Archives for May, 2009
Posted on May 20, 2009 under Education, Travel |
The summer shows at the Hayden Planetarium in New York City is packed with cosmic adventure and space travel. Many five star New York hotels offer information and directions to the Planetarium. The Planetarium is located in the American Museum of Natural History, and offers a variety of activities and experiences for those traveling this summer. During the rest of May, and throughout the month of June, a free show is being screened, called “Cosmic Collisions”. This takes one on a virtual tour through time and space. This is educational as well as exciting, as the film explores continuation of the universe’s evolution and explores the impacts of the hypersonic aspects that drive this evolution. This show is narrated by Robert Redford, famous for directing many films, as well as numerous awards for his acting accomplishments.
Another virtual journey the Planetarium is taking people on this summer, is the “Field Trip to the Moon”. This is a full body experience as the ground beneath the feet and the chairs, shake and rumble as though one was a real rocket launching to explore outer space. This is a live narrated event, one in which the ‘rocket’ takes a trip to the moon, orbiting the earth. One of the images shown on the big screen is that of a sunrise, filmed in space by astronauts. This as well, is an educational experience as it was a collaboration between the museum and NASA. They have combined their expertise and experience in travel through space, complete with a few of the challenges astronauts have face over the years. The narrator also speaks of the geographical differences between the Moon and the Earth, most significantly noted are the reasons why the Earth is so unique. Why it is the one inhabitable planet in our solar system.
Both of these options are perfect for those traveling with inquisitive children, and for those science minded adults as well. Many of the schools in New York and the surrounding boroughs have the opportunity of setting up private showings and field trips for their students, and these forms of education are entertaining as well as informative. It’s a brilliant way to spend the afternoon in Manhattan.
Posted on May 19, 2009 under Travel |
There is perhaps no other vacation destination as popular as Hawaii. With so many Hawaii vacation packages available, there is always something for everyone, be it honeymooners, group of friends looking for a fun time, or the family enjoying a get-away together in paradise.
With its vibrant nature, tranquil waters, and friendly locals, Hawaii promises to wash all your stresses away. Swim, snorkel, fish, play golf, or hike one of the many incredible mountains and you will understand why so many people come back again and again. Pick an island and explore. Pick a cruise and island hop. Stay in one of the many beautiful hotels or book a condo or villa and set up house. Enjoy the plethora of wonderful restaurants, wander through the art galleries, and visit the many interesting museums. Most of all, breathe in the floral scents that waft in the fresh island air and be renewed.
There are day trips that take you far from the crowds where you can enjoy meditative moments in more hidden locations. On islands like Maui and Oahu you can discover the local art. On Kauai and Big Island you can wander through the charming streets as if you were back in time. And on Molokai and Lanai you can take some amazing hikes in deep nature that feels untouched.
However you decide to take your Hawaii vacation, you will return home renewed.
Posted on May 19, 2009 under Travel |
As for Americans, who really cares anymore? American kids are on the Internet Tweeting away the sun while our European counterparts are outside hitting tennis balls. It shows more each year.
Most of the women seeds are Russian or Ukrainian: Kuznetsova, Safarova, Kvitova, Pavlyuchenkov, Billyjeankingsanova; whatever? The story this year is how many wins can the Williams sisters pull off with their injuries dragging them down. We watch the Williams sisters suffer endlessly through their sets played against an ever new onslaught of young and getting younger skinny girls, less than half their size from the Ukraine. It has become the rule for almost all women tennis players to grunt and squeak away vocally with every swing of their titanium and carbon fibers techno rackets. With every hit of the ball you hear them grunt out their high pitched squeal, not muted by good taste. (Note our link to the sounds the women players make. Take our squeal test. Can you identity the female players by their grunts and squeals?)
Monica Seles who started the squealing trend just announced this week that she has finally retired. Monica has retired from professional play but she left legacy that it’s OK to squeal away on every serve and ball return. Maria Sharapova finally broke Monicas grunting record being recorded at Wimbledon exceeding 101 decibels, vs. Seles’ 93.2 decibels. With each retired who will become the next top female tennis squealer? Let me hear your vote or comment. Who is the best female tennis squealer at Wimbledon this year?
How about the men? The TV ratings for men tennis in the US are down even more than for women’s tennis. At least there are several more familiar faces among the top seeded men. But where are the Americans? We know. The Americans are home exercising by moving a cordless mouse. One look at the incredibly ripped Federer or a glance Nadals’ bulging biceps popping out all over is so disheartening. Seeing Nadals’ gleaming arm muscles so visible to all is his greatest psychological weapon against opponents. Nadal cuts off the sleeves of his tennis shirts completely just to gives the Americans pause for concern. .
But this is about to change because the Europeans have discovered the Internet too and are catching up quickly to American’s average online hours. By the year 2012 they playing field will be level once again!
