Turn Five

Singapore is filled with people of various ethnic groups. The largest population in Singapore is that of the Malay. The religion most of the Malaysian people are a part of is the Muslim religion, although they are for the most part, less extreme than Muslims found in other countries throughout the Middle East. Traditionally, Malays have lived together in villages, that support and protect the family units. However, in modern times, with the tourism and business sector, such as the Singapore luxury hotelsand restaurants booming, many have moved into the city and have adjusted to the busy city life while keeping hold of their traditions.

The Malaysians and the Chinese have traded and interacted for hundreds of years. When the Chinese immigrated to Singapore, although they had the reputation in their homeland as being some of the finest businessmen in Asia, they worked in Singapore in some of the most grueling fields, such as the construction of the railroads or in the tin mines. Now however, the business world of Singapore is influenced by the acumen of the Chinese. Many Chinese retain their traditional religious practices of Buddhism and Taoism,and continue to have strong connections with their homeland of China.

East Indians had been trading with and traveling throughout Singapore for thousands of years before finally immigrating there in the late 1800’s. Many from South India moved to Singapore in search of job opportunities, and to escape the economic conditions of the country of India. Today more the ten percent of the Singaporean population contributing to the rich heritage and to beauty of the diversity of the city. The oldest residents in Singapore are the indigenous tribes. The dominant tribe remains to be the Dayak. As with many of the tribes, they make their home in the rain-forest and remain deeply connected to the forest and the natural world. The mix of ethnic groups and the support they offer to each and the acceptance they have of all those in the city, make Singapore a truly incredible destination and offer tourists the opportunities to experience a variety of activities, all on one island.

Dubai in not known to have widespread flora and fauna.htm as in other parts of the world. However, during my month long stay, I found plants and creatures in an amazing variety. I was surprised at the range of flora and fauna which Dubai does have and has managed to service in this hot arid desert climate.

I booked a tour from one of the Four Star Hotels Dubai I was staying at. I arrange for the tour guide to take my to all the oasis . I took note that the main flora of Dubai is the indigenous date palms . We were eastern bound when we came upon flat topped Acacia trees . During the rains and after the rains, it’s the aroma of the Acacia trees which waifs though the desert air; a smell of one never forgets. I found wild grasses scattered all through out the mountains. We finally arrived at my first ever Desert oasis. I was thrilled to say the least. My imagination took hold and I hoped to see a Sheik with his many wives and slaves attending camels. But, alas, no such image appeared when we came upon the uniquely green area in the middle of the desert. Dubai’s city has a program that aid in keeping these marvels of the desert pristine and green, not only for the locals, but for the main purpose of attracting tourist. Horticultural applications are encouraged in Dubai to landscape with greenery and not keep the desert look. From the few days I’ve been here in Dubai, they have been very successful in all the main areas of Dubai which have been landscaped beautifully.

The original fauna of Dubai is the Arabian leopards and Ibex . But, during my tour, I did spot either one. If I had more time, I would book a more extensive desert adventure tour. Camels, of course, I consider Dubai’s fauna along with the donkeys and goats which I had no problem spotting. As a matter of fact, they are often seen crossing most major highways. Other desert animals like the Sand Cat, Sand Fox, Hedgehogs, Gerbils, Geckos and snakes are in abundance also. Dubai in known internationally for its rich marine life which complements the lack of wildlife. I was truly amazed at the, even in the boom growth of Dubai, how beautiful the flora and fauna is in the deserts of Dubai.

There are many tours of temples available when one travels throughout Udaipur, India. Hotel staff are helpful and often make suggestions on which temples one should not miss before leaving the city. One such temple is located in the village ofJagat, not far from the downtown area of Udaipur. This is one of the smaller, but more elaborately decorated temples dedicated to the Goddess Ambika. She is also known throughout various regions as Kali, Parvati, and Durga . Her name when translated from Sanskrit refers to one who is difficult to understand, and is worshipped for this somewhat terrifying aspect of her personality, as well as her graciousness. She is a dynamic female symbol, one filled with the power of the infinite universe. She is at once, both beautiful and without form. In some religious sects she is known as the wife of Lord Shiva, and their sons are Lord Ganesh and Lord Karttikeya. Their daughter is the Goddess Jyoti. In Bengal she is worshipped for her ability to destroy devils, and an annual Durga Puja festival is held in her honor.

