Some questions about cruising, Answered.

Ms X wants to go on a cruise in the Carribbean and would like to know your recommendations for the best ports with the best beaches and she would like to go snorkelling at least once. Also looking at staying at a beach resort in Mexico for a week...any suggestions?

Ok so here is the scoop. First of all, each cruise line has a different feel to it and it caters to different crowds, so it is very important that you chooses well. Here is a brief rundown on 4 of the major Companies. 

Carnival Cruise Lines -  The Fun Ships, Known for being more lively and catering to a younger crowd. My opinion - Can't go wrong with Carnival, almost guaranteed to have a fun and memorable cruise.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines - These ships have it all. A rock climbing wall, a mini-golf corse, an ice skating rink, the list goes on. you won't be board with Royal Caribbean.  

Holland America cruise lines - These sips are tailored mainly toward a older demographic. You will notice it most in the shows and activities. The food on holland America has been the best I have had on any cruise ship. So if you are a foodie then I recommend tasting what they have to offer.

Princess Cruise Lines - to me the show lacked a litte oomph. However the rest of the ship made up for what the shows were missing. Lots of pools and Jacuzzis and different bars to keep you entertained.

As for recommendations for ports in the Caribbean.

St Martin - Most likely your ship will dock in Philipsburg, I suggest that you rent a scooter and take a beautiful scenic ride, from the Dutch side around to the French side. I found this side of the island to be a much more pleasant experience, and most importantly, much better beaches. However, be warned that the beaches on French side are 'clothing optional'.

Jamaica - My memories of Jamaica are not very fond ones and would say that you could spend your time elsewhere and be happier. It is a very beautiful place. However, it is hard not to be ripped of or taken advantage of by the locals, They do however make the best Jamaican Patties I have ever tasted.

Cozumel -  To get to the beaches in Cozumel, it is best to rent a Jeep from the dock, then take the road heading the oppersite direction of the city, you will pass a lighthouse. From there on there is a ton of beaches that you can access from the road. there is also a couple of nice bars (Bob Marley's & Coconuts) that don't get the regular tourists and are a must to check out.


World renowned for being one of the best scuba diving and snorkeling locations, Cozumel has amazing verity of fish, reefs, lime stone, and schools of fish. All just short cab ride from the dock.  


Playa Del Carman - Directly oppersite Cozumel on the mainland of Mexico is one of my favorite places, Playa Del Carmen. There are so many things to love about this place. The city boasts a good mix of tourism and everyday life, all lined by a white sandy beach, stretching along the coast. 


The city is also nicely located. Renting a car you can drive to Cancun and party in a well know clubbing district and popular 'Spring Break'  destination, or perhaps take in some culture while visiting the Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza or Tulum. 


While your there make sure you leave some time to visit Xcaret, Xelha, and Tres Rios (Three Rivers)

Deciding between Cozumel & Playa Del Carmen.


If you only have the choice of going to one or the other, Choose Playa Del Carmen. However, that being said if you have more then one or two nights in Playa, you can take a ferry across to Cozumel. The ferry takes about 45 mins - 1 hour and is quite inexpensive (only a couple of Pasos). You only need a day to enjoy Cozumel.

If you have any more questions or would like me to elaborate on something further Please email me Bog@TerrenceKuiper.com of leave a comment below

Punch Monkey Productions

Punch Monkey Productions is a new record label that I have created to help promote not only myself, but other artist's that are struggling to become known.

Right now PMP is representing: TerrenceXtract & Dr. Meow Meow

It is my hope that I will be able to build up a good fan base for the artists that I represent.
If you have made any music and you are not sure what the next steps are, please contact me, I would love to represent you.

I do not claim to have all the knowledge about running a record label, as this is new for me and I am learning as I go. However, as an artist myself I have learned a thing or two that I am happy to pass along.

