What every backyard should have

By Doug

Jul

31

You back yard can be like your home away from home. And if you plan it right it can be just like having a vacation resort in your own home. You backyard should bring you peace and serenity not headaches and work. Here are some things that every backyard should have to make it a fun and relaxing place to hang out, kick back, and enjoy some family fun.

Depending on how big your yard is, no matter what you will have to maximize your space. It’s just not realistic to think that every yard can hold a bevy of outdoor kitchen appliances. But every back yard can have amenities to fit the family that is using them. If you don’t have space for everything just choose what you think your family would use most. If you do a lot of your cooking outside you should think about the many options out there for built in gas grills.

They offer a great cooking experience. It’s like having a full kitchen outside. This may not work for you if you are more the grill over charcoal type of person. If you like that smoky flavor, a gas grill will not give you that option.

If you have children in your family, you should consider having something fun in the yard that they can play with. Consider investing in a trampoline or other type of toy. If a trampoline requires too much supervision for your taste, consider having a badminton net or even a tether ball pole. Having a little bit of the playground in your backyard can be really fun for friends and family alike.

Another option that will be relaxing is a hot tub spa for the yard. They offer great relaxing benefits and could add value to your home if and when you decide to sell.

Have a vacation in your own home

By Doug

Jul

29

What this economy and the current economic situation have done for us as a society is hopefully make up appreciate what we already have. Seriously do you we really need to spend all our time on the weekends in the mall or go out to eat every night of the week? Probably not.

We need to start appreciating what we already have in our lives and summer is a perfect time to spend with family. Summer, not matter if you reside in the country or the city, is all about food and fun. There is Fourth of July fun and cookouts, with fireworks galore. You need to take the time you have to spend with your family now and go back to simpler times.

The easiest way to go simple is to think how you can have fun in your own home. You should try and plan weekly activities to promote family togetherness. Start having a board game night every Wednesday or Thursday night and I’m sure you have some board games lying around the house. Go for classics like Clue or Pictionary. You could even break your family up into teams for a little friendly competition. Truth is all you have to do is spend a little time together.

Another thing you could do is spend some time in your own backyard. You don’t need a lot of fancy stuff, like a hot tub from choosehottubsdirect.com or a backyard pool. All you need is a game, something as simple as tag or hide and go seek are awesome games to play outside with your family.

The truth is its all about spending time together. It really does not matter what you do, it only matters that you are doing it together. You should have fun no matter what you do together.

Magnolia’s in New York

By Doug

Jul

28

It’s April and the magnolias are in bloom in Brooklyn and I’m fortunate enough to be staying at a New York USA Hotel at the moment, so off I go to Brooklyn’s Botanical Garden. All I had to do is follow my nose once I arrived on street level from the subway. Magnolia’s are sweetly scented and the Garden boasts of a Magnolia Plaza with 17 different varieties.

I found Magnolia Plaza to be a very elegant and formal garden. There where magnificent trees spread in front of the beaux arts Administration Building. The flowery aroma and the beautifully display of blossoms is a good sign that’s it’s spring. March, the magnolia bloom and cover the trees in a lacy white flower, but in April the Magnolia Plaza is loaded with splashes of yellow, ivory, pink and purple. They had another collection called the sweet-bay magnolia which releases it’s fragrant and flowers in June.

I was really in heaven strolling along Magnolia Plaza and getting to see a new hybrid called the Elizabeth. It was developed to be a vigorous tree that produces a yellow flower and easy to grow and handle with home gardeners. I also got to go on a guided tour and learned the history of the Magnolia Plaza. It was first planted in 1932, which included 80 magnolias, and was designed by Harold Caparn, landscape architect from 1912 to 1945. In 1933, an armillary sphere and a compass were added to Magnolia Plaza. The sphere is made completely of bronze and represents the celestial circles and constellations. Then a bronze gnomon goes through the center of the sphere which points north and casts a shadow inside the sphere which is used to tell time. It was also decided during this time that only trees and shrubs from the Magnolia family will be planted at the plaza.

I wish I could build my home here and have the Magnolia Plaza as my emulate backyard, but, in reality I only get this one day to enjoy a true treasure for magnolia enthusiast such as me.

