1, but when everyone thought in the third championship for the Americans, to three minutes of the final whistle, one of the few shots of corners that had Japan during the match, Homare Sawa tie the game with an incredible ability leaving astonished everyone in the stadium.

The USA team, who is more familiar with the penalties scenario, was ready for this stage but they showed their nervousness failing the first three shots of penal. The figure of the day was the Japanese goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori who saved two times of being down in the penalties.

Final thought - Women have pride too

The true is that both teams did their best and both deserve recognition for being in the final game, but unfortunately there is only one winner and not always is the one that plays better, neither the one that created more chances of score or the one that dominate the encounter. 

The ball is played on ground and if a team cannot close the match in regular time then they need to work more the technical, physical and mental. Japan not only showed a hunger of victory (there is not small rival), but also teach us an important lesson “never give up.”

In a recently article published by Greg Couch, he said that “women deserve serious criticism” and  “show a little respect for women’s sports and for the U.S. World Cup soccer team by being honest, and not treating them like darlings?” All of this because President Obama said “Couldn’t be prouder of the women of the USWNT after a hard-fought game.” 

Well, let me tell you that YES!! A lot of people agree with me that we are proud of Japan, USA and the other nations Soccer women’s team, because it would be a worst insult to keep those athletic and talented women in the kitchen or relegated in some dark corner.

USA and Japan deserve respect and there is no need to compare them with other teams like basquet-ball, softball, tennis, etc. or even worst…with male teams, which would be an insult too. Every discipline has different mentality and different preparation for competence.

US Soccer Coach Sundhage Pia said it “the difference between winning and losing is so small,” and “sometimes a team cannot score even if they are playing good and dominating the game.” We have to understand that and do not discredit their efforts.

So, one more time… congratulations to Japan for the Women’s World Cup Championship and my best wishes to the USA National Team, admirable performance.

Expect the unexpected, this is a phrase that usually we hear in some kind of action movie or read in some novels, and usually is repeated when a character is going to face some kind of dangerous situation. Well, the reality shows us that this phrase apply for our everyday life.

Yes, let’s face it. Sometimes “normal” people tend to do crazy things in the less expected moment. For some weird reasons people tend to have an unusual behavior when they are under pressure, around of some crowd or some video camera guy/girl is recording. I wonder why?

These kinds of cases are not exclusive of some country or region in the world. It can happen to anyone in the less expected place, and the worst about this kind of situations is that if you are around with those who you call “friends,” they can upload the video of your failure on youtube.com. Maybe, without noticing, you can be one of them.

Well, the next videos complement why I am trying to say about “expect the unexpected.”

See for yourself!



Celebrating...

Psicologia inversa en su estado mas puro (subtitled)






The show most continue




Let me introduce you the "Alpha Male"

                                

BTW the question for this kind of situations would be: would you laugh if you are the one who is recorded on video and your “friends” upload such “embarrassing” moment on youtube or submit the video to some TV news?

I think time and tolerance can respond such question, otherwise ask to the Chrysler employees caught on video drinking,smoking anything but not cigarettes and ignoring safety rules during lunch break.

Probably they would just repit the famous movie phrase of 300 by saying, 

THIS IS LUNCH BREAK!!!!  

Until next Post..!!!

Love music, live music enjoy the outdoor free concert series in Mears

After the wonderful celebrations of 4^th of July, the festivities continue with music, food and good company.

From the next June 9^th and until Aug 25^th Saint Paul holds, for their eight consecutive year, the famous free concert series called Music in Mears. The event is outdoor and complete free for everyone.

If you enjoy the outdoor events and music as main basis, do not miss these series of concerts.

For more information and check the schedule visit:  Music in Mears

Sports here, there and over there

Perhaps you have been hearing that there are a lot of sport tournaments having place in different places of the world and if you are the kind of person who loves sports and likes to watch any kind of competence, here are some tournaments that you might find interesting to see instead of those tedious reality shows.  

 The Championship, Wimbledon 2011

Better known as “Wimbledon,” this tournament gather the best of the best, males and females, in matter of Tennis. Celebrated from June 20^th to July 3^rd of 2001, this tournament is considered one of the most important competences, among the Australian Open, French Open and US Open. Also Wimbledon is one of the oldest tournaments in the world of tennis, since 1877.

The tournament takes place over two weeks in late June and early July, culminating with the Ladies' and Gentlemen's Singles Final, scheduled respectively for the second Saturday and Sunday.  

With around 128 players, in this competence is possible to see future talents that will impress the multitudes with their awesome performances.

To whom follow?  Wimbledon Gentlemenand Ladies profile



Keep an eye on the ladies, the Russian Maria Sharapova, whom after seven years of being absent returns to fight the great final, against Petra Kvitova from The Republic Czech.



Warriors at the field – SOCCER

Is there another popular sport than soccer? I do not know the answer - if you have the answer please let me know,  but let me tell you that soccer, better known outside the US as Futbol, is one of the popular sports that can be play for almost anyone. It only requires a simple ball and people with a lot of energy. However, here are some tournaments that are currently in competition and others that are ready for the kick off. The good news about these tournaments is that the competence is in matter of national teams, so pride and talent are brought to your eyes.

 
Currently the Federation Internationale de Football Association, better known as FIFA, organice most of the international competences, here are some of the currently events:

FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP MEXICO 2011 and the FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP GERMANY 2011 are the two tournaments that are in deep competence. National teams from different countries are doing their best to go to the great final and full fill their dream of being the World champion in soccer.

 

Important details:

If you want to see the future soccer stars making their first goals, do not miss the FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP MEXICO 2011.