I will set you up on social media sites and give you a good presence on the web. All I ask in return is that you actively tell people, friends, family or fans where they can find your music. Whether it is by sending a link or telling someone personally, the only way we will both grow is if we are all in it together and all helping to promote each other. 

Interested in joining the Punch Monkey Productions team? Send me an email
punchmonkeyproductions@gmail.com

Follow Punch Monkey Productions on Twitter 

Busy Month for TerrenceXtract

A lot has happend over the last couple of weeks in the life of TerrencXtract, here is my attempt to sum it up.

1. Just Chil-lax (My first Album) Is officially out.

Just Chil-lax by TerrenceXtract

• It hit the digital market July 23rd 2010 (Happy Birthday Brother). I was ment to have physical copies as well. However, I was a bit slack in that department and didn't quite manage to get act together and get them made.
  
  If you would like to purchase my album, Please use the links below. Just 99c per track or $9.99 for the album. (good deal)

• 
  
  • iTunes
• 
  
  • Amazon MP3
• 
  
  • Rhapsody
• 
  
  • eMusic
• 
  
  • Napster
• 
  
  • Amie St

2. CD Release Party 

• Well more like CD Release - NO Party. I decided that I would like to have more time to organize the party and do something bigger and better. so for the mean time it has been postponed. I'll let you know when I re schedule.

3. On the Charts

I'm #20 on the Reverbnation Charts for Electronica / Dance

• Thanks to you guys I have been sitting around 20 - 21 in the Vancouver charts for electronica on Reverb Nation. I really appreciate your support and hearing from you. I am a normal person, I have a day job, I lay in my hammock on a sunny day. I am what most would label a 'Hippy'  (i'm ok with that) if they would see me in the street (not all the time though, I have my own style going on)

4. New Song

• I have uploaded a New song for you all to listen to, called 'Dingle Berry' and while it may be to late for me to change the song, as it is on my first album. I would love to here what you think of it (even if its bad). 

5. Special Shout Out

• I want to make a special shout out to a couple of peeps. DJ Vitals  Konggras and DJ SQUIGGZ  You guys are awesome. Click on there name and have a listen, You might like there music - I Do. 

Regards,             
      TerrenceXtract 

Click to play Songs from TerrenceXtract: http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/2698080

DJ Vitals

DJ Squiggz

Konggras

Viva Mexico

Have you ever seen that Old El Paso commercial? You know the one, someone exclaims that they are going to have tacos, so the whole family starts doing things to make there dining room look really cliche Mexican.
Have you ever tried to do that your self? You should give it a go. It turns out to be a lot of fun and changes an ordinary meal into an entraining evening.
Val made our nook look fantastic by doing some simple things, ie. hanging up the hammock, hanging up some ponchos and some hippie clothes, lighting some candles, placing a Mexican bandanna along the table and placing the ukulele in the room. she also made some mango margaritas. while she was preparing the room I made some hard shell and soft shell Taco's and some fresh salsa. mmmmmmm so good.. well next time you have nothing to do on a Monday night, make it a Mexican night. aaaarrrrriiiibbbbbaaaaaa

Inspiration from my Brother

My Brother has had a blog (Rocking my World!) for a month or so now and he uses it quite frequently. It is quite funny because I have had one for years and only use it occasionally. However, he has inspired me to give updates on my life more frequently, after all I do have a lot going on.

I am living in another country

I am making music

I am getting married

I am running a couple of websites

and I living life like there is no tomorrow.

TerrenceXtract is here

I have been working hard lately, making music. thats right music, it is kinda Electronica but has a real funky beat. It should be playing right now. However if you want to hear some more of my tracks, goto www.reverbnation.com/terrencextract or check out www.myspace.com/terrencextract 

Notice some mystery signs in Vancouver?

Notice some mystery signs in Vancouver?: "

• Why do we prefer iPods to conversations?


• Why do we have more friends on Facebook than in real life?


• When did we stop letting our kids walk to school?

