Sunday, April 28, 2024

The Story Behind Boulder's Dushanbe Teahouse and Other City Partnerships City of Boulder

dushanbe tea house

The works were completed in 1197 ad, and chronicle the adventure of Shah Bahram Goirr, son of Yargourd the 1st from the Sasanids dynasty. Nizami uses the well documented events to explore the themes social justice, morality, and appreciation of nature. The poem is notable for its deep content and social sense, as well as its rich composition and prominent poetic value. The City of Boulder and Three Leaf Concepts entered into a partnership in 1996 that has proven beneficial to both parties, as well as the larger community.

ONLINE RESERVATIONS FOR DINNER

On the proper day of the week, Bahram would dress himself in the appropriate color, and go to visit the wife that corresponded with the day. Each woman would relate to him a story from her native land and praise the attributes of her own color. All the tales are closely related to popular folklore and combine the scientific and philosophical views on the symbolic effects of the colors. The poem inspires honesty, virtue and kindness, while denouncing arrogance, villiany, greediness and treachery. And so, the princesses’ tales serve not only to entertain the Shah, but to ponder life and consider the secrets on the universe and human nature. Kodir carved the ganch during his visit to Boulder, and it took many months to complete the job.

Boulder-Dushanbe Sister Cities Project

The entirety of the interior ceiling is handpainted and delicately carved to create a space that is both magical and airy. Originally crafted and painted in Tajikistan, the Teahouse gets periodic “touch up” from visiting Tajik artists. In his youth, our hero sees portraits of the seven daughters of the continents in a luxurious palace loses his heart to them. Later, when he becomes the Shah of Iran, he sends for the seven women and marries them. He has the renown architect, Shidda, build a palace with seven cupolas, each colored a different color with a corresponding planet.

dushanbe tea house

Nearby Restaurants

At the western end of the Himalayas, its terrain is 93% mountainous, with peaks towering to 24,000 feet. Prior to being named capital to the Soviet Republic of Tajikistan in 1929, Dushanbe, which signifies Monday, was a village of 400 – 600 people and was the site of the weekly bazaar, held on Mondays. Dushanbe now has a population of 600,000 and its people are struggling with the aftermath of civil war following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. “The Seven Beauties is the 4th poem of Nizami Ganjavi’s “Khamsa, which means “Five Treasuries”.

Sara is the tea specialist and blender at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse and has created a number of the Teahouse’s exclusive tea blends. In addition to her clinical practice for humans, Sara also consults for both equine and canine clients, and creates customized formulas to increase health, performance, and vitality. Sara teaches numerous classes and workshops at Three Leaf Farm and has written a number of articles for publication. The Teahouse takes great effort to sanitize and protect the health of our guests. The days of the pandemic have been challenging but our community has rallied around the locally owned restaurants. On Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, April through November, the Boulder Farmers Market happens right in front of the teahouse.

TAJIKISTAN

We love to host large parties and private events, and we’ve been so fortunate to share so many important moments with our guests as they celebrate in the Teahouse. The Exterior of the Teahouse boasts hand crafted ceramic mosaic tiles and a roof border of exquisite beauty and craftsmanship. The rose gardens in front of the Teahouse include over 50 varieties of heirloom roses, which were first grown in Central Asia. In the 7th Century BC, the area we now know as Tajikistan was settled at the eastern periphery of the Persian Empire. Situated a bit south of the Silk Road trails, the area has seen invasions by Alexander the Great, Mongols, Arabs, Turks, and Russians. Today, Tajikistan, with a population of 7 million, is about the size of Iowa, and is bordered to the east by China, to the north by Uzbekistan and Kyrgystan, and to the south by Afghanistan.

experience the teahouse

Our Teahouse accurately reflects this artistic tradition that dates back nearly 2,000 years. The master woodcarvers, including Manon Khaidarov and Mirpulat Mirakhmatov who helped reassemble the Teahouse here, have carved their names in the ceiling. The artisans who have painted it have written their names on a green painted area above the entry to the kitchen.

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

Get to Know Boulder's 10 Sister Cities - City of Boulder

Get to Know Boulder's 10 Sister Cities.

Posted: Mon, 05 Apr 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]

And once locals could see its intricate and colorful beauty on display, any lingering concerns turned to praise. In the central pool of the Teahouse there are seven hammered copper sculptures created by artist Ivan Milosovich. The life sized sculptures are based on a 12th century poem, “The Seven Beauties ” the 4th poem of Nizami Ganjavi’s “Khamsa”. They chronicle the adventures of Shah Bahram Goirr, son of Yargourd the 1st from the Sasanids dynasty. Nizami uses the well documented events to explore the themes of social justice, morality, and appreciation of nature.

He was welcomed back into the Three Leaf Family with the opening of Aji Latin American Restaurant (now closed) as a partner, and now supports all of the concepts in the Three Leaf Group. Afternoon Tea is one of our most popular offerings, with a traditional linen-draped table, a three-tiered serving tray with sweet and savory delicacies, and a pot of our premium tea. Carved in Tajikistan of Siberian cider, the 12 majestic columns are all hand carved and no two are alike. The 7 bronze statues of the Seven Beauties, characters in a traditional folk tale, were an exciting surprise when we opened the crates that the Teahouse was packed in. Today the Beauties make up the gorgeous central fountain of the Teahouse. Throughout the Teahouse, every ceiling square or alcove is painted differently with traditional Persian designs.

The trades used by the artisans were passed from generation to generation within families, such as the use of nature, and repetition of patterns, descendant from traditional Persian design. Also, no power tools were used in the original construction of the tea house. LENNY MARTINELLIOwner, Executive Chef & CEO of Three Leaf ConceptsLenny graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Environmental Design.

