‘Mengagement’ Rings – Trendy or Tacky?

By Ashleigh Morris

Today jeweller H. Samuel became the first UK retailer to sell engagement rings for men (known as ‘mengagement’ rings).

Until now mengagement rings had to be specially made by designers but there is currently increased demand as more women are proposing. The ring is also a way of letting other women know that their man is taken!

The Tioro, a titanium band set with a small diamond, costs just £79.99, considerably less than the average female engagement ring.

In Spain and Scandinavia engagement rings are already commonly worn by men but the trend is just starting to take off in the UK and the introduction of the Tioro today is perfect timing for any woman who is planning to propose on Valentine’s Day!

Ferrari Reveal The F60

By Ashleigh Morris

The 2009 Formula One season may not begin until March 29 in Melbourne, but Ferrari showed they are more than prepared for the new season when they revealed their new car on Monday.

Photo courtesy of www.sassuolo2000.com

The F60′s debut at the Mugello circuit in Italy had some small technical problems but is expected to give McLaren a run for their money when the season starts.

The F60 is the 55th car built by Ferrari to compete in F1 but it is very different to the teams previous cars due to the new 2009 regulations.

The car’s next appearance is to be a test session at the Parc Algarve circuit  in Portugal from 19th – 22nd January.

Jamaica

By Ashleigh Morris

 

When I think of the Caribbean the first places which spring to mind are The Bahamas, Barbados and St. Lucia. Ignorantly enough I didn’t realise Jamaica was part of the Caribbean at all until my desperate search for some winter sun led to me booking a week-long holiday there. 

   

One of the beautiful beaches at Montego Bay.

Jamaica has all the elements necessary to make it the perfect Caribbean get-a-way: the sun, beautiful beaches and clear waters. But it also has character which sets it apart and is less ‘Americanised’ than many other holiday destinations.

 

There is plenty of Jamaican rum, and the resorts also offer you the chance to sample the Jamaican cuisine. The Jamaican people are friendly although you do need to be careful where you go at night as there are many drug dealers.

Jamaica is also a shocking contrast of rich and poor. Most of the resorts which grace the beaches are five star, and there are mansions up on the hills, mostly owned by lawyers or drug dealers. But on the other end of the scale there are many poor Jamaicans who live in shacks and struggle to make ends meet. Many of the resorts give the remains of guests food to those who are less fortunate.

But our tour guide tells us the Jamaican people are grateful for visitors since tourism has brought thousands of jobs to the Jamaican people.

If the sandy beaches are not enough for you then Jamaica holds plenty of other interests. In one short week we manage to fit in horse riding, quad biking, swimming with dolphins and climbing the spectacular Dunn’s River Falls.

The luxury Sandals resort has its own private island just off Montego Bay.

Jamaica holds many attractions. It has all the typical attributes of a Caribbean get-a-way but it also has its own unique character and culture. There are also plenty activities to try and sights to see if the gorgeous beaches are not enough for you.

I would definitely recommend Jamiaca and I would love to go back to sample some more of the culture. It has also made me want to sample the delights of other Caribbean destinations.

Swimming With Dolphins

By Ashleigh Morris

On the BBC’s list of the Top 50 Things To Do Before You Die, swimming with dolphins took the top spot. It is something I have always wanted to do, so when I heard about Dolphin Cove when I was visiting Jamaica, I couldn’t help but sign up.

A kiss from Rosa!

The experience took place in the sea, in an area which was luckily separate from the shark pool! Our dolphins were called Ritchie and Rosa and we swam out in a group of eight to meet them. First we stood in a line and did various group activities – we touched the dolphins, waved to them and even danced with them! We then each had a chance to get a kiss from a dolphin before being pulled through the water by both Ritchie and Rosa,  holding onto their dorsal fins which was an amazing experience.

 

Into the air with a little help from Ritchie and Rosa!

Next was the spectacular trick which everyone was slightly nervous about – especially the one girl in our group who couldn’t swim! For this trick you lie flat on your stomach and the dolphins push you through the water by your feet, then you raise your arms and they push you into the air! Apart from a few belly flops the trick was successful and the dolphins are trained to an unbelievably high standard.

After we had finished swimming with the dolphins we were treated to an amazing display featuring a variety of different tricks.

 

There is the opportunity to swim with stingrays...

 

Dolphin Cove also has plenty of other attractions. Not for the faint-hearted, you can go swimming with sharks or stingrays as well as the dolphins. There is also an array of exotic birds as well as a pirate village, boat rides and the obligatory gift shop. 

 

…or with sharks!!!

Our experience we had at Dolphin Cove wasn’t cheap – especially when you take into account the fact that you are not allowed your camera so you have to buy DVD’s and photos from the company too. But it was definitely worth it for spending some time with these intelligent creatures and I would recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity.

Quad Biking In Jamaica

By Ashleigh Morris

I am not too keen on the idea of going quad biking. But since I dragged my boyfriend along with me when I wanted to go horse riding, I have little say in the matter.

There are only five of us in our group, including us, so luckily there are not too many people to embarrass myself in front of. After a quick practice in a field we are off up the mountains.

