HAVING WORDS IN THE BEDROOM

Who chooses the words for products and furniture that display words on them - surely someone must check the appropriateness of words?

SPAIN IN CRISIS 1: BARCELONA AIRPORT.

One of the Thisisvalencia team had to fly to Barcelona from France on Tuesday - this is what terminal T1 looked like. It seems that after the successful strike in Terminal T2 Barcelona-El Prat airport last week, the cleaners did it again, moving the action this time to Terminal T1. About 280 workers were protesting against the change in working conditions in Vareser the company responsible for the cleaning of Barcelona Airport. Specific claims by the staff include non-payment of public holidays,holiday shifts working conditions not applying to new hires, and wages.

HELLO AGAIN!!

Wow! It's been a long time since this has been updated! But we're back now and we are going to try to update very regularly - the plan is at for least three updates a week! If you have a photo or a story or an event you think we should mention on these pages please mail us on info(at) thisisvalencia (dot) com.

What a difference a caption makes

When my friend M sent me the newspaper cutting here, I was reminded yesterday of one of my first jobs in design.
The job was a new timetable for an airline I was working for. It was years before the days of computer aided design, so I worked with a pot of Cow Gum and a spreader, pasting little bits of paper with flights, times and destinations onto art-boards. A very tedious job.
A week later the printed timetables arrived and, to my horror, I realised I had pasted the incoming flights onto the outgoing pages and the outgoing on the incoming. Thanks to a very understanding printer, who allowed me to return the bad copies and reprinted the job correctly overnight, no one was any the wiser!
The designer of daily free newspaper ADN (Monday's edition) won't have been so lucky - as the paper hit the street with this wrongly captioned photo. (caption reads The Prince and Princess, with their daughter Leonor on 7 June last year in Madrid)
The Spanish Royal family can be very touchy in matters such as these!

Jasper Johns at IVAM

A Major retrospective of the works of Jasper Johns, many on public display for the first time, are on show at IVAM, Valencia's trailblazing modern art museum. About a hundred works, consisting of pieces that span fifty years of one of the most enthralling and hallowed careers in the world of contemporary art. It includes paintings from American and European museums (National Gallery of Art, Washington; MFAH, Houston; Whitney Museum, New York; The Broad Art Foundation, Santa Monica; Milwaukee Art Museum; Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; Tate, London, among others), and from private collections which show the evolution of an exceptional oeuvre. The presence of these works is completed by a substantial loan from the artist which includes, among other pieces, the largest sculpture that he has made, created in 2007 and never previously exhibited.
Many of the works – a mixture of all techniques – which feature in this exhibition focus on the numbers and letters that have appeared recurrently in his work during more than half a century. Symbols of non-verbal communication are present in his paintings, prints and sculptures. In a process based on repetition, the artist shows the importance of the constant development of thematic registers.
Jasper Johns was born in 1930, in Allendale, South Carolina. He is unquestionably one of the foremost artists in the world of contemporary art. He is a tireless searcher who from the outset reacted against Lyrical Abstraction and Abstract Expressionism and remained faithful to a kind of aestheticism, drawing his inspiration from the history of art. Driving back the limits of art, he has included his own roots and those of humanity in his work, together with his knowledge and his fondness for the past. To quote a reflection made by an art historian, he is one of the last American painters who has retained “the aroma of the old Europe”. Jasper Johns is recognised now as an indisputable, emblematic figure of art, and his work, which played a decisive role in the birth of Pop Art and its consequences, also lies at the origin of many other innovations in the world of art.
Well worth a visit.

TP 52 Worlds 2010

photos ©2010 Tim Birch

Valencia, 9 October 2010

Watching the crew line-up for the TP52 Worlds was a bit like reporting on the America’s Cup, so many names and faces were familiar. And of course, the America’s Cup Port venue and the waters off Valencia played their part in supporting this feeling.

Paul Cayard was sailing aboard Artemis, the Swedish yacht helmed (yes, helmed) by businessman Torbjorn Tornquist. Jochen Schueman, the German Olympic sailor (and former skipper of Team Alinghi) was steering Audi/All4ONE, whilst Terry Hutchinson, tactician aboard Team New Zealand, took the helm of US entry Quantum Racing.

