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The Spanish Academy Awards or the Goya Awards is the most important event in Spanish cinema and will take place on 14th February 2010. this will be its 24th edition.

It looks like this year, the Academy has wanted to bet on blockbuster movies in Spain, such as Alejandro Amenábar’s ‘Agora’, with box office receipts of 21 million Euros and which is nominated for 13 Goya, or the prison drama ‘Cell 211’ (Daniel Monzón), which has achieved receipts of almost 10 million Euros, a really profitable project, considering it only cost 3 million Euros. This one is the most nominated film, with 16. Following closely behind, we have ‘The dancer and the thief’ and ‘The secret in their eyes’, with nine nominations each.

Among the actresses lined up for Best Actress in a Leading Role, is Maribel Verdú, who gets with her role in Coppola’s ‘Tetro’ her seventh nomination, becoming the second most nominated Spanish performer, after Victoria Abril. Verdú will compete with Penélope Cruz, who also has an Oscar nomination for her role in the musical ‘Nine’, the British actress Rachel Weisz (‘Agora’) and Lola Dueñas (‘Me too’).

Regarding the nomination of actors, there’s no doubt that the name which is on everybody’s lips is Luís Tosar, for his amazing performance of Mala Madre, an uncommon convict who leads a riot in ‘Cell 211’. On the other hand, director Isabel Coixet must be very disappointed to know that her film ‘Map of the sounds of Tokyo’ has only one nomination for Best Sound.

The show, which coincides with Valentine’s Day, will be hosted by Andreu Buenafuente and will be broadcasted live on TVE and without any commercial breaks. If you are going to visit the Spanish capital, book Apartments in Madrid and keep that day for yourself to watch this great event in Spanish cinema.

Tags: Andreu Buenafuente, film awards madrid, goya 2010 awards, goya awards, madrid, The GOYA 2010 Awards

Besides being Valentine’s Day, February 14th is one very special day for the Chinese culture, since it is the Spring Festival or the New Lunar Year Festival, a celebration that lasts about three weeks. This year is the year of the tiger, symbol of power.

At this time of year it is very important for them to meet with the family. Thus, the airports, the trains, the buses and the roads are overrun by those who live far from their family. That is why this period is called “the movement of spring”. Meanwhile, others run to the temples in Taiwan to light some incense: a ritual whereby the first person who lights incense will be blessed with good luck for the whole year.

Another superstition connected with fate is not sweeping the house for the first five days of the New Year: one might sweep the good luck and the wealth out of his house. Some families hide the scissors and the knives to prevent a possible accident that could cut the “thread of good luck.” In addition, vulgar language and talking about death is also forbidden. It is also believed that if the lights are left on the whole night, the parents will have a longer life.

Why do they speak about the Lunar New Year? Because the Chinese calendar is not Gregorian: it is based on the lunar cycle. Their New Year starts with the second new moon after the 22nd December (winter solstice), and this year will end on the 28th February. On the streets the colour red and the tales of legends are omnipresent. One of these legends tells the story of a cruel and ferocious animal, whose name was Nien that ate people on New Year’s Eve. As it was afraid of red, of light, of fire and of violent sounds, they try to scare it in different ways: placing red paper in the doorways, lighting torches and throwing firecrackers.

Nowadays, the children receive red envelopes with money inside and the last day of the celebration, “the day of the lanterns and lamps”, there is a wonderful parade organized with dancing dragons and lions - animals that drive away the evil spirits.

This year, the tiger is the king. This is a charismatic and charming sign; it brings us luck in everything that has to do with novelty, curiosity and movement. Socially, it is favourable for matters related to children, environmentalism, politics, arts, sports and much more!

It is in the French capital where the Chinese immigration is the biggest in Europe, so if you want to discover the Asian culture in the old continent, travel to the French capital. Surprise your partner for the Valentine’s Day with a romantic trip. For an even more magical stay, rent apartments in Paris, they are cheap and comfortable.

Tags: The Chinese New Year, The Chinese New Year 2010, X chinese new year in paris, year of the tiger

Internet has revolutionized the world. With the Internet you are connected to anywhere in the world by a single click. Not only have major changes been made in the way we socialize with each other but also the way we understand politics and how the media informs us. Billions of people earn their living via the Internet and the World Wide Web has created many new jobs: this is the case of the professional blogger, an occupation that is growing.