This exhibit will follow the evolution of the teahouse, which is the only authentic Persian tea house in North America. On exhibit will be pieces from its earliest days to objects seen by patrons enjoying delicious food and of course distinctive teas. The uniqueness and the cultural importance of the teahouse created the desire for the city to find a thoughtful and sensitive way to manage the structure.

11 of the world’s best tea houses - CNN

11 of the world’s best tea houses.

Posted: Thu, 16 Feb 2017 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Lenny’s creative vision has extended to his other restaurants, Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant, The Huckleberry, Zucca Italian, and The Chautauqua Dining Hall, one of Boulder’s historic landmarks. In addition to the restaurants, Lenny has created a large, successful catering business, Three Leaf Catering. The incredible hand carved plaster walls were carved here in Boulder during the construction of the Teahouse in 1998 by Kodir Rhakimov, one of the original artists who was visiting to help with the building of the building. The panels are meticulously carved using a sharp scalpel, and are some of the most traditional forms of Persian art at the Teahouse.

As the name suggests, tea is the raison d'ĂȘtre here, and the selection is comprehensive. From apple strudel and samosas to feijoada and plov (a buttery rice dish studded with chickpeas, dried fruit and grilled beef), the menu reads like a world explorer's diary. Naturally, tea time and afternoon tea are reason alone to visit, and the dessert selection is particularly tempting. Once here, they were repositioned together by Victor, who was visiting to help with construction. Inside the Teahouse are eight large, intricately carved white plaster panels, designed and executed by Kodir Rakhimov, whose contemporary oil paintings are framed by this art of Persian antiquity. When Mayor Maksud Ikramov of Dushanbe, Tajikistan visited Boulder in 1987, he announced the gift of a teahouse to celebrate the establishment of the sister cities.

Both cities are about the same size, share the same latitude and have similar topography. The establishment of sister cities was a grassroots effort to connect people across cultures. A time for people to gather and talk over warm cups of tea, the Teahouse was a fitting gift to the city of Boulder. Forty Tajik artisans hand-made the teahouse over a period of two years, took it apart, and then packed the pieces into about 200 crates to be shipped to Boulder.

Three Leaf Concepts – the management group formed to support several locally owned, award-winning restaurants – fit the bill. Afternoon tea is a special treat the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. Enjoy white linens, tiers of sweet and savory pastries and a pot of premium tea. Sara and Lenny Martinelli were selected by the city to operate the teahouse as a restaurant and cafĂ©. The city of Dushanbe sent a small crew to Boulder to help assemble the teahouse. The Boulder-Dushanbe Teahouse finally opened to the general public in May 1998.

This hand-built gift from Dushanbe, Boulder's sister city in Tajikistan, offers a respite from quotidian life. Walk through the front garden and you'll be instantly transported to a zen-filled, magical space. If the bucolic setting doesn't lower your blood pressure, the stunning interior that transports you to a faraway culture will.

Book Cover Design Design A Creative Book Cover Online

book covers design

Curious what you’ll be getting if you hire a book cover designer through Reedsy? Check out these cover designs from our top professionals — as you can see, they work in every genre, every style, and for every type of author, no matter what your creative vision. For even more beautiful cover design samples, check out our book cover art gallery. In these ten essential steps, we’ve navigated the basics of book cover design, a crucial aspect of your book’s success. Understanding your genre and theme, researching successful book covers, and identifying key design elements set the foundations. Additionally, assess the visual impact of these successful book covers.

Some cover designs created through Reedsy

For your budget, it’s good to consider the level of experience that your designer brings to the table. The rule of thumb is that the more experienced your designer is (and the more prestigious authors they’ve worked with), the higher you can expect their quotes to be. To find out how much you can expect their services to cost, check out this post. Alternatively, you can download free templates or hire someone to create a mockup for you for super cheap (like $5 or $8), as I explain in this guide to create book cover mockups. Many designers can digitally manipulate stock photos to create a professional photo feel without the steep cost.

Google Photo Books

But as we wind down 2021, it is useful to remember the good parts, the pleasures small and large that got us through. And yes, a beautifully designed book can be one of those pleasures—especially when we’re still spending more time at home than perhaps we would like. Let’s face it – nothing quite compares to the smell, the feel and maybe even the taste of a freshly printed book. And if you’ve chosen to put ink to paper and release your tome in paperback or hardcover, we at Damonza are ready to make sure that said ink is put in exactly the right place. An absolute revolution in publishing, the eBook format has transferred the power of books away from the traditional publishing houses, and into the hands of authors. Perfect for authors who need a cover for a follow-up book in a series or have a simple concept in mind, this budget-friendly package offers quality design without breaking the bank.

Professional Book Cover Maker for Engaging Cover Designs

The vast majority of book covers released by major publishers will feature stock images that are then cropped, manipulated, or edited into the design. You see a lot of these covers in most romance subgenres, as well as crime/thrillers and self-help. If you’re not 100% certain of your digital design skills, look into hiring a professional cover designer for your project. Commercial fiction are books that fall solidly in one genre. Examples of commercial (or “genre”) fiction are romance, thrillers, fantasy, horror and science-fiction.

A beautiful cover that lets us know that something is not quite right by how the image and the type seem to be flowing like an oil slick. Whoa…that contemplative face and the deep tones of the art are beautiful. The way Sara introduced the element of surprise with the textured type and illustration makes it feel so fresh. What a perfect combination of image and colors and font. The way the elements are arranged is fun and playful, yet everything is clear and readable. Benjamin’s design and marketing career began in 2000, and before joining Damonza he’d been involved in the development of three very successful businesses in the field.