United States venture capital picks up

By Doug

Jul

27

Venture capital is something that drives the marketplace of the United States. Without it, most businesses could not get their feet off the ground to make a difference in the marketplace with an amazing product. And because the United States economy has slowed, the market has seen less venture capitalists investing. But the Kansas City Business Journal has reported that

United States venture capital is on the rise again. In the second quarter, venture capitalists have invested about 5 billion dollars in roughly 600 deals. Despite the fact that the figure is about 40 percent lower than a year ago is just fine considering it is about a 30 percent improvement from the first quarter.

Where the industry is seeing a rise in venture capital funding is in healthcare and also information technology. The interesting thing is that this is the first time since records have started that the healthcare industry has been ahead of the information technology industry in venture capital gains.

Another interesting fact that was brought up in the article was that although the state of California is bankrupt, it still leads the venture capital activity for the second quarter. And the state almost always does lead the country’s economy in the number of deals that flow through the nation’s economy.

As far as venture capital goes, it’s not just for the big guys. Small time inventors align them self with firms like Absolutely New to get a piece of the venture capital pie. The company, founded by Steve Barbarich, is a venture capital that is funding consumer products and the patents for them. This company back products that it sees has the most potential to do well in the marketplace. They help small time inventors with their development and protecting their intellectual property.

Who knew that venture capital really makes the world go ‘round.

Feral Fruit Trees in Sydney

By Doug

Jul

27

I’ve decided what I will do for Earth Day, which is today. I will create a tree map of feral fruit trees during my travel through out Australia. I got this idea while I was staying at a Luxury Sydney Hotel. By happenstance, I was walking around the area by my hotel and spotted a Mulberry tree, quite a few of the Lilly Pilly trees, a rogue Passion fruit vine and a some surprising Warrrigal Greens, although it’s not a fruit, it’s still very edible. Spotting all of these edible and wild trees and plants made me want to use these as my way of showing how much nature is in our backyard, so-to-speak.

My classification of a feral fruit is any fruit the can be glean from a public space, like a park, overhangs from a fence or something along a roadside. They have to be free and hopefully organic. My concept for mapping the feral fruit trees is not original. I heard about it over at Milkwood. I believe it’s been something other people have been doing, if only in their heads, of ages. I remember that I always knew where all the feral mulberry trees and blackberry bushes were to be found in and around my neighborhood.

Even my brothers were called the Hunter-Gatherers by my parents and neighbors because they were always seen picking the berries and the fruit from the hedges and trees randomly growing. But, what I remember best about them was they knew where to find a good feral fig tree. Those fresh figs were so good to eat, yummy.

Now, to remember where the feral fruit trees are on my travels, I not only mark on my map where I noticed them, but if they were in season. I will use a traditional map and mark it with a pen. But, after I finish, I will use Google earth and share it with as many people who are interested in my feral fruit tree journey. I will invite people to share and add any feral fruit trees I will most definitely miss during my travels through Australia. There are already excellent feral fruit tree maps, but this won’t stop me from creating my very own. What a fantastic why to see a country.

James Giffen and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

By Doug

Jul

24

In the 1990s, according to the Justice Department, American businessman James Giffen had the title of counselor to the president of Kazakhstan. His job was to help with “priority investment projects relating to the exploration, development, production, transportation, and processing of oil and gas.” That made him hugely important in Kazakhstan and far beyond.  The last of the republics declaring their independence of the Soviet Union was Kazakhstan, this occurred in 1991.

The gas and oil reserves were abundant and, due to Kazakhstan’s independence,  these resources were now on the market for energy companies in the United States.  Four American companies acquired deals with the government between the years of 1996 and 1998, Texaco, Amaco, Phillips Petroleum and Mobil Oil.

In 2003, Giffen was indicted by the United States grand jury in the state of New York, for breaking the laws of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.  He was charged crimes that would include bribery, conspiracies that were intended to violate the laws of the FCPA, wire and mail fraud, failure in disclosing the bank accounts in foreign countries, and conspiracy to and participating in money laundering.  A list crimes that would send him to prison for eighty years.

Six years later he still has not gone to trial.  It seems that the oil and the gas interests in Kazakhstan may be too important to risk the implications.  Further investigation reveals that he had the full support of the U.S. government.

Much of the evidence surrounding his case is classified. Giffen is charged with 62 accounts of criminal indictment, however most of the information regarding his case is now top secret.  The details of the case are even hidden from Giffen, off limits to even himself.  This is a modern case of ‘who dunit’ and will continue throughout the months, perhaps the years ahead.

