Archive for July 29th, 2010

How do I get into the lotery for 2010 Wimbledon tickets?

The 2010 Acura MDX: The SUV with street smarts

In many drivers’ minds, Acura service has always been top notch. From their reputable standing of well-made construction, safety-conscious features and technological advancements, Acura is a serious competitor in the car industry. Consumers are becoming more technologically savvy. They are embracing the notion of Bluetooth, mp3 players, satellite radio etc. and these conveniences are now becoming requirements in newer vehicles. When consumers are looking to buy Acura vehicles, technological features are high on their list. Acura has created a 2010 line up that excels customer satisfaction and comfort. The Acura 2010 MDX is a proven testament of how technology enhances the experience of driving, no matter where you’re going.

Buy Acura vehicles like the Acura MDX

The Acura MDX is an SUV that offers superior handling, driver technology and race-inspired suspension. The Acura MDX features a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift® and Intelligent Shift Control. These two features use electronic sensors which control gear shifting and engine reaction depending on road conditions. It continuously monitors how much power to need for optimal driving. With these features plus the Grade Logic Control system that’s also included, you’ll never have to be afraid of driving on less than ideal roads or going up or down some of the steepest hills.

Acura service just wouldn’t be the same without technology in the mix. Now you can communicate without even moving a finger. The Acura MDX is equipped with HandsFreeLink telephone service through Bluetooth which allows you to make and receive calls without having to manually pick up a phone.  Through voice activation you can keep in touch with the people you need to, without losing focus on the road. The Acura MDX audio system operates in English or French and has the capability of integrating up to six different phones.
The Acura MDX provides an overall smooth ride. With its 4-wheel independent front and rear suspension, you’ll feel connected to the road every time you turn a corner, take a bend or explore the open road.

Test drive a 2010 Acura MDX today and see what Acura service means to drivers. The Acura MDX knows every road you drive on and is equipped with the capabilities to handle them with care.  Whether you’re driving on tight city roads or discovering unchartered territory, the Acura MDX is an SUV that’s truly street smart.

Best way to plan finals day trip: Wimbledon 2010?

A friend and myself really want to go to Wimbledon this year for the first time. The only day we can both do is Sunday, which is men’s finals day.

I just wondered if anyone had any advice about how to go about getting the best out of our day- when to leave home (I know you have to queue for 4 hours or more to get in), which ticket to buy, whether we’ll get in to centre court or not, when and where to eat etc. etc. any Wimbledon advice welcome!

Thanks!

The Bowes Museum – An Anglo-French Love Story

Copyright (c) 2010 FNS Weddings

The Bowes Museum – situated in the market town of Barnard Castle, in the beautiful area of Teesdale, County Durham lies only 20 minutes drive along the A66 from the Scotch corner junction of the A1. Its creation belies quite a romantic history.

John Bowes, born in 1811 was the son of the 10th Earl of Strathmore. Although they had lived together as man and wife for many years John’s parents only married 16 hours prior to the death of the Earl of Strathmore. Following a long legal battle where John Bowes was awarded the Durham Estates John was never recognised as the legitimate heir to the Strathmore title. Educated at Eton, John Bowes became a very successful businessman. From 1847 he divided his time between France and England.

John Bowes had a passion for the arts. John Bowes met his future wife in Paris during 1847 where he purchased a theatre – Parisian born actress Josephine Coffin-Chevallier. They married in 1852. Josephine, herself a talented amateur painter shared her husbands passion for the arts and art forms, including paintings, ceramics, furniture and textiles. With the idea of making the art they so loved accessible to “the people” John and Josephine decided to build a museum very close to Barnard Castle. As Josephine laid the foundation stone in 1869 she said: “I lay the bottom stone, and you, Mr. Bowes, will lay the top stone.”

Between them John and Josephine purchased 15,000 objects for the museum during the years between 1862 and 1874. It is tragic that Josephine died in 1874 and never saw the museum completed. Sadly John died in 1885 before the museums completion and so did not fulfil Josephine’s wish of “laying the top stone”. Undeterred by their passing the museum was seen through to completion by the museum trustees and opened it’s doors to the public for the first time on the 10th June 1892.

Although there are so many beautiful pieces of art to see in the museum one of the most famous and from which the museum takes it’s logo is the 230 year old life sized Silver Swan. The Swan is an English Silver automation which is still in working order and is operated daily at the museum. It is simply beautiful.

One can see in the building architecture of the museum the French influence – taking 23 years to build the museum is very similar to a French chateau. The museum gardens were designed by John and Josephine and comprise of formal gardens and parkland. The fountains are magnificent on the terrace at the front of the house.

With its beautiful architecture, fabulous grounds and mouth watering menus the Bowes Museum offers everything and more you could possibly wish for in a wedding venue, a special occasion or simply a brilliant day out with the family.

We are honoured to be the only officially recommended photographers of the Bowes Museum.