Monthly Archives: August 2009

Aug27

Rare find in Ibiza

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Rare find in Ibiza

I read that there were three lead bars recovered from 39 meters under the sea off the north coast of Ibiza. These bars may originate from the third century before Christ. One of the bars has a character stamped on it that appears to be Iberian. The lead bars origins are from the mines of Sierra Morena in southern Spain.

I booked a room at one of the luxury Ibiza hotels just so I could do some scuba diving right where these bars were found. The location wasn’t disclosed, but with some research through some maritime charts, it think I know where the area is. I’m hoping to find more lead bars. The symbols on two of the bars are syllabary symbols from the script of Northeastern Iberian. The characters were probably added to the lead bars before they had set, or shortly after it had been cast. Which means, the characters are more likely to be related to production as opposed to commercial information. The exact meaning of the characters hasn’t been determined yet, but the dating of the bars to the third century B.C., the period of the Second Punic War, really raised some questions for me. Like the reason for the lead bars could be because there is very little evidence for the downsizing of silver works in the Sierra Morena region during this period. However, there is evidence that the mining area around Cartagena in the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula that they knew the language of Cartagena. For this reason, I suspect the raw lead was processed and branded in this area, before it was placed on board the freighter that was shipwrecked off the north coast of Ibiza.

I do hope to find more bars, so I can do my own research and write up a paper which gives a better detail of how life on Ibiza was back in the day.

Aug27

What I like about Udaipur India

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What I like about Udaipur India

A couple of weeks ago, an American friend of mine not only visiting me, but most of India, asked me what I liked most about India. I was sitting at a table in his room in one of the Udaipur five star hotels when he asked me this question. For me, when someone genuinely wants to know, and not just making idle conversations, I find that question hard to answer. I want to be able to give him an answer that is truthful, but not superficial or too general, like ‘oh, it’s the people, the people are so friendly’, or ‘wow, I can get health care for my dad and buy prescriptions at a fraction of the cost of the U.S.’, or ‘I don’t like having to do household chores’, things like that.  I’ve been here long enough, coming also from the U.S. myself, that I feel I should have a sensitive and well-thought out response for my friend who is earnestly wanting to know.

There are many things I could point to, like spirituality which is deeply felt and observed in this country, at least int the Northern parts of India, which is where I spend most of my time. The daily practices of the people around me reinforce this, like the tilak on the foreheads which are very distinguishing marks denoting which sect you belong, to rangoli that graces the entrances of homes and businesses, to moon and other fasting days observed by the devout, to all the silks and cotton threaded bracelets that show visits to a particular temple, I especially like the ritual where brothers and sisters tie a ribbon around each others wrists.

I could tell him that India is the world’s center for yoga, meditation and other healing arts like Ayurveda. All of these are so much a part of the daily scene of India. My friend is patiently waiting for an answer, and all I can say is ‘the people are so friendly’.

Aug27

Delhi’s Curator Bhavna Kakar

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Delhi’s Curator Bhavna Kakar

We have some truly spectacular features at our Delhi 5-star hotels, offering a wide array of extras that will keep you delighted with your choice of accommodations.  We offer the features that one would expect from lodging that meets the highest standards in the industry, and we offer these with a splendid blend of both innovation and tradition.  You will have all the conveniences and luxuries of home, with superb connectivity and in-room entertainments for every member of the family.  We also specialize in old-world charm and hospitality, so that you will feel that you are the center of attention, and your needs will be met by our responsive and friendly staff.  A stay in our hotels means that you will experience a lovely sense of rejuvenation, and can enjoy the city.

Delhi is a fantastic place, with a long reputation for being one of the liveliest urban centers in the world.  There is a long history of human habitation here, and the sense of the past is very deep.  It is also extremely modern, with a diversity of languages and cultures, and an artistic scene that is truly on the cutting edge.  The art, like the city itself, is an extremely animated conversation, a dialogue that takes place between artist, audience, history, and the future.  Add to this list the curator, because the curator is becoming one of the primary positions in the contemporary art world.  And Delhi’s Bhavna Kakar is at the forefront of this trend.