Bangalore’s Girish Karnad

By Doug

Jul

24

When savvy travelers are in the south of India, looking for luxury hotels, Bangalore resonates with a splendid sound.  Some of the finest hotels are here, and the amenities are delightful, making for a sumptuous travel experience.  The lodgings are really quite impressive, with a combination of new world innovations and old world charms, giving the guests a perfect place to hide away and rejuvenate the senses.  After a good rest, and an excellent meal prepared by our world-class chefs, venturing into the city of Bangalore is another treat and another feast for the body and spirit.  Bangalore is one of India’s largest cities, has one of the biggest universities in the world, and an impressive track record for technological developments.  It also has a very interesting and lively cultural scene.

One of its most visible writers, and one of the most celebrated living writers in the world, is Girish Karnad.  His fame is for his plays, but he is also a great actor, film director, and does voice work as the narrator of Karadi Tales, a very popular book on audio for children.  He is also a very renowned cultural critic, and speaks out very strongly in favor of freedom of expression.  His views have caused him to become the focus for several threats and attacks, but remains very staunch in his support for the right to speak freely.  His reputation is very strong in the literary world, and he holds a special place in the hearts and minds of fellow residents in Bangalore.

He was born in Maharashta in 1938, to a family that spoke Konkani.  In his early years, Girish Karnad was exposed to local theatrical performances, including works of Yakshanaga.  Yakshanaga is a form that continues to evolve, but its roots are very old.  It is often compared to opera, because of its use of song and dance to accompany the narrator in story-telling, but it is much more improvisational.  This is perhaps some of the source material for his playwriting inspirations, and his plays often make use of myths to make allegorical connections for the audiences.  Interestingly, he had aspirations to become famous as a writer of works in English, and even attended Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, and later went on to teach at the University of Chicago in the U.S. However, his muse did not speak to him in English, but in another language, Kannada.  He was the seventh to win the Jnanpinth award, India’s highest literary honor.

New York’s Trump Tower

By Doug

Jul

23

The city of New York, New York has many diverse elements that contribute to its name the city that never sleeps. It has one of the most recognized theatre and arts scenes in the world and it is also one of the financial capitals of the United States. It also has an incredible history, and many of the buildings and landmarks attest to this. One of the major landmarks of the city is not as relevant to the past as it will be as it goes down in history. This is Trump Tower, owned and developed by American business icon Donald Trump. Some of the boutique hotels New York are located in close proximity to this intimidating, though awe inspiring building.

Trump has been well known and respected for his business mind and prowess, though he rose to greater mainstream infamy due to his successful television series, The Apprentice. The series was first broadcast in 2004 and immediately became a popular hit. The original intention of the series was to bring together 16 competitors from across the country. They were to have diverse backgrounds and business related perspectives and come together to compete for the role of apprentice to Donald Trump. This was an incredible prize and would guarantee a year’s employment with a salary of $250,000. The series was developed by Mark Burnett who first gained success with the reality series Survivor.

Since its original season, there have been variations to the show’s themes and competition pool. One of the most popular versions is the Celebrity Apprentice in which Trump brings together various stars of different fields, including movie stars, comedians, sports stars, musicians and models among others. Some of the famous contestants have included Dennis Rodman, Joan Rivers, Nadia Comaneci and Jesse James, Annie Duke and Clint Black.

Shopping online

By Doug

Jul

22

The internet is a great place to get awesome deals. You should be careful however that you are buying from reputable websites with great reviews. Check with your friends and family to figure out what websites that they trust. It is just so easy to get taken advantage of online. Some sites do not care about customer service and it’s frustrating to be ignored when you have a problem with a product. You can always check business ratings on the Better Business Bureau website.

A great place to get reviews on individual products is Amazon. They carry products from their popular Kindle, the portable electronic book system, to music and workout DVDs and perfume. You can get unbiased customer reviews on the site that can be quite helpful. I have used these reviews several times to decide if I want to buy a specific product. These are real Amazon customers who have bought the products writing reviews. If you are using sites with reviews, you should make sure to do your part on the site and review products you have purchased from the website.

Customer service is so important when doing business, but especially when you do business online. Next Day Blinds has excellent customer service ratings for both their website and their stores. Next Day Blinds sells blinds and window coverings from their website and their showrooms. Their customers have spoken and have given Next Day Blinds a great reputation for customer service.

Always look at return policies for internet websites as well. A company that pays for return shipping is more likely to be helpful and provide quality customer service than those who do not. Shopping online can be very lucrative for customers and help you save money in the long run. Just make sure to do your research before you do so.

