Archive for August, 2010

August 31, 2010: 4:10 pm: CraigInspiration

The big changes in life are always the most emotional, and with a move, it’s also rather physical, too, every step of the way. It’s sometimes so overwhelming that people tend to forget that it’s not a powerless situation. It can certainly seem that way, however, as things start to get into motion and there’s no turning back. There are choices, and in a computer age, places like transglobe property management can make the choosing part of every step as well.

Part of the sense of powerlessness in a transition is the feeling that it’s a lonely enterprise, that no one else is going through the same thing. There are tremendous support networks online, and it’s also a good time to turn to family and friends. Everyone who’s over 20 has probably moved, and has an idea about how to offer advice and can be a trusting friend. The staff at companies like Transglobe are all very well-trained in customer service, and enjoy working with the people they serve.

These networks can help take the load of stress off, and help put the focus on the choices. This is where powerlessness loses out, because choice is everything. It’s not simply a matter of where to live, although that’s important, but it’s also a matter of the small details. What the new place will look like, the neighborhood, even the drawer where one will put the forks , can all add up to an experience that’s positive, for a positive transition.

August 27, 2010: 4:10 pm: CraigHealth

Most people who hear about the monkey mind have a deep connection to it, responding with a certain, uneasy recognition that is often accompanied by nervous giggles. Those who have spent any time in meditation have a much closer relationship to the idea, because it’s a central element that arises in any practice of meditation, and one that needs to be acknowledged. There are practices and schools of spiritual traditions that can help one to get in touch with the part of the self that is beyond language, or perhaps before language. The Sahaja Meditation Student Association is one organization that’s helpful in teaching people how to reach a state that is quite beyond thought.

Meditation is something that follows the breath, and learning how to meditate could be seen as nothing less than learning how to breathe for the first time. One can find philosophical paths, or intellectual paths, that are dedicated to facing the monkey in the mind head on, in order to overcome it through rational thought. However, it has a way of constantly reincarnating itself, and the worries that disappear one moment may come back the next. The key to living with this is truly found in the breath. When one can find a way to become focused on one’s own breathing, then the monkey does become quiet, and eventually attention to the breath fades away as well, and there is only sensation and being.

August 23, 2010: 4:10 pm: CraigTravel

Phoenix, Arizona is not what you would expect from a city in the middle of the desert. There aren’t as many stucco buildings with terracotta roofs for one but also there are a few surprising annual events that occur and other tourist attractions in the larger Phoenix metropolitan region.

For those looking to come out to Phoenix there are a variety of places to stay from camp grounds to luxury hotels. Phoenix is an interesting place to visit year round. Early in the year, from February to April, various medieval reenactment events occur in the region which draw sight seers and regular attendees from all over the United States and sometimes globe. The Estrella War is a large annual event for members of the Society for Creative Anachronism held around Valentine’s Day. This event is slightly more exclusive and definitely not your average Renaissance festival. The attendees are all in historically accurate garb and recreate armor and reenact medieval battle with rattan swords. For those who don’t mind mixing their medieval experience with a little fantasy though there is the Arizona Renaissance Festival . Here you can try on costumes, shop, listen to Celtic bands, eat authentic period foods, and even ride an elephant if you want.

August 19, 2010: 4:10 pm: CraigHistory

It’s somewhat fascinating to look at the history of some of the Hawaiian islands, and find that their time as a major tourist destination is relatively short. Waikiki is the perfect example of this, having come into its own rather recently, and one of the last islands to actively develop a tourist culture. It’s also been developing a sense of identity in conjunction with the tourist trade. It’s not as though the people don’t have a sense of what it is to be Hawaiian, but it sometimes takes a very close look in order to see how it’s possible to be represented as such.

The immense popularity of Waikiki beach hotels almost makes it seem as though they’ve been around forever. It would be hard to imagine Hawaii without mentioning these islands, and music history would be diminished, such are the level of references in popular songs. However, it’s due to the efforts of experts like George Kanahele , who was able to trace the importance of historical threads to help the other locals conceive of a narrative with which to create a Waikiki that others could read. And also visit. There may or may not be a Hawaiian renaissance, then, and that’s certainly something for the people here to decide for themselves. But there is a Hawaiian-ness that can be read globally, but it takes reflection and intention to produce it.

