Commze

Once of Frank’s life long obsession oriented dreams finally occurred, after an almost eternity of waiting, after all he was a whole nine years old, last year when his uncle took him to a live Philadelphia 76ers basketball game. It was really the greatest evening of Frank’s young life, up to that point. He had been a 76ers fan for as long as he could remember. His mother claims that it was not always his choice because his grandfather was always coming over and propping him up as a baby in front of the television and watching the games with him. However, she didn’t complain too loudly because every time Frank was upset and crying she could prop him up in front of a game and he would be okay. Naturally, his parents collected tapes of 76ers games and had them on hand.

Inadvertently this also contributed to Frank’s obsession. He started memorizing game details, team and player statistics before he was even aware of it. There was simply no way for Frank to grow up and not love basketball and be a loyal lifelong 76er fan. Well, his father was afraid it would all backfire one day and he would actually despise basketball, but his fears were unfounded.

On the evening Frank and his uncle went to the game his uncle thought about surprising him and just showing up there but his mother wouldn’t let him. She explained that Frank would be extremely upset to learn he was going to a game and didn’t have on his Willie Green jersey. So, to make the evening complete, his uncle told him what they would be doing and with both of them in jerseys they enjoyed a cheese steak sandwich before heading to the Wachovia Center. They passed a few of the hotels in Philadelphia and Frank wondered if any of them contained fans for the other team. It was truly a magical evening, one that Frank would never forget.

Sam Shepard always seemed to be at the front of the stagecoach when it came to writing that was not self-aware, but at the same time utterly mad, and utterly visionary.  This is not un-self-aware, and it’s not a review of Lie of the Mind, but might be a reflection on mortality.  I hope it’s not poignant, nor too self-conscious.  Either way, this is very shaky ground, because I am from a certain generation that came of age when Shepard was already recognized as one of the major writers of the generation that came before us.  The stories we heard about were apocryphal and sometimes apocalyptic, but always interesting, because he had some secrets that he kept secret.
In a field where everyone tells you everything about themselves, to the point where they believe there are no lies or shadows left hidden in their souls, it was refreshing to meet a hero that prescribed hiding out.  It’s ironic and not that www.newyorkbroadwaytickets.net  is offering seats for the revival of his Lie of the Mind, directed by Ethan Hawke.  It’s got a great cast, and all the signs point to a solid work that everyone will probably pan anyway, just because that’s what they do.

But the real irony comes when I think about how we were coming of age right on the heels of Buried Child.  A few of us who liked to escape in libraries would find the copies of his early work, and realize that this was a reckless genius who was telling our stories, about our addictions, our demons, and our families.  There was something of a reluctant shaman about Sam, which later proved to be a mantle he’d throw off like Dylan, one of our other heroes.  Ethan Hawke was just becoming popular in those years.  To see that he’s directing the work, and what was once our present is now called a revival, this suggests that the wheel has truly spun another round, and there’s a generation of kids right now who just might have a sense that there’s something of a liberation in the visionary, along with a number of traps, if they care to ask for advice from the ones who came before.

My luck has never been very strong when it comes to the big competitions that the world seems to care so much about, so I try not to get caught up in anything.  I focus my luck on making things work in my own life, whether it’s finding parking spaces, better jobs, or hoping that the movie hasn’t started yet.  When I’m in Singapore, however, it all changes.  I can’t really say what it is, exactly, but something about the place makes me fall madly, deeply, and even truly, in love with anything that has even a hint of the sheen of pop culture.  I just go for it, and whatever the genre, whether it’s sports or music or even industrial design, I love to be somewhere in the middle of the crowd.

I made a decision not to get caught up this time, and instead, focused my trip on enjoying all of the things besides pop culture.  I love going to the galleries, and there’s always some exciting new performance art going on here, that’s much better than the work in my hometown, which is always so derivative of Marina’s early body work.  And when it comes to finding a good Chinese restaurant, I have an incredible skill.  It’s like second nature to me, although finding a good Chinese place in Singapore is sort of like finding a  goatee in Seattle.  So I was altogether absorbed and very happily into my appetizers when I couldn’t help but over hear the table next to me talking about Singapore Idol.

Thousands were expected turn out to see the finals live, and I had happily avoided it altogether.  But someone was talking about how they really wanted Sezairi Sezali to win, because they couldn’t stand seeing a woman get the award.  This made me so angry that I became a fan of Sylvia Ratonel right there on the spot.  By the next morning, I knew everything about her.  I knew that she didn’t eat her vegetables, and I forgave her for that.  I also forgave her for snoring like a trucker, and even imagined its sound in my mind.  It was sweet.  So cute.  So very like Sylvia.  Of course, she lost, because that’s my luck, and that’s my curse, and I just want to tell her I’m sorry.  But you know I love you.

When circumstances dictate a time necessary to ask for money from friends or relatives, but they too are cash strapped, then it’s time to consider applying on-line for a money mutual loan, otherwise known as a Payday loan. A Payday loan will take the anxiety away from the borrower by being the best solution to a financial crunch, plus the loan will be funded almost immediately; as for a regular bank, it can take up to a month for them to go through the application alone and then, most likely the bank will not approve of the loan, which in turn, will only delay payment of that unexpected bill and make the borrowers anxieties rise.

A money mutual loan, is also called, in the financial world, a micro-loan and the function of a micro-loan is to help people who are in urgent need of cash and an easy way to receive that cash. Payday loans are short-term loans that will provide an unsecured loan that can be obtained by applying on-line at any number of Payday loan websites, like advertised on the Money Mutual Montel Williams commercial.  There is no credit check and no reason is necessary when applying. These sites are open 24/7, because companies know emergencies wait for no one.