Thanks to a Franco/German alliance, no less than 8 nations were featured in the championship which, due to an unfortunate earlier incident, left host nation Spain without a representative. Their yacht Bribon was severely damaged in a collision with Audi/All4ONE and could not be repaired in time for the start of the regatta. Nevertheless, Valencia provided a welcome mix of weather conditions which saw Argentina’s yacht Matador going into the last day just 3.5 points behind Quantum Racing.

After a two-hour delay, a 6 – 8 knot easterly set in and racing got under way.
The Russian yacht Synergy, steered by Eugeni Neugodnikov showed good speed off the line heading left. Artemis had a fine start and headed right. When these two crossed, Synergy had to duck behind Artemis. Meanwhile Bigamist, the Portguese entry steered by Afonso Domingos, continued out to the right and crossed the fleet coming into the top mark. Matador was over the line early and had to tack back, giving Quantum Racing the perfect opportunity to watch their every move. Their aggressive covering held Matador down in seventh place going into the first downwind leg and only some tactical sailing allowed them to reel in the American yacht before they rounded the bottom mark. During the final beat, Quantum racing carried Matador far out to the right “almost to Ibiza” quipped one of the cameramen. They rounded the top mark eighth and ninth, both carrying protest flags and followed closely by the on-water judges.

Bigamist led the fleet home to claim her first win of the regatta, followed by Audi/All4ONE, Cristabella (the first British yacht), Artemis and Synergy.
As Quantum Racing crossed the line just behind Matador, Terry Hutchinson ordered the removal of their protest flag and the Argentines generously applauded their well-deserved victory. Just 2 points separated these boats after nine races. Just 1 point separated the next four yachts but Synergy had done enough to hold onto her 3rd overall.

1 Quantum Racing USA 31.5
2 Matador ARG 33.5
3 Synergy RUS 41
4 Artemis SWE 41
5 Audi/All4ONE GER/FRA 41.5
6 Cristabella GBR 42
7 Bigamist POR 51.5
8 Pace GBR 72
9 Weapon of Choice GBR 76.5

Mike O’Neill

Kasabian

Kasabian, originally uploaded by beadyeye.

Anita Darling and partner in crime PJ are at Heineken FIB Benicassim, reporting live with great pictures at flickr and tumblr and they're also tweeting live

What a weekend in Valencia

It has been quite a weekend here in Valencia - The F1 Grand prix took place on the Valencia Street Circuit- loathed by aficionados but pronounced a triumph by Bernie Eccleston. It was a warm weekend, Sunday was a particularly hot day, apparently 3º hotter than last year and that was August!
Gay Pride had their annual parade in the city on Saturday night followed by a concert featuring mainly drag acts. We got to see the parade but after a day's sight seeing with visitors from the UK, a quiet dinner at home was the favoured choice, friends who did go said the concert was good but the atmosphere was great!
We met up with friends at the Guinness House to watch the England/Germany match - one of the friend's we were meeting texted ahead to say that Hamilton and Button had come second and third in the Grand Prix, a good omen- but I pointed out that a German had taken first place- not such a good omen.
We are just putting the finishing touches to two other big events this summer Fib Heineken Benicàssim - Our own Anita Darling will be there, this year in the company of ace photographer Pj; they'll be reporting on a daily basis on thisisvalencia and on thisisfib.tumblrand they'll be twittering too - so don't forget to follow!
La Tomatina takes place on the last wednesday August whis this year is the 25th, we ran a great luxury bus tour to this whacky food fight and we're taking bookings now clock on the headline for more info.

An Air show above the beach at Malvarossa, Valencia

Valencia hosts on 12th and 13th June, the VII City of Valencia International Air Show, a festival that, over the years, has gained a great reputation thanks to the skill of the participants and the setting over the beautiful Playa de la Malvarrosa beach.
At the six previous editions, some of the most representative figures from the world of national and international aeronautics in its different forms have taken part in this event. This latest edition features new spectacles for spectators and fans of aerial acrobatics.
Last year's show was a great hit with sailing aficionados, and this year boats will be allowed to moor at sea to enjoy the City of Valencia Air Show. Sailing enthusiasts will find the mooring plans from the Valencia's Royal Air Club webpage. http://www.realaeroclubvalencia.es

WNBR at Puente de Flores in Valencia

P6052393, originally uploaded by beadyeye.