August 16, 2010: 4:10 pm: CraigLegal

Any loan originator or mortgage broker covered by the New York state law who doesn’t hold an approved license through the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) or who did not file an application prior to December 1, 2009, and complete a 20 hour required pre-licensure education, pass the New York mortgage test , both national and state, and submit a request for criminal background check through the NMLS, may not originate mortgage loans.

All pre-licensure education applicants after 7/11/09 should have completed 20 hours of NMLS approved pre-licensure education including 3 hours specifically about New York laws. Existing licensees approved as of 7/11/09 must have completed the 20 hours of NMLS approved pre-licensure education, including 3 hours specifically for New York by 8/31/2010. Note: reciprocity cannot be granted for State specific courses required to meet the requirements of other jurisdiction.

New York intends to participate in the pre-licensure education certification process. State approved courses taken after 11/30/2009 will not be accepted for certification as part of the pre-licensure education process. All licensees must take 11 hours of NMLS approved continuing education, including 2 hours specifically for New York State Law, in 2011 in order to renew for 2012.

Anyone who failed an application prior to 7/11/09 should have passed the National and State Components of the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator test by 5/31/2010. Existing licensees approved as of 7/11/09 must pass the National and State Components of the SAFE MLO test and complete a criminal background check by 8/31/2010.

August 14, 2010: 4:10 pm: CraigAdvertising

Four things to consider before purchasing a trade show display booth:
The size of trade show displays will depend on the space reserved at the event. If you reserve a double-wide area, then make sure the exhibit will cover the entire space. If the space you reserve is small, then make sure the display will not overwhelm the area and bleed into your neighbor’s booth. Another aspect to consider for size is who will be carrying it, setting it up and tearing it down. Will it be portable enough to fit in cars, trucks and airplanes or will you have to pay for oversized baggage.

The versatility of any trade show displays is also a main consideration. Can you mount pictures, products or literature easily and can they easily be exchanged? Trade show displays have different functionalities and it’s important that the one you choose will accommodate all your needs.

Many trade show displays look great once set-up, but how easy is it set up? How long does it take to set-up? Are tools needed? How many people are necessary to set it up? If your company only can afford to have one person man the booth at a trade show, make sure that the trade show display can be carried, set-up and torn down by one person. A pop-up display booth is a company’s best bet if the only have one person at the trade show.

Finally, do you really need to buy a trade show display? Yes, you do. Coming to a trade show with only a 6 foot table and literature will guarantee you’ll have no foot traffic and will not pick up new clients. Trade show displays add to the professionalism of your space. They can be utilized as one big advertisement for your particular service or product.

August 10, 2010: 4:10 pm: CraigSport

The registration for the 2010 Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM) will begin September 1st, and the event itself begins November 21, 2010. This is ADHMs 6th event, which began in 2005, but was then known as the Hutch Delhi Half Marathon, then as Vodafone Delhi Half Marathon. Airtel Delhi seems to be sticking around longer than its predecessors.

ADHM is the 3rd biggest road running event in all of India; the other two being the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon and the Bangalore World 10K Run, which are all accredited IAAF Gold Labe Road Race events. Procam International is the brain and bronze behind all 3 marathons and for the ADHM they are stepping up their game and reigning in all the organizational aspects surrounding the event.

Many Delhi hotels are on the ADHM marathon route, so even if you’re not participating in the run, you’ll be able to watch this fantastic event on your balcony or the sidewalk outside the hotel. If you are participating, Procam has launched a ‘selection criteria’ for confirmed participation to the Mumbai Marathon and Half Marathon events, meaning completion certificated with marathon time less than 6 hours and Half Marathon time less than 3 hours will be issued. Entries without either certificate will have to go through an online ballot. Currently, the ‘selection criteria’ hasn’t been extended to the ADHM.