Monthly Archives: April 2009

Apr29

To Catch the Fish, To Watch the Fish

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To Catch the Fish, To Watch the Fish

The town of Goa in India has many beaches. And thus, many activities surrounding the sand, the sun and the water. Many while on vacation, or those living locally, fish. This is the best place to try it out if it’s not something on has experienced before. This is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, as well as the opportunity to get that prize catch. Many go fishing in groups, but this is a solitary activity as well. Many people come back with snapper, salmon and rock-fish. The lucky may even catch grouper or a stingray. The beach of Agonda is the most popular fishing hole in Goa. Equipment is provided there should one not have their own. Bait, such as sardines, worms, and shrimp can be purchased at the beach as well. For the Goa beach hotel, the busy season for fishing is between October through April. The waters are calm and the fish are plentiful. Most find that the swimmers close to shore scare the fish, so it is necessary to head further out to sea, any local fisherman would be happy to take those out who are a bit nervous about heading out on their own.

And for those that prefer to look at the fish rather than hook them, there are many locations that are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. As the fishermen have noticed, the waters around Goa are relatively shallow and are well known for the abundance and the variety of the marine life. There is not the dramatic underwater landscapes some coves and bays boast of, no long reefs of coral, but there is so much life under the waters that it is a fascinating experience in and of itself. This is a calm sport, that soothes the soul. There are also ruins along the sea floor, of ships from WWII. The serene water makes diving and searching the ruins easy to accomplish. Instructors will accompany beginners , so those not familiar with diving will feel comfortable. The best time for diving along the coast of Goa is consequently the best time for fishing, October through April. The monsoons have subsided, the water and the weather are clear, and the sea is calm and welcoming.

Apr26

Life Creates Art

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Life Creates Art

Music reflects cultural differences. The ways of life, various speech patterns and the rhythm of those patterns, and the different intonations of different languages are all based on the culture from which those artists are from. This creates a unique identity, creating distinctive differences, one of the most of important aspects to the diversity of the art form. The sound of the music coming out of Australia is defined by the rhythms , taken from the place and the environment not only from in which it is created and composed, but it is taken from inside the Australians themselves, after having grown up in such environments. Many elements of sound are taken directly from the environment as well. The sounds of the wind or the beats of the wings or the branches of trees moving, may all end up in a tune.

Many of the musicians of Australia, such as the renowned symphony composer, Peter Sculthorpe, consider that to be an element just as important as their technical skill, the fact that they are Australian born. There are many different genres of Australian music today, and those performing in the larger cities and the capital city of Perth, often find inspiration on the city streets as well, and in the luxury Perth hotels, many may be seen performing in the cafes and restaurants during their stays. Their unique approach to creating, has become internationally recognized. Whether it is the jam bands of Dave Mathews and the John Butler Trio, or the country music of Keith Urban, they are recognized for their style, but for also their home country. Opera singers and composers have something different as well, a bit like the Chicago actors in the United States being known for their ‘Chicago’ style of acting. Some places, some home towns do that, they get inside a person and affect their art as they have affected and shaped their lives.

Apr24

Art and Sport in Madrid

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Art and Sport in Madrid

Although Madrid may not be as beautiful architecturally as some of the other main cities of Spain, the the culture, the energy and the nightlife makes up for that. Known throughout Europe as having some of the best dance clubs and trendy bars, many travel to Madrid throughout the year. Most of the activities, and various museums are located in a small, compact area downtown. The city itself is compact, and getting around is easy, most times one is able to get by foot. Madrid has been the capital city since 1562. Not only is it the capital but it is also the exact, geographical center of the entire Peninsula.

Any tours of Europe have included Madrid as an important city, most important for any traveling that surrounds and concerns the art galleries and museums of the entire continent. One of the most famous museums in the world is the Prado. This museum is located in a section of Madrid called Museum Mile. The Thyssen Bonemiza Museum is well known as well, and is one of the most extensive and one of the most important collections. This museum, and many of the museums in this district house some of the most famous European and Spanish works of art, as well as the work of the masters of the Renaissance on through to contemporary art. Some are more focused on the Spanish artists such as Picasso, Dali, and Miro.

And if the art is not something one is interested there are various other options also within walking distance from the Madrid best hotels. The largest building in the country is the Plaza de Toros . This is where the bullfights occur regularly. They are quite dramatic and exciting, however for many the brutality and blood is just a bit too much. Close by is the arena where the two famous football teams play, either Atletico de Madrid or the team Real Madrid provide excitement a little less blood thirsty than that provided at the bullring.

