TravelCent

What Happens to the Moon in Spanish?

The moon is without a doubt one of the most central and powerful metaphors. It speaks across time and culture, and is almost invariably linked to love, instinct and intuition, inspiration and dreams, and all the watery emotions that make life worth living. The english to spanish translation of “moon” is “luna,” and that particular version of the word has the root that recurs most recognizably in this hemisphere. The lunar calendar and the notion of the lunatic have origins in this Latin root. In many different languages, then, the lunar root is one that makes it a recognizable word as well as a symbol.

In Borges’ meditation on the word , the English one is probably the most fitting. It’s one syllable that extends, giving it the space it needs to play out all of its poetic work on the flesh of the human in love. Luna is one syllable too many, but the sounds are certainly right. While it may be impossible to know if the words have an effect on our metaphorical imaginations, although it seems reasonable to suspect this is true.

Travel in the Americas, where there are opportunities to speak Spanish and English in many different countries and regions, reveals some fascinating notions of the moon. While the mainstream ideas of magical realism can suggest that there must be more poetry in Latin America, travel unravels these ideas, and shows that poetry is everywhere, and both languages hold capacities for poetry. The tongues may not entirely understand each other, but they have more similarities than differences.

There are definitely local variations on themes, however. The European vision of the man in the moon is not universal in the English-speaking world, but it’s there, and it can also be found in Spanish. It is probably a little more unusual, though, to hear about the rabbit in the moon in English-speaking regions. There are a few different versions of the story, and the stories repeat with variations in Aztec and Maya cultures. The usual story is one where the solar deity is alone and hungry, and a rabbit offers itself to him (solar deities are usually conceived of as male in this part of the world). As a reward for its sacrifice, the rabbit is sent in spirit form to the moon, where it can be admired by anyone with eyes.

It’s a gorgeous and romantic story, and one that speaks of a reciprocal relationship between humans and the natural world. It also gives attention to the virtues of self-sacrifice, and humility. And it’s one more notion of the moon that goes into a very full coffer, and every one of these stories has a resonance that ripples through language.

Buying a Vacation Home

I bought a vacation home a couple of months ago.  I would have liked to have said that it was an easy process – but it was not.  This was the case even though it is a buyers market at this time.  The reasons it took so long are twofold.  Firstly I was looking for a specific property, and secondly I ended up buying a short sale.

Now looking for the type of property I was after was made harder by the state of the economy.  I was looking for a larger lot, with an older home (possibly a foreclosure) in a pretty affluent area.  My liking for a rundown property in a good neighborhood had always been good for me in the past.  The problem was that many investors were also on the lookout for this type of property too.  One that they could get at a bargain price, and pay for with cash – I assume to resell when the economy improved and price went up.  Well, I put offers in on many such properties, but ended up losing to cash buyers whom the banks favored over those of us looking to finance.

Buying a short sale took almost exactly a year from when I put an offer in on it until it closed.  There were two bank liens on the property and these had to be approved by both banks.  What happened was that one would approve it – which would take perhaps 3 or more months, and then it was passed to the other bank for their approval.  Once it was approved by the second bank (after a similarly long period), by then the first one had expired and the process had to start over again.  This happened a couple of times.

The good thing about the lengthy short sale was that cash buyers generally could not wait that length of time and so I held on long enough and ended up getting the property.  It certainly was not an easy process and right up until the final day I was not sure I was going to get it.  But patience paid off , the mortgage rates stayed low, and I am now in possession of a nice vacation property at a bargain price.

Berlin and the Classic Car

Being in another city for even a short length of time has obvious rewards to anyone who’s traveled to parts unknown.  Once the feeling of being a stranger in a strange land goes away, or at least softens a bit, there are some extraordinary things that happen outside the usual comfort zones.  New perspectives, learning words in a new language, and finding interesting local delicacies are always on the itinerary.

But for someone who’s also got an interest in vehicles, there’s another huge bonus.  The further from home, the more exotic the vehicles get.  Local versions of custom tires can have similarly contemporary technologies, but they are quotations of another version of the past.  Local versions of a more familiar car can look radically similar and remarkably different in the same moment.  This can be one of the most jarring experiences, and often becomes a moment that can encapsulate what travel is really all about: For a moment, the world looks entirely familiar, but closer inspection reveals that there is a vast unknown between the here and the there.

Berlin is one of the more remarkable places in the world for its long and complicated history, and the same history makes it a fantastic spot for car lovers.  The ultimate in vintage classics might come together in a very concentrated form at Meilenwerk, where one can see plenty of old cars in once place.  There are experts and weekend mechanics around who have the same kind of interest in discount vintage tires that the traveler might have, and this can make for some very fulfilling and revealing cultural exchanges.  Car talk does indeed translate across the oceans.