Book Cover Design: How self-publishing authors can do it best

These templates make it simple to create an eye catching book cover. You can fully customize the free book cover templates to fit your needs. When choosing the best photo book makers, our Lab experts consider ease of use, performance and appearance. Find images, symbols, and other visual elements representing your book’s theme and ideas. It may be one picture if you prefer minimalist book covers.

Illustrations

The 10 Best Book Covers of November ‹ Literary Hub - Literary Hub

The 10 Best Book Covers of November ‹ Literary Hub.

Posted: Thu, 30 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

A rough sketch of your book cover design doesn’t need to be detailed; the purpose is to organize your thoughts and experiment with layout, placement of elements, and overall composition. A sketch can act as a springboard, helping you refine your design direction before diving into the digital design process. Before you dive into creating your own book cover design, thorough research is essential. Start by delving into the market and understanding the current trends in your book’s genre—particularly among the bestsellers. Knowing what’s popular and what works well within your genre will give you valuable insights into designing a cover that resonates with your target audience. For digital books, create an animated book cover design with animated icons and illustrations that grabs attention and reels your readers into learning more.

A few of the covers we've designed...

But a lot of us are on a budget and can’t afford a professional designer. With a great cover, title, subtitle, blurb, and reviews, your book is on its way to selling out (unless it’s an eBook, of course). You want your cover to stand out by looking eye-catching and well-made, yet ensuring it naturally fits your genre. You can also find ideas for your beautiful cover on Pinterest.

Find Images for Book Cover

book covers design

Getting a professional book designer to work on your cover art isn’t just about making it look nice. It’s also about making sure that it is fit for the market. It can cost between $500 and $2000 to hire a book cover designer. Some services, like Ebook Launch or Damonza, offer extensive services for around $500, while others like Jeff Brown charge $2000 for a more hands-on, personalized approach. RGB color mode is standard for digital (like ebook covers), while CMYK is typically used for printing, so make this adjustment accordingly.

Each of these components plays a critical role in shaping the overall impression of the book cover, attracting readers, and conveying the book’s essence. Visme gives you all the capabilities you need to create a free online book cover. You can make an impact on your audience with our book cover design software. Start the process by adding text, visuals and a beautiful font to your book cover.

Writers have wild imaginations, and it’s the designer’s job to create a cover that represents all of the wondrous worlds their pages create. Both the designer and author should be aware of the extra costs that can add up during the design process. This will include (but is not limited to) font licenses, stock images, ISBN identifier and barcode. Proofread any text, headings or content you’ve placed on your book cover. Double check that everything looks great and you’re satisfied with your book cover design. Follow along with our quick-step tutorial below to get started creating your own stunning book cover design.

We’ll dive into the specifics of print editions later on in this guide. If you were looking to hire a professional to make your cover, you would first decide which style is best for your book, then seek out designers who specialize in that style. This is where new photography is commissioned for the cover design. These days, you only see this style of cover on celebrity memoir covers, where the big selling point is the author. With all this in mind, we shared some comp titles from the world of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. In line with the classic B-Movie tone of the story, we also sent him some examples of Jet Age imagery that we thought would be suitable for Rocket Bride’s cover.

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Visiting The Betsy Ross House In Philadelphia, The Complete Guide

betsy ross house

Throughout the historic Betsy Ross House, you’ll discover artifacts, documents and historic interpreters that reveal the extraordinary life of an ordinary 18th century woman. It was in their shop where George Washington ordered custom bed hangings for his Mount Vernon home in 1774. He recalled this a couple of years later when he needed a rebel flag discreetly sewn. This flag would soon become the symbol of a new nation independent from British tyranny. The family opened two rooms on the first floor to the public where they could see the back room where the meeting between Betsy and the Flag Committee was said to have occurred and shop for souvenirs in the front room. And to protect the House from fire and other dangers, in 1929 the Memorial Association purchased two adjacent lots which later became the courtyard you see today.

Related Content From Historic America

While Special Forces brings the gritty, glam is served by The Super Models, the Apple TV+ series about how Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista ruled the runways in the 1990s. Creators of the four-part documentary, including Oscar winner Roger Ross Williams, join Contenders to discuss their intimate look at these beauty icons. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance. And that’s where Charles Weisgerber, the hero of the Betsy Ross House, stepped in.

Stay in the Know

In an era this intensely and corrosively partisan, it’s especially important that we give warranted praise and appropriate thanks to people with whom we usually disagree. Tribalism discourages that, but a healthy democracy demands it. Behind every successful museum is someone dedicated and passionate about history; someone who runs the museum with every piece of their soul.

For the Sake of Democracy, Celebrate Mike Johnson

Philly's Betsy Rosses embrace modern entrepreneurism with an old-school upholstery biz - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Philly's Betsy Rosses embrace modern entrepreneurism with an old-school upholstery biz.

Posted: Mon, 17 Dec 2018 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The museum is a meticulously preserved time capsule. Each room offers a unique glimpse into Betsy’s life and the era she lived in. In each room of the house you’ll find centuries-old items that belonged to Betsy Ross and her family.

South Portland council gives initial approval to 55-unit expansion of Betsy Ross House - Press Herald

South Portland council gives initial approval to 55-unit expansion of Betsy Ross House.

Posted: Wed, 29 Sep 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Sometimes she had to keep this activity “under wraps” to avoid undue scrutiny from loyalists. Philadelphia is a city steeped in Revolutionary War history, boasting scads of landmarks that were pivotal in shaping the fledgling nation. One such site is the Betsy Ross House in Old City. Check the official site for more info on events as well as information on days and times that Betsy and Phillis are on site.