My advice for Americans is, turn off your PC and go outside and play tennis. I have some even better advice. Craig’s List has launched in Europe. Sell your computer on Craig’s list…in Europe.
Posted on May 18, 2009 under Business |
There are business buzz words like management training, customer service training and business training. These terms are not purely for American consumption, businesses all around the globe use the same tools and tactics to be successful in business. The internet and social media is a place to look for businesses from the USA to the UAE, the United Arab Emirates that is. Just another example of how the economy is just oh so global now!
A press release from the United Arab Emirates shows that they will now be focusing more on customer service as far as the business world is concerned.
Career Development Department at Emirates General Petroleum Corporation “Emarat” organized a customer service training program. This program came within the frame of continuous education and training program which is regularly implemented by the Corporation in order to improve its employees’ capacities and capabilities.
The program is supposed to change the business philosophy of those involved. Helping to make communication skills better so that the relationships with customers can be better for both client and service provider.
This program is supposed to build up loyalty and help people to care for their customer. This is done by anticipating and recognizing the needs of the customer.
Hopefully in the future that will also include electronic media.The UAE is a very advanced country in term of tourism and other things that go on inside the country. Perhaps this training will allow for more people to go in to the tourism sector of the economy. Since tourism is a very service based industry. No matter what country you live in it is important to understand how vital customer service is to a nation and to a company. Without excellent customer service the reputation of a company begins to become diminished.
That is what this press release points out.
Posted on May 18, 2009 under Travel |
San Antonio is a vibrant city full of culture, clubs and a rich historical heritage. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on this small Balearic Island. And the clubbing and nightlife scene are two of the main reasons for this. There are other popular attractions and culturally significant aspects to this town that may go overlooked to a tourist staying in one of the Ibiza boutique hotels who is primarily there for the great club hoping scene. One of the most noticeable landmarks in the city is its great Egg. It is located in the center of the main roundabout that designates the formal entrance into town. This impressive statue was erected in the early 1990s and commemorates the birth of Christopher Columbus, which is believe to have occurred here. The locals make this claim and cling to it, though it has never been 100 percent verified.
As its name implies, the large statue is in the shape of an egg and contains a model of Columbus’ ship, the Santa Maria in its center. The story behind the inspiration for the design comes from a legend about Columbus, who was told it would be impossible to aquire the funds he was seeking for his planned voyage to the Indies. His response was to inquire if it was impossible to stand an egg upright. Of course he was told that it was in fact impossible, so Columbus cracked the bottom of the egg and was able to make it stand upright. His creative problem solving skills gained him the necessary funding, much like Alexander the Great’s creative means of solving the riddle of the Gordian Knot led to his conquering of much of Persia. Of course with both stories, there is a great deal of mythology and apocria associated with them, though the consequential historical facts keep the legends ingrained in popular consciousness.
Posted on May 16, 2009 under Travel |
You will find yourself in the lap of luxury. Mumbai hotels are some of the best in the world, with old world charm in a bustling metropolis. The city is unparalleled in its unique energy, chaotic joy, and utterly magnificent barrage of culture and urban activity. The traveler can find a home away from home here, having to choose from a million things to do, 24 hours a day. The city has enchanted millions upon millions of people, and the film industry is helping to promote the enchantment through the dissemination of blockbuster Bollywood films throughout the world.
Kokona Sen is one of the biggest stars, and she denies the title, “Bollywood actress,” and opts for more artistic descriptions of her identity. Stars do have to be careful in how the world sees them, as their futures depend on their ability to maintain respect and attention in equal measure. Kokona Sen has certainly maintained a balance of both, having captured audiences around the world with her bold and endearing portrayals of some of the most memorable characters in contemporary Indian cinema, and also holds a place of high esteem among her collaborators.
With websites around the world devoted to her, Kokona Sen Sharma certainly enjoys the attention of a large fan base. Her life is on display, whether it’s a temporary flu on the set of a film, or moving into a new house, Kokona Sen’s movements are monitored and reported to the world at large. In such a life in a fishbowl, she has done amazingly well toward maintaining a sense of composure, and simultaneously continuing to grow as an artist. Last year’s “Luck By Chance” enjoyed enormous critical success. The film, a meta-film about the Bollywood film industry, in which Kokona Sen plays an actress struggling with bit roles, was rescued from financial failure by the critics, whose attention renewed the interest at the box office. This year’s “Wake Up, Sid,” is faring much better, and will help to move the graceful Kokona Sen in graceful new directions.
Posted on May 11, 2009 under Travel |
Dubai, one of the United Arab Emirates, is a sea-level city on the Persian Gulf, with a multitude of attractions. Not the least of these, the industry of the luxury hotel. Dubai enjoys an international reputation for their ability to cater to and pamper their guests. These five-star hotels feature amenities reflecting the new Dubai, with modern flair, as well as maintaining old world charm, in glorious seaside surroundings.