Having earned her doctorate in 2004 from Baroda, Bhavna Kakar is one of the most visible curators in the city.  Extremely active in promoting new developments and upcoming artists in the local scene, and also writing about art and giving lectures, she is one of the key movers in the city.  Her latest venture, with Latitude 28, offers exciting and provocative exhibitions by some of the big names, along with emerging talents.  Her curating is very savvy, connecting the new developments in Delhi’s art world to the international scene, along with making important connections to the past, honoring the ones who came before.

Aug26

Indian Tennis Stars and the US Open

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Indian Tennis Stars and the US Open

While a live stream and the usual news coverage will Indian fans in hearing about their favorite players in tennis, the US Open sweepstakes still provides fans the best chance to see experience the thrill of seeing home players and other players from various countries compete.  At the US Open, Somdev Devvarman, a single player from India with rank 161st, did not place into the Grand Slam, his three separate attempts failing.  He will compete against United States tennis player and 16th rank, Alex Bobomolov Jr.  Alex Bobomolov Jr. was one ranked 1st, but after the initial round of a match for qualifying purposes in Flushing Meadows, he is now 133rd.
 
Possessing the advantage on Alex Bobomolov Jr., Somdev Devvarman, however, won against the United Sates player recently in an ATP game that was also a qualifying match in Los Angeles.  Somdev Devvarman started to gain his reputation while in college at the Univeristy of Virginia when he won two consecutive wins during the National Collegiate Athletic Association singles championship.
 
Other scores to look for even though they will not be US Open tennis scores to look for will be are from Prakash Amritraj, and another Indian tennis player.  He will be competing against Alejandro Falla, a tennis player from Columbia who also seeded to 32.  The match will be the first time these two players have ever faced each other in a competitive game.
 
For women representative from Indian there is Sania Mirza, a competitor in women’s singles.  Sania Mirza has been playing tennis since was six years old  and playing it professional as of 2003.  Her father, a sports journalist, along with other members of their family, have helped to train.  She is the premier Asian female tennis star of the moment.   Other Asian notables include Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes, who will compete against each other with their other tennis partner.  While the US Open still remains mostly United States orientated in players, star players from other countries provide diverse competition that only invigorates the Grand Slam.

Aug26

Wise Bidding at Foreclosure Auctions

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Wise Bidding at Foreclosure Auctions

Auctions of houses that have fallen into foreclosure present some people with opportunities to purchase their own home, perhaps for the first time, or who may have not been able to afford to buy the home at the original price.  There are many negative aspects to foreclosures.  Toronto residents may be loosing their homes, or those in other countries and cities.  From Brooklyn to San Francisco, from Houston to Minneapolis many people may be loosing their homes.

The other side of foreclosure is that as stated, the homes are often times sold at a fraction of the prices that they would cost even just a few years, and the auctions are serving to put people into homes.  Once own has done sufficient research on the properties that they are interested in buying, and they are comfortable with the market value and are certain that there are not outstanding liens on the property, the next step is in determining the amount of which one wants to bid.

This is where one weighs the evidence, for the possible bargain of the house.  And based on the capability of one’s financial sources to support the amount, one will make up the decision on just how much one should bid and how much one can bid.  According to some state laws, auction requirements include bringing a either a cashiers check, or cash.  One will not be allowed to start bidding unless one has met these requirements.

If one already owns a home, and does not happen to have access to that kind of money, many take out loans based on the current equity they have in that home.  This would be a loan in cash.  And in states wherein these laws are not written into the requirements, it is still wise to have a limit of what one wishes to spend, as being involved in the auction atmosphere can tend to catch people in the spirit of the bidding, and one may risk getting into a financial obligation that one will regret later.