Latino-Owned Restaurants to Check Out in Philadelphia

The flag is raised daily, and a Betsy impersonator is available to take questions and meet guests. For a list of additional programs at the Betsy Ross House, click here. Special events bring special appearances from Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s History Makers, trained historic first-person interpreters who represent a cross-section of actual 18th century Philadelphians. Once the team arrived at the landmark home, Moulder told them of a more recent story of murder right at the house. In 1980, two security guards for the home got into an altercation in the basement of the gift shop. The fight turned really sour when one of the guards pulled out his gun and shot the other three times, leaving him overnight in the shop to die.

betsy ross house

Did Ross Sew The Flag?

She made some changes, like putting the stars in a circle with five points instead of six. Her life was marked by resilience, including marrying outside her Quaker faith and marrying and burying three husbands. The house is a symbol of American independence and — possibly — the birthplace of the first American flag. Treasures throughout the home include Ross's family bible, eyeglasses and more. Enhance your visit with an English language Audio Tour, chock-full of fun facts and behind-the-scenes info from the curator. Share the heartbreak of her widowhood and her struggle to survive as a single, working mother.

Help Support USHistory.org! Buy a flag or poster!

Black History Month programming at the Betsy Ross House is free to attend. The theme is A Turn of the Century, and highlights include a Victorian-style streetfair, old-fashioned carnival games and activities and a pet parade. Betsy Ross was born Betsy Griscom on New Year’s Day of 1752.

Practical Guide & Visiting Tips The Betsy Ross House

A new structure was added in the rear, made from period bricks. The front stairway and dormer were entirely replaced. The front doorway was moved to the opposite corner, and a new window was installed. But stitching America’s first flag is just a small part of the Betsy Ross story. Courageous rebel… Grieving widow… Working mom… Business owner…  Survivor.

The year-long commemoration kicks off this fall and continues through Summer 2024. Read on for a list of events marking the semiquincentennial celebration at the Betsy Ross House. The Betsy Ross House also includes exhibits about the contributions of other women, like "Women at Work in Revolutionary America," which illustrates the jobs women held in colonial America. While spirits of more recent tragedies are seen regularly in the home, Betsy Ross herself has also been witnessed.

Eventually Weisgerber’s wife gave birth to a son whom Weisgerber named Vexildomus, which is Latin for flag house. (You can see a large replica of the painting in the orientation gallery). Dress your pets in their most patriotic attire to compete for awards and special prizes. All species of pets are invited to this free parade and the judging panel consists of local celebrities (including Betsy Ross, obviously).

A fitting day for this home to be reintroduced into society. The entire property, including the home and the courtyard, was gifted to the City of Philadelphia in 1941. The Betsy Ross House remains dedicated to its historic mission of preserving the site and remembering the life of Betsy Ross, a working-class 18th-century tradeswoman. The home is even filled with antiques and the personal belongings of Betsy and her family. Treat yourself, family and friends to at-home stitchery projects, Colonial-era toys and games, craft activities, books, apparel for the whole family, décor, mementos and general Philadelphia memorabilia and flags, flags and more flags.

She met her husband John Ross while she was apprenticed to an upholsterer named William Webster. The couple fell in love quickly and eloped, marrying at Hugg’s Tavern in Gloucester City, New Jersey, in 1773. It’s a tribute to the unwavering spirit of an American icon. It’s a fun bit of history that takes you back in time to a pivotal period in history. The museum shop at the Betsy Ross House offers a range of unique and patriotic souvenirs.

Premade Book Covers 500+ Book Cover Designs

book covers design

If you’re looking for the perfect hardcover book mockup, you can’t go wrong with Dup Book Covers Mockup. Use the Smart Object feature in Photoshop to add your design to the mockup quickly and easily. For children ages 1 to 5, children's story book covers and fairy-tale book covers tend to use bright, joyful colours that children are attracted to rather than dark colours or pastels. The Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter book cover examples here target children who are a bit older, so they certainly break that rule.

Art Break: Don’t Judge. Designing Book Covers - Getty Center

Art Break: Don’t Judge. Designing Book Covers.

Posted: Mon, 25 Sep 2023 22:05:09 GMT [source]

Sci-Fi Book Cover Ideas

The template is highly customisable in Photoshop, so you can edit the object, background, shadows, and more. Using contrasting colours, sizes, and shapes is a great way to emphasise important aspects of your cover design. For example, readers will notice a larger font before they notice a smaller one. Likewise, a light colour against a darker background will definitely stand out more than a light colour against a slightly darker background. Typography, encompassing the font style, size, and arrangement of text, is more than just words; it’s a visual representation of the book’s personality.

Make the cover of a best seller online!

I love how the art and type were kept monochromatic which highlight the interplay of the gorgeous colors on this piece. Every time I come across this cover, I have the urge to touch it, to see if the Cray-Pa art would smudge onto my fingertips . The school-art-class feel of scratching off words in thick pastel, working through an adolescent tragedy. A perfect combination of hand lettering and art—abstract, but not—for this particular memoir. Great use of metallic effects; the iridescent colors, but most of all that dense, dark, black hole, just sucks you in.

The Test For Time

Since answering Damon’s call in 2012 Benjamin has become an absolutely invaluable member of the team, and is now responsible for the delivery of everything that happens inside the book. His creative talent combined with his eye for detail ensure that every book that Damonza is involved with has the greatest possible chance of success. Just don’t forget us little people when you make it big. We take your completed manuscript and format it into a print-ready file. The file is delivered as a professional quality PDF in the appropriate format for all major book printers, including Kindle Direct Publishing and Ingram Spark. We’re happy to insert any of these elements into your book.

