Finding my way around Cambridge

By Doug

Aug

7

I checked out of my room at the Cambridge Hotel because I found a little apartment. I’m a little bit more acquainted with the city and my new job, and it’s only been 3 weeks. I’ve learned that there’s a whole College System at Cambridge University which is unique to Cambridge and also for Oxford. So, I’ll do my best to explain this uniqueness the only way I know how which is complicated, so stay with me, hang in there. I promise it won’t hurt.

Cambridge was founded in the 13th century, the first college that is. This period was a dark time for all of Europe which wasn’t too concerned about the education process. As centuries passed, other Colleges were added and they pretty much functioned as a University. Outsourcing teaching by these other Colleges, yes outsourcing just isn’t some new idea, became the status quo for a new upcoming University in Cambridge. These Colleges rented lecture halls, rented the professors and their lectures from the University for their students. In other words, it’s the Universities which employees professors, which gives the exams and which hands out the diplomas. It’s the Colleges that are to take care of accommodations, student administration and tutoring.

Have I lost you yet? Stick with me here, okay? All Colleges offer the same subjects and they compete with each other for students. They have different ways of tutoring, different qualities of buildings and the biggest difference between them is fees. Like Trinity Collegex will lure rich students because it can afford to ‘rent’ very qualified and highly recommended professors to help tutor. They’ll even get renowned professors from around the world that will tutor only up to 5 students. Now, the other Colleges will target the less affluent, but brighter student. It’s kind of like, who is a better student? The rich and dumb or the poor and smart? That’s enough for one day’s lesson. Come back tomorrow, refreshed and ready to hear about Cambridge University.

Chelsea Flower Show

By Doug

Aug

6

I was fortunate this year to be awarded two tickets to attend the Chelsea Flower Show and be put up at one of the Chelsea Hotels for free. I had no idea that my employer appreciated all the work I’ve done for his company, until he presented me last week with the tickets and the room reservations. He told me I earn a well deserved vacation and that I should take my boyfriend along with me, since I haven’t had a change to be with him for what seems like an eternity. Luckily, my boyfriend likes flowers as much as me, and had a little vacation time of his own, so he could join me!

I’ve only read about the Flower Show and only been able to dream that one day I could actually attend one year. But, here I am with my boyfriend, so thrilled and excited. We managed to attend an exhibit with the focus on Biodiversity and how it’s crucial for not only preserving the United Kingdoms natural fauna but it’s wildlife as well. There was a lecture about how we need to adapt our gardens to the climate changes that are taking place and how biodiversity is the key for maintaining our plants and our future.

My boyfriend and I had no idea that scientists would be involved with the Flower show, we were so impressed and stunned at the same time. The scientist giving the lecture explained that two plants which grow naturally in the Mediterranean, like the Olives and the Cyclamen might just be suitable for England. He said the gardens of England could become a vital reserve for these trees in the future. He said with a 2 to 3 degree warming, Olives are most likely to do better in the south of the UK.

We thought that going to the Chelsea Flower Show would be a nice leisure weekend event, we had no idea that we would be educated about our environment, climate change and the preservation of plants and trees from around the world.

Avant-Garde Theater Tickets

By Doug

Aug

5

I was all abuzz about receiving my Theater Tickets to the avant-garde theater event: Fringe Theater Festival in Washington D.C. My friends managed to see several shows yesterday. They called me up and told me how much fun they had. They were trying to describe one show where two women, dancing up and down and then hanging from the ceiling. They told me they couldn’t wait for me to join them so that we may see many different kinds of performers, in so many different kinds of venues.

The intriguing part about the Fringe Theater Festival is you don’t know if you’ll pick a performance that could be great or that it could be atrocious. My friends told me at one small theater, the audience, one by one, made it’s way into a 30-seat black box room, and they were so close to the actress performing that they could, if they wanted to, reach our and touch her hair that was pinned up in the style of the 1940′s. In the play, she was reminiscing about the post World War II in London.

On another stage, my friends, an actor went on about how she left a bar late at night by herself, that was the play, her telling a story about her bar experience, but that the audience was spellbound by the story. In another theater, a tall fellow wearing blue jeans and a cowboy hat, acting all like John Wayne.

The Fringe Theater Festival, is suppose to be like the original Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where for 3 weeks in the months of August and September, Edinburgh is turned into a theater heaven where 1000 shows are being performed everyday, morning, noon and night in any venue they can find. The Fringe started up when actors were excluded from the traditional theater event, so they would camp outside the event and do their own performances, on the fringe, and all the performances were off-beat, edgy, political and avant-garde. And now, D.C. has it’s own Fringe. I’m looking forward to being a participant in tomorrows off-beat and edgy performances.