The Aviation Club of Dubai

By Doug

Jul

21

Dubai has a diverse population and its cultural institutions reflect this. The legal system is focused on respecting diversity of religion and various social groups. The area itself receives tourists from around the world, and also has citizens that come from various cultural and regional backgrounds. Some of the major entertainment and activity centers of Dubai reflect this. The five star hotels Dubai are also focused on making guests from around the world feel comfortable, relaxed and even pampered.

The Aviation Club of Dubai is often considered to be its premiere leisure facility and has many different services, entertainment aspects and various other features. There is even a state of the art fitness center available for the health conscious crowd that wishes to remain in shape while having a great time. There is a also a spa available for comfort and healing practices. The Sports Zone is a shop that is located near the gym and offers a variety of brand name sporting and fitness gear. There are many specific ethnic food options and cultural events that integrate various themes and traditions. The Century Village is the area in the center that houses most of the restaurants and eateries. Everything from sushi to a sandwich can be found there.

Sushi Sushi is one of the restaurants located in Century Village and offers what its name implies. It also features other options from a Japanese specialty menu. The restaurant is extremely user friendly and was one of the first in the UAE to feature a conveyor belt of offerings. The food is served on color coded plates, which reflect the cost of a particular item or entree. They are collected after the meal and the diner is then charged for the food based on the discarded plates. Sushi has become an extremely popular food in Dubai and is generally a hit for guests from all over the world.

The Arts, the Restaurants, and the Shopping in Sydney

By Doug

Jul

20

Many people travel to Sydney, Australia all year long.  Some to stay in the 5 star hotels Sydney has along the beaches for surfing and sun-bathing.  Some come for the tours through the Blue Mountains or the Hunter Valley wineries, both destinations just two hours from the city.  And some choose to travel to Sydney during the winter, for the incredible Winter Arts Festival wherein performers–musicians, dancers, and actors–as well as artists in the visual arts come from around the world and offer such an art scene all winter, that there is never a day without something incredible to experience.  At any time of the year, this is a vibrant and diverse city with various cultures and neighborhoods to sight-see, to shop, to party and to eat.

One of the areas of the city which houses many art galleries, antique and art dealers, pubs and cafes is Surry Hills.  This inner city neighborhood once was filled with slums, and known for the brothels and the gang activity, however it has transformed throughout the years into one of the most fashionable and funky destinations.  And for those looking for incredible discounts in the area of fashion, this is where one will find the garment district.  And once the shopping is finished, some of the finest and award winning restaurants are located in this neighborhood.  Paddington is another area of fashion, however the discounts will not be found in the shops.  This is one of the most wealthy of Sydney’s suburbs, and is filled with high-end boutiques and shops.  Many contain very artistic, hand-made, one of a kind items.  The area also has a wide range of diverse, and multicultural dining establishments.

Inner city west is where one will find the Little Italy district of Sydney.  There are many restaurants and eclectic bistros throughout the area.  For those seeking diversity in entertainment, the place to go is Kings Cross.  For a time, this area was much like the SoHo neighborhood in New York City, filled with writers, musicians, artists and bohemians, and much of the that feel remains through the neighborhood today.  In any of the neighborhoods throughout the city of Sydney, the diversity, the culture, is apparent and an incredible aspect of the city to experience.

Keep your home cool this summer

By Doug

Jul

17

Summer is all about keeping cool. From swimming in a pool, to lemonade coolers and popsicles, it is the time of year to keep cool and comfortable. And that also includes keeping cool in your home, not just outside.  Except air conditioning costs a lot more then a box of popsicles. And jut like you can shop around different grocery stores to find the best deal on a box, you can change how much you pay for your air-conditioning. There are some tools you can use and ways to make sure your summer cooling bills do not break the bank.

Turn your thermostat up. If you are not at home for most of the day then why cool your place for nobody? Keep your thermostat turned up when you are not home and you could save money on your cooling bill. There are even automated thermostats that you can set to only run the air conditioning at certain temperatures at certain times of day. So you don’t have to come home to a hot house after a long day at work.

Install window shades. Chances are you home has at least some sun exposure at some point in the hot summer day. And if you don’t have proper window coverings, your house could be heating up and fast! Blinds are a great way to keep your home cool. Next Day Blinds is a great resource for window coverings. Their website has so many choices that you are bound to find something that will fit your budget and style. Next Day Blinds also has show rooms if you are more into looking at things in person.

Keeping cool in the summer is easy if you have the right tools. So turn up that thermostat and make sure your blinds are properly installed so you can have a cool, comfortable and affordable summer.