Design eBook Covers and Printable Book Covers With Ease

Otherwise, consider each detail, starting from the foreground and central elements to the background, if you want a complex image. Illustrations include graphics and graphic elements that designers create using various design software. This is the standard for professional book cover design. Many readers assume that book designers are also illustrators — but in the publishing world, they are very different jobs indeed. When it comes to books that require illustrations — picture books or cookbooks, for example — publishers and indie authors will turn to specialists.

Best Photo Book Maker for Beginners

What’s the most important element of the story—the thing that makes it unique—that will help a reader select the book? The setting where the book takes place or topic in history it covers? If the book is similar to a hugely successful blockbuster, think about ways you can subtly evoke that title without creating a cheap copy.

Now that you know the tools at your disposal to bring your cover to life, let’s get creative. In the next few sections, we’re going to show you what goes on in a professional designer’s mind when they’re working on a new project. You’ll get an insight into their process and hopefully be able to apply this methodology to your own design.

Most Aesthetic Photo Book Maker

Then you need to choose the right width to height ratio so that your design fits appropriately. Ever wondered what a book index is for, or how it's made? Read this post to take a peek behind the publishing curtain. From the first sketches, we reserved a safe area at the base of the illustration on which to accommodate the title without contrast problems. With a basic concept in place, you’ll want to make sure you know how you’re going to bring this idea to life. Use our editing grid to arrange the visuals into a balanced composition and ensure you’ve placed large enough margins to not have a cluttered design.

If you mislead readers (even unintentionally), they will be dissatisfied before even reading the entire book and (God forbid) leave a bad review. Turn your flat 2D image into a fantastic 3D book mockup to produce more professional-looking advertisements for your book. Each market has unique requirements and recommendations for book cover dimensions. Other designers also ask for your synopsis so they know what your book is about.

With this mockup, you get six wonderful layout files. The files are all organised in layers, which makes customisation easy. If necessary, there’s still time to make any tweaks to your design at this stage.

Two Designers, Two Countries, Two Covers: How Limitarianism Got Its Look - Literary Hub

Two Designers, Two Countries, Two Covers: How Limitarianism Got Its Look.

Posted: Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Encourage honest feedback, emphasizing that you seek constructive criticism. Selecting the appropriate design tools and software is a pivotal step in crafting an eye-catching book cover, especially for those venturing into design without professional expertise. Among the array of design platforms available, Canva stands out as an excellent tool, particularly for amateur designers.

The most reliable way to get a beautiful, commercially viable cover is to hire a professional. This is someone who understands current genre trends and knows how to leverage them while also producing an original design. On this page, we’ve collected the best of Reedsy’s articles on book design.

book covers design

Fortunately, the designers on Reedsy are some of the best in the business, and they’re excited to tackle your project. Imagine stunning, professional artwork perfectly tailored to your genre, from chilling thrillers to steamy romances and thought-provoking non-fiction. Each premade book cover is meticulously crafted by industry-savvy designers, ensuring your book leaps off the virtual shelf and demands attention in physical bookstores. Browse through Reedsy’s hand-picked community of book cover designers and ask for a free quote today.

Perhaps it’s adjusting the color scheme to evoke the desired emotions more effectively or refining the font for better readability. The general rule of thumb is that the more famous you are, the bigger your name will be on the cover. After all, STEPHEN KING is more enticing to readers than the words FAIRY TALE. But if you’re reading this, you’re probably not Stephen King, so make sure that your name doesn’t take up too much real estate.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Hawaii Cruises: Best Hawaiian Islands Cruise

hawaiin cruise

Sun hats, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen and water-friendly shoes are all must-pack items. Don't forget your camera (or waterproof case for your cellphone) and binoculars for whale watching. Lahaina is a major tourist destination for its restaurants, shops and boat tours, but ships must anchor and transport passengers to shore via tender boats. The area is also home to numerous waterfalls you can visit, such as Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, as well as black-sand beaches.

Oahu (Honolulu) Shore Excursions

Hike to Rainbow Falls on the Big Island, or through the lush Hana Rainforest on Maui. The best Hawaii cruises allow you to trek through the lush Hana Rainforest, or enjoy a more volcanic experience on the Big Island. Marvel at the lava flows of Kilauea, or savor the coffee that grows in the soil made fertile by millions of years of eruptions.

What to bring on a Hawaii cruise

Woman dead after bus hits group outside Hawaii cruise ship terminal - Yahoo! Voices

Woman dead after bus hits group outside Hawaii cruise ship terminal.

Posted: Sun, 14 Apr 2024 19:01:42 GMT [source]

On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples. This eight-day cruise aboard the 36-guest Safari Explorer begins in Kona, on the Big Island, with a champagne welcome from the captain. The next two days feature a hike up the slopes of Hualalai with a naturalist guide, night snorkeling among Giant Pacific Manta rays, and plenty of opportunities for swimming or kayaking. On Maui, guests can stroll through historic Lahaina, snorkel among coral and sea turtles, or kayak in a marine sanctuary. Lanai is the next island, where guests can paddleboard or kayak past 1,000-foot-high sea cliffs, go snorkeling, or visit the quaint Lanai Culture and Heritage Center.

When do cruises go to Hawaii?

Canaletto is a relaxed setting with authentic Italian cuisine that is best enjoyed when shared. Once you've decided how you want to cruise Hawaii, you can seek out the best cruise fares so you're ready to say "Aloha!" to an incredible vacation when the right deal pops up. Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki. HONOLULU, HAWAIIHonolulu is breezy by day and all lit up after sunset.

Alaska and Hawaiian airlines are laying the groundwork for merger approval - Travel Weekly

Alaska and Hawaiian airlines are laying the groundwork for merger approval.