There are some qualifications needed before considering applying for a Money Mutual (Payday) loan: the borrowers needs to be 18 years of age, a United States of America Citizen, a valid checking account and an minimum income per month. If all the above criteria are met, the borrower will have the cash wired to their bank account within 24 hours. The repayment is usually by the borrowers next payday, which is highly recommended to make this type of short-term loan beneficial.

All and all, no matter what term you call this loan: money mutual, Payday or micro-loan, this loan only benefits the borrower in several different ways. The borrower can pay off credit cards or pay late bills that will stop late fees or penalties. In turn, the borrowers credit rating will improve and those bothersome collection calls will cease; giving the borrower a way out of debt. What could be better than being out of debt? So, next time an emergency arises, or you can’t make your payments on-time for your bills, go on-line and apply for a short-term Payday loan.

While the island of Mauritius is small, with a population of just about one million, the variety of the cultures is vast.  The different neighborhoods, festivals, religions, and ethnic backgrounds of the people who now make up the Mauritian population make this one of the most interesting and exciting destinations for those on summer, or winter for that matter, holiday in Mauritius.  Luxury hotel and resort accommodations are plentiful, as well as the restaurants, the museums, the water sports and the wildlife adventures in the mountains, for every aspect of this island is the very definition of diversity and rich cultural and natural history.

Walking down any of the city streets one may find an Indian restaurant which sits next to a Muslim mosque which sits next to a French cafe.  Each of these cultures retain their own rituals and ceremonies making this one of the most fascinating places during festival times.  And in keeping with tolerance and the appreciation for those of different backgrounds, the Mauritians will always welcome travelers wishing to join in on the fun and the celebrations.

Should one be on the island in the beginning of the calendar year, during January and February they will have the opportunity to partake in the Chinese Spring Festival.   Red, which is the color that symbolizes happiness, fills the streets, and there are feasts, and firecrackers and dancing.  In February the Hindu population celebrates as well, with the Maha Shivaratree festival.  During this time, the Hindus on the island will wear all white clothing and walk throughout the island during the three days of the ceremonies.

The Muslim population celebrates the end of Ramadan with the Id El Fitr Festival.   This is a time of feasts and the giving of gifts.   There are many more festivals that take place throughout the year.  Many find that the Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter are memorable when celebrated on the island, as with these holidays as well as all of the festivals, each and every cultures takes part in the celebration of the others.

When I attended a special opera event at the Buxton Opera House, I was approached by a volunteer asking if I’ve ever attended the Buxton Puppet Festival which the opera house presents every year. Of course, I have not. I don’t live here, I only come here on special requests from the Opera House for a particular fund raiser. The volunteer was so excited to find out that I’ve never been the the Puppet Festival and asked me if I had time for her to tell me all about it. Her enthusiasm was overwhelming, so I couldn’t deny her the chance.

This up coming August will be the Puppet Festivals sixth annual event. It’s in conjunction with Funny Wonders. In addition to the puppet performances, there will be workshops for all age held at the Opera House, at the Paupers Pit and all around town. At the Opera House, there will be two favorite puppet performing, Presto Puppet Theatre will be returning with the retelling of Aladin and the Lempen Puppet Theatre present a touching Fable, Journey of Turtles.

Funny Wonders Young People’s Company will present ‘The Silk Road’. A culmination of an on going project that started over a year ago.  Apparently, the company travelled to Japan and collaborated with another puppet theater and what they experience will be brought back here and has inspired the performance of ‘The Silk Road’.  Later, after that performance the Japanese puppet master Nori Sawa will hold a workshop for children and adults. As for the Paupers Pit and the Old Hall Hotel, there will be daily programs of puppet shows. Then there will be two unique events outdoors in the Pavilion Gardens.

The volunteers energy never waned when she told me all about the Puppet Festival. As I returned to one of the Buxton Hotels, I couldn’t help remember how much I loved a good puppet show. I’ve never really attended a professional show, only the ones my siblings put on to entertain the family during summer breaks. I think I’ll have to come back next month and revisit fond memories.

I made a special stop at Bristol with my wife and our two children and stayed at a Bristol Hotel in order for me to take them to the Bristol zoo. I have such fond memories of the zoo and I wanted my family to share what was my childhood.

After we spent the night at the hotel, we went early in the morning to have a full fun day at the zoo. Bristol Zoo has changed, I almost didn’t recognize it. What was weird was I did recognize the brown elephant signpost which has faithfully pointed the way to the zoo every since I was a child, but the Bristol Zoo no longer has elephants. Going through the zoo’s entrance, we now had to go through the gift shop first. Effective, sure. You can’t enter or leave the zoo without having to go through the gift shop. My children most definitely wanted all the very expensive items offered in the shop.

I successfully navigated my children through the shop without having to open my wallet, of course promising they’ll get something when we leave. We finally proceeded to the zoo itself and walked by beautiful trees and landscaping which were quite stunning and well manicured. This was new for me, or I just don’t remember, or I’m now more mature where I appreciate wonderful landscaping. The zoo is rather small, I remember being so much bigger. But, it’s only twelve acres. We stopped by the one of the two cafe/snack place’s the zoo offers and I was blown away with the pricing. Very expensive. If I wasn’t travelling, I would’ve prepared our own picnic basket, which the zoo allows.

As we strolled around the zoo, I noticed that there was more space dedicated to gardens, nice picnic areas and lakes than to animals. I got the feeling that it really wasn’t a zoo anymore, but more like a parkland. My kids weren’t disappointed though, they didn’t care that they didn’t see elephants, giraffes, rhinos or polar bears, like I did when I was a kid. All they wanted to do was chase all the ducks and geese around the lake, eat and of course have Dad buy them something from the gift shop when we leave.

The Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago is well known for launching the premier productions of many plays that will go on to become major theatrical hits and move on to New York productions. It is a Tony Award winning company that is internationally recognized. It is also one of the most prominent and respected theatre companies in Chicago. Tickets for theatre productions are available at the box office and also online. Steppenwolf was founded in 1974 by Jeff Perry, Terry Kinney and Gary Sinese and was originally located in the basement area of a church in Highland Park. The group chose the company’s name based on the Herman Hesse novel. Since 1997, longtime ensemble member Martha Lavey has served as the Artistic Director.

The theatre has had a few location changes throughout their existence and is now located on Halsted Street. It is one of the most successful regional theatre companies and has an annual subscription base of nearly 20,000. In 1982 they staged a production of the Sam Shepard play True West. This was the first of many subsequent productions to move on to New York productions. August: Osage County was the latest of productions to come from this company and it went on to become a Tony Award winning show in New York. It is one of the most critically successful productions to come from the company.

The play was written by Tracy Letts who is a company member, and was directed by fellow ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro. The Steppenwolf theatre has a strong commitment to the development of new work. Their New Plays initiative works with playwrights from the international scene and is aimed at supporting the new work of emerging writers as well as though that have already established a certain level of career success. Many of America’s top actors have launched their careers here and some of them are Joan Allen, John Malkovich, Gary Cole, Martha Plimpton and Laurie Metcalf.

Elton John is an incredible musician composer and performer. His concerts are extremely energetic, dynamic and constitute an event as well as a performance. He usually has a group of background singers placed onstage that dance and sing, which greatly contributes to the overall vibrancy of the show. One of the other interesting aspect of his performances is that they are extremely diverse and represent multiple populations and communities. Audiences of all ages fill the seats and dance on the floors at his shows, as well as various ethnicities, genders and sexual orientations. This contributes to the festival atmosphere of his concerts. His concert tickets always sell out in record time.

Elton John is unique in his appeal, which stresses across many social and political boundaries. He also has the distinction of having been the background musical themes for many people throughout their lives. He has been performing and creating hit songs for decades, and people from all generations love him. Even people that have never purchases one of his albums will recognize most or all of the songs on his play list because they have all been hits at one time or another.

Songs like Goodbye Yellowbrick Road, Daniel and Candle in the Wind, among many others, are still played on the popular radio stations on a daily basis. It’s almost impossible to exist today and not be familiar with and even a fan of some of John’s music. His songs reflect the temperance of various social periods and many people reflect back on specific points in their lives and relationships that relate to particular songs. In addition to his albums, Elton John has written the music or worked in other areas on Broadway musicals. He has contributed to the creation of Billy Elliot the Musical, The Lion King, Aida, Lestat. He has also appeared as himself and characters in films. He played himself in Spice World, and The Country Bears and also he played the Pinball Wizard in Tommy.

My friends and I were standing in line to get Event Tickets for a haunted house attraction, when our highschool teacher came walking past us laughing so hard he could hardly walk. We stopped him and asked him if the Haunted House wasn’t that scary, and all he could do at the moment was shake his head ‘no’, then he finally stopped laughing and told us that there was a student he knew going through the new Maze addition of the Haunted House and all the student could do is scream like a young female going through a horrible fraternity hazing. Then he started laughing again and stumbled away from us.

We got our tickets and went inside hoping that who ever the student was, was still inside. While we kept our eyes open a guy wearing a white sheet had been keeping it pretty lively and scaring not only me, cause he snuck up on me, but many other people as well. The ghost then balled himself up on the floor, like in a fetal position and began to moan and horrendous sound. My other friends were laughing, but I thought this guy wasn’t acting. He wasn’t, I saw a man running away from the ghost fast and heard someone yell to stop him, he had just slugged the ghost in the stomach.
I figured being punched in the stomach or any other part of the body would be par for the course sneaking up on someone and screaming in their ear. When he did that to me, I almost turned around and punched him, luckily, I did not. I would’ve felt really bad. When my friends found out the real reason the ghost was on the ground, they really began to laugh hard. Finally, two men with headsets came by and picked up the ghost and helped carry him out of the event. I didn’t know why my friends found that even more funny that someone got hurt. I will have to revisit that thought later.

We made it to the Maze and heard many screams coming from deep inside. It was dark, so we had to grope our way around in the dark, I’m a little claustrophobic, so being dark, groping and in a small enclosed area really got my nerves going. We’d bump into disoriented people who were desperate to find the exit. Spookers hiding around every corner scared me each time even though I knew they would. I was familiar with how Maze’s work, so my strategy was to follow the right-side walls, but that wasn’t working at all. I heard one of my friends say ‘Over hear’, so I groped in that general direction and that’s when…I heard that student scream like a young girl during a frat hazing. I was laughing so hard, I almost peed my pants.

I really wanted to get the feel of Harlem, so I investigated if there was maybe a walking tour and there is! I had one day free to do what I wanted during my business meetings, so I thought, what a great opportunity to get to know and understand the history of a historical place. I contacted the concierge at one of the Top New York Hotels and ask if they could steer me to the right place. They could, and they not only arranged the reservations for me, they requested a private tour.

It was nice to be able to leave the buses and subways behind and walk the streets of Harlem to feel the sights and sounds that are the epitome of the Black Capital of America. I met up with my personal tour guide who actually works and lives in Harlem. This insiders view managed to transport me back to the days of the Harlem Renaissance. A period when Harlem was filled to the brim with talented artists, musicians, civil rights leaders and writers. I got to see speakeasies, churches (where I got to listen to the uplifting sounds of a gospel choir in practice), pristine neighborhoods, jazz clubs from the 1920’s. My favorite sight is the original Cotton Club. But, it was hard to choose which was my second most favorite sight. I liked the Langston Hughes Home, The Center for Research in Black Culture, the place where Madame Walker and daughter A’lelia Walker lived and the home of Wallace Thurman was especially nice.

