Hot air balloon accident in New Zealand killing 11 people

Every fun activity is enjoyable provided it ends on a happy note. Opened The Star online this morning and was instantly hit with news of an accident of a hot air balloon which burst into flames and crashed in New Zealand killing all 11 onboard - five couples and the pilot.

Image source: The Star

According to the article, Police said the balloon appeared to have caught fire before crashing into farmland near Carterton, about 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Wellington on New Zealand's North Island.

The accident occurred just before 7.30 am in calm, clear weather in a region well known for hot air ballooning.
More on Hot air balloon crash kills 11 in New Zealand..The Star

Get your First audition through TalentJUG.com

Now here is an exciting site, that is if you are an actor, a singer, a musician, a dancer or a model or if you are someone aspiring to be one of these.

TalentJUG.com is a casting call resource site which offers daily casting calls and auditions, talent profiles, and other member resources. Their goal is to help talented people pursue their dreams by connecting them with casting professionals, and opportunities.

If you are attending acting classes and are ready to show off your acting skills or you think you are ready to take on the world with your singing, sign up and open a profile with TalentJUG and start being noticed and get that first open casting call. TalentJUG has 1500 casting call directors!

Signing up for membership is easy. Being a member, you will have your own Personalized Profile Pages of up to 50 images which would make up your pictorial portfolio. There is also the facility for you to upload videos to further exhibit your skills and talents. If you are a singer, you can upload audio to your profile. When you become a member, you are able to access TalentJUG's Resource Directory. All information you need will be at just a few mouse-clicks away. Why wait, sign up now and have access to thousands of Nationwide (U.S.) and Worldwide Casting Calls. To give you an idea on the scope of opportunities available, here is a screenshot of the Casting Call Resources available on TalentJUG.com.

If you have been wanting to be a model or one on a part-time basis and have no idea of any casting agency, you have one now, sort of. Though TalentJUG is not a casting agency and does not schedule any audition, they are there to provide the resources in which you get connected to people who make casting calls be it film directors, musical directors, advertisers, artists and painters, record labels, talent scouts, the options are tremendous. And they to you. Don't wait! Open a Profile today! Who knows, you may get your very first audition through TalentJUG.com!

A different kind of Bearings

I'm supposed to talk about bearings, of the hardware type like those in the image, but a different kind of bearings came to mind after a girlfriend's call. This girlfriend has just signed up for her company's treasure hunt. This year, they'll be heading south with Malacca as the destination. Last year, they headed east to Kuantan and the year before that, it was north, Lumut. So far, her team (usually of 4) has not won any prize yet. Hope they win something this year.

I haven't tried treasure hunting but another girlfriend who has joined several open treasure hunts earlier never tires of it. The ability to read maps, a keen sense of observation and a quick mind could be winning factors, I think, as they help in you getting your bearings right in an unfamiliar environment.

Talk about bearings, I once took a wrong turn coming out of Nilai, a town south of KL, and had to drive all the way to Seremban on the North-South Expressway because there is no allowance for a U-turn along that stretch of the highway. It was way past midnight when I got home. (Seremban is some 40 miles south of Kuala Lumpur which is usually an hour's drive.) That kind of explains why I haven't tried treasure hunting. LOL!

Decluttering is a good habit

When was the last time you declutter your closet? It's a good habit to declutter the closet on a regular basis or at least once a year. Declutterng lets you free up closet space by getting rid of clothes that don't fit anymore or those you won't be wearing anymore. It reduces the mess and creates space for new clothes. Tongue-in-cheek, the latter.

Recently, a colleague gave away some almost-new golf shirts. They were quickly snapped up. If he is into riding, his equestrian clothes would go the same way just as fast, I am sure. It is always good to give away clothes one no longer requires. Just make sure, they are still wearable.

The new standard in horse fencing

Horses are not common animals we see here there being no farm that requires the help of horses. Therefore, there is no way I could get first-hand information if I need to know about horses. Printed literature or the Internet would be the regular sources for required information.

Recently, I came across a horse fencing site with enough information to give me a much better idea on the various types of horse fences available. Didn't know there is more to horse fences than just poles and gates.

Buckley Fence not only has a range of horse fencing and fencing, there are also equestrian barns and horse stalls. Buckley Fence offers two distinct metal fencing solutions - Buckley Steel Board and Alumashield Fences. These fences are beautiful, quality horse fences that not only make a great first impression, they will forever enhance your property and serve their purpose exceedingly well whether used to safely contain your horses or simply grace the front of your property.

Besides being strong and durable, Buckley fences are maintenance-free with rails that will not break, warp or sag. The protective coating will not chip or peel and has superior long-term resistance to fading, chalking or corrosion.