June 06, 2010 — World Naked Bike Ride in Valencia June 05 2010.
They left from the Festival Alternativa in the river park Turia and cycled around the city protesting about not only the traffic but Rita Barbera's plans for Cabanyal.
Here we see them getting ready

WNBR World Naked Bike Ride Valencia2010

June 06, 2010 — World Naked Bike Ride in Valencia June 05 2010.
They left from the Festival Alternativa in the river park Turia and cycled around the city protesting about not only the traffic but Rita Barbera's plans for Cabanyal.
Here we see them coming out of the Plaza Ayuntamiento past the Plaza de Toros where, coincidentally a Ninja Flashmob is about to start.

WNBR World Naked Bike Ride - start

The start of the World Naked Bike ride in Valencia yesterday - It left from the Festival Alternativa in the Rio Turia Park and took a route around the city past the Ayuntamiento (town hall) and the Station, where, coincidentally a Ninja Flash Mob was just about to take place - check out that video too!

Ninja Flashmob Valencia 2010

Not quite the expected 700 participants but good fun all the same!

Valencia - What's on in the coming days

With Easter on our doorstep and spring (and high pollen count) in the air, there is a wealth of things to do in Valencia this month and next.
The solemn marches and processions of Semana Santa take place over the next few weeks in Cabanyal, the maritine suburb of the city, down by the port. They are quite moving to watch and these are the biggest outside of Seville. There are also processions in Sagunto if you want to make a day of it and take in the Magnificent Roman Castle too.
Also down at the beach from the 9-11 April is the wonderfully colourful 13th edition of the annual Kite Festival - Great fun for all the family and free!
A few euros buys you vouchers that not only get you in to the Mostra de Vinos by the Calatrava Bridge in the Park Rio Turia, but also entitle you to wine tastings and food sampling. A very inexpensive way to try some of the great wines (and Foods) of the region of Valencia, just don't go down, like we did last year, at lunchtime, because all of the food stalls were closed!! And we'd gone for lunch!
Dance and Ballet fans should check the press from now until early May for some wonderful performances and artists appearing for the International Dansa Valencia - check thisisvalencia.com for full listings.
The lights go out for the night in Valencia as part of the Global initiative,Earth Hour at 20:00h on Saturday 27th March.
Finally, Cirque du Soleil Fans will not want to miss Saltimbanco at the Velodrome from 14-18 April.

Campanar Nou and their 600,000 euro Falla

It was announced this morning that Campanar Nou's 600,000€ masterpiece (pictured above) came second to Convento Jerusalem's latest work costing only half - we'll have pictures of it for you tonight. Fallas, meanwhile is hotting up with the wonderful spectacle of the ofrenda starting today, 150,000 costumed women (falleras) parade though the streets to the cathedral to offer flowers to the Virgin.

Line up additions to Benicassim

Heineken Fiberfib at Benicassim, the most famous of the summer festivals in Spain, announced additions to the growing line up today - Echo and the Bunnymen, Hot Chip and Ellie Goulding are amongst the new names - the festival takes place from the 15 - 18 July and the line up is now - Vampire Weekend + Leftfield + Dizzee Rascal + The Cribs + Echo and the Bunnymen + Foals + Four Tet (live) + Hot Chip + Ian Brown + Ilegales + Klaxons + Mumford and sons + PiL + The Specials + Sr Chinarro + Benga + Calvin Harris + The Courteeners + Cut Copy + Dirty Projectors + Ellie Goulding + Jonston + Magnetic Man + Scratch + Perverts + Skream + Southern Arts Society + The Temper Trap + Triángulo de Amor Bizarro + Two door Cinema Club + Yacht & the Straight Gaze + Yuksek.
For travel and general information and more news as we get it, click on the headline, or go to twitter.com/thisisfib

Terry Gilliam Loves Mascletàs!

Terry Gilliam is in Valencia today to look for locations for his latest production 'The Man Who Killed Don Quixote'. He was accompanied to a Mascletà, the midday firework display of noise that takes place each day in the Plaza Ayuntamiento during Fallas, by members of the Valencia Film Office and was said to be very impressed. The movie, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, about a man who time travels between the present day and 17th century La Manchahas been beset with problems since its conception and has been the subject of a documentary 'lost in La Mancha.