It’s not mandatory to visit the Meilenwerk complex to get a dose of local classics, however.  In many parts of Europe, and particularly those parts close to Eastern Europe, old cars are not always a product of nostalgia, but come from a much more utilitarian sensibility.  Many of the old cars and bikes on the streets have been maintained because of issues of scarcity.  There is also a great love for the well-made object, and all of these are on display, making the world simultaneously smaller and vastly more interesting.  It might be important to point out that here, most of the locals under a certain age have studied English in school from a very young age, so the language barrier is not so much of a problem, and engaging in car talk can be the beginnings of a beautiful friendship.

New Jersey Driving Excursions

New Jersey offers many exciting areas to explore while driving.  The state offers places of historical interest, places of natural beauty along with established entertainment centers.

Atlantic City started off as a beach vacation spot, but is now more famous as a gambling and entertainment center.  You can tour the casinos or check out one of the many shows on offer.  Atlantic City is a 120 mile drive from New York City and so many people take the 2 hour drive down from there to check out the casino action.  Another major city, Philadelphia is only an hours drive away.

If you drive along the coast on the Garden State Parkway to Atlantic City you will pass by the towns and beaches that make up the renowned Jersey Shore.  This area has been made popular around the world by the TV show.  There are three main areas that make up the Jersey Shore – the Shore Region, Greater Atlantic City, and the Southern Shore.   The shore is a popular destination during the summer months.

One interesting city on the shore is Ocean Grove.  This area use to be popular for revivalist meetings.  Attendees would set up tents for their meetings. Many of these tents still exist and a visit to the Historical Society of Ocean Grove will educate you on the area.  Walking tours in the city are popular and there are two informative history tours to enjoy.

For a more rustic tour of New Jersey head for the Delaware River and Lambertville.  This is a great place to visit if you enjoy small town antiquing, art galleries and coffeeshops.  This is a historical town that was formed in 1705 and many older buildings and streets survive.  Of interest are the federal courthouse and the Marshall House Museum.  Lamberville Station is a restored building housing a restaurant and inn.  Lambertville is known as the antique capital of New Jersey and as you can imagine there are many antique stores, markets and galleries to explore.

Provided by New Jersey DUI Attorney offering legal assistance in the area.

The InterContinental Hotel Offers Beautiful Stay in Sydney

Sydney is a beautiful city and comes as no surprise that it is one of the most recognizable cites in the world. Settled right on the water, the city has more things to do than you could ever imagine completing in one trip.

The InterContinental Hotel in Sydney is one of the most luxurious hotels the city has to offer. It is located right on the Sydney Harbour and is walking distance from the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The hotel is built around the restored Treasury building and was once the government house. The hotel has 509 rooms and offers an incredible list of amenities. There is a fitness center, shops and a pool which is located on the 31st floor. Each guest room offers a stunning view of the Harbour and the beauty of the city is breath taking. The InterContinental also has 28 suites which have been frequented by major world leaders and celebrities. The hotel features 2 restaurants and has a bar in the lounge on the first floor.

With such a vivid atmosphere, Syndey attractions are fun and full of life. Since the hotel is walking distance from the Opera House, seeing a performance there is a must. There is also the BridgeClimb which is a 300 meter climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Another popular thing to do in Sydney is hit the beach, Bondi Beach is one of the most popular beaches there and offers over a mile of white sand to lay out on.

Near the hotel are plenty of shops as well. It is well worth a shopping trip in Sydney and hitting the streets is always a fun experience. It is easier to experience the city by walking because it is always an adventure and offers something new. In the Rocks shopping center there is a weekly market where people from all over come and bring their goods to sell.

Sydney is such a vibrant city; it is well worth a visit.

Yotel in New York Redefines Contemporary Luxury

How many times have you gone to an amazing destination but got stuck at a mediocre hotel? A great destination calls for great accommodations.

One of the best places to visit is New York City, and one of the most innovative and cutting edge hotels is Yotel, the Times Square Hotel which offers a unique stay. Yotel is known for its modern design and fun atmosphere. The hotel offers an outdoor terrace, multiple bars, a restaurant, a studio and a gym. Yotel is within two blocks walking distance from Times Square, one of the most iconic sites in New York. Since Yotel is centrally located you can take the time to visit all the best New York has to offer.

The experience at Yotel begins as soon as you walk in the door. With an edgy design, you already feel as though you are in a futuristic and modern world. The check in process is self-automated, just like airport check in, with staff there to assist if needed. The mission control desk acts as their concierge and offers service, shopping and snacks. The hotel also has a studio which can be arranged in different ways for meetings, parties, or even yoga.