Posted: Wed, 10 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The ship then sails on to Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can indulge in wine tastings, e-bike tours, and ATV adventures in the Guadalupe Valley. This cruise aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess departs San Francisco in the late afternoon. Swimming pools, hot tubs, miniature golf, Discovery at Sea programs, movies, dancing, and shows ensure plenty to do during the four days at sea on the way to Hawaii. Shipboard programs for youths, teens, and families provide something for everyone. On the Big Island, guests can zipline through the rainforest or ride to the top of Mauna Kea, the world's tallest mountain. Next is Oahu, where activities include a tour of Pearl Harbor, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, and a tour of the only royal palace in the United States.

hawaiin cruise

You'll venture to four dazzling islands — including a full day and late evening in Honolulu to see the sights and experience its famed nightlife. And there’s so much to do while you’re at sea, like enjoying live entertainment, world-class cuisine, island-inspired activities and endless ocean views — plus it's all included in your cruise fare! Discover why the Travel Channel named us "Best Cruises to see Hawaii." And there’s so much to do while you’re at sea, like enjoying live entertainment, world-class cuisine, island-inspired activities and endless ocean views — plus it's all included in your cruise fare! This trip aboard the 4,905-passenger Quantum of the Seas offers passengers much to do during days at sea, including a surf simulator, bumper cars, a skydiving simulator, and a 360-degree observation deck. After departing Vancouver, British Columbia, the ship spends four days at sea before it arrives in Lahaina, Maui, for a day of exploring.

Learn about Hawaiian history at the Mauna 'Ala royal mausoleum and the Iolani Palace, or Hawaiian culture at a luau or the Polynesian Cultural Center. Oahu is the turn-around port for Pride of America, so travelers should consider a pre- or post-cruise stay to see the sights. Water sports are also a big draw, whether that's surfing Hawaii's waves or snorkeling with green turtles in Maui. Kayak out to sea or along Kauai's Wailua River, or try your hand at kite-surfing or stand-up paddleboarding. For a more chill afternoon out on the waves, consider a whale-watching cruise, sunset sail or scenic boat ride along the Napali Coast. The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria.

Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam bring the World Stage experience to the next level by surrounding you in spectacular sight and sound with a two-story, panoramic LED screen. This popular bar is at the top of the atrium and is the perfect locale for cocktails and dancing. Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges and gathering places onboard. All selections are included in your cruise fare unless otherwise noted on the in-room menu. Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce.

The combination of coconut palms, ice-cold cocktails, gorgeous beaches, and the beauty of the underwater world offers the perfect escape for couples. Learn about the latest ships and destinations by browsing hundreds of questions (and the answers to those questions) posted by real cruisers. If you happen not to find what you’re looking for, you can even post a question of your own. Go for bigger, bolder Polynesian adventures filled with sunset surfing and evening luaus in the Aloha State. Royal Caribbean® returns to Hawaii with two revolutionary Quantum Class ships, Ovation of the Seas® and Quantum of the Seas®. Personalize your cruise experience with our free mobile-friendly tool.

If you dock in Kauai, you can drive along the seemingly hidden Napali Coast. Even in Maui, which has become more popular, "secret" beaches (and red ones, like Kaihalulu Beach) provide respite from the crowds. No trip to Oahu is complete without paying your respects to the victims of Pearl Harbor at the USS Arizona Memorial. You should also learn about Hawaii's Polynesian heritage at Honolulu's Iolani Palace, the former home of the long-ruling Kamehameha dynasty. Hawaii is the United States' most volcanic state, but your experience doesn't have to be death-defying. Daredevils will want to get up close and personal with the active lava flow of Kilauea, but you could instead hike up Mauna Loa, which is extinct.

The best way to sample this Hawaiian favorite, however, is in bowl form. There are several varieties of poke, with modern versions substituting avocado and spicy mayo for classic accompaniments like seaweed and rice. Seafood is an important part of the Hawaiian diet, but there's so much more to enjoy. Visit Hawaii and prepare for a feast like no other, with nods to Polynesia, Japan and even the American heartland. While some best practices (like not walking too close to volcanoes) are obvious, be aware of lesser-known laws. For example, it's actually illegal to hike Honolulu's popular Haiku Stairs.

Dates, prices, amenities, and itineraries vary, so picking a cruise requires some planning and research. That's always part of the fun, and we hope this list will inspire you to get started. For fewer sea days, sail from Honolulu to Vancouver on the 462-passenger Seabourn Odyssey. Seabourn’s 11-day Hawaiian itinerary includes stops in Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island and requires just six sea days, plenty of time for playing cards, lounging by the pool, and relaxing at the spa.

Best Things to Do in Grand Turk in One Day

grand turk cruise port

Head as far down the path as you can go and you’ll find a large group of loungers (near the whale sculpture) with hardly any other people — even on busy days in port. If you just can’t live without your Starbucks, then Grand Turk is the spot for you. While many cruise ships offer Starbucks beverages on board, finding them in port is usually another story. But the port area features a full-fledged Starbucks (painted a very noticeable pink). That’s in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, about 200 miles away.

Grand Turk Cruise Center

Located just a short walk from the cruise dock, Jack’s Shack is only 540 yards north of the Cruise Center. Pillory Beach is one of the quieter beaches located north of Cockburn Town. Away from the crowds at the other beaches, this is a place to come if you’re seeking solitude or somewhere quiet to read a book. If Christopher Columbus did first land at Grand Turk, this would have been the beach where he arrived. Don’t forget to hit up all of the boutique stores to shop for souvenirs and gifts for you and your loved ones.

Restaurants and Dining

Then you’ll reach another stable where you’ll don a life preserver and your horse will be refitted with a water-suitable saddle. Grand Turk was only one of three islands in the Turks and Caicos that produced salt. Turks and Caicos had one of the world’s first and largest salt industries. Enjoy an array of exhibits, including the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest European shipwreck excavated in the western hemisphere.