Bangalore Benedictine Italian Cheese

By Doug

Jul

17

There are so many fascinating cities in India, and for 5-star hotels, Bangalore is among the finest.  The hotels here live up to the long tradition of hospitality here, and are absolutely first-rate for providing excellent technological amenities.  Guests here will be both relaxed and refreshed, and well-connected to the world at large.  Bangalore itself is an amazing place.  It has one of the largest universities in the world, a thriving economy, and a diversity of people and traditions.  The food is also excellent here, prepared by master chefs who have a solid knowledge of old and new traditions in world cuisine.

The local food is excellent as well, and there are many fine restaurants where the whole family can enjoy a meal.  There is also a place where Benedictine monks make Italian cheese.  There are many things that are unique to Bangalore, and this certainly counts among the more interesting.  Called Vallambrosa, which means, roughly, “valley of the shadow,” it is run by the knowledgeable and humble Father K. L. Michael.  When he was in Italy, doing his theological coursework, he became interested in the tradition of cheesemaking, and decided to start studying it.  After eight years in Naples, he returned to Bangalore and brought the craft with him.

The secret to good Italian mozzarella is buffalo milk, and Vallambrosa takes 160 liters of milk to make 40 kilograms of cheese every day.  It could certainly be more, because the demand for their cheese is very high, because the quality is superb, and attracts fine restaurants as well as expats living in Bangalore.  The six-person team is also charged with taking care of the monastery, so they are producing as much as they can, or even want.  The profits are all absorbed by the charitable trust, so it really is a labor of love.  Aside from mozzarella, they also make mascarpone, caciotta, ricotta, bocconcini, and pecorino.

Gastric bypass surgery

By Doug

Jul

15

Weight loss surgery is major and not something that should be taken lightly or without the proper recommendation from a doctor. People who have gastric bypass surgery are those who have to use the surgery as a last resort for significant weight loss.

People who are morbidly obese sometimes have gastric sleeve surgery before proceeding onto gastric bypass surgery. Unfortunately, gastric sleeve cost is a completely different expense then an eventual gastric bypass surgery.

Gastric bypass is the preferred weight loss surgery in the United States. Doctors believe gastric bypass surgery is the one with the least complications.  Gastric bypass requires that its patients make significant lifestyle changes.  Gastric bypass surgery is where the stomach is stapled across the top so it becomes sealed off from the rest of your stomach.

This allows only for about an ounce of food to be held in the walnut-sized pouch. This allows for the food to bypass your stomach, hence then name of the surgery, and the food, instead goes straight into the small intestine. This allows for fewer calories to be absorbed, resulting in weight loss.

Gastric bypass surgery can be performed by opening up the entire stomach, which is the traditional method for the surgery. Now more often the surgery is being performed or laparoscopically. Doing the surgery laparoscopically usually makes for a shorter hospital stay because it is far less invasive.  However, not everyone can have the less invasive type of surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery might be the most common form of weight loss surgery in the United States, but it is also among the most expensive. That is why medical tourism, Mexico, usually based surgery is becoming more and more popular.

By having gastric bypass Mexico based surgery most patients are able to save a lot of money compared to what they would pay for the procedure in the United States.

Gender Specific Teaching Styles in Independent Schools in Northumberland and Throughout the World

By Doug

Jul

15

There are many differences to the way men and women view and interpret the world around them, and such is true obviously of boys and girls.  This has a strong impact in the classroom, and teachers and administrators in independent schools in Northumberland, the UK and throughout the world are addressing this fact more than ever.  Now that it is a scientific fact that the anatomy of such senses, sight, and hearing and emotional response to the environment are anatomically, biologically different, the worry that it is a social or politically incorrect move to have some class coed and some gender specific, the benefits will fall on the children.  Boys and girls eyes are constructed differently, boys go for movement and girls focus on what is still.  This affects the way that the teacher should move around the room, simple but true.  Another way they differ is in the way the aural structure of the ear is ‘built’.

When someone raises their voice, a girl student will tend to hear it as yelling, signifying that they, or someone else just got in trouble.  For boys, no.  The female ear hears at a higher frequency, and is thus more sound sensitive.  Those teaching girl pupils should remain calm, talking relatively lower on the sound scale, while with boys the more enthusiastic and even excited one becomes, one captures and holds their attention.  Girls will respond to phrases of descriptions, to presentations in color and detail oriented.  Boys are also more attentive if they are moving around, there nervous system is built such that by staying in motion the blood flow increases in their brains and, they remain focused.  Girls on the other hand, when girls feel certain movements as a confrontational situation or a threat, the blood goes to their bellies and they feel nervous, decreasing their focus.  Girls work best seated and calm.  Boys love to take risks, sometimes beyond their ability level, whereas girls will often pass on the risks, and therefore miss out on all that they can achieve.  Learning should be maximized, and gender specific classes seek to do just that.

