May
12
Showcase Your Talents, Claim Your Fame
Filed Under Culture, Entertainment, Internet, Music, Recreation, Reviews, Social Networking, Talent | Leave a Comment
I’m excited about a fairly new social networking site that instantly grabbed my attention when I first heard about it on CNN a little while back. Taltopia, a Los Angeles based media distribution and social networking company, launched back in March of 2007. The goal of Taltopia is to provide a platform for people to showcase their talent. Actors, singers, musicians, comedians, artists, models and more are all welcome to participate. If you have the talent, all you have to do is upload your media such as audio, video, or photos, and start being seen.
Not sure of your talents? No problem! You can join the Taltopia critic crowd and begin offering your opinions on those showcasing their stuff. Fans and critics vote for their favorites, giving them that extra edge they seek. Those with talents who get a higher amount of votes get featured on the front page of the website, offering even more exposure for those wanting to claim their fame.
I think sites like this are a fantastic opportunity to gain that extra bit of exposure one needs to get noticed. Those who wish to share their talent have plenty of avenues to explore, but there is always room for additional opportunities. Everyone knows there are talent agencies and talent agents all over the place, but it really comes down to networking and connecting with the right people at the right time. The coolest thing is that Taltopia is a FREE service for everyone. Visitors can register for free and simply create their own profile.
Let’s face it, it seems like everyone is trying to be some sort of celebrity these days. Everyday aspiring talent is searching for casting calls, looking for gigs, and trying to create additional self promotion. And even those who don’t seek celebrity status find alternative ways to participate, like voting for others. Look at the explosive amount of people who vote for their favorites on hit television shows like American Idol and Dancing With the Stars. And those are only just a couple popular shows where you viewers can vote. Growing communities of individuals who strive for fame, fortune, and participation have all come together, and I think a website like Taltopia makes it even more exciting for everyone.
May
3
Red Bull Air Races
Filed Under Events, Recreation, Sports | Leave a Comment
With the excitement of the Kentucky Derby taking place this weekend, I almost forgot about the Red Bull Air Race World Series that was going in in San Diego California. The event, part of a worldwide series, features some of the world’s best pilots who show off their flying skills in all sorts of ways. I’ve been following this aviation event since it got under way back in 2001. I find it a bit more fascinating each year it takes place, offering a whole bunch of thrill and excitement.
The race is made up of several sessions; Training, Qualifying, Point One, the Super Eights, the Semi Finals, Third Place Fly Off, and a Final Session. The basic idea is to navigate the plan through a series of air filled pylons. Things such as speed and efficiency are the most important, as pilots try to complete each course with the least amount of penalties. There are always exciting moments, and it’s really amazing what some of these pilots have the ability to do.
The Red Bull Air Race World Series website has quite a bit of information to help familiarize yourself with the event. You’ll find a complete schedule, photos, videos, and much more. The event is televised all across the world, so if you aren’t near a location to check it out live, you’ll most likely be able to see it on television.
Apr
26
El Caminito del Rey Tempts Fate
Filed Under Adventure, Hiking, Recreation, Videos | Leave a Comment
Via Ferrata, Italian for “iron road”, is what best describes El Caminito del Rey. If you are brave enough and have the skill and ability to hike along some of the world’s most dangerous pathways, you are probably quite familiar with El Caminito del Rey.
This mountain route, more commonly known as the King’s Pathway, was constructed along the walls of an El Chorro gorge in Spain back in the year 1905. It was during the inauguration of the dam Conde del Guadalhorce in 1921 when King Alfonso XIII crossed the path, giving the walkway it’s name. El Caminito del Rey exists to this day, however it is off limits due to it’s condition.
This has not stopped the world’s most daring and skilled adventurists from climbing the path as seen throughout the photos and video. 
Much of the walkway has deteriorated, leaving nothing but a few beams to connect sections of the path to each other. Most of the handrails that were once in place no longer exist, leaving nothing to but a thin wire to support yourself while walking well over 700 feet above the Guadalhorce river. Several lives have been lost while attempting to navigate this rough terrain, yet this has not deterred others from tempting fate. The Spain government has budgeted to restore this historical walkway back in 2006.
The above video shows you what it’s like to walk the pathway of El Caminito del Rey, the safe way. I must say, the video is not for the faint of heart, but provides an incredible glimpse into what this walk would be like if you were to choose to hike it yourself.