Keep your eyes peeled Vancouverites – these questions are popping up all around Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. The postings on which they appear direct all viewers to www.wheredidcommunitygo.com. Here, they can access a thought-provoking animated short, which follows up these simple questions with compelling numbers. Viewers can then click onto an online comment board to share their thoughts thoughts and ideas, and perhaps start your own community initiatives.

All this is an attempt by the YMCA to bring community together during a time when some say we are drifting apart. After a five year absence, the YMCA will be returning to the downtown core with their Robert Lee YMCA building, and will provide the infrastructure to help the YMCA build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

The questions the YMCA raises are compelling. They encourage our community to take a step back and remember what small town neighbours were once like, and what values can still be gotten from a community core.

What are your thoughts?

Be sure to check out http://wheredidcommunitygo.com and share your answers, thoughts and questions, or leave your comments below.

Discover more about the brand NEW Robert Lee YMCA at www.robertleeymca.ca

Follow them on Twitter: http://twitter.com/RobertLeeYMCA

"

Early thoughts on Pavco's hotel + casino complex

Early thoughts on Pavco's hotel + casino complex: "

An artist's rendering of Pavco's proposed hotel + casino complex

I've been on the record as supporting the plan for BC Place stadium's new roof. It wasn't an easy decision for me, as I've always found the facility unfriendly in terms of non-sports entertainment, and oppressively large. However, as the Olympic & Paralympic ceremonies demonstrated, Vancouver has occasions when a stadium this size is needed.

Critics have argued that the money poured into the retrofitted BC Place (remember that it is now going to be an "outdoor" facility) should have gone to other needed causes, such as housing. The counterargument from supporters has been that our city needs a prominent, centrally located sport and entertainment facilty. From the City of Vancouver's standpoint, keeping BC Place running is a no-brainer as it generates jobs and taxes.

How we pay for the new roof has always been about the value of the real estate surrounding the Dome. The biggest wrinkle is however that any neighbouring development must be able to tolerate the noise and crowds BC Place generates. Circling the dome with condominiums is possible, but even with a convenant requiring tenants to suffer the noise of an open-roofed 60,000 seat stadium, you're just inviting a lot of complaints from residents within earshot. Condominiums are of course far more profitable than office developments.

Yesterday's announcement by the Province and Pavco that a large hotel & casino complex at first blush is a good alternative. Putting hotels, convention space and a casino in close proximity to the stadium (rather than permanent housing) makes sense. I was opposed (like the majority of Vancouverites) to Steve Wynn's proposed casino at Canada Place in the early 1990s, because no gaming facility apart from bingo halls existed in B.C. at the time. Today, casinos are located in and around Vancouver city limits, and like it or not we rely upon them for tax revenue.

Coun. Raymond Louie to his credit has struck a diplomatic tone on this project on behalf of the city. There are many decisions to be made on the project, but I must admit my initial thoughts on the building design put forward by the developer is not one I'm terribly excited about.

The building will be facing west, with the Smithe street offramp of the Cambie Street bridge running in front. It will be a very busy and perhaps lively part of the city where an empty parking lot currently exists. I see that from the street the first four floors are windowless, with some kind of fortress of solitude starchitect touches that will make the structure feel like a bit like a prison from street level. Surely designers can consider wrapping these floors in glass like the new Vancouver convention centre at Canada Place?

Also, the strange "waterfall" awning structure over the front door looks like it has been added to distract people from the grim exterior of those floors, and it adds nothing to the building's overall appearance. There looks to be a considerable green roof in place over the casino, but I'm not sure if it's enough to make the structure more appealing.

There are many hours of dialogue ahead about not only this building, but what happens right around the renovated stadium. Some will be critical of this complex just because there is an expanded casino within, and others will complain about the additional traffic. I'm just glad that the city is trying to make the restoration of BC Place work, and I look forward to constructive suggestions as we go to the public for their input.

"