The difference between a good blogger and a bad blogger lies in the quality of the articles and the number of visits you get to your blog. The higher the number of visitors, the more money and success you have. In the following paragraphs we reveal the key steps that you should follow if you want to become a successful blogger.

To become a good blogger you must write interesting and engaging content. Update your blog often to keep the reader’s attention. How you do it depends on you. Try to develop an original style that identifies you as a writer and makes you unique and different from the crowd. Even so, there are always some basic principles that must be adhered to.

Make your opinion known: people like blogs is mainly because of one thing: they are written by people, not corporations. People want to know real opinions, opinions that get away from the trends set by ideology, politics or the media. Say exactly what you think, openly and without beating around the bush - but always say it with respect.

Don’t get carried away: texts and articles that are long and boring do not sell. Be clear and concise. Give as much information in the smallest space possible. Time is money and people are very busy. Exhibit your knowledge at the speed of light. Between 300 and 500 words is plenty.

Write attention grabbing headlines: a good headline is the key so that the reader is drawn to your post.

Break it down: divide the content into different parts. Every few paragraphs, add a subtitle to make it easier to read.

Use keywords: people use keywords to search the Internet via web browsers, use them, too. You must include them in the head and body of the text. You should also make sure that the keyword placement is natural and does not seem out of place.

Try to create some controversy: debates and controversy sell. If people get involved in your topics, you’ve done a good job.

If you follow these simple tips you will make your texts and articles more appealing and attractive. Making a living as a blogger is more than feasible and you can also write for extra income. Why not practice your typing skills and write for us: blog writers

Tags: blogging success, blogs, professional blogger, Successful Blogger, Successful Blogging

Christmas time is over! At last the happy post-Christmas time can begin. Say “Goodbye” to the kitschy Christmas decoration, and “Welcome” to the winter version. We start strict diets for regaining our perfect body we had before the delicious Christmas dinner and we are gradually getting back to the normal daily routine. Well, that sounds more or less harmonious, right? I’m so sorry, but we’ve forgotten the main problem: the invasion of those difficult to place gifts or where to put it gifts.

„Ooooooh…that’s a very special” gift! Thank you so much, aunt Marry!” Confess! You know exactly what I’m talking about. Those horrible junk gifts you receive from your distant relatives or even from good friends with “unusual” tastes. It’s exactly this taste-specific problem which the term “where-to-put-it” describes. Gifts where you only can ask yourself “Eeeeemmm…what the hell shall I do with it? And, above all, where shall I put this “thing”?” Of course, it’s better to keep these thoughts to yourself and thank the person nicely, who originally wanted to make you happy. Millions of junk gifts, and millions of questions, which can make our life harder than it already is. It even can provoke serious problems with your partner…

Don’t panic, you’re not the only person on earth who is tearing his hair out with those “where-to-put-it” gifts. It seems to be an international problem. That’s exactly why a kind of “self-help-group” in Barcelona was setup where people can talk about their “pongos” (Spanish determination for “where-to-put-it” gifts). Last February numerous affected people got to enjoy a unique and unprecedented exposition in Barcelona. Ladies and Gentlemen, we proudly present the….where-to-put-it exposition! Whether they are little golden angel figures, a singing ugly fish with passive infrared detector, colourful boxes in different types, or “creative” clocks in a Rocky Mountains form… you get really crazy seeing all those “special” gifts. And what is the best?

Firstly, you are not alone; secondly, to be honest, you feel quite good seeing other people with even worse gifts than you have; and thirdly, you can participate with your own “where-to-put-it”. A panel of authentic experts of junk gifts chooses the ugliest unwanted gift and awards it with a prize of 600€. This year there is planned to organize a further edition of this special festival. As you can see, you even can make big money with Aunt Mary’s present.

Perhaps even you belong to the group of people giving strange gifts, but you still haven’t noticed it. Who knows! Why don’t you try giving a mini vacation and surprise your partner with a breathtaking stay in one of the most beautiful cities of Spain? Rent the best apartments in Barcelona and enjoy comfortable and economic accommodation.

Tags: barcelona, junk, junk gifts, Kitschy gifts, unwanted gifts

Since last November, the “2 for 1” formula, the free drinks and “happy hour” have been prohibited in bars and clubs in Barcelona. A measure taken by Health Public Law hopes, with all this, to prevent addictions and some other negative consequences derived from the consumption of alcohol. To break this law, it may cost these pubs up to 6.000 euros, or even the closure of the establishment in case they reoffend.