The horse fences are cleverly designed for easy installation. The Steel Board Horse Fence has pre-drilled posts lined with rubber grommets to protect the rails with internal lock spacers. This eliminates the need for nails or screws. The Alumashield Horse Fence connectors have a single set screw that securely holds the rails in place.

A Buckley horse fence is eco-friendly and will not end up as waste for the landfill because all material used is 100% recyclable. If you need someone to discuss your fencing needs, Buckley would be the people to call. It's toll-free.

Make your own lovely Greeting cards

Children warm hearts, don't they? That is why pictures of children are popular on greeting cards. Talk about greeting cards, if you are making your own this year, it may be a good idea to start getting your thoughts and ideas together just like a cousin of a colleague of mine. She makes cards for friends and family with pictures and styles quite similar to those on Paper Culture christmas cards. High quality and pretty cards I would say.

Friday Frolics - What Hobby Are You?

My! How time flies! It's Friday again. Bet you are looking forward to the weekend and to be doing the things you love, such as a hobby, for instance.

This week's personality quiz is about Hobbies. Find out what Hobby you are. I am Gardening.

You Are Gardening

You are a very patient and nurturing person. You love to help people grow and change for the better. You feel for the whole world - people, animals, and plants. You love having creatures and humans under your care. You are a responsible person, and having many responsibilities makes you feel good. You love to be needed. You are a perfect gardener because you are able to be there for your plants every day. Watching them grow delights you.

What Hobby Are You?

Other Fun Quizzes

Check out Military auctions to increase your collection

If you are a collector of guns or military memorabilia, here is a site for you. Affiliated Auctions & Realty specializes in buying and selling a wide variety of items. If you are looking for the best military auctions this is the place. Theirs must be one of the best gun auction sites around. To gun-collectors, this could be a go-to site to expand one's collection of either civilian or military firearms. For militaria, you can find a variety of items here including Uniforms, Medals, Photos, Badges & Equipment.

Besides firearms and military items, Affiliated Auctions & Realty buys and sells Coins & Currency, Jewelry & Diamonds, Watches & Timepieces, Gold & Silver (Including Bullion, Bars & Scrap/Broken Jewelry), Art Glass & Glassware, Porcelain & Pottery, even Dolls & Toys, and more. If you want to buy or sell jewelry, this could be the best place to go to.

Affiliated Auctions is constantly on the lookout for new items. They accept consignments, so if you have items to consign to their upcoming auctions, stop by their gallery or give them a call.

If you have a property to sell or are looking for one, they are the people to go to too. Why should you place your trust in Affiliated Auctions & Realty to sell jewelry online, locate real estate or sell coins?

Affiliated Auctions & Realty is an established auction house, reseller and buyer. They have years of experience in the business and carry membership with such associations as the National Auctioneer Association, the Tallahassee Board of Realtors, the Georgia Board of Realtors, the Orders & Medals Society, the Jewelers Board of Trade, the American Numismatic Association and more.

McDonald's GREEN Coca-Cola Can Glass completes the series

The release of the Green McDonald's Coca-Cola Can Glass today marks the completion of the collectibles set of six which began with the Charcoal tint on April 28, followed by Purple, Blue, Pink and Lime.

Need to buy a Can Glass to complete your set? Here is where to check out if there is one for sale. Or perhaps you have one or more to let go?

I wonder what has McDonald's lined up next.. Any guesses?

Lime makes it the fifth of McDonald's Coca-Cola Can Glasses

I've got my McDonald Lime Coca-Cola Can glass. Have you? Today, the Lime Can glass goes on sale. This is the fifth McD Can glass, second last of the series of six. An intense shade of Lime, unusual and unique.

Other colors before Lime include Charcoal, Purple, Blue and Pretty Pink. Still looking to complete your set? Here's where you may be able to pick up the missing ones.

Can't wait to have them all. A peek at what's next.. the final piece to the jigsaw puzzle.. the Green one come June 2!

Pretty Pink McDonald's Coca-Cola Can Glass

If Pink is your color, then today is your day! McDonald's Pink Coca-Cola can glass goes on sale today or rather you could get one FREE when you purchase a Coca-Cola Glass Meal which is 'Any McValue Meal + Sundae'.

This Pink can glass is the fourth in McDonald's series of 6 Coca-Cola can glasses in this collector's item set. The Charcoal can glass started the ball rolling on April 29, followed by the Purple one on May 5. The Blue glass followed suit on May 12 and this week, it's Pink. Pretty, pretty Pink. Get one for your sweetheart..

If by any chance you have skipped a beat and missed out on one of the colors, you can always drop by here to post a request. Who knows, you might even get to fill in the missing color and complete your collection.

Psst.. if you are in Singapore, come on over to Johor Bahru. For the exchange rate to your advantage, you can even get two.