All is going well and I am just getting the hang of things when I drift too far over to the right…

Before I know what is happening the ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) is toppling over and I find myself hitting the rocky ground.

Back on board after my fall!

Luckily for me the ATV doesn’t land on me but I get up with a scraped leg and a bruised ego. Our tour guide helps me up, re-starts my vehicle and we head off again. When we reach our destination it has been worth it for the gorgeous views over the Caribbean Sea. Sadly though, the only way back is for me to get back on the dreaded ATV!

On our journey we pass through a village which serves to remind us of the poverty in some areas of Jamaica. The tiny place is little more than run down shacks and the young children run out to high-five us as we pass.

Quad biking is undoubtedly a great way to see the magnificent views of Jamaica but I think I’ll be sticking to my car in future!

Horse Riding in the Caribbean Sea

By Ashleigh Morris

You may not fancy horse riding when you’re on holiday. After all, it’s something you could quite easily do at home.

Not like this. After establishing the various abilities of our group we are taken along a beautiful Jamaican beach to our destination. Once we arrive there we are given the opportunity to take off the horses saddles and go bareback into the sea until we are deep enough for the horses to swim.

Swimming on horseback in the Caribbean Sea!

Not everyone was keen on the idea of going into the sea on horseback but the activities are suitable for all ages and abilities and you are well supervised. The trip was also relatively inexpensive and prices include a transfer to and from your resort. You are welcome to take along your own camera or purchase photos for just US $4 each.

The experience of viewing the Jamaican beaches from horseback was amazing and it is definitely a great way to see the scenery whether you are a novice or an experienced rider.

Leona Lewis – Spirit (The Deluxe Edition)

Leona Lewis – Spirit (The Deluxe Edition)

By Ashleigh Morris

Leona’s re-release of Spirit contains only three new tracks from the original version. However these extras take the album from being simply good, into must have territory.

The beautiful cover of Snow Patrol’s Run gives the original a ‘run’ for its money and Forgive Me, an up-tempo number from Akon, shows she has the ability to sing more than just ballads.

The rest of the album showcases the 2006 X-Factor winner’s voice to perfection with a collection of beautiful ballads – some co-written by Miss Lewis, who proves herself to have a voice like Mariah Carey but without the diva tantrums.

Counting Crows – August and Everything After

Counting Crows – August and Everything After

By Ashleigh Morris

Counting Crows debut album sets a standard so high it is impossible for the band’s future offerings to compete.

Adam Duritz, lead vocal as well as composer of most songs, has a unique twang to his voice, giving the music an almost country-like sound at times.

The songs fit together like a jigsaw puzzle: you feel like you are listening to a collection of music rather than random songs stuck together on an album, like so much of today’s music.

Duritz’s writing manages to be great both musically and lyrically, producing haunting, meaningful music and giving the impression he has actually lived the lyrics.

His songs have recurring mentions of angels, ghosts, cats, rain and the colour grey, as well as a woman named Maria (rumoured to be Maria McKee of Show Me Heaven fame who features on the backing vocals for the moving Sullivan Street).

The infamous Mr. Jones is the album’s most easily recognised hit but every song pulls its weight and there are no tracks worth missing out. Raining In Baltimore, Round Here, Rain King and Sullivan Street are especially worth listening out for.

Pussycat Dolls – Doll Domination

Pussycat Dolls – Doll Domination

By Ashleigh Morris

The Doll’s don’t vary their sound much from their debut in this, their second offering.

With more ballads like I Hate This Part, there is a more mellow feel but the girls don’t stray far from their signature poppy R ‘n’ B sound. There are still plenty of up-tempo numbers for the girls to dance to since the absence of their ginger member has taken them down to a more easily choreographed five.

The album is packed with as many star guest appearances as the first, featuring vocals from Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott, R. Kelly and New Kids On the Block.

Subaru Withdraw From World Rally Championship

 

Photo courtesy of www.freefoto.com

By Ashleigh Morris

The world of motorsports has been dealt another blow with Subaru’s announcement that it is withdrawing from the 2009 World Rally Championship after 20 years in the sport.

The decision was in response to the economic downturn and follows Suzuki’s decision to withdraw the previous day.

Tom Morris, former winner of the Scottish Tarmac Championship told Dunedin Napier News: “Now Subaru have pulled out there are only two main players: Citroen and Ford. If anyone else pulls out the championship is finished. Ford are in financial difficulty in America. If they are forced to pull out I don’t see a future for the whole sport.”

But Gavin Miller from The Inside Line, a public relations company for the motorsport industry, remains optimistic about the future of the WRC. “It’s disappointing to see. Subaru are an iconic brand associated with rallying. But the championship is in a strong position to move forward. 2009 will be tough but the new super 2000 rules will allow for cost reductions in 2010. This will make World Rally an economically viable platform for manufacturers to promote their products. It will be possible to run a car at one tenth of the cost of a Formula 1 car.”

The FIA offices in France were closed when we tried to contact them and the International Motorsports Association Limited refused to comment.