Don’t give up your summer vacation

By Doug

Jul

14

So everyone that has a job right now should be pretty thankful for it, because there are a lot of people struggling to find work in the current economy. However, that does not mean you still do not deserve to take your vacation time. Unless you seriously feel like taking your vacation time will hurt you in your job, you still need to take it. Because, let’s face it everyone needs a break.

Americans are notorious for not taking their vacation time. The only country that has less vacation time than Americans is workers in Mexico.  Vacation time is something that we all need.

However, there is a problem. With the economy, comes less expendable income. But you can still have an amazing vacation without breaking the bank on a backpacking tour of the world map.

Why not take a road trip or just have yourself a little staycation? There are probably many deals in your home town that you don’t even know about, it just takes some research. For example, I live in Phoenix and hotel deals are abound because it’s so freaking hot right now and people are not filling up the rooms like they would have in the past. Being a local here is great in the summer, you get amazing food at deeply discounted prices because businesses are trying to get people to venture outside and go out.

Another idea is to explore some of the local culture your city has to offer. Or grab a road map and do so in the next city or state nearest you.  There are a lot of things to explore in the very state you live in that you could get to on about one tank of gas probably.

Treks across the world globe are so last year. Discover what’s near you and avoid your daily routine for an amazing vacation.

Ibiza Attracts Celebrities and More

By Doug

Jul

14

There are four major Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Spain. These islands are Majorca, which is also the largest and most populated, Minorca, which is its slightly smaller neighbor, Ibiza, which is known not only for its great views but its incredible night life, and the smallest of the four, Formentera. While Majorca receives the majority of tourists, and is the most diverse in its population, which may be a component of its size and density, Ibiza is certainly popular, and for those seeking a wild party scene, it ranks as number one. Night clubs are prominent in most of the cities of the island, with San Antonio and Ibiza Town being the two major towns. There are also clubs and bars located on the popular beaches and throughout various regions. In addition, some of the best hotels Ibiza have their own bar or night club, and some are located conveniently close to or even on the beautiful beaches.

Of course, this is not the only thing offered on this island paradise. Ibiza is rich in cultural and plays a significant role in Spanish history. There are many ruins and landmarks that serve as monuments to testify to this. Tourism and Island officials are working toward drawing in a wider tourist population, and to do this they are emphasizing some of the more traditional and historically significant aspects of the island. Ibiza has seen many visitors, and some of them have been prominent social figures and celebrities. Paris Hilton, Penelope Cruz and James Blunt have all been spotted on this beautiful island, and James Blunt has recently purchased a new villa. Jade Jagger also has place on the island, a quaint 18th century villa and Kate Moss has been a regular visitor to it. Of course models, movie stars and musicians are not the only people that have been attracted to its clear waters and fabulous beaches. Artists are in love with the island and many painters are inspired by the scenic wonders and serene views.

Dubai Toy and Lighting Conventions

By Doug

Jul

14

Dubai is one of the major United Arab Emirate cities and is also one of the most internationally known and recognized. This is in part due to its diverse cultural aspects, as well as its progressive nature, and historical significance. The four star Dubai hotels provide not only fabulous accommodations, but also include live music in the lounge, great social gathering opportunities and resources on region events and landmarks.

Light Middle East is one of the more spectacular and unique festivals that occur in Dubai. It is the major festival in the Middle East for displays on state of the art architectural, theatrical and commercial lighting designs and technology. It offers conferences and seminars in lighting instruments and design as well as fabulous displays on the art. It provides the premier platform for contractors, consulting agencies design specialists and architects. This and many other technologically centered festivals contributes to Dubai’s status on the cutting edge of innovative design. It brings together many working professionals and offers great networking opportunities as well as the great displays it provides for attendees.