Descriptions of her vary throughout the Agamas and the Puranas, however she is usually depicted with ten arms, holding ten different items, a rosary, a bell, a sword, a conch shell, a discus, a shield, a bow, an arrow, a spear and a wine glass. In the temple inJagat , she is represented in sculpture sitting on a lion, which is how she is often depicted. Signifying her role as the Mother of the Universe, along side the king of beasts. She is often dressed elaborately andcolorfully, drenched in jewelery and ornaments. Throughout India, Durga is worshipped for her kind nature as well as her fierce capabilities. She is known as the subtle energy of spirituality that inhabits each person and is said to create balance when balance is lacking, in the universe, or in ones physical body. There are many myths that surround the religions of India, each one beautiful in their own way, and the temples located throughout the country beautifully honor the devotion of the people in this region.

My most painful best girl friend break-up happened about 15 years ago when I sadly realized she cared more about the men in her life then supporting me through a rough patch when the hotels in Thailand were laying of thousands and me being one of them. She offered to give a spare room she had in her apartment to this guy she only knew for about a week over letting me stay there until I found another job. The experience was enough for me to say ‘no more’ after a long emotional conversation and cut the ties that bind.

The sadness I experienced lasted for a full year or more. It felt just the same as when I broke it off with boys; I would look through photos of the two of us together and do a mixture of crying and then laughing while I went over the fun times we had in my head. I even did a Google search and found her social networking sites , her newer ones, to see how she was doing. This only achieved with making me sadder. Each time I did the math and mulled over our last time together, I realized we’d simply changed too much and that this experience was too deep a scar for the both of us to move on. In fact, we both did try, at separate times, to ‘make-up,’ but, as they say, it was just too late. By the time we attempted to get back together, we’d each grown awkward about each other and most likely listened to too much advice from our more well rounded circle of friends.

It appears the best cure for surviving a best-girlfriend break-up is to take stock and look around at all the really good friends we do have. I sometimes am amazed about the girlfriends I do have and feel blessed. I must have known how to properly water and given the right amount of light and nourishment for these great girlfriends to not wither and die when the seasons change.

The island of Mauritius lies with the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, just 4 hours off the coast of South Africa. The island is a tropical emerald green oasis, that offers tranquil and serene beaches, and many luxury hotels. Mauritius is a vacation spot which even in the economy of current times, is affordable and luxurious. A reef of coral surrounds the island, which makes the scuba diving and the snorkeling off the shores of this island spectacular. The lagoons are lined with coconut palm trees and the beaches range from golden to pure white sand. Water sport is popular activity on Mauritius, as well as the deep sea fishing excursions that offer up some of the best Marlin fishing sites in the world, the hiking and mountain biking through the mountains through the acres and acres of gardens offering the most incredible botanical wonders and the expanses of the natural reserves. Nights out on the island include options such as French, Chinese and Indian cuisine and many restaurants that serve of the traditional Creole spicy dishes. And although this island is small there are also a few discos and nightclubs as well as casinos.

Mauritius is a volcanic island, which has served in creating the captivating scenery. This is a cosmopolitan island, with influences of the British, French Indian, Chinese and Creole cultures. This multi-cultural aspect creates a vibe that is appealing to even the most experienced world traveler. The industries and businesses here strive to the highest standards and quality of service. There are many markets where goods, and spices, and the arts of this diverse island offer visitors a chance to take a little of the island home with them. The locals are friendly, warm and welcoming to all those they come in contact with. And in return, they are blessed with a great standard of living, a prosperous lifestyle and a laid back attitude. This is one of the African destinations that is crime-free, as there is no unemployment and the citizens of the island are well cared for. Any traveler traveling through South Africa would be remiss to not take the time and travel to this gem in the Indian Ocean.

If you love outdoor adventure, one of the the Hawaiian islands of Kauai is made for you. With an enormously wide selection of exciting activities, there is something here for everyone, young or old. Take an off the beaten path tour where you can hike on some of the exquisite back country trails, enjoy a day’s horseback ride through some of the most lush terrain you will ever find, or cruise from one island to the next. Take surfing or scuba diving lessons or laze the day away snorkeling and swimming of one Kauai’s extraordinary beaches. Enjoy a bicycle or an ATV as you explore the island from tip to toe, or go on a guided mountain tubing adventure that ends with a delightful picnic lunch. At night you can take part in an authentic Hawaiian luau or an evening dinner cruise. Later you can walk in the star-studded Hawaii night or take off to one of the excellent nightclubs where you can dance til dawn. If you are traveling with the family, a Kauai vacation is ideal as there are many activities designed to get the kids involved. Stay in a family friendly resort, visit the natural history museum, head over to the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge or simply include the kids in all the fun outdoor activities like swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and dolphin watching.

India has many traditional cultural and religious aspects to its current society. Hinduism is a prominent religion in India, though there are many diverse philosophies and practices that can be associated to it. The philosophy of ahimsa is an important aspect of Hinduism and also Buddhism, with a primary foundation of non-violence and non-killing. It is prescribed as part of the first step in the regeneration and spiritual evolution of humans, which is to eliminate cruelty