If you like to see ladies playing this game, do not miss the FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP GERMANY 2011.

Want to see the best players in South America, like Messi, Tevez, Forlan, etc. then, the COPA AMERICA ARGENTINA 2011 is for you. The competence is amazing.

 




OTHER SOCCER TOURNAMENTS

Cheer up your favorite team and enjoy the show!!

Soccer Logos from:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihe1CRMfAPbR1lVSSWystn_UJkTaylS_my0WcqVwkrZ5xnV9NApQl4W6cGbkyZ6hDkuWjwn-vVf6ydW8MIBQUa6rPMY_S1YrQq-35lau5DJZ4Q1KCR0pI1WWz2wX3ENBKQT54TRdJsIc/s640/2011-Womens-World-Cup.jpg

http://www.brandsoftheworld.com/sites/default/files/styles/logo-thumbnail/public/012011/fifa_u17_wc_2011.png

http://m24digital.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/logo.jpg

wimbledon logos and pictures from:

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01933/sharapova_1933901c.jpg

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/267/176/117583435_crop_340x234.jpg?1309291616

 

Summer, summer time

The snow always melts and the eternal wait is done

Do you feel your office job as some kind of small prison? Do you find yourself very irritable and low tolerant when your boos is giving you a lecture? Do you miss what sunlight feels like? Are your conversations limited to TV local celebrities or boring realities shows?  Those and more excuses are clear signs that you need to go out for VACATIONS or at least scape from the city. 

Picture from: http://blogs.wvgazette.com/karinfuller/files/2008/07/me.jpg

Whether for work or pleasure, to leave the cities involves a risk, but if the adequate measures are taken, a unique experience is acquired.  Traveling alone can be a great experience, since there is not necessary to be stick to the plans and inclinations of others. Moreover, it permits the person to organize his/her own itinerary and to enjoy what he/she likes more. But, in the case of the women, to travel alone can be dangerous.

Let’s face it; a woman can expect most danger situations than a guy. Just for mention an example: the sexual harassment and the MACHO ideology of some countries can play against the globetrotting ladies.

For such reasons the website Thetravelersnotebook.com enlist a series of advices that help single women to enjoy her time while having fun in another part of the world.

Picture from: http://www.startbackpacking.com/travel/images/solo-female-travel.jpg

Note: the next 10 advices were written by Mei-Ling McNamara. Do you want to know more about her? visit Mei-Ling McNamara       --       Another website with more info : Women tips

1. Stay aware – This doesn’t mean actively practicing paranoia. It only means when you are walking from your hotel into town, register landmarks and remember street names. Notice your surroundings, but don’t forget to notice the people around you too. If you keep seeing the same guy turning up at the market or near your hotel, take note. If a guy gets it in his head that he wants to follow or harass you, ignore him or be firm and ask him politely to leave you alone. Always be ahead of the game.

2. Trust your female instincts – Traveling to foreign lands does not mean that a woman puts her instincts on holiday too. You may not know the language or even the lie of the land, but a woman has great awareness when it comes to knowing if someone means well or ill. If a person is making you uncomfortable, or a situation is suddenly going from friendly to aggressive, turn on the charm and get out of there – fast.

3. A guidebook can be better than a boyfriend – I love guidebooks, and not because I look at them every ten minutes. They often have great maps which can orientate you, give you choices about all ranges of accommodation, and are a great reference when that restaurant no longer exists or that shopping district is not where you thought it was. Boyfriends get me lost more often than guidebooks.

4. Busy places are best – Remember your dad warned you about walking down dark alleys? Think about things you wouldn’t do in your home country, like walking down isolated roads or taking hikes without telling someone where you are going. Finding places where a lot of people go can actually make a woman less of a target, and helps her to blend in more with the surroundings.

5. Take calculated risks – Traveling is about risk, after all. Jumping on a bus to an unknown destination, talking to strangers in a bar, getting off the map. As a woman, you can minimize problems by basic planning. Try to avoid arriving in places at night, have enough money with you to check into a hotel without going to an ATM when you arrive somewhere new, and don’t go off with your new friends if you have no idea how to get home.

6. Book your first night hotel – If you are showing up in a country for the first time, it is wise to get a room booked ahead of time. It saves you time driving aimlessly in a taxi after two hours sleep in two days. After the first night, you can always find another hotel that suits you better.

7. Dress according to the culture – Sure, Western women sometimes think that a woman should be free to dress however she wants. However, most countries outside of the Western hemisphere did not get the memo. Understanding a country’s culture and dress code will save a woman from unwanted attention, but will also allow her to interact more comfortably with the local population.

8. Have fun, but watch your drinks – Nightlife is one of the great perks of travel. If you are traveling alone, enjoy yourself, but bear in mind that being tipsy in your own neighborhood is a lot different than being tipsy in a bar in Africa. For one, your instincts are shot and any potential dangers go unnoticed. Secondly, getting home can be dicey, especially in foreign cabs on unknown streets.

9. Leave valuables in the hotel – If you must, bring copies of your passport with you when you go out and explore, but lock all your valuables away. Flashy jewellery and handbags make great fodder for thieves. Check if your hotel has a safe or bring your own lock with you for your valuables, and leave them in the room.

10. Make friends with other travelers – Traveling as a woman alone can be brilliant, but in the off-chance you want to go somewhere remote and would like company, having the GPS on other travelers is a great way to do it. Travelers often watch each other’s backs, and sometimes, this is the best insurance of all.

Picture from: http://splory.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/rby-11-ways-to-happy-heart-go-someplace-new-de.jpg

 

Have fun and send us a post wherever you go.!!