Disneyland The Event of a Lifetime

By Doug

Aug

5

I say Disneyland, you say fun! Taking your family to Disneyland is like stepping inside your wildest imagination as a kid. All the things your mind can create have been created at Disneyland. And the best part is, you don’t have to be a kid to thoroughly enjoy going. It is just as exciting for adults and parents. When you get to share this adventure with your children, you see their faces light up with all the magic and wonder that is offered there. How thrilling it is to watch your children take it all in with such fascination and sheer innocent pleasure. Event tickets are available at the gate.

When Walt Disney founded Disneyland, I don’t think he even realized the impact this park would have on the millions that have passed through those gates. Return visitors are not uncommon as there is always something new to discover. The creative and ingenious minds that have designed the rides and themes have outdone themselves with each new creation. The music, the characters, the brightly colored displays, the thrills and the chills; all add up to one fantastic time. After boarding one of the themed rides and you look around, you will be amazed at the fine detail that has gone into every aspect of this ride. You might be inside a fairy tale or a modern space adventure, but which ever one it is, be assured, nothing has been left out. Every angle has been covered and the ride both thrilling and educational.

Not to be left out, a trip to Disneyland also means the food stands. You will be tempted with all the delicious aromas and I doubt you will be able to resist sampling some of the mouthwatering treats awaiting your taste buds. Sometimes you just have to let yourself go and indulge yourself and leave any guilt behind. You will come away from Disneyland having been entertained and satisfied but best of all, you have created memories that will be lifelong treasures to be relived over and over and never forgotten.

Sacramento Kings

By Doug

Aug

5

An impact player, an impact player, my King-dom for an impact player! Coming off the worst season in twenty-one years, the woeful Sacramento Kings have not had that one clutch player since trading the likes of Ron Artest and Mike Bibby. While Arco Arena fans once had a reputation for being the loudest and most loyal pro basketball fans in the NBA, the past few seasons have seen this trend drop too as the consecutive sellout record came to an end sometime between the Artest trade and former Coach Eric Musselman’s DUI. Artest is probably the best defensive player they have had since Doug Christie on a team that has never been known for quality defense. Although Kevin Martin is a proven scoring machine, he has been prone to injury his last two seasons leaving uncertainty at the shooting guard position. Other than Martin, there isn’t a player on this year’s squad with name recognition across the other NBA cities in the country. The Kings are currently pinning hopes on several young players to have breakout seasons. Among these is third year player, Spencer Hawes, who following the Brad Miller trade to the Bulls last season is now the starting center for the Kings. Additionally, the Kings hope second year forward, Jason Thompson emerges with consistent play on both sides of the court. Lastly, given last year’s injury ridden and disappointing season from Point Guard Beno Udrih, fans are looking for first round draft pick, Tyreke Evans to make a quick splash into the league and to take over the offense for Udrih as the new starting Point Guard.

Much of the focus over the past three seasons had been written about coaching turnover and an ownership team in the Maloof Family who has yet to acquire a deal for a new arena to keep the team in Sacramento. While these are legitimate points of concern for the Kings organization and for NBA basketball in Sacramento, the team’s losing record has little to do with the coach or the court. Rick Adelman was the winningest coach in Sacramento Kings history because of the number of impact players he was fortunate to coach in Sacramento. Vlade Divac, Chris Webber, Doug Christie, and Peja Stojokovic were a formidable match for any team. It remains to be seen after a year or two together whether or not Hawes, Martin, Thompson, and Evans will have what it takes to lift the team back into the realm of playoff contenders. If they can achieve this milestone, it might be likely that Sacramento sports fans will reign again as the loudest and most loyal in the not only the NBA, but also the Sacramento area by purchasing sports tickets that neither bear the name of Monarchs nor River Cats.

Renaissance Festivals

By Doug

Aug

5

Every year in towns throughout the United States preparations are underway for their town’s annual Renaissance Festival. Depending on the state and the weather for that time of year, these popular festivals can be held most anytime. If you have never attended one of these medieval reproductions, you really need to make plans to do so. Plan to make this an all day event because this is an outing the whole family will enjoy. You will be transported back in time to kings and queens, their courts and their knights. It is truly a delightful experience as you leave the present and step into the far distant past. Get your event tickets and prepare yourself for quite an adventure.