Aug26

Guernsey Castle and Weather

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Guernsey Castle and Weather

Guernsey Island is located off the coast of England in the English Channel. It is part of a group of islands and similar to the country itself, it is full of rich historical landmarks and many intriguing attractions. Interestingly, the island is not actually a part of the UK, though it exits under the crown. In addition, as is true with the other islands, the UK is responsible for its safety and protection. These details are minor aspects of most tourists’ experiences, and few of them who are staying in a Guernsey hotel give any consideration to these aspects. So, let’s move on to the really important stuff.

The coastal regions of this island are incredibly beautiful and offer some of the most splendid views in the Channel. The area surrounding the Cornet Castle and St. Peter Port are particularly beautiful and offer great sunset views. The Castle itself is one of the major landmarks and has been in existence since at least the 13th century. This incredible building complex served as the primary, and also official, residence of the governor until the keep was destroyed in a catastrophic event in 1672. That year a large bolt of lightening struck the castle and destroyed not only the keep but some of the living quarters as well. Tragically, the governor Lord Hatton, his wife and mother, as well as numerous staff and servants were killed in this event.

The climate of the island is also conducive to great vacations and makes enjoying it, its beaches and various attractions possible and inviting throughout the year. The hottest months of the year are August and September, though it’s a stretch to call them hot when the highest temperatures are around sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures on the island rarely fall below zero and it usually enjoys mild winters and cool to warm summers.

Aug26

The Price of Corruption

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The Price of Corruption

The cost of corruption is such that it affects many different aspects of a culture, from the political arena, to the economic status, to the social ramifications, as well as the environment.  One of the greatest obstacles to the concept and the practice of democracy is corruption in any form.  Anti-corruption and anti-money laundering agencies have witnessed the effects that the consequences have on society first hand.  When members of political parties are found to be participating in corrupt activities, the entire system of democracy is threatened with illegitimacy.

In those societies wherein democracy is a new emergence this is particular harmful, as in a climate that is corrupt, the newly formed government has not had a chance to prove themselves and their leadership is immediately called into question.  When the government of a country or a region is called into such question, other reputable countries will be apprehensive in committing to association with that country, taking political and economic resources and transactions elsewhere.

This can seriously damage the economy of that nation.   This is felt in a variety of ways, including the cuts in financial funding as such projects as the construction of power plants and dams, oil refineries and pipelines.  As well as the projects of the infrastructure such as roads, hospitals and schools or the power and water supply of rural areas of the country.  Investments are deterred and the competition on the world market becomes distorted.  The most damaging effect however is what political corruption does to the very heart of the society.

People lose trust in those who are in the office of protecting their interests, their livelihood and their country.  The very fabric is ripped apart as apathy and frustration take hold of those who have become disillusioned.  This results in an overall weakening of the society.  Politicians may further the destruction, by in turn committing further acts of corruption and bribery in order to entice others to continue to have relations or business transactions with them.  It is a cycle that once begun, is difficult to end.

Aug25

Rudyard Kipling Born in Bombay

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Rudyard Kipling Born in Bombay

While Rudyard Kipling is a well-known British writer, it is little known that he was actually born in Mumbai, India. He was born in, what was then, Bombay in December of 1865 to an incredibly vivacious mother and a sculptor, pottery designer father. Tourists staying in one of the Bombay India hotels may not know that Kipling was actually born there, though they might be likely to find one of his books in the gift shop. His literary legacy will be remembered in Mumbai and in 2007 it was announced that the J J School of Art will be turned into a museum that will be dedicated to Kipling, and his work.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kipling was one of the most popular writers, and was also extremely well respected by his peers. Perhaps his most well known work is The Jungle Book, which has also been adapted into a musical. However, he also wrote many short stories, and some of these are popularly known as well, which is rather uncommon for a writer. The Man Who Would Be King, is perhaps is most well known and popular short story. His major poems include Gunga Din and Mandalay.