The festival is organized by Messe Frankfurt, which is the second largest exhibition organizer in the world. It has a global network that consists of 29 subsidiaries. It also organizes the Middle East Toy Fair, which is another major convention in Dubai. For 8 years it took place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center. Companies from over 30 countries attend the event to display their latest in educational and recreational toys. International trade agencies, markers toy designers are present to showcase, provide seminars and network. While this is a business oriented convention, it is also, and for obvious reason, popular with children. It’s also an excellent opportunity for parents to find out what will be hitting the markets in the near future, and get an early perspective on birthday and holiday gift lists.

The First Wine Festival in Bangalore, India

By Doug

Jul

13

Anyone traveling in Bangalore, India last week was able to witness a rare event, to participate in a first for the the city, and that was a public wine tasting festival, out in the open in the middle of a park.  Usually this is an activity that is reserved for the plush restaurants and hotels.  Bangalore, India’s families of the middle class strata were able to grab cups made of plastic and make their choice of white or red.  The event was held at the Lalbagh Botanic Gardens, and those in attendance were enthusiastic about this newly started tradition.  Local wineries and makers had predicted that they may sell a couple of cases, however more than twelve hundred cases were sold before the event was even half way over.

Many of the tables and stalls had sold out of their stock, and for the first time, some of the people of the city were actually drinking the wine in public, as the lines for the cups wound through the gardens at the stalls that still had some to sell.  This had been a taboo, an ago old no-no, but as the drinking of wine becomes touted as healthy, the citizens are definitely lining up.  Many who had never had a drink before in their lives came to try this new ‘healthy’ activity.  Some very traditional ideas still remained with some of the spectators not partaking in the tasting, however many were happy at the idea of the social restrictions being lifted.

As more westerners are moving to Bangalore, the society is seeing the trends change as far as the consumption of beer and wine are concerned.  Some of the bars are still required to close down by midnight, however other restrictions are changing such as the lowering of the cost of licensing for wine bars.  Western countries revel in their wine festivals, and the government had promoted this festival in the garden and modelled it after some of those.  Even the wine board was surprised at the number of people that came out to participate, and this could become a new tourist activity in future days in the country.

The Frindge of Melbourne

By Doug

Jul

13

The city of Melbourne is bordered by the Yarra River and is situated on Port Phillip Bay.  This is a planned out city that is a neat rectangle with gridded streets.  However conservative the plan for physical city appears, Melbourne is one of the most diverse, culturally artistic and energetic cities in Australia.  This is not the destination for those wanting to travel to the outback and take safaris surrounded by wild animals in old Land Rovers.  This is the destination for those looking for a great modern art gallery, a trendy club and a charming boutique hotel.  Melbourne is made of different districts, each with their own personality and charisma.  Some districts are small, comprising just one or two streets, while others span the banks of the Yarra.  One will always find surprises in each of the neighborhoods, however one thing is certain, the eclectic and artistic nature of the city and the locals is a given.  So if hip urban experiences are those one craves, Melbourne, Australia is the place.

Two districts lie on the fringe of the city that have become popular on the alternative and bohemian art scene.  These are Carlton and Fitzroy.  In either of these two places one is bound to find a piece of artwork or discover a band or musician, that will become ‘someone someday’.  Carlton is Little Italy in Melbourne.  This is where the universities are located, such as RMIT and the University of Melbourne.  There are several gardens and parks in Carlton as well as the Melbourne Zoo.  There are of course many restaurants and bars in this area, as well as specialty book stores, theaters and art galleries.  The Melbourne Museum offers many exhibits, as well as one specially curated for kids.

Fitzroy is the alternative hip enclave.  The buildings on the streets are filled with murals and public art, and there are many galleries and artists’ studios.  Each September this district is host for most of the venues of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.  There are many quirky and eclectic shops, everything from used record and book stores, to vintage clothing and furniture can be found in Fitzroy.  The bars offer everything, at any time of day, as well as do the restaurants, a pint in the morning or breakfast at 9 pm, it all can be found here.  Retro fashions and contemporary art can be seen a plenty on Gertrude Street, while the vegetarians in the group may want to head over to Smith and Johnston streets, where the healthy whole food restaurants are abundant.  In all one can find many things in the city of Melbourne and in the areas just surrounding.

The Best Restaurants of New York City

By Doug

Jul

13

The first bite of food I had in Manhattan, the first time I visited the city, will remain to be the location in my mind of one of the best restaurants.  New York City of 1996 in Times Square.  We walked into Ray’s Pizza after two days of no sleep and lots of time spent on planes.  There was a short line at the counter, and the man working behind it yelled at me, “You want garlic knots!?!”  I figured I’d better have garlic knots, even though I had no idea what they were.  I also ordered a slice of pie, in New York it’s called pie, not pizza.  We proceeded to our table with the red and white checkered table cloth.  Billy Joel was playing, “Piano Man” from the speakers and I took my first bite.  Now perhaps it was the lack of sleep, or the fact that I was in this city for the first time in my life, or that I was an actor ready to perform on 42nd Street, or maybe…the piece of pie was just that good, but I had tears in my eyes as I swallowed that first bite.  And my love affair with the city began.