Margaritaville at Grand Turk

The facility operates with two high-pressure waves producing a 3-inch layer of water moving at high speed. Best described, the cruise port of Grand Turk, in the Turks and Caicos island chain, is a sensory overload for your eyes. Pastel-colored limestone buildings “pop” before the sparkling coastline waters and sand. The beautiful water and native plants enhance the landscape canvas like a world-class painting, yours for the day. Our Holland America ship was the only one in port, so we could secure prime seats by the Margaritaville pool and enjoy the serene island tunes.

Like most cruise ports in the Caribbean, Grand Turk features a dedicated port area that’s enclosed and offers a number of amenities to cruise passengers. Aside from the Caribbean’s largest Margaritaville, the Grand Turk cruise port is home to a handful of other restaurants and food shacks. It is also easy to walk to a couple of other casual eateries along the beach. The island is small and easily explored in just a few hours both independently and with a cruise line-operated shore excursion.

Dining and Restaurants

THE 25 BEST Cruises to Grand Turk 2024 (with Prices) - Grand Turk Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

THE 25 BEST Cruises to Grand Turk 2024 (with Prices) - Grand Turk Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:37:55 GMT [source]

Indulge in some retail therapy at charming boutiques, grab a coffee at Starbucks, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the day. Explore popular shops like Effy, Piranha Joe’s, Ron Jon Surf Shop, and Swarovski for a memorable shopping experience. The Turks and Caicos National Museum in Cockburn Town is located just a 10-minute drive from the Grand Turk cruise port and will offer you the islands’ history and culture. This captivating museum offers intriguing insights into the history of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line opens for booking Carnival Spirit ship's schedule 2024-2025 from Mobile...

Don’t worry about being under the harsh sun all day long; some parts of the beach are lined with trees that offer you natural shade. If you need diving or snorkeling gear, the Boho Dive Resort rents out such gear. If you are looking for a bit of excitement and have always wanted to surf but never had the chance to, or was afraid of the ocean’s mighty waves, try the FlowRider. Located on the giant swimming pool at the cruise center, the FlowRider offers a surfing experience almost as exhilarating as the ocean. Go on a catamaran boat ride and visit deserted islands and interact with the beautiful marine life.

Most ATV excursions leave from right outside of the Cruise Center. You’ll be outfitted with a helmet and goggles and your own four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. Starting from the Cruise Center, you’ll board a catamaran and set sail for a dreamy deserted beach. If you love to shop-until-you-drop, the Cruise Center is a convenient location with many unique offerings. Here are some of the main attractions you can find when you port in Grand Turk.

grand turk cruise port

The Grand Turk retail outlet also hosts many items from local artisans, including handmade baskets, sailboats, and more. It’s basically the same menu at all of Jimmy Buffet’s restaurants, but if you plan to go back and forth to the ship all day, it’s convenient. Of course there’s good ol’ Margaritaville back at the Cruise Center. Great for those less adventurous or prefer to stay close to the cruise port. Jack’s Shack has become the afternoon escape from the hub-bub and tackiness of Margaritaville at the Cruise Center.

While loungers are first-come, first-served, anything else that you need can be rented. This includes snorkel gear, foam mats, clamshell loungers that offer shade, and you can also buy sunscreen and water. There’s a small convenience store right next to the beach rental booth. The cruise port is in Zone A, and downtown is in Zone B. The trip costs $5 per person one way. The area north of the pier (to the left as you enter) features a sandier bottom that’s more forgiving on your feet.

The Cruise Center has an astounding 45,000 square feet of shopping including Diamonds International, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Tanzanite International, and Colombian Emeralds. There are also locally crafted souvenirs and gifts available to purchase as well as 10,000 square feet of duty-free shopping. There are a few eBike rental companies right outside of the Cruise Center terminal.

In February and March, this is also a popular spot for whale watching. There are many shops, restaurants, and bars located within the Cruise Center boundaries, including the largest Margaritaville in the world. The beautiful Cruise Center Beach fronts the complex, and is one of the nicest cruise port beaches in the region. There is a duty-free mall right at the cruise-ship center, where you’ll find the usual array of upscale shops, including Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, the largest Margaritaville in the world, and Piranha Joe’s.

Monday, April 1, 2024

Super Cruise: Hands-Free Driving, Cutting Edge Technology

cadillac super cruise

The V6 receives an EPA estimate of 21 mpg combined on regular gas, breaking out to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for front-wheel drive or 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for all-wheel drive. The more efficient four-cylinder is estimated at 23 mpg combined city and 27 highway, 21 city and 26 highway for FWD or AWD, respectively -- but sips more expensive premium fuel. That means the I4 is more expensive to operate annually than the V6, according to the EPA's cost calculation tools.

Precision LiDAR Map Data

Admittedly, the lanes around my neck of the woods are a touch narrow, but I'd love it if a future version of Super Cruise allowed me to tweak or trim lane-keeping margins on either side. To be sure, GM says it is approaching the concept of hands-free driving as safely and cautiously as it can. Miller contrasts this approach with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving, which still retains its status as a beta product despite being available to over 400,000 Tesla owners in North America.

GM Expands Super Cruise Network to 750,000 Hands-Free Miles, Largest in North America

When most people envision a "self-driving car," they are thinking of Level 4 or Level 5. Level 4 mostly drives itself but requires a driver override in specific circumstances. Level 5 is the purest definition of autonomy, a vehicle without a steering wheel or pedal. When Super Cruise is off, the light bar on your steering wheel will be off and the Super Cruise symbol on your Driver Information Center will also be off.