Travelers to Dubai will be impressed by the cultural diversity of the place, as exemplified by its wide variety of cuisines. The expected Arab food is enormously varied and pleasing to nearly any palate, but there is also a fantastic selection of Asian and fast foods. The range of meals can vary from the diners for the pocket savvy, as well as the impressive array of world-class restaurants. The diversity of foods is a reflection of the place, which hosts one of the largest markets in the world.
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) , began in 1996, with the idea of creating a global village, where all nations could participate in displaying their cultures through their goods. Carpets, household appliances, jewelry and other crafts, are all for sale here, suggesting a microcosm of the world marketplace.
Those who might miss the festival (typically held in the first quarter of each year) can be assured of finding plenty of shopping opportunities at the Dubai Mall , at the Festival Center located on Dubai Creek (itself a place of enormous historic interest and value). This is the largest shopping mall in the world , featuring hundreds of retail shops. Visitors will not only be pleased at the shopping experience here, but will be entertained by the parades, musicians, and festivals which highlight live entertainment for the whole family. Continuous entertainment, along with the pleasures of retail excursions in the world’s largest mall, make this a necessary stopping point for any visitor.
Posted on May 11, 2009 under Travel |
When planning summer family vacations, one must consider that the children must be entertained. When traveling through India, the city of Delhi has the perfect place. In 1984 the country opened its first amusement park and it quickly became the favorite of every child, and the favorite of their parents as well. This is the Appu Ghar Park. The park was exquisitely designed and has something for everyone no matter what age. The four star hotels in Delhi often suggest this as a day trip for those travelers who do not know that it is there. Considered to be the Disneyland of India, this 25 year old park provides loads of fun and relief from the summer time heat.
The roller coasters are thrilling. With titles such as Big Splash, Eerie Tunnel and Giant Wheel, what else would one expect? There are cable cars and race cars that the kids can drive for themselves. And there is a wide variety of swings and water slides to provide that relief from the heat. And while the snow never falls in Delhi, there are ice games. Located in the water park section, Oysters is quite famous and popular for those wanting to beat the temperatures through ice skating, sledding and ice bowling.
The Appu Ghar has become the flagship of design for other parks around the country. Plans to open two more are underway. The man who came up with the idea and created the plans for the park is Smt. Indira Gandhi. Appu is the name of the mascot of the park, a cartoon elephant. Once the mascot of the Asian Games in 1992, Appu’s home is now permanently at the park. Currently there is a live mascot at the park and rides on Appu are incredibly popular. This park has been setting trends across the country and is a must see attraction when traveling with children to the city of Delhi.
Posted on May 08, 2009 under Home |
Next Day Blinds is taking a pro-active stance in their attention to earth-friendly issues. They are currently converting their entire fleet of vehicles to hybrids, looking to have the majority of their cars running hybrid-fueled by the end of 2009.
Also, Next Day Blinds is a seller of high quality, custom made window treatments, and has recently introduced motorized blinds and shades to the market. Customers now have the ability to control their blinds and shades easily, with just the touch of a button. Next Day Blinds offers three options to control these new products in order to provide their customers with a choice to fit their lifestyle: a remote, wall switch, or preset timer.
Next Day Blinds Columbia, Maryland has taken interior decorating into interesting and exciting places with their classy lines of shades, blinds, shutters and cornices. Their web site offers a helpful “idea gallery”, which helps give home decorators appealing design options. Their “tips and tricks” page is similarly engaging for the interior designer at any level of ability.
Posted on May 04, 2009 under Travel |
Of the seven Canary Islands, Tenerife is the largest. It is also the most populated, and this beautiful island off the coast of Africa is a major tourist destination. From rugged mountains to beautiful beaches, this island has something for everyone whether you’re a permanent resident or summer vacationer. The wild life on or around the island is diverse and ranges from the Gallotia Galloti wall lizard found among the crags and rocks to the bottlenose dolphin swimming in the near shore waters. There are many cultural and entertainment elements to keep tourists occupied. Most guests in the 5 star hotels in Tenerife don’t have much of a chance to enjoy their luxury accommodations as they’re always on the go with a new adventure.
The capital of the island is Santa Cruz de Tenerife and is also where the head of the island government is located. Though it is only the second largest city on the island, it is a major cultural center and attracts a great number of tourists. It has many natural and manmade historic landmarks that bring attention to the city. The Museum of Nature and Man provides an excellent opportunity to become familiar with the history of the island. It is actually a complex of 3 different museums, The Museum of Natural Sciences, The Architectural Museum of Tenerife, and The Canarian Institute of Bioanthropology. The complex offers guests a trip through time and an opportunity to see the natural riches of the island as well as the pre-Hispanic people that lived there. The Municipal Museum of Fine Arts offers a more contemporary perspective. It has an extensive permanent collection that features the work of Canarian artists Oscar Dominguez and Manolo Millares. Also included in the permanent exhibit are works from Jose de Ribera, Joaquin Sorolla, and Frederico Madrazo.