I have looked for other ‘best’ places to find my favorites throughout different cities, but there is just something about New York.  Dim Sum in China Town, NY.   Now I’ve had Dim Sum in Los Angeles and Chicago and San Francisco, but the morning in New York was different.  I have no idea which restaurant we were in as the streets are winding and didn’t make sense in my head.  But we were in a big, cafeteria style room and the waiters were pushing carts around and again, have no idea what I was eating, but it was out of this world.  Best falafel sandwich?  Just down a couple blocks from Alphabet City, for one dollar and fifty cents.  Best cup of coffee, a very small place in Brooklyn.  Best bowl of carrot soup, also in Brooklyn at a coffee shop/record store where the cat that lived there was curled on the chair beside me.  Best glass of champagne…out of the bottle atop a friends apartment building at one in the morning.  So, that said, perhaps it is just a bit of the spirit of the city that seems to make various items just taste better.  But I’m sticking to Ray’s Pizza.  That one at least, for certain is the best slice of pie in the world.

Peace and Holiday on Sentosa Island

By Doug

Jul

7

The country of Singapore is made up of the main land, and also more than fifty surrounding smaller islands.  Most of these smaller retreats offer vacation spots that are set away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, with incredibly peaceful beaches, great expanses of blue waters in which to swim or scuba dive, and laid back, and easy going charm.  One of these spots is Sentosa Island just a few miles off the shore of mainland Singapore.  Sentosa hotels range from the quiet and quaint beach side accommodations, to resorts filled with the amenities one finds in resort locations, access to golf,  spas and massage therapists, and five star restaurants.

Even if ones main vacation is on the mainland, one would be refreshed and forever satisfied with a day trip to the smaller island.  There are options for those interested in all of the water sports, as well as hiking trails through beautiful landscapes, sites of historical significance, museums and a very happening night life filled with entertainers and performers from around the world.  Singapore’s Oceanarium is located on Sentosa as well as the Lagoon of Dolphins where even those not certified, have the opportunity to swim with, feed, and even training the pink dolphins indigenous to the area.

Sentosa was once a military head-quarters for the British, but during the early 1970′s the island was transformed into a paradise, that provided not only enjoyment for many, but employment as well.  It is quite difficult to categorize the island, as it provides everything for all types of personalities.  While the island is peaceful, the hot night life of the mainland is just minutes away, via a ferry boat, a car or the spectacular views offered by taking the cable cars.  Millions of tourists travel each year to Sentosa, to find that peace, that nature that is set amongst culture and history, manicured gardens and even some fountains that do dance.  Many will find exactly what they are looking for on the island, and will have memories that bring back specific moments, that will linger and continue to enrich their lives.

Americans and their vehicles

By Doug

Jul

3

Everyone has a car that they wish they could have. And the one that you pick really does say a lot about you. Are you more in the classic vein? Say a 1965 Mustang, or do you dream of a car with big rims, and Escalade with televisions and an Xbox in the backseat?

Or perhaps you just dream of having a new car. Generally, Americans replace their cars more often then they replace their mattress. Doesn’t that say a lot about us as a society, ha!

These days with all of the focus on the environment and environmental issues, Americans are being told that they need to buy smaller cars. Not only because of the environment but after last summer’s record high gas prices, a glimpse into the future shows that cars with 20” rims may not be the soundest investment.

But, Americans have never skimped on their creature comforts. We are a culture that is obsessed with customization, from our cell phones to our cars. We want the custom wheels, we want a little bit of a chance to stand out.

The most apparent example of this the cars that are manufactured by Scion. The cars can be completely customized and start in varying price ranges. The price goes up based on the customizations that the purchaser requires or desires.

No matter what your dream car is, or the car that you drive now, it can say a lot about how you are feeling toward the environment and the issues with gasoline.

Americans drive bigger cars because the roads allow it. Roads were not built in Europe for SUVs and if you have ever seen a Smart Car driving in a busy intersection in the United States, one cannot help but wonder how that car would fare in an accident with a Ford Excursion.