My personal tour guide gave my photographs and made sure that I would hear Harlem Renaissance music. But what was most astounding for me was that here in Harlem is some of the most spectacular architecture in all of Manhattan; Harlem is soaked it amazing architecture. We were running out of time, but my wonderfully amazing guide managed to talk me to Sugar Hill. This is where some of the most famous heroes and heroines lived, like Paul Robeson, Malcolm X, Count Basie and WEB DuBois. I was stunned with how different the atmosphere was here compared to the Southern part of Harlem. The day ending with a dinner at one of the eateries in Harlem. A nice touch. I said goodbye to my guide and headed back to my hotel room feeling like I lived during the Renaissance of Harlem.

After the gold rush in Melbourne had come to an end, fewer immigrants from China were enter the city.  The business shifted as did the residents.  There were still Chinese owned shops, bakeries, and restaurants and cafes however.  But the draw to the neighborhood was coming from the general population on the whole.  Many Europeans had discovered the flavors of Chinatown and were frequenting the businesses.  It was the students of the 1930’s however, that made this area of the city, the ‘hip’ and cultural scene.  Many Chinese who had recently immigrated still found their social and cultural ties on these streets, however newer immigrants at this time tending to move to the out lying areas, and not into Chinatown.

And by the late 40’s and early 50’s, many became concerned, thinking that the neighborhood just may completely disappear.  Big department commercial stores began moving in taking away a bit from the charm of the area, forcing many smaller businesses and boutique hotel Melbourne supported out of commission.  Many historical and artistic architectural structures were demolished by the end of the 50’s.  But, as the 1960’s began, the times began to change and the cultural began to shift.  During the same era, the Chinatown neighborhood of San Francisco was booming, and this inspired the city in Australia.  Tourism was becoming a huge industry, and the City Council of Melbourne decided to invest in the redevelopment and revitalization of Little Burke Street, and in Chinatown on the whole.

Government funding became available and an innovative plan was begun in 1984.  Lighting and decorations were installed, as well as the rehabilitation of older buildings and street and sidewalk pavement replaced.  Many more have immigrated since that time, from Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan.  This has led to an even more diverse, but still Asian culture, with the arts and the cuisine of various nations supporting each other.  Many more Asian students have filled the universities of Melbourne as a result, and the business of the community is doing better than ever, making this one of the most fascinating locations to visit on a holiday tour in Melbourne.

For all of the countries with five star hotels, Spain has a variety that is as wide as its regions, and its people.  There are at least a dozen languages spoken, and the climate can vary tremendously from place to place.  Local variants in food can lead toward a tendency to want to take a culinary tour of the country, but this, like anything else here, would take longer than one lifetime.  There are some standards that are the same from place to place, and these are evident in the hotels.  There is a love of both tradition and innovation, and guests here can expect to find old-world hospitality coupled with new technology.  There are also all the other qualities that are standard in five-star hotels, where excellence in service, design, and amenities are just the beginning.

Spain has something for everyone, and is one of the most fascinating countries in Europe.  With an extremely rich and complicated history, cultures that have reputations for being warm and friendly, and a sensibility that embraces style and elegance, Spain is, and has always been, a superb destination.  There are also some very famous and colorful characters who come from Spain, and one of its most favorite daughters these days is Penelope Cruz.  With dozens and dozens of film roles, television appearances, and high media attention, there are very few places in the world she can go without attracting a lot of attention.

It’s a beautiful arc for this character, as her origins are a little more humble.  Born in Madrid to a middle class family, her father was a mechanic and her mother was a hairdresser.  She studied classical ballet before she got the notion, when she saw Almodóvar’s ¡Átame! (Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down!), to be an actress.  This was prescient, because not only has she become one of the most visible actresses working today, she has become one of Almodóvar’s favorites.  She had a leading role in Todo sobre mi madre (All About My Mother), and she won a very well-deserved nomination for Volver (To Return).  She has had many other roles, in films in Spanish and English, and is developing a reputation for her complex portrayals of complex characters, which might be shorthand for saying that she’s arrived.  Penelope Cruz just might be the Queen of Spain.

The New York City Broadway theatre scene is the most prominent in the United States. While Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle and other major US cities also have an incredible and diverse theatre scene, Broadway is definitely the Great White Way and the icon of American theatre. Avenue Q is currently playing at the Golden Theatre between 8th and Broadway. It is a Tony Award winning musical comedy and is scheduled to play through mid September of this year, which will mark an incredible 6 year run. The Best New York City hotel will offer information on this and other shows at the front desk.

Avenue Q began previews in July of 2003, and has been extremely popular with all audiences since its first performance. Before its Broadway run it ran on Off Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre. The musical follows the adventures of a recent college graduate who moves to New York to follow his dreams. It was conceived by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, who wrote the music and lyrics. The book was by Jeff Whitty, and the story is inspired by the Sesame Street Characters. The musical is full of puppets, and many of them are based on those found in the classic children’s educational program.

While this might seem like a children’s show, based on the inspiration and character base, it should be known that there is adult language, themes and profanity. This is evident in one of the most popular songs from the show, The Internet is for Porn. The musical has had a successful turning production in Australia and was also produced in London’s West End. If planning on attending the production, audiences should just remember that while it is a comedy, and full of puppets, it is not recommended for young children, and adult supervision is essential for older youth and adolescents.

A few years ago, well many years ago, in 2002 I visited my dear friend Robert.  Robert was born in Queens and is the standard for the New York personality.  We had not seen each other for a few years, and during that time, I had moved from Phoenix, to Los Angeles to Chicago and back again.  He had been working in the city, and had been jogging in Central Park on the morning of 9/11.  Life goes by so quickly.  When I first stepped off of the plane in LaGuardia, I had to find my way to the bus that would take me to Grand Central Station.  Robert was to be waiting there for me.  The bus took me across the Brooklyn Bridge, and with tears in my eyes I wondered just how life had been for those living in Manhattan, or visiting the city and hanging out in the rooms of the 5 star New York hotels on that day…a few years prior.