Irish Pubs used to be the most enthusiastic with this “happy hour” practice, which used to be between 6 pm to 8 pm, when drinks cost cheaper, or even half price.

To many consumers, this measure will probably not affect them in any way, due to “happy hour” beginning and ending too soon for those who start drinking after dinner. On the other hand, this practice was very popular indeed among young tourists who visit Barcelona and who are used to paying much more money for a drink in their own countries.

This law joins the next Anti- tobacco Law, which is much more restrictive than the current law. With this new law, smoking will be forbidden in any public place, including, of course, bars and pubs, just like other European countries such as Italy or Ireland. Along with it comes the decision to finish with the “lateros” (street sellers, who offer cheap beer illegally).

Perhaps somebody will cry over these losses, but this is not reason enough to not keep enjoying all the varied offers of leisure time in the city and at a reasonable price. Maybe this measure will contribute to the decreasing of the irresponsible consumption of alcohol among young people.

Public health versus cheap fun (most of all in crisis periods), controversy is thus served. One piece of advice: Barcelona is much more than “happy hour” and “2 for 1”. There are a hundreds of delightful bars for all kinds of budgets where you can have fun with your friends. Don’t hesitate and make your booking at Apartments in Barcelona, a different way to stay which is far away from the impersonal hotels. Discover the exciting Barcelona night life and have a great time, too.

Tags: barcelona drinking, bcn happy hour, happy hour, happy hour barcelona

2009 couldn’t have given anymore and if we weigh up what happened last year, words like financial crisis or influenza A pass through our head. But not all have been negative things; this year has left us many smiles, surprises and a really good taste in our mouths: the new Michelin Star Restaurants in Spain guide has been released. So what does this mean? That it has submitted the list of the best culinary establishments in the country for 2010… It is well known that Spain is famous for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine. In fact the Londoners awards S. Pellegrino – announcing the 50 Best Restaurants in the World, awarded first place to a Spanish restaurant: el Bulli. Spain was the second most awarded country after France and with only one less prize.

This year the Celer de Can Roca Restaurant – regented by the Roca brothers, finally took the third and well deserved Michelin star, an award that experts say has been a long time coming because this year it has been selected as one of the five best world restaurants in the list of St. Pellegrino Award.

The 2010 Michelin Guide is full of novelties, especially in the category of a single star. But the biggest surprise of the year is for Tokyo, that has obtained the three stars for 11 restaurants and it becomes the city with more stars of the highest standard in the world. Up to eleven restaurants have achieved three stars! Meanwhile, in Spain only the Roca brothers restaurant has achieved the highest score. There are currently seven restaurants with three stars, besides the Celer de Can Roca: Juan Mari Arzak´s restaurant the Arzakf, Ferran Adria’s restaurant ‘El Bulli’, Pedro Subijana’s restaurant Akelarre, Carme Ruscalleda’s restaurant Sant Pau, Martín Berasategui’s restaurant El restaurante de Martín Berasategui and Santi Santamaría´s restaurant Can Fabes.

In the two-star category there are: Paco Roncero’s restaurant La Terraza de Casino in Madrid, Casa Marcial restaurant in Asturias, Les Cols restaurant in Girona and the y el Lasarte restaurant in Barcelona. Unfortunately, Tristan restaurant in Mallorca has lost one of its two stars.

The restaurants that have earned a star are many and varied: the David Muñoz’s restaurant the Diverxo (Madrid), Etxebarri Axpe restaurant (Vizcaya), the Ramón Freixa Madrid’s restaurant (Barcelona), As Garzas restaurant (A Coruña), Fonda Xesc de Gombrèn restaurant (Gerona), La Cabaña de la Finca Buenavista restaurant (Murcia), Bo.Tic restaurant (Gerona), Kabuki Wellington restaurant (Madrid), Cocinandos restaurant (León), A Estación de Cambre restaurant (A Coruña), Casa Julio de Fontanar dels Alforíns restaurant (Valencia), El Torreó de L’India restaurant (Tarragona), the Alejandro restaurant in Roquetas del Mar (Almería), La Broche (Madrid) and M.B. (Tenerife).

