จานดาวเทียม

จานดาวเทียม นั้นมีประโยชนืมาก สำหรับการใช้งาน เบื่อรับฟังแะลรับชมข่าวสารความบันเทิงได้ตลอด 24 ชั่วโมง ด้วยความรวดเร็วแบบ realtime ทำให้ จานดาวเทียมได้รับความนิยมอย่างแพร่หลาย จนในปัจจุบัน มีผู้ให้บริการ และ สินค้า ประเภทจานดาวเทียมจำนวนมาก

ซึ่งจานดาวเทียมทำหน้าที่รับสัญญาณภาพและเสียง จากผู้ให้บริการรายต่างๆ ซึ่งปัจจุบันก้มากตามจำนวนผู้ผลิตดาวเทียมตามไปด้วย

Big Ben

When most people heat the words "Big Ben" they immediately conjure up an image of the striking Victorian Gothic structure of the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster (the Houses of Parliament). Let's clear up a common misconception first; technically speaking, the name "Big Ben" does not refer to the famous tower, nor to the four huge clock faces of this London landmark; instead, it refers to the largest of the five bells inside the clock tower, whose chimes are such a familiar sound to listeners to BBC radio over the years.

The tower was begun following the disastrous fire which destroyed the old Palace of Westminster in 1834. Charles Barry was given the contract to rebuild the Palace, and his designs included a clock tower.

The Tower
The clock tower of the Palace of Westminster took 13 years to build, and was completed in 1856. The tower is 316 feet high. The spire that rises above the belfry is built with an iron frame, and it is this frame which supports the weight of the bells. A staircase rises up inside the tower, and a climb is rewarded by excellent views from the belfry level. Several small rooms are built into the lower part of the tower, including a small prison cell.

The Clocks
The cast iron frame of the clock face was designed by AW Pugin, who was responsible for much of the Gothic decorative elements of the Palace of Westminster. The dials are 23 feet in diameter and the faces themselves are not solid, but is composed of many small pieces of opal glass, assembled like a stained glass window. Several of the central pieces of glass can be removed to allow inspection of the hands from inside the clock tower. The numbers on the clock faces are each two feet high. An inscription in Latin below each clock face translates as "God save our Queen Victoria I".

At the time of its construction the clock mechanism was easily the largest in the world, and it is still among the largest today. The clock mechanism, designed by Edmund Beckett Denison, has proven to be remarkably accurate over the years, allowing small adjustments to the clock's rate to be made by placing pennies on a small shoulder of the clock's pendulum!

The Hour Bell

Big Ben - the hour bell - is said to have been named after Sir Benjamin Hall, Commissioner of Works, who was known for his bulk, as is the bell! The first Big Ben hour bell was complete before the tower, so the bell was hung in New Palace Yard. After repeated public ringing the bell cracked, and had to be replaced by the current bell.

http://www.britainexpress.com/London/Big_Ben.htm

BA London Eye

The London Eye is London's newest major tourist attraction. It is a huge wheel designed to celibrate the Millenium year 2000. It stands at Millenium Pier, on the South Bank of the River Thames, close to the south end of Westminster Bridge, and within an easy walk of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Visitors climb aboard glass-encased capsules for a leisurely circular orbit, high above the Thames, allowing spectacular views across London and far beyond. Though it looks like a huge ferris wheel, the London Eye is no fairground thrill-ride, but a slow and stately way to experience London in a unique way.

London Eye Frequently asked questions

When was the London Eye built?

The Eye was built between 1998 and 2000. It seems remarkable that a site that has so quickly become a symbol of modern London has been around for such a short time! It took fully seven years from start of the design process to create the Eye. It was intended to stand for only a few years, but it proved to be such a popular attraction that the decision was made to make the wheel a permanent feature of the London landscape. The Eye was sponsored by British Airways, and for several years after opening it was referred to as the British Airways Millenium Wheel. Today the London Eye is under the ownership of the London Eye Company, a subsidiary of Merlin Entertainments Group Company.

How long does it take to go around?