GM is preparing for another major expansion of its hands-free Super Cruise system - The Verge

GM is preparing for another major expansion of its hands-free Super Cruise system.

Posted: Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

New Tesla Model 3 Performance Details Leak Online

The entry-level XT6 Luxury is powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. Its 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque are adequate, but I'd recommend bypassing this trim entirely in favor of the Premium Luxury model with its torquier V6 engine, as it feels like a better match for this 198.8-inch long, three-row SUV. It is recommended that you download your current lightbox contents and clear its assets to add more. For your security, please don't include personal info such as phone number, address or credit card details.

Dude, where’s my self-driving car?

Learn how Super Cruise works and how to use it responsibly on vehicles equipped with this feature. Once you are ready for Super Cruise to steer again, center the vehicle in the lane and wait for the steering wheel to turn green. If equipped with Lane Change on Demand, you are able to prompt the system to change lanes for you. You need to take control to steer around a traffic situation or object, merge into traffic, exit the highway, make a turn, or stop for crossing traffic or a traffic light, stop sign or other traffic control device. For its mapping data, GM contracts with a Michigan-based company called Dynamic Map Platform, which operates a fleet of vehicles that scan “every mile of road” using lidar laser sensors, Craig said. Those maps are then fed back into GM’s central system, which pushes out quarterly software updates to ensure each vehicle is operating with the most updated version of the map.

cadillac super cruise

Safety or driver-assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information. The world’s first true hands-free driver assistance feature for the highway. The Super Cruise† feature is available, with the OnStar Safety and Security Plan, on 2018 CT6 models produced on September 6th, 2017, and later. Technically, Cadillac is ow including divided highways that have limited intersections and traffic control devices.

To ensure the system is as safe as possible, GM also uses high-precision GPS and a Driver Attention System that uses a camera to ensure the driver is watching the road. If the car detects a driver is not paying attention, Super Cruise will deactivate, making it far harder to trick than Tesla's Autopilot. With an ever-growing network, select eligible Cadillac vehicles can travel on over 400,000 miles of compatible roads throughout the United States and Canada, including both divided and non-divided highways.

DOES THE SUPER CRUISE SYSTEM TURN MY CAR INTO AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE?

Last year, Cadillac expanded the availability of Super Cruise with an additional 70,000 miles of compatible roadways in the United States and Canada. The update, sent to customers over the air, brings the total number of highway miles Super Cruise is compatible with to more than 200,000. Super Cruise functioned near-flawlessly on both highways, keeping the car in its lane and changing lanes upon request. On only one occasion, a vehicle suddenly cut over into the lane ahead of us, causing Super Cruise to get nervous and ask for driver intervention. Overall, we'd say the system works brilliantly, and we'd trust it on a long trip. With Lane Change on Demand (offered on select 2021–2023 Super Cruise-equipped vehicles, excludes 2022 and 2023 XT6), Super Cruise can steer to perform a single lane change under certain conditions when requested by the driver.

DRIVER ASSISTANCE

The Cadillac CT5-V With Super Cruise Is a Future I Can Support - Motor1

The Cadillac CT5-V With Super Cruise Is a Future I Can Support.

Posted: Fri, 12 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Until now, the Super Cruise system could only be activated on divided highways with no traffic control devices. Super Cruise is GM's name for a driving assistance feature that keeps a vehicle in its lane without driver intervention. Combined with the radar adaptive cruise control, drivers in Super Cruise-equipped vehicles can drive on the highway without using their hands or feet. Cadillac recently introduced Enhanced Super Cruise with the ability to change lanes automatically.

Do not remove your hands from the steering wheel unless the light bar is green, which indicates that Super Cruise is steering the vehicle. To disengage Super Cruise, press the Super Cruise button again or press the brake pedal. General Motors may be struggling when it comes to fully autonomous driving, but the company is still feeling bullish about the future of hands-free driving.

The 2023 Cadillac XT6 starts at $48,790 for the base front-drive Luxury spec, including the $1,195 destination charge. I'd recommend starting at the Premium Luxury trim level with its better V6 engine and optional Super Cruise, starting at $54,190 or $56,190 with all-wheel drive. Super Cruise works as well here as it did when it debuted back in 2018 on the CT6 sedan, rounding bendy highway segments confidently and reacting predictably to changes in traffic. However, the larger XT6 feels like it crowds the left edge of the lane, which makes it difficult to get truly comfortable in the heavy traffic situations where the tech would be most useful.

The Super Cruise system will know that an intersection is coming and will tell the driver to take control of the vehicle, virtually disengaging itself until the intersection has passed. GM initially mapped out over 130,000 miles of limited-access freeways, recently adding over 70,000 miles of divided highways in the US and Canada. A website lets owners plug in their ZIP code to find compatible roads nearby. After the latest fatal accident involving a Tesla vehicle, we thought it would be a good time to talk about driver-assistance features, particularly semi-autonomous systems like Autopilot. Many people misunderstand the limitations of these systems, as evidenced by the litany of accidents. Despite popular belief, Tesla's Autopilot is not a dedicated "hands-free" system where drivers can remove their hands from the wheel.

However, Cadillac forces customers to add it as part of a pricey $8,850 bundle with adaptive cruise control, magnetic ride control, and many unrelated features. This package is only available on the Premium Luxury trim and above, starting at $84,890. Living in Orlando, Florida, we were eager to take the Escalade on the infamous I4 highway to test Super Cruise.

But starting with its model year 2023 vehicles, the company started adding nondivided state and federal highways, which are sometimes called routes — main roads that connect smaller cities and towns. That includes popular roads like US Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, the Overseas Highway, and the Trans-Canada Highway. Super Cruise™† is the first true hands-free driving technology for compatible roads.

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