This year the Michelin Guide features 1893 restaurants and 116 snacks and tapas bars, plus 235 restaurants with a Bib Gourmand label, an indication which refers to the high quality meals at reasonable prices (around 35 euros). Are you fond of good eating? Visit Spain, one of the most prestigious culinary countries of the world. The Catalan capital will surprise you with its rich cuisine. Rent Apartments in Barcelona and … enjoy your meal!

Tags: el bulli, ferran adria, Michelin Star Restaurants 2010, michelin stars

The Barcelona Montjuic Fair prepares to host the media event that will turn the city into the world capital of the mobile phone industry: the 3GSMA Mobile World Congress will be held from the 15th to 18th February. You are invited to join to this event, which brought together 47,000 visitors in 2008 and where you’ll find the best in new technology.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Catalan capital will host thousands of mobile phone companies who’ll showcase their latest developments. This internationally renowned congress stands at the foot of the towers of the Plaça Espanya. Formerly it was held in the French city of Cannes (1996-2005) where the seafront was full of stalls. There were those who even rented a yacht for special parties and meetings!

During the congress various conferences will be held. It will also grant several awards, such as the Green Mobile Award, the Best Technology Award, the Mobile Personality of the Year Award and Best Mobile Services, among others. GSM Association (GSMA) is the organizing company, the entity that brings together most of the suppliers, manufacturers and mobile service operators worldwide.

It is expected that the3GSMA Mobile World Congress will stay in Barcelona at least until 2012, so try to enjoy this year’s edition as it was the last one. Barcelona will become the global platform for telecommunications! If you are involved or interested in this kind of business, this is your perfect appointment: find out how this sector develops. More than 1.300 companies find in this congress an infinity of opportunities, ideas and perspectives for the mobile industry. This is a sector that does not know the effects of the economic crisis.

This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a world that is increasingly growing, the opportunity to discover the charm and richness of Barcelona. Come and visit this fair and the streets of the Catalan capital, you will not regret it! Rent Apartments in Barcelona; they are economical and very comfortable!

Tags: 3GSMA Mobile World Congress, barcelona, mobile phones barcelona

The charming village of Sitges, just outside Barcelona, is not only famous for being one of the most popular gay destinations in Spain, but also for its colourful and lively carnival. Up to a quarter of a million Catalans, Germans, Britons and other Europeans will crowd the city for an entire week. At the Sitges carnival anything goes! Festivities commence on the Thursday before Lent with the arrival of the King of the ‘Carnestoltes’ and ends with the Burial of the Sardine on Ash Wednesday. Sitges is a town of revelers, and Carnival is the festival of all festivals.

Devils, angels, indians, cowboys, drag queens, pirates… During the Carnival, thousands of masks and costumes take to the streets to live these intense days of celebration, where the imagination and joy are felt everywhere.

During the carnival days the town of Sitges is governed by the ‘Carnestoltes’, (the king of the Carnival), with the collaboration of the Queen of the Carnival. Throughout this week dozens of social and cultural events are held, such as the famous carnival parade (‘Rua de l’extermination’) with floats, bands, etc. Thousands of disguised people run and dance of one side to another to the sound of music.

Among all the acts, the election of the Queen and the Infantile Queen of the Carnival, stand out which are present in all the important acts of the carnival, together with the King Carnestoltes. During Carnival week the ‘Xatonades’ are prepared, (a typical dish of xató and omelette), characteristic of the area and a characteristic at this time of year.

This year the carnival will be held between 11th and 17th February and the city is already putting on its best clothes to greet the thousands of spectators eager for fun. Nobody wants to miss the dances and the Xatonades, as well as the two evening parades: the Sunday Parade, known as “Rua de la Disbauxa” (Rampage Rua) and the Tuesday Parade, called “Rua de l’extermination” (Rua of Extermination). But these celebrations are not only for adults, but for children too. The evening parades are specially designed for them…

Come on; do not leave your costumes at home! Dive into the world of imagination and become a different person for a few days: a rock star, an astronaut even Kermit the Frog…anything goes! At the Sitges Carnival, fun is guaranteed! To find the best accommodation, rent apartments in Barcelona, and enjoy your stay in the city.

Tags: carnival in sitges, sitges, sitges carnival

Since the Bread and Butter trade fair left Barcelona and went back to Berlin, its hometown, the best urban fashion brands have a new date for doing business and dazzling the visitors: The Brandery Winter Edition 2010. The second edition will be held from 27th to 29th January in the grounds of the Fira de Montjuic, at the foot of the towers of the Plaça d’Espanya and the National Museum of Catalan Art (MNAC). Welcome to Barcelona, a dynamic, cosmopolitan city, a leader in the design sector and a benchmark for fashion lovers of southern Europe.