Each rotation of the wheel takes about 30 minutes, which translates to a speed of about 0.9km (0.6 miles) per hour, or approximately twice the speed of a land tortoise in top gear! In practice this means that you get plenty of time to enjoy the view. And the view is enhanced by the capsule design; unlike traditional ferris wheel designs that you might see at a local fairground, the capsules are not suspended under the wheel, they are set within a circular mounting ring attached to the outside surface of the wheel. What this means in practice is that travelers within the capsule have a full 360 degree panoramic view, unhindered by spokes of wheel struts.

How tall is the London Eye?

The London Eye is 135m (approximately 443 feet) high, making it the fourth highest building in London, after BT Tower, Tower 42 and One Canada Square. The Eye measures 424m (1.392ft) in circumference. The wheel is supported on huge A-frame legs, made up of 2200 tonnes of concrete on 44 concrete piles set 33 metres deep in the earth.

Who designed the London Eye?

The Eye was built to a design by the husband and wife team of David Marks and Julia Barfield. The Eye was created as a symbol for the end of the 20th century, and it opened to the public in march, 2000. Since that time it has become the most popular visitor (paid) attraction in he UK. Over 3.5 million visitors enjoy the London Eye every year, and on a clear day those visitors can see as far as 25 miles, or all the way to Windsor Castle. There are 32 capsules attached to the wheel, one for each of the 32 boroughs of the city of London.. Each capsule has bench seats, and its own heating and cooling system. Each capsule weighs 10 tonnes. In total, up to 800 passengers can travel in the Eye at any one time. The wheel and capsules combined weigh at total of 2,100 tonnes. Each capsule is formed of glass panels on a steel frame, allowing maximum visibility, and is regulated by a mechanism that keeps it perfectly level at all times.

At the time of this writing the London Eye is open to visitors all year round, with the exception of New Years Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. For current opening times and charges, please visit the London Eye website. You can book a regular 'flight' but there are a variety of special flights available, including a private capsule, or, if you're feeling romantic, a Cupid's Capsule flight, plus Champagne Flights, Mulled Wine Flights, and a Pimm's Flight.

The design of the Eye is essentially a huge wheel with a hub at the centre. The hub rotates around a spindle, much like an automobile wheel revolves around an axle. The spindle has to be an enormous size in order to take the great mass of the wheel; it is 23 metres high, and the spindle and hub combined weigh in at a hefty 330 tonnes.

London Eye River Cruises

A popular visitor feature are the special London Eye River Cruises, which began in 2002. These circular cruises, which leave every hour during opening times, are under the care of a trained guide. They provide entertaining commentary during a 40 minute cruise along the historic River Thames, letting you see a side of London that you would otherwise miss on foot. You will see such major attractions as Big Be, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. The boats are suitable for all weather, and there is recorded commentary in several languages. A combined ticket is available for the River Cruise and the London Eye, offering a 10% discount on the total cost.

The closest tube station is Waterloo Station. From Waterloo, follow signs for the South Bank. The closest rail station is also Waterloo.

You do not have to pre-book a flight, but its a good idea to do so. By pre-booking you avoid queues, but you do need to specify your desired flight time if you pre-book. Plan on arriving 30 minutes prior to your flight departure.

Laguna Phuket International Marathon

4th Laguna Phuket International Marathon
Date : 14 June 2009
Venue : Laguna Beach Resort, Phuket 

A resort marathon for the family. Laguna Phuket Marathon attracts a record turnout for 14 June race

What makes the annual Laguna Phuket International Marathon, 14 June, different from most other races is the variety of categories that encourage all family members to join in the fun.
Sure there is a serious side to the run, particularly, when last year’s winners in the men and women’s categories are keen to keep their crowns and better last year’s course times.
But alongside the serious are the fun runners, even children who jog the most scenic route that takes them around the Laguna’s lake and tropical gardens. Kids get to run 2 km, while the morning is still fresh. Grown-ups have to slog it out for the honour of completing 42 kilometres, perhaps even beating their own record on this very attractive, but tough course. 
 