Apr20

Documentary Featured at Singapore International Film Festival

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Documentary Featured at Singapore International Film Festival

The Singapore International Film Festival is without a doubt the largest film event in Singapore, though it is certainly not the only festival found there. It takes place in April of every year, hosting more than 300 feature films, animated, shorts and documentaries combined. It is one of the most prestige film festivals in Asia. The festival offers with it a variety of four star restaurants and due to its popularity, guests will want to arrange accommodations in the best Singapore hotels as early as possible. This year the festival highlights a Canadian Documentary, Manufactured Landscapes by director Jennifer Baichwal. The feature length film will be shown in The Picture House and is free to members. Non-members are welcome to sign up at the door. There will be a post screening discussion and the audience is encouraged to remain after the screening for it.

The documentary looks at the life and work of artist Edward Burtynsky. Burtynksy is known for his photographs of manufactured, or human created, landscapes. His subjects include damns, factories, recycling yards and mines. His unique perspective gives these subjects a beautiful aesthetic and his photographs have been described as stunning. The film follows Burtynksy as he travels to China and captures images of the great industrial revolution. He visits sights such as the Three Gorges Dam, the largest dam in the world. He also examines the Shanghai’s urban renewal project efforts. Burtynsky’s non-didactic approach to his subjects allows the audience to contemplate humanity’s effect on the planet.

Manufactured Landscapes is a rare work that allows contemplation in the audience while also providing beautiful cinematic images. Baichwal, an award winning documentary film maker, was impressed with this ability in Burtynsky’s work and wanted to incorporate this into the narrative of the film. Audience’s can enjoy conversations on the screening as they dine in local restaurants and enjoy the pampering accommodations in the best Singapore hotels.

Apr19

Love Affair of the Brooklyn Bridge

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Love Affair of the Brooklyn Bridge

Emily Warren met Washington Roebling at a dance and when they got married in 1865, neither knew that together they would make history. And not just history for the state of New York, but they made world history by together created and building the suspension bridge that out-stretched any other at that time, by double. Washington took over the construction of the building after his father suffered an accident three days into it, his legs were crushed and he suffered and infection from which he soon died. Washington had been working previously as his assistant . He was only 32 years old at the time. And this was the most prestigious, innovative and anticipated project for the country. He designed cages that would allow workers to go underwater to work on the construction. The were airtight and pressurized. Washington worked in the ‘caissons’ as well. Most men, including Washington soon were experiencing the ‘bends’ a condition that is caused by the pressure changes and either kills them or leaves those affected by it incapacitated. Washington became an invalid.

This is when Emily took over the building of the bridge. She met with trustees at the five star hotels of New York, she spoke with engineers, and she consulted with her husband and interpreted and conveyed his plans and ideas. She dealt with the politicians, and the engineers. She did this for the eleven years it took to complete the bridge. In the late 1,800′s it was a rarity for a woman to be so bold, so equal. And here she was, building the Brooklyn Bridge. She supported and defending her husband when the trustees wanted to remove him of the title of chief engineer. And although she considered him in charge, at the ceremony for the opening of the bridge, and to this day, many consider her to be the chief engineer. Once the bridge was completed, Emily attained a law degree and focused on the advancement and the protection of womens rights.

Apr17

The Thai Pursuit of Sanuk

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The Thai Pursuit of Sanuk

No one can deny the distinctive flavors of Thai cuisine. Restaurants throughout the city and in the Phuket best hotels offer up the tasty dishes that are so subtly spiced with the freshest of herbs and vegetables. Throughout Phuket and other cities in Thailand, the traditional recipes have combined with some of the best from India and China as well. This is just one of the many ways that these Asian countries have begun to infuse the cultures and the traditions of each other. Many different cultures are represented in the culinary options of this country, for as well as some of the most flavorful Chinese restaurants in the world, there are also quite a few European restaurants as well as American and British breakfast houses and coffee shops. There are even western snack bars along the streets as well as some of the more famous fast food chains and ice cream shops.

And the restaurants are just as diverse as the food. As previously stated, there are the western chains such as MacDonald’s and Pizza Hut, and those so incredibly different such as out door, restaurants in gardens. Seafood is very popular and the restaurants take care in providing only the freshest ingredients. There are those in the malls and market places as well as street vendors and hawkers. Many of those living and visiting the country prefer these open air options as they are much more representative of the culture and provide amazing and relaxing evenings, such as the small restaurants on the boats, diners will dine by candlelight as they are slowly drifting down the river.

Many of the traditional restaurants offer entertainment as well. Guests are usually seated on the floor at low tables, served the very best of local wines and cuisine, while musicians and performers and dancers move around the tables and offer one of the most memorable nights of Thai culture. This is how the Thais live, with respect for the ancient ways, while enjoying the present moment to the fullest. One word used to describe this way is ‘sanuk’. This is the pursuit, the quest of each individual, a wish for good times, for good food. The rich flavors and the care that is put into the dishes by the chefs is testimony that in Thailand… they do as they say, and say as they do.