If you want to discover the latest creations from the biggest brands on the international arena, have a walk through some of its 200 exhibitors. In the area called The Cathedral, you’ll find designer labels; at The Loft, you’ll find the brands that are characterized by a balance between design and the latest trends; The Warehouse is dedicated mainly to Denim and The Stadium and the fourth and final sector plunges you into the world of sneakers and street wear collections. The fair occupies double the space that the 2009 edition offered.

You also can relax in The Brandtown area full of restaurants and bars as this is the chill out section of the fair. And if you want to breathe some fresh air, you can go outside and visit the majestic castle of the National Art Museum of Catalonia and its parks, a perfect place to stroll peacefully. Then you can go to the Laundry: this is an area of creativity and innovation where you can discuss things about the fashion industry. Such topics such as how to sell on the Internet are discussed here. And do not miss all the events, exhibitions and parades at the fair, and discover this beautiful city.

If your preferences are directed towards the world of sport, The Stadium area brings the best brands in action, urban culture and sport style. There is also a Skate park where some professionals with their skateboards and mbx bikes will put on a display and there is also a snowboard painting demonstration, where the most prestigious tattoo artists draw their designs.

If you want to discover new design trends made in USA, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, United Kingdom and Spain (Custo), this is the perfect fair. This is a unique opportunity for the professionals to discover new challenges, new strategies and business sales.

Do not think any more and come to visit The Brandery Fair from 27th to 29th January. For an even more enjoyable stay, rent the best Barcelona apartments and discover this fascinating city.

Tags: brandery barcelona, brandery fair, the brandery, The Brandery Winter Edition 2010

In the Rue Varenne of the seventh arrondissement or district in Paris extends a three-hectare park where you’ll find a true castle: the Rodin Museum, which was formerly the Hotel Biron, built in the early eighteenth century. It currently hosts the most surprising exhibition that has ever been on show, namely, a confrontation between the sculpted work of the painter Henri Matisse and the drawings of the sculptor Auguste Rodin. You have until February 28th to come and tour the corridors of this amazing building and surprise yourself with the discovery of those who you thought you knew.

Many times, we know only a tiny portion of the work of an artist and therefore are ignorant of their hidden side or of the other fields they may have ventured into. And one day, thanks to the work of some art historians, we learned that Rodin (1840-1917) did more than The Thinker and The Kiss and that Henri Matisse (1869-1954) not only painted blue swallows on prints or painted with strong colours . The exhibition invites you to reflect on what the French master of Fauvism discovered in Rodin: his affinities, correspondences and differences with the great sculptor. The only visual contrast between the two is that, compared with the great masterpieces by Rodin, Matisse’s sculptures are rather small. If you come, you can observe almost all of Matisse’s works- around 80 pieces - and some drawings reminiscent of Rodin sculptures.

The central theme of both was that of the body: its dynamism and its matter along with the love of female postures, dance and movement. For one of them, the sculpture was a way of investigating and to the other, drawing was a way to portray his search on the human form. You’ll fall in love with these two French geniuses!

For Rodin, his pre-sculpture drawing allowed him to get even closer to sculpturing the human body. His main model, muse and lover was the famous Camille Claudel, who was about 20 years younger than him. We recall that in his application review of the School of Fine Arts, Rodin passed in drawing but failed three times in sculpture: his style broke with the classical rules in force at the time. The most monumental of all his works which is seven metres high and weighing eight tons, is The Gates of Hell (1926) in bronze which he worked on until his death. Inspired by The Flowers of Evil by Charles Baudelaire and Dante’s Divine Comedy, you can see it when you come to visit the current exhibition at the Musée Rodin.

On Wednesdays, the museum closes its doors at 20.45, so you can take advantage of the daily charm of Paris with a stroll through the gardens of the Museum and then admire the most unknown facet of two artists crucial to understanding the evolution of art twentieth century.

You will be touched by the beauty and strength of the works and your taste for art will increase in such a way that you’ll want to see all the museums in the city of love. For an unforgettable stay why not make it even more relaxing and rent apartments in Paris.

Tags: Matisse and Rodin