Las Fallas

Las Fallas is almost upon us. It officially starts on the 15th of March and ends on the night of 19th March with La Cremà - when the entire city appears to be on fire. For a full description and everything you need to know about the wonderful Festival click on the headline.
All Photos ©2008/9/10 Diana Birch

Google Transit comes to Valencia

Google have launched Transit for Valencia, It's a nifty bit of kit that allows you to plan your route around the city by public transport. You simply type in your departure and arrival points and it tells you how far you will have to walk to the nearest bus or metro stop and the same for your destination - all very impressive we think!
Try it here

AMERICAS CUP 33, 2010 Summary

Larry Ellison and Members of the crew collect the Cup in a ceremony by Veles e Vents on Sunday evening

On St. Valentine’s Day 2010, the crew of BMW Oracle, with skipper James Spithill and CEO Russell Coutts, achieved owner Larry Ellison’s ambition to win the America’s Cup.

That it took two and a half years and a reputed 300 million dollars to reach this objective speaks volumes for the man and for the determination of his rival Ernesto Bertarelli to hold onto the trophy. Despite all the allegations and court appeals, BMW Oracle stood their ground and demanded the ‘Deed of Gift’ match be held in Valencia, not in Ras al Khaimah where Alinghi wanted to race.

When the two craft appeared in January, it quickly became obvious that this was to be no ‘normal’ America’s Cup match. Both multihulls were reputed to be capable of speeds in excess of 40knots (74km/h). Further, it seemed that Alinghi 5 was so light and so highly-loaded that she was unable to sail in winds over 15knots (28km/h) or with waves of more than 1 metre. BMW Oracle on the other hand was much heavier and capable of stronger conditions. She sported a wing mast that had cost over 5 million dollars, the price of a reasonable AC campaign ten years earlier!

Race 1 was due to take place on Monday, February 8 but was delayed until Friday due to variable wind direction. The two multihulls came together in the starting area and Alinghi, with Bertarelli at the helm, incurred a penalty. BMW Oracle, skippered by James Spithill, stalled before the start and Alinghi sailed away into a 660 metre lead. Their joy was short-lived as the American boat overtook them on the 20 mile beat and extended their lead all the way to the finish. The start of Race 2 was delayed until five minutes before the cut-off time and Alinghi, once more helmed by Ernesto Bertarelli, once more incurred a penalty. This time it was the Swiss boat which was late for the start and which then proceeded to overtake the Americans. BMW Oracle fought back and went on to win the race and the America’s Cup.

During Sunday evening’s press call, Larry Ellison confirmed that the Italian team Mascalzone Latino had been accepted as Challenger of Record for the 34th America’s Cup. The questions of when and where the series will take place are as yet undecided but Ellison declared: ”... There will be a completely independent jury, there will be completely independent umpires. It will be an independent group which manages the next America’s Cup and there will be a level playing field for all competitors.”

His remarks were prompted following the bitter legal battle with Team Alinghi over the allegedly high-handed and self-serving manner in which the original 33rd Challenge was set up by the Swiss Defenders. Even so Russell Coutts, when asked if Alinghi would be invited to take part in the next series said: “Of course we would like to see Alinghi back as a challenger. They are one of the best teams in this business, and they have proven that.”

Where next? It seems logical that Ellison would want to hold the next regatta in San Francisco, home of Golden Gate Yacht Club and close to his Oracle Corporation headquarters. But doubts have been raised as to how the San Francisco waterfront could accommodate all of the 11 to 14 challengers expected for the 34th America’s Cup series. A more likely venue would be San Diego, where BMW Oracle was extensively trialled before being shipped over to Valencia. Another possibility is Newport, Rhode Island where Cup matches were traditionally held until Australia II won in 1983.

When? To get the best possible entry level and to generate maximum interest in the event, the spring of 2013 would seem to be the earliest that a new series could be held. Apart from finding sponsors, the challengers would need time to learn what type of boat had been chosen for the next series and to prepare a budget based on the cost of building and campaigning the new craft.

Was it all worth it? Certainly Larry Ellison and his team will think so. Ernesto Bertarelli is probably still coming to terms with the reality of the situation and his future decisions could well be decided for him by key members of his team, who have remained remarkably tight-lipped during this whole event. But what about all the other challengers, their designers and supporters; how do they feel? Many lost their jobs 2 years ago when it became clear that nothing was going to be resolved quickly. And what about Valencia, whose leaders had the vision to create a magnificent new harbour; how must they be feeling now? A great deal remains to be written about this whole episode. Let us hope that lessons have been learned and that positive action is taken to protect the future of the America’s Cup and of this superb harbour complex in Valencia.
Good sailing,
Mike O’Neill