Yotel is opening in June 2011 and promises to mix luxury, fun and comfort for an affordable price. So instead of staying at the usual “hotel” why not stay at a state of the art Yotel to make your trip to New York that much better.

Maintenance of Your New Swingset

Your new swingset has arrived and you either installed it yourself or paid someone else to do. Now you are watching your kids have fun for the first of countless play sessions to come. You may think your work is done, but that’s not the case. You are going to need to take care of the equipment if you want to keep it safe for your kids to use.

Check the owners manual for guidelines as to how often you need to inspect the swingset parts and equipment. It should also include a schedule and instructions for oiling appropriate parts and give tips on removing rust or otherwise cleaning the various materials.

A basic inspection is going to check that all bolts, nuts and screws are tight and that all the ropes, chains, and individual parts are clean and working properly. You will want to check for any indications of rust on metal parts, splinters or cracks on wood, and cracks and tears on plastic or rubber. Cloth swings will eventually become threadbare.

It is important than any damaged parts be replaced immediately. If that’s not possible, you will want to restrict use of that equipment until it can be repaired. You can hire a handyman to deal with more complicated repairs, but you should be able to make simple replacements and fixes on your own.

Forensic Psychology Practice

Television has done a great job of making forensic psychology look like an exciting and glamorous job. Early depictions made it seem like forensic psychologists were borderline psychics who had moments of intuition or insight that would reveal key clues to tracking down criminals. More recent characterizations focus on the psychology behind criminal behavior, presenting a more accurate depiction of profiling as relying on years of psychological research and study. However, there is much more to completing a forensic psychology graduate program than learning to profile criminals.

The daily work of most forensic psychologists has little to do with catching criminals. They employ psychology techniques on behalf of courts, prisons, and law enforcement agencies in more mundane ways. This includes doing psychological evaluations of employees and offering counseling to those working in the criminal justice field. Many forensic psychologists never interact with criminals at all.

Some forensic psychologists are called upon to evaluate suspects or prisoners. These evaluations can impact sentencing or parole hearings. They may also serve as expert witnesses in court cases, especially in family court cases involving custody or civil cases where plaintiffs are seeking damages for emotional suffering. Another group of psychologists offers counseling to victims of crimes or to prisoners and paroles. Still others administer programs to help communities with high crime rates or to directly assist at risk populations.

Home Decor Deals

All the budget decorating advice that clogs the home improvement networks and websites focuses on the amazing finds to be had at thrift stores, rummage sales, and outlet or warehouse stores. They may also talk about buying less expensive versions of things or creating a DIY alternative to expensive artwork and accessories. Those are all good ideas, if a bit labor intensive. After all, few people have a staff of interns who can spend days driving around town to get the best prices on home decor items.

What most people do have are computers with internet connections. By following a few simple steps, they can learn how to find deals on home design materials on the web. The internet if full of member-only sales for big box stores to Next Day Blinds coupons from local companies. It’s just a matter of knowing where to look.

The best place to start is by listing out all the manufacturers, stores and companies that sell the furnishings, accessories, and raw materials for home design projects. By visiting those websites on a regular basis, browsers will find all sorts of sales and coupons for blinds next day . They can even sign up to join the mailing list or shoppers club for these sites which will likely get coupons and sale announcements sent right to their email.

Another important resource are online aggregate sites. These may be blogs , forums, or database sites that collect coupons and discounts for all sorts of companies and products. Many companies send their discount codes directly to these sites, rather than putting them on their own.

A few minutes a day spent skimming these different sources will unlock a treasure trove of deals on home decor without having to leave the keyboard.

Top Concert Acts in Vegas

In addition to all of the great casinos and resorts in Las Vegas, the entertainment scene is one of the hottest in the country. And one of the most popular entertainment options is the great music concerts and club performances that exist throughout the city. Some of the biggest names in the music industry perform in Vegas and they, as well as others, seek consistent venue gigs at some of the best spots. Vegas night clubs are known for hosting some of the greatest local musicians as well as concerts by well known performers.

There are some standard favorites that continue to attract large crowds in Vegas. Performers like Barry Manilow continue to draw people into the city just to see and hear him perform. Other top acts include Celine Dion , who has embraced the Vegas audience and stage as one of her favorites. Donny and Marie Osmond bring a little bit of country and a little bit of rock and roll to one of the best family oriented concert options in the city. And of course Cher is one of the all time favorite Vegas performers to ever grace the city’s stage. In addition to all of the well known singers and bands, the city is known for having some of the best tribute performers. The Australian Bee Gees Show is one of the hit tribute performances and the crowd always has a great time at their show. Elvis continues to draw huge crowds as impersonators vie for the best impersonation status. Regardless of your musical preferences or tastes, Vegas will have the concert and venue for you to enjoy.