I saw Robert at Grand Central, he looking so dapper in his black wool trench coat, and I realized in one moment, how much I had missed his face.  And he was smiling.  And we took the subway, and as it was close to Christmas there were jazz bands playing at every station.  Christmas tunes.  Once we arrived at his flat on the Upper East side, we order pizza and had a bit of wine.  We took off for his local pub, had a few Guinness and then went back to his place to promptly fall to sleep.  The next day was a day that I will never forget.  We woke up, felt woozy after the wine, and the Guinness.  We had dinner at an incredible Italian place in SOHO, then got into a cab and said…”Cabbie, take us to Hell!”  Hell is a dance club located in the meat packing district.  Once we escaped from Hell, we went on to a small piano bar called Brandy’s.

Now, previously we had been by the site of the Twin Towers.  It was an empty construction site by that time, but the rod iron fence surrounding the cathedral across the street was still decorated by the shirts of the firemen from different U.S. cities that had participated in the rescue efforts on that day when my friend was jogging in Central Park.  And I thought about that.  I had been in Chicago that day, and watching the news and not able to get through on the telephone to Robert.  So, after wine and pasta, we end up at Brandy’s, a sing along joint.  Just as the band was packing up, I asked the singer if he would sing, “Danny Boy”.  I don’t know why that song popped into my head, but it did.  And even though he was ready to go, the singer said, yes.  And in one moment, the entire bar was singing along with tears streaming down their cheeks.  When all was said and done, Robert told me that that song is an anthem, for police and firemen in New York, and although the construction site was cleared, the shirts of those that risked their lives were still hanging on a fence.  The city never forgets.  New York, New York…the best city in the world.

One of the funnest spots to travel for spring break for students throughout the world is the country of Australia. There are safaris through the outback, numerous surf spots along the coasts, and many options for those wanting the adventures of deep sea fishing or relaxing times out on the waters whale watching.  The Australia spa resorts and hotels offer many amenities, and sometimes even discounted rates for student travelers.  For those wishing and outdoor feast during their break, there is none other than a tour along the Margaret River.

And for those tourists spending time in Perth, Australia, this area is just a short road trip, a four hour drive through some of the most incredible scenic areas of the country.  Spring season in Australia runs from September throughout November, and is a time of wild flowers in bloom, sunshine and the chance to drive along side, while whales swim along side in their spring migratory routes.  All aspects of the River are uplifting and the perfect way to escape the daily grind of college courses and the work week so many get obsessed with.  Lives are uplifted during this time on the continent.

Along the River there are many locations for fine dining as well as the tastings of some of the finest of Australian wines from the various regions.  The vineyards located in the Karri Forest valley offer wine tasting lunches, and are surrounded by caves that tunnel underground.  The perfect spot for walking off the wine and the food in the afternoon.  There are also many beaches located along the forest that are wonderful for a mid afternoon swim, or a ride on the surf boards.  The coastline is dramatic, with cliffs and diving spots, and is even more enhanced by the dolphins and the whales that are regularly spotted in the area.  This is one of the many ideal places in Australia, to get a bit of the outdoors, combined with the conveniences of the modern world.

Robert Von Hagge is a world renown designer of golf courses. He has designed three in Madrid including the Costa Brava, Emporda and the Real Sociedad. He now has a corporation by the same name and serves as its CEO. His father was Ben F. von Hagge and was a close associate of Donald Ross, the famous course architect from Scotland. Von Hagge literally grew up on golf courses and they became his life passion. Tourists often enjoy a day of golf while on vacation and some of the Madrid best hotels have information on those he designed as well as others that are located in city and throughout the area.

Because of his family orientation to the sport and his early life on the courses, Von Hagge had worked in many positions on the course by the time he was 17. He had early experience in the pro shops and served as a caddy. All of these elements of his childhood and youth provided him with great insight into what makes for a spectacular course. He studied at the Purdue University Agricultural School where he majored in landscape architecture. Throughout his career he as designed some of the worlds top and most prestigious courses.

He has designed courses for over 50 cities and some of these include San Francisco, Paris, San Diego, Sydney, Tokyo and of course Madrid. The PGA has had many tournaments on his courses, including the Bosque Real Country Club in Mexico City and Le Golf National in Paris. He has won numerous awards for his designs and his name has become iconic with great courses. The firm continues to great courses throughout the world and has many projects in the works. Golf is an extremely popular sport and many people enjoy playing it regardless of their skill levels.

There is ample evidence that 5-star Mallorca hotels are some of the loveliest accommodations in the world.  There is an enormous graciousness and hospitality here, which is a reflection of the island.  Offering a luxurious combination of new-world amenities and old-world charm, the hotels have every detail covered, and then some.  Guests will find themselves in a place with absolutely stunning style, world-class design, and timeless beauty.

Mallorca is one of the most splendid places on earth.  It has long been on the list of places to come to rejuvenate the mind and the senses, and it was typical in the past for doctors to prescribe visits to Mallorca, because of its stunning climate and glorious beaches.  There is certainly something to be said for living close to water, as attested to by the vivaciousness of the residents.  Visitors will also be in for a cultural feast, as the museums, live music, and night life are out of this world, and offer something for the entire family.  There is also a fantastic sense of mystery here, the kind that’s only present in old cities on the water.  One of the favorites among locals and visitors is the story of El Drac de La Coca, or, the Dragon of La Coca.