Apr10

The Beautiful Villages in Lake District

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The Beautiful Villages in Lake District

There are many locations in to visit in the Lake District in Northern England. This regions is one of the most visited in the United Kingdom, drawing international visitors for hiking through the countryside, various museums (historical as well as artistic), locations of the residences of famous writers including Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, as well as the local pubs Lakes hotels, and of course, the many lakes scattered throughout the area. One area that does tend to become a bit crowded with tourists during the summer months, is Ambleside. This is a small town, with not many attractions, other than the beautiful countryside, however the Armitt museum attracts visitors as this site houses many of the watercolors Beatrix Potter illustrated her children’s book with. There are also writing examples written by Wordsworth which give the reader a look into the way he viewed this inspiring area of England. Another small town with an incredible museum is Coniston. John Ruskin was a famous art critic and opened the Ruskin Museum on the eastern banks of the lake.

Dora is the name of W. Wordsworth’s daughter. In the town of Rydal there is a field by Saint Mary’s church. The field is covered still, with daffodils that were planted following Dora’s premature death in 1847. Those tiny flowers planted by his wife draw visitors each spring. This is also where Wordsworth called home, and his study is open to the public as well as his garden that is still tended today. The grade school for the poet is located near by in Hawkshead . This is the location as well of the house where Beatrix Potter lived for most of her life. The main Potter museum is located in this small town considered to be one of the loveliest villages in the whole district. More populated cities are those of Kendal and Keswick . Here there are many markets and shops, with larger museums and galleries attracting many for the atmosphere and the exploration industry, with many tours being offered, hikes and outdoor shops, restaurants and pubs. This quite area in England offers to many, the option of the small villages, and the convenience of larger more cosmopolitan.

Apr6

The Environment of Singapore

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The Environment of Singapore

The Constitution of Singapore does not state any legal provisions on the protection of the environment. There are no acts or laws set into a framework for this protection nor the management of resources to provide it. Many countries have mandatory regulations that citizens must adhere to, such as vehicle emission controls. No legislation has made those accountable to assess the impact that actions of citizens and big businesses have on the environment. There have been rules that have not been enforced. Legal responsibility for those committing large acts of pollution has never been followed through by any judicial means. There are administrators, but what they actually do, remains in question. Any progress, or rescue, has not been provided by the constitution, which leaves the environment of the small island in jeopardy. Smaller, more independent government agencies have done what they are able to do with regards to waste management and zoning to ensure proper usage of the limited land, but more is needed to be accomplished and these small agencies need help. The tourism industry depends on it, as well as the local businesses and luxury hotels Singapore businesses support.

The island is small and the population is dense. Which affords the city state one less concern as in larger urban cities, mining and large scale farming and agriculture industries are virtually non-existent. There just is not enough room, which for Singapore, is a blessing in disguise as these industries have been known over and over, to pollute the air, the surrounding land and the waters by which the operate. There is industry in Singapore however, and vehicle emissions and hospital bio-hazards that have not been controlled. And the dire need for some kind of legislation exists as the island is a rain forest. Recently there has been progress made in that the government offers rebates to those who chose to install such energy saving devices as solar panels and water conservation mechanisms. A governmental rebate is now available, as well, to those who chose to purchase the new electric scooters that are being put on the market this month. However, critics claim that the programs are too scattered and need a cohesive and decisive structure and plan to conserve the energy and protect the environment on the island.

Apr2

Editors Say Ads Have No Place On The Cover

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Editors Say Ads Have No Place On The Cover

Tough economic times are causing publications to evaluate their viability with perhaps less optimism than any other time in recent history. Magazines have evolved into an artful publication; their glossy pages seem like an indulgence in this digital age. Advertisements found in the pages of magazines often have substantial flare to make readers stop and take a look. Magazine covers are traditionally the one place where you won’t find a paid ad, but the economy is prompting a change in that. Scholastic blatantly placed an advertisement for Smilebox, in the April issue of Scholastic’s Parent & Child magazine.

The American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) is completely against the decision, stating that “ASME believes that the cover makes magazines a unique and powerful medium, that it is most effectively used as a tool for editors and circulators to communicate directly with readers and that it is in the best interests of everyone concerned about the strength of the medium to keep it that way.” The separation between editorial content and advertising is a fine line, but by placing ads on the cover of a magazine it implies that editorial content can be bought. The cynical would argue that the separation is only necessary to maintain the façade that such a division exists, when it truly does not. As a punitive measure against this tactic, ASME removed the Scholastic publication from the nomination running in the Annual National Magazine Awards.

It’s important to note that at the same time, marketing budgets are shifting to online and digital marketing. Companies are getting more creative with online advertising. For example, Next Day Blinds has a website dedicated to sharing all of their ads, across multiple media platforms, with local consumers. Home Depot is also connecting with consumers by sharing do-it-yourself tips and videos using YouTube. Advertising dollars that would be spent with traditional print media are being put into these digital alternatives, making the sustainability of print publications uncertain. With many publications laying off employees, and others folding altogether, a front page ad may be the revenue generator the industry needs.