The Jungle Book is a collection of stories and of them three revolve around the experiences of the young boy Mowgli, who is raised in the jungle by a wolves. These stories are often central to various adaptations, and the Jungle Book has seen quite a few. In 1967 Disney made an animated film version of it, which became an instant success. There was a slight controversy with true fans, however, who were displeased and sometimes offended by the frequent plot interruptions and detours as well as having taking liberties with the nature of many of the characters and even changing the pronunciation of their names. These irritations to true fans didn’t dissuade the box office or popular success of this film, however. More hotels here

Aug25

Jaipur Great Shopping

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Jaipur Great Shopping

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan State, India. Over 5 million residents call this interesting city home. When it was founded in 1727 it took over four years to complete and was the first planned city in India. Its nickname, the Pink City came about in 1853. The entire city was painted pink in anticipation of a visit from the Prince of Wales. To this day, pink is prevalent throughout the city. Many interesting and architecturally majestic buildings are found here, both historic and modern, some are available to tour. The numerous festivals held throughout the year are other popular tourist attractions. There are the forts, temples, museums, gardens, monuments and mosques. Cultures and beliefs are many and varied due to the influx of different groups from other parts of India as well as other countries. As Jaipur grew, so did the cultures, making this a unique blend of humanity. The National Highway, the Indian Railroad and the International Airport make Jaipur easy to access.

If you love shopping, there are so many shops, so little time. From checking out the quaint marketplaces with their little stalls carrying local, handmade wares, to shopping in the most sophisticated designer stores, you will get your shopping fix. The restaurants offer the same variety in their menus, with local entrees as well as western choices. The food is usually very flavorful and heavily spiced, some you have to acquire a taste for, other options are instant favorites. The luxury hotels Jaipur has throughout this charming city are among the best and offer the utmost in comfort, relaxation and pleasure. Just sitting in the lobby you can experience exquisite design using magnificent colors and textures. The décor shows detailed attention in all aspects. And of course people watching is a favorite hobby found in every corner of the world and enjoyed by everyone. Enjoy and remember Jaipur.  Click for more on hotels

Aug25

Johannesburg and South African Shamans

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Johannesburg and South African Shamans

As one of the major cultural centers of South Africa and also one of the country’s global cities Johannesburg dominates much of the progressive arts and cultural scenes. In addition, the citizens are going to be familiar with much of the country’s as well as the region’s traditional folklore and history. Shamans and healers such as Credo Mutwa may not be categorized as part of the mainstream consciousness, though he is certainly well known in Johannesburg and the rest of South Africa. He is also gaining a greater awareness and appreciation from an international community and people from all over the world are interested in his books and lectures. It is even possible that some of the guests staying in one of the Johannesburg boutique hotels may be there primarily to hear this wise man speak.

Mutwa was born in July of 1921 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. His early life, from the beginning was filled with chaos, instability and trauma. His father was a Christian widow who already had three children, and his mother was a young Zulu female. Their union created a great controversy in the families and the couple was not allowed to be together or marry. Due to this Mutwa was born out of wedlock and his mother was thrown out of the village because of this. Mutwa was raised by his one of his aunts for much of his childhood. He endured physical assaults, sickness and other major traumas while growing up, and this in part led to his being considered as a possible shaman. It is extremely common for shamans to have had unusually traumatic childhoods and enormously turbulent early life development. Find more hotels here

Much of Mutwa’s philosophy deals with the nature of humanity, and secret ancient histories that he feels the world is now of need of knowing and understanding. In his books and talks, he reveals some of the mystic traditions and ancient beliefs that have been kept secret throughout the centuries. He wishes to free humanity from socialized concepts on the nature of the world and culture and believes that world can see a bright, peaceful and beautiful future if we choose to create that. However, accepting the truth of our situation as past if paramount to creating a future of freedom and harmony.