They can down-size their objectives too by enrolling in the half-marathon, a 10-km fast run, or a very leisurely 5 km walkathon. A festival atmosphere prevails particularly as hotels and local clubs enter teams to compete and have fun at the same time.
Laguna Phuket has been hosting this family event for four years through thick and thin. Even during political crisis, it still attracted a fine crowd of friendly runners, who clearly had their priorities in order.
The route is one of the finest a marathon runner could hope to find. A fresh sea breeze sweeps in from the Andaman Sea to cool runners. Then, the course passes through spectacular landscaped gardens in the resort before joining a coastal lane to neighbouring bays, with some steep headland inclines to challenge runners. Professionally monitored with ample water stations, runners appreciate the effort that has gone into making this a memorable race that attracts familiar faces year-after-year.
 
Go Adventure Asia organises the 4th Laguna Phuket Marathon, while Nike acts as the main presenter. Approximately 4,450 runners, from 40 countries, are registered representing a 10% increase over last year’s event.
Organisers say it is an anecdotal sign that Thailand’s tourism appeal is resilient and in recovery mode. 
Prior to the event, runners can browse through a sports expo. Open for two days, the expo stalls offer bargains in sports shoes, clothes and other items that keep runners jogging happily.

 


The trick to enjoying this resort-style marathon is to make a family holiday out of a favourite sporting hobby. Laguna Phuket packages special rates for runners who extend their stay. The fun starts with the carbo-loading dinner prior to the race, then in the evening after the race, everyone meets in the Laguna’s grand marquee, pitched on the beach and fully air-conditioned. In between excursions to the sumptuous buffet, runners enjoy a well deserved glass of cold ale or wine. TV screens, positioned throughout the marquee, depict race-day fun, tears, agony and the joy of beating a best time, or just finishing. Finally, winners in each category are honoured on stage. 

As waves roll up the sandy beach to serenade the party, marathon runners say their farewells, many of them with a promise; “see you next year.”

For more information, click www.phuketmarathon.com

Hua Hin Jazz Festival

Hua Hin Jazz Festival
Date : 12 - 14 June 2009

Venue : Hua Hin Beach, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Music lovers flock to Hua Hin. Annual jazz festival draws top bands from region. 

Music lovers, from Bangkok and neighbouring countries keep their calendars free, mid-June, so they can head south from Bangkok down Highway 4 to the small upscale resort of Hua Hin where they can enjoy a music festival that delivers the best jazz and blue bands from around Asia.

The 8th Hua Hin Jazz Festival will be held, 12 to 14 June, at two sites at Hua Hin, 200 km south of Bangkok, in Prachuab Khiri Khan Province. Entrance to all performances is free.
Hua Hin has been associated with the country’s jazz community since the 1950s and the jazz festival is organised annually in honour of the musical talents of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Organisers also point out that the event celebrates the occasion of Hua Hin’s 100th anniversary.

The festival draws on the inspiration of HM the King, who has penned a host of jazz compositions and is a fine saxophone player in his own right. Hua Hin is also an important base from where HM King has initiated rural projects over the years that promote village economies in nearby provinces. Therefore, the town is justly proud of its royal heritage, second only to the Thai capital, Bangkok. A seaside location and its variety of accommodation, across all categories, help to make it an ideal venue to host a music festival. 


The International jazz scene will be represented by three bands – Shakatak from the UK, Malene Mortensen, Denmark and Popsanova, Brazil.
Out of Asia the audience can enjoy the music of Noon a famous band from Japan, Estrella from Malaysia and the ever popular Brass Monkeys from the Philippines. 
More than 15 Thai jazz bands are booked to perform including, Infinity, Bangkok Connection, Gail Dila and Mellow Motif. 
Bands will perform on three stages on the beach and at Phonkingphet Public Park in the town centre. Performances during the three-day festival are free and continue from 1530 until midnight. 

The event is managed by Plus 5 Company and Fatima Broadcasting International Company on behalf of provincial offices and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. 

Contact : TAT Phetchaburi Office, Tel : 66 (0) 3247 1005-6