Happy collecting, Everyone!

McDonald's Coca-Cola Can Glass - Blue

For those of you who are still collecting the McDonald's Coca-Cola can glass, the sale of the Blue glass starts tomorrow, May 12. The purple one is pretty cool, don't you think? Perhaps, you prefer the Charcoal one..

McDonald's charcoal can glass for sale?

Everyone, here is a chance to make some money and help someone in need.

There is a buyer for the McD charcoal can glass if you have an extra one or would like to part with yours. (Check comments for query.)

McDonald's Coca-Cola Can Glass - Purple

McDonald's Coca-Cola can glass promotion continues with the release of their second glass today. It's the Purple glass.

The first can glass from the range of six was released on April 28. Charcoal started the promotion rolling.

Related articles:
Apr 27 - McDonald's Coca-Cola Can Glass Promotion - Charcoal
May 5 - McDonald's Coca-Cola Can Glass - Purple
May 8 - McDonald's charcoal can glass for sale?
May 11 - McDonald's Coca-Cola Can Glass - Blue
May 19 - Pretty Pink McDonald's Coca-Cola Can Glass

McDonald's Coca-Cola Can Glass Promotion - Charcoal

McDonald's has done it again! Collectors of McD's promotional items will be happy to note that beginning tomorrow, Apr 28, you'd be on your way to owning yet another collectors item set of McDonald's specialty glassware, this time the Can Glass.

Get a free Can Glass with a purchase of any Coca-Cola Glass Meal. Charcoal starts the ball rolling tomorrow from a range of six different colors. Happy collecting!

Here is where you can buy a Coca-Cola can glass or sell one that you have excess of.


Related articles:
May 5 - McDonald's Coca-Cola Can Glass - Purple
May 8 - McDonald's charcoal can glass for sale?
May 11 - McDonald's Coca-Cola Can Glass - Blue
May 19 - Pretty Pink McDonald's Coca-Cola Can Glass

How to Make your own Jewelry

Fashion accessories and costume jewelry are the rage these days. Never before have they seen so much attention and demand for them. Not only can you buy them off the shelf, you can even make them yourself. What you need are just an interest and some jewelry making supplies and with instructions, voila! your very own jewelry set all ready to be shown off to the world. They make great gifts your girlfriends would love too.

A Cool Book-vending Machine by MPH

The vending machine has got to be one of the best inventions of our time, wouldn't you agree? Necessity being the mother of all inventions, these smart machines that dispense products including the very basic drinking water to sodas, coffee, tea, soups, toys, to foodstuff and snacks such as cookies, cakes, buns, gumballs, nuts to cigarettes, DVDs, even condoms have become an integral part of our life in a way.

According to Wikipedia, Japan has the highest number of vending machines per capita, with about one machine for every twenty-three people. Japan's high population density, relatively high cost of labor, limited space, preference for shopping on foot or by bicycle, and low rates of vandalism and petty crime, provide a fertile environment for vending machines. While the majority of machines in Japan are stocked with drinks, snacks, and cigarettes, one occasionally finds vending machines selling items such as bottles of liquor, cans of beer, fried food, underwear, iPods, porn magazines, sexual lubricants, live lobsters, fresh meat, eggs and potted plants.

But of course, here in Malaysia, we have less "exciting" items from vending machines. To be unveiled next month at the KL Bookfair, will be MPH's book-vending machine. Malaysians will be the first in this part of the world to be able to buy books through a vending machine, thanks to MPH Bookstores Sdn Bhd.

These vending machines will be located in universities, hospitals, banks, office buildings and LRT (Light Rail Transit) stations.

"The stock will be changed often so every time someone walks past it, they will see new books,” says Donald Kee, COO of the bookstore chain.

The books in the machines will be at least 20% lower in price than those sold in brick and mortar stores, with the possibility of bigger discounts later on.

The machines will have a touch screen so customers can read synopses. And in the future, says Kee, MPH will try to add book reviews and other features. Payment modes include credit cards, debit cards and the Touch‘n’Go toll and fare cards.

I look forward to these. I know some people would swear by the Kindle but don't you think there is something nice about having a physical book in hand?


Source: The Star..Easier access to books via the vending machine

Friday Frolics - What Origami Animal Are You?

Happy Friday, Everyone! And here's a Friday Frolics quiz for you. What Origami animal are you? I'm a cat. Meowwww......

Happysurfer Is a Cat

You are agile and mysterious. You have your own way of navigating the world. You enjoy exploring new ideas and places, but you also like to be able to retreat quickly. You are a bit standoffish and aloof, but you aren't shy. In fact, you are brave and courageous. Always resourceful and fearless, you can handle any situation. You are a survivor.

What Origami Animal Are You?

More Fun, Free Quizzes