The story begins in the 17th century.  Apparently a baby crocodile was brought to Mallorca on a ship, and then set free in the underground labyrinth of the city of Palma de Mallorca.  Here, the crocodile began to grow to an enormous size, and some sightings of him put the tail as over 4 feet long and covered with spikes.  It would feast on rats and cats, according to the stories, and eventually babies, coming out of the underground at night to terrorize the streets while the city slept.  Here, it lived for a century, and the stories grew, until one night, in 1776, the governor of Alcdia, Bartomeu Coch, saw El Drac while he was courting his paramour.  He killed it with his sword, and offered it to her as proof of his love.  For fantastical stories, it’s got everything.  And even better, one can actually visit the remains of El Drac in el Museo Diocesano, if there’s any doubt about it’s validity!

One of the most predominant aspects of the culture of Thailand, the heart and soul if one may be so bold to state…is the art.  Thai artists are world renown for their attention to detail, their stylistic design, and their competence that is supported throughout, by the traditions of their ancestors.  Treasures are found on the island from Surin to Patong to Phuket City and back again.  This is a country that is pre-occupied, occupied, and driven by expression in the arts.

Patong is a city that has been famous for a number of reasons in the past, their night life, the coverage of the city, post trauma after the tsunami…and what has also begun is a world wide interest in the market of art.  Many travel the world around, to have the opportunity to purchase original works of art, along with the reproductions of famous paintings the Thai painters are so adept at producing.  Many tourists visit, attending the openings of contemporary and modern works, as well as the traditional and mixed media installations presented in many of the hotels and the Phuket Beach resort.

Along side the artisan booths of the markets, sit up-market galleries, located near the Plaza and the area surrounding the village of Laguna.  Fine artworks are on display and up for sale from the artists of the various regions of the country.  Rare relics and antiques from the entire region of Southeast Asia can be found in the markets of Phuket.  Also popping up are high-end boutiques, offering the works of the artisans, seamstresses and jewelers of the region.

The Burmese, the Chinese, and the Vietnamese artists are traveling daily to the markets, selling their creations to the many tourists in search of exotic mementos to bring home with them. And should one wish to purchase a wood carving created by the Shan family of Burma, be prepared to wait on the return of the investment, as the hand carved sculptures require three years to cure, at which point the final artistic touches will be applied.  Shopping for art is one of the most fascinating aspects of the country of Thailand, even if one is not so fond of shopping in general.

Water has been used and recognized for many years for its properties that induce the healing of the human body.  Hydrotherapy is quickly becoming an accepted form of physical therapy in the scientific world.  Be in in the form of heat, such as the hot tubs found at choosehottubsdirect.com, or in the form of ice.  One of the more popular forms of this is known as ‘contrast baths’.  This involves patients being completely immersed in a hot tub for just one to two minutes, then transferred directly into a tub fill with cold water for thirty seconds.  This back and forth between the hot and the cold happens anywhere from five to ten times in a single therapy session.  The final soak will be in the cold tub.  This form of treatment is not used on those that are elderly, or on small children.  Just as well, those with particular dispositions that would lead them towards nervousness are often not treated in this manner either.

This form of therapy results in the a heighten pumping of the heart and of the blood, forcing more blood through to the vital organs or to the areas that are in need of healing and attention.  The back and forth causes the dilation and the constriction of the blood vessels at a rapid rate.  Any areas of the body that are swollen will benefit from this procedure greatly.  The rapid pumping of blood ensures that fresh blood is pass through the vessels, veins and arteries transporting the agents necessary for the healing process.  This is also great for the reduction of pain, and is used on specific body parts as well, such as sprained ankles or sore shoulders.  One specific disease that is often treated in this manner is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tendinitis.  Following a break in a bone, this procedure is often performed on the patient prior to the application of the cast, to ensure that the swelling is at the lowest rate possible before the plaster is applied, thus securing a firm cast.  Contrast baths also serve to relax one as well, and are often used for simply the reason of the reduction of stress.

I love to grill, so cooking outside is a big part of my summer living. I have followed the latest trend in outdoor cooking and have installed an entire outdoor kitchen, including not only a Fire Magic grill, but a Subzero refrigerator, a sink and a prep area. I’ve turned my backyard into the ultimate BBQ palace and kept my house cool on the inside while I cooked on the outside.

I found when cooking outside, there are a few things to be concerned about, like grill safety. This includes the safety of the food I’m grilling, like the pre-grilling temperature, the internal cooking temperature and the serving temperature. I especially pay attention to cross contamination. The pre-grilling temperature is usually not a problem if I’m grilling at home, but if I’m taking food to a picnic area or another type of outdoor events, then keeping the food cold before it’s grilled is very important. Keeping meat and other perishables, especially potato salads, macaroni or coleslaw (due to the mayonnaise) in a cooler packed with plenty of ice with prevent bacteria to form. I also transport the coolers inside my truck where there’s airconditioning. I really recommend not putting your coolers in the trunk of the car. But, if you’re at your home and don’t have a refrigerator like I have, then fill up a tub full of ice which guests can drop their sealed containers of perishables and keep a thermometer around to make sure the foods are chilled below 40 degrees.

For the proper internal cooking temperatures, you need to purchase a meat thermometer to gauge the doneness of the meat. Most make the mistake of cooking the meat until it looks done or when the juices run out, but that is not a safe way to cook for your guest. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the meat is properly cook and at the right internal temperature. Steaks need to be cook to a temperature of 145 degrees for a medium-rare, a 160 degrees for a medium and 170 degrees for well done. Pork should be cooked to 160 degrees for medium and 170 degrees for well done. I recommend if you are grilling pre-cooking sausages and hot dogs only cook to 165 degrees. For uncooked sausages cook till they are at 160 degrees. Poultry a 180 degrees except for chicken breast which should be cooked to 170 degrees.

Happy Safe Grilling.

Americans love their grills! And of course, they love them about ten times more during the summer. The smell of smoky food searing and cooking over the barbecue grill is just so completely synonymous with summer! If you are not fortunate enough to live in a state in the Union where grilling is easy all year round the summer time cookouts are even more special.

Although, I know that when I was growing up in Ohio we did not hesitate to fire up the grill during the winter if we really wanted to grill some meat. Grilling was one of the number one ways that my family cooked. After moving to Arizona, I think I have become even more spoiled. Since it’s basically beautiful out here 365 days a year, you can grill every day.

And grills have only gotten bigger and better. They started out small; grills that you use to cook over coals are considered the classic American grill. It all started with the dome shaped Weber grill. Now people are keener on gas grills because they require a lot less maintenance than their coal counterparts. Although, grilling aficionados still swear by a Weber grill and Kingsford charcoal.

With gas grills becoming the grill of choice, so now have become an entire new industry of luxury outdoor kitchens. Because people are spending more time grilling than ever they want to have the state of the art equipment right in their backyard. Steve Barbarich started online selling luxury hot tubs and Jacuzzis but has since expanded to include luxury kitchens. His website, chooseoutdoorkitchens.com takes luxury outdoor kitchens to the next level.

Bottom line is that Americans love the taste that a grill gives their food and really is there anything better? With barbecue from Carolina, Texas to Memphis it really is a national pastime.

The idea of a perfect Cape Town luxury hotel is not out of reach.  Nestled in this beautiful and very lively city, the hotels are designed for your comfort.  With a brilliant combination of hospitality and style, you will sleep like a baby and wake up remembering you are on an adventure.  There is an expansive sense of design here, with some of the most cutting edge innovations in global sensibility.  The food is excellent, and will constantly please and surprise the palate.  The culture inside and outside the doors of the luxury hotel is absolutely stunning.

Cape Town, with its troubled history of apartheid, is a kind of distilled version of South Africa in general.  Everything happened here, in some senses, and it is really a smaller version of the history of the country, and by extension, of humanity.  To know its culture is to know its history, and one of the cultural giants here is Hugh Masekela.  Born in 1939, Hugh Masekela is an internationally-known horn player, band leader, and song writer.  He works in jazz, with many different styles based on traditions from the U.S. and Africa, and is known as an innovator and breakthrough artist all over the world.  Once married to the great South African singer Miriam Makeba, his public life is fascinating.

He played in many different jazz bands and musical revues when he was younger, and found his first real bite at world fame when he played in the orchestra in Todd Matshikiza’s theatrical success, “King Kong.”  A few years later, in 1960, the Sharpeville Massacre and subsequent riots caused many South Africans to exile themselves, and he ended up in Europe and the U.S. In 1962, he met Louis Armstrong, and they maintained a long friendship.  Hugh Masekela has reached an international fame that is reserved only for a very few world greats, and his birthday celebrations are always huge events in South Africa.  Since he started returning to his homeland, the response from his fans has been great, and it always marks a profound event, one that is based on years of pain and grief that is part of South African history.  This music maker has done his fair share of making the world sweeter with his sounds.

Looking for a five-star hotel in Dubai? The selection is abundant, in this city where hospitality and comfort are tradition. Dubai is one of the most popular cities in the region, and it’s reputation is growing by leaps and bounds. Celebrities and business professionals alike recommend it with their preference for visiting this city over all others. It has a fantastic contrast of natural wonder and metropolitan stimulation, and there are plenty of things to fill your itinerary. If relaxation is on the menu, then there are spas and restaurants to fit the bill. If culture is desired, then there are dozens of galleries to quench your appetite.

One place to find a wonderful listing of the local galleries here is Art Dubai. This event, Art Dubai, is actually part of a larger vision that is significant in the cultural scene here. Sponsored by the DIFC, the Dubai International Finance Centre, Art Dubai is an annual event where the most lucrative art works are displayed in participating galleries around the city, and in some other strategic international locations. Art works and trends are discussed in round table forums, there are guest speakers, and a host of other related events dedicated to discussing the contemporary art scene. The focus, though, is the financial possibilities for the art works. While art and commerce may be forever at odds, the event does spark very lively conversation and debate.

Art Dubai is also a fantastic opportunity to get a feel for the contemporary directions in the local art scene. It’s a centralized event with multiple sponsors, and some of the more prominent galleries participate. So by simply following the gallery route for Art Dubai will lead to many unexpected finds. There are pockets of hidden treasures all around the city, and this is a splendid place to start looking. It is also a place to make inroads where there are already galleries that are well-connected to the international art marketplace.

For the seasoned traveler looking for the best of the best in a five-star hotel, Dubai graciously offers a sumptuous feast for the senses. The hotels are a splendid combination of old-world hospitality and new-world extravagance, to make sure that the guest is pampered and rejuvenated, and made to feel like a movie star. With the boom in reputation as a truly international city, with rising stars not only in real estate and technology, but also in global culture, there are plenty of movie stars around. Although the beaches and the shopping malls are enough to keep one distracted in world-class comfort, there is a culture of celebrity here that will please the trained eye.

One place where the lives of the movie stars are published in a rich, glossy format is Ahlan! magazine. This is the premiere magazine for celebrity news and gossip, and it also covers glamour and fashion. The result is magnificent eye candy, where all the latest trends are covered with an eye toward global pop culture. Following the most current waves in glamour, international celebrities find their way here for their boldest fashion risks, and some succeed exceedingly, and some fail magnificently. There is no middle ground here, of course, and the magazine’s experts are incisive and curious, qualities that lead the way in today’s global marketplace. Although the stories cover some of the most visible superstars as they travel the globe, the focus is especially keen toward Dubai culture and nightlife. Local stars, international celebrities who are staying in town, and global superstars of Hollywood and Bollywood who have a strong presence in Dubai will find themselves well-represented in these pages. Ahlan! speaks to the pulse of the complex world of the UAE, in its pop guises.

There is also a strong local investment in Dubai. Ahlan! always covers the most recent news on the DWC, or Dubai World Cup. The DWC is not only the world’s richest horse race, it is also one of the pre-eminent places to see and be seen in the region. National and international figures attend, and their presence is photographed for the pleasure of the readership. In March, 2009, the magazine sponsored a Glamour Studio, where the celebrity attendees could have their images captured by photographers who specialize in glamour. The lines were reported to be up to an hour long, and well worth the wait, judging from the quality of the work displayed on the magazine’s pages.

Many visitors and citizens of Singapore, visit Orchard Road. This is the main market in all of Singapore, with everything from fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers, to flower stalls, clothing shops and restaurants. In the downtown area the market is close to the Singapore luxury hotels, and the business district and other attraction and visitor sites. Orchard Road has no rival, as the choices offered, the quantity and the quality have over the years made this one area the central location for shopping, fun and dining. The area offers everything in terms of shopping and the bars and cafes are perfect for taking a break from the hustle and bustle, relaxing, and just watching those passing by.

During the middle 1,800’s this street was lined with plantations, nutmeg and pepper trees primarily, hence the name Orchard Road. The first plantation owners were the only people living in the area. Over the years the plantations survived through various plagues, or natural disasters such as flooding or drought, and most remained very successful. Then, in the early years of the 1,900’s a disease came through and effectively wiped out all the nutmeg, in the course of one year. The disease was never identified, and the result would change the history of the road forever.

Villages had been settled around the plantations and when those were destroyed, the Singapore Cold Storage Co. opened a market. This store provided produce and dried goods to the people in the area. During the next fifty years a dam was rebuilt and the canals were reconstructed to better control the flow of the water and thus cut down the amount of flooding in the valley. The first department store was opened in the 50’s, and with that…many other businesses started to open, coffee shops, and restaurants started to line the street. Throughout the rest of the century, development and commercial industries have continued and the result is that this is now, the main hot spot for shopping, entertainment and cultural activities in Singapore and for the surrounding cities as well.

A concert to promote freedom in Zimbabwe will take place next Sunday, March 29th, at the Bassline in Johannesburg, South Africa. Make Some Noise is a festival hopes to build solidarity in the region and maintain awareness of the current crisis in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe, once the home to the most educated population in Africa, has seen a 20 percent drop in school attendance coupled with an epidemic resurgence of cholera deaths. The political situation in the country is at the center of this crisis, with activists being abducted by the state and the government ignores simple health measures.

Organized by the Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum and Magamba (a cultural activist network) in partnership with LNM Entertainment, Makes Some Noise hopes to spotlight the problems in Zimbabwe and unite Africans to the cause.

The event is expected to draw performers from around Africa as well as civic and activist organizations, media, and, of course, music fans. The hotels Johannesburg as well as area restaurants and businesses hope to see a much-needed bump in sales from the festival.

The first Make Some Noise was held in Johannesburg in 2007 and last year’s event saw a 50 percent increase in attendance. Organizers are optimistic that this year’s festival will be even more popular and see greater media coverage of the importance of regional solidarity.

Newcastle on Tyne is vibrant, exciting city that offers visitors a variety of attractions to enjoy. Named after a castle built in 1080 on the River Tyne, the city is more casually known as Newcastle. Travellers can choose from many things to do in Newcastle when planning a trip to this beautiful city.

Once an industrial center of England, Newcastle has recently become a cultural and administrative center that is developing a reputation for its outstanding nightlife. In 2006 it was voted the Arts Capital of the UK. A number of theaters have contributed to this revitalization. The Theatre Royal has hosted the Royal Shakespeare Company for over a quarter century. Other theaters include the Journal Tyne Theatre, the Newcastle Playhouse and Gulbenkian Studio (known as the Northern Stage), the People’s Theatre, and the Live Theatre.

Newcastle has a strong tradition in poetry and music as well. A number of famous popular musicians over the last forty years have ties to the city. Today there is an exciting underground music scene that features a variety of styles. The city is also home to several concert venues, including Metro Radio Arena and Carling Academy Newcastle. There are also great bars and pubs featuring live music such as Trillians Rock Bar at Princess Square.

Those searching for more traditional tourist activities won’t be disappointed by this bustling city. There is plenty of shopping to be had and a wide variety of restaurants, pubs, and eateries offering just about any cuisine, including local favorites. The city is also known for its architecture and historic sites. It is home to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which is the only bridge in the world that tilts. There are also museums and galleries to delight art lovers.

From historic ruins to modern architecture, from museums to night clubs, from world-class dining to world-class theater, Newcastle truly has something for everyone.

West Yorkshire is a county located within Yorkshire in England. It has a population of 2.2 million. The area includes the cities of Leeds, Wakefield, Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale. As well as cosmopolitan areas there area also includes agricultural countryside, nature reserves and desolate moorlands.

The city of Leeds includes many attractions for visitors. These include the Royal Armouries, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Harewood House, Leeds University, and the City Art Gallery. To get around it helps to have a car so visit one of West Yorkshire Car Dealers.

Leeds is a sporting city and hosts multiple cricket, rugby and football matches. On the cultural front there is a multitude of galleries including Leeds City Art Gallery, the Henry Moore Institute, the University Gallery and Liston Studios featuring many great works of art.  The nightlife in the Leeds area is vibrant and many people visit these and other West Yorkshire Nightclubs.

The Guided Walks are very popular with visitors and these include the City Centre Walks. These walks reflect the history and culture of the city and include Kirkstall Abbey, the Canal Gardens, Middleton Railway, the Town Hall, and Tropical World.