There are acres of activities for your entertainment and dozens of vendors offering their wares. You will find many booths offering unique hand crafted items for sale ranging from low cost, simple, souvenirs to very detailed, exquisite and expensive pieces of art. Whatever your taste, whatever your budget you will surely find it at the yearly Renaissance Festival. And the food…you have to try the food. Steamed corn on the cob still in the husk, smoked turkey legs, you name it and you will probably find it here. As you walk around among the crowd and the succulent aromas fill the air, you will definitely find your way to one or more of the food booths, keeping in mind you have gone back in time. You are now in a different era so enjoy all that is being offered. Walk in the shoes of those from long ago.

Do not be surprised if you come across a jousting tournament with spectators choosing their favorite combatant, or the belly dancers, or maybe the circus catches your eye, the court jesters and jugglers, the magicians. Be sure and check out the many theatres and their performances. Stop and listen to the music, enjoy the flamboyant, colorful costumes, talk to the Renaissance participants, many of whom perform at numerous festivals throughout the country. Watch it all, smell it all, taste it all, remember it all. It’s a wonderful trip back in time.

Camping for Concert Tickets

By Doug

Aug

4

I remember I would spend my time in lines for Concert Tickets back in the day, the early 80′s. I would choose a Ticket location which I thought would be the least busiest. Now, when the concert was for a rock show, I would have to drive into the inner city, the more scarier part of town, because it was mostly deserted in the early morning hours. It beats camping out the night before.

Tickets for a Rap concert, I would head to the suburbs, the malls and find a Ticket place there. Of course this strategy won’t work today, but back in the 80′s Rap was almost only listened to by black people. Whites generally stayed away from Rap music, so the suburbs was perfect for getting concert tickets. I also remember many of times police had to be stationed at many Ticket place locations and make sure that the wristbands which were distributed a half-an-hour before the box-office opened, to prevent anyone trying to cut in line, or push and shove their way to the front of the line. The wrist band was our insurance that we had a legitimate place in line. That was good strategy too, because I didn’t have to camp out when I knew wristbands would be passed out in a lottery kind of method.

But, what I found the most frustrating was almost being the first in line, but the person in front of me took a long time in purchasing their tickets, they were buying up as many tickets as possible, so by the time I got to the window, seating choices were limited and the concert was almost sold out! I was third in line one time and when I got to the ticket window, the concert was already sold out! That’s when I had to find scalpers to get my tickets. Now a days, the Internet as virtually removed any necessity to stand in line, but hasn’t stopped the tickets from being sold out as soon as they go on sale.

No Children’s Theater Tickets

By Doug

Aug

4

Back in the day, when I was a teenager, my mother and I were standing in line to buy Children’s Theater Tickets. I remember, when finally, there was only a few more people in front of us for the ticket counter. They seemed to be together, like they were a family. If so, it was a huge family, like eight or nine children. They didn’t seem to be rich either; more like they were dirt poor cause their clothes seemed really worn and out of date, but they were clean at least.

My mother made a comment to me that I should be more like the children in front of us because they were well behaved. I just gave her a look, like ‘what? I’m well behaved!’, I mean, after all, I was just standing there, not doing anything wrong. The parents were in front of the children not even worried that their kids were miss-behaving. I noticed too that the parents were holding hands and they kept eyeing each other, like they were going to kiss, but held back from doing so.

When the family in front of us reached the ticket window, the ticket lady asked them how many tickets and the father said it loud enough for my back teeth to hear, ‘I would like eight children’s tickets and two adults, please.’ When the ticket lady responded with the price of all those tickets, I saw the father looked down and then back at his wife. I then heard him ask, even though this time he was asking in a hushed voice, ‘How much did you say?’ Of course the price didn’t change, and I saw a look of such deep sadness come across the fathers face. He didn’t have enough money.

I didn’t know my mother was paying any attention to what was happening in front of us, but she was and she immediately pulled out a $20 from her purse and dropped it on the ground. Now, let me tell you, we weren’t that loaded with money either, my mother being a single parent. I watched my mother reach down and pick up the $20, then tapping on the young fathers shoulders saying ‘Excuse me sir, but this fell out of your pocket.’ The father looked straight into my mothers eyes and I could see a whole wordless conversation going on between the two. And finally, the father said, ‘Thank you, Miss. I thought I had lost it on the way here, you truly are a blessing.’

My mother and I didn’t get to see the Children’s Theater http://www.classicsonstage.com/that day, we ended driving home in silence, but we we’re both smiling.

The Political Corruption of Tyranny

By Doug

Aug

3

The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, put the act of tyranny in the realm of what is considered to be political corruption. When a leader or a government ceases to put their country and its people first, and commits acts associated with those of tyranny, the government no longer remains to be acting soundly or ethically. A few weeks ago, the government of Africa was called to account for their own acts of tyranny by the United States President, Barack Obama. He is the first United States president to speak out so honestly and so harshly against the conditions of the citizens and the responsibility of the African government in this issue. He also the first to be directly descended from the country of Africa. He was speaking not only to a nation, but to his own ancestors as well. He stressed the importance and the necessity for the development and further success of the country, and the only way this while be achieved is through the destruction of tyranny and corruption.

He repeated his slogan that was used throughout his Presidential Campaign and soon enough, Africans were chanting just as the Americans had chanted, right along with him, the crowd began to shout, “Yes You Can”. He expressed to the African Parliament the necessity to seize upon the idea and practice of peace, the benefits of democracy and the opportunity for prosperity. Barack Obama was the son of a single mother, and grew up on the south side of Chicago. He is a man who speaks with experience and the authority of one who did not squander opportunity nor turn his back on the possibility of what he may achieve should he seize those opportunities. He spoke to the government and the people of Africa, without sentimental drivel and with directness about the opportunities that have discarded in the modern world of Africa today. Corruption is the evidence that the human race is capable of committing acts of an incredibly evil nature. He implored them to consider how capable they are of committing to the promise of committing acts of great good.

The Art of Practicing Due Diligence

By Doug

Aug

3

Due diligence refers to the steps one takes, as an individual or a corporation, to ensure that the people or company with whom one becomes involved with are conducting ethical and moral business transactions. All those involved in any type of business or political venture owes it to themselves to make certain that their own practices do not become at risk due to being connected to those involved in criminal or unethical behavior. There are financial considerations as well, as when a company or a country becomes involved in behaviour that is not reputable, other companies or countries will cease to be involved. This is a domino effect. It is simply the way to become knowledgeable about what to look for.

There is an element to the process of due diligence that may strike some as sneaky or too secretive. But just as any rental service will check the credit history of a perspective tenant or customer, so should one check the history of those with whom they are about to conduct business transactions. This does not have to be an undercover operation, the one being “checked out” may be informed of the process, and if their is nothing to hide, this should never be and issue. When conducting investigations that relate to the practice of due diligence, be aware that although people may be one of the best sources of knowledge, they may also be some of the least reliable.

Never rely only on the opinion expressed solely of an individual. One who is skilled in the art of investigation will know that all evidence should be checked and corroborated by other forms of evidence. And it is important to remember that even official court documents do not present the entire background. The best way to observe and assess a situation is to experience as much as is possible of it, first hand. And for those in upper management, or those who will inevitability be held responsible, it is never wise to allow decisions to be made by others. The objective collection of evidence is the key to knowing that one did the research, practiced the diligence, and reached the right conclusion based on that evidence alone.

Checking the Condition of Used Cars

By Doug

Aug

3

When looking for a used sports car for sale, one should take about thirty to forty minutes to look over the body of a car. One should look at the condition of the body and the interior of the vehicle. The way in which these aspects of the car have been cared for by the previous owner will give one an idea of how they may have taken car of the engine of the car as well. Rust is an element that will continue to reappear on a car once it has taken hold. Corrosion even when repaired will continue. And if there is rust along the body, on the doors or the fenders, most likely there is corrosion in the undercarriage of the car which would be extremely costly in the long run and could even make the car a hazard to drive. The lines of the body should be perfectly solid and straight. If there are ripples along the body, or if the paint looks to be different in any way, either in the color or in the shine, this can be and indication of repairs made following and accident. Also indicative of an accident is the width of the gaps between the panels of the body. All should be exactly the same, differences in the width of the gaps is an indicator of a car that has experienced body damage.

The interior of the car should also be given a close inspection. One should check the wear and tear on the seats, the upholstery, the dash board and the seat belts. If it is noticed that the seller uses an air freshener, that could mean that there is an odor in the car that may be difficult to be rid of. The trunk could also reveal previous water damage, based on the smell. If there is a mustiness to the trunk, it is not a good sign, and could mean that there is a leak. And although it sound simple, one should walk around the car, making sure that the key works in all the locks and that the doors open and close freely. Pay close attention to ensure that all of the gauges on the dashboard are in working order and that the odometer does not exhibit signs of tampering. It is wise to take the car to an Auto Zone, which will provide diagnostics on the car using their computer. These are simple visual details that will reveal a lot about how a car was cared for, and things that even those without knowledge of the mechanics or the engines of cars can look for. And if one does not know about car engines, just bring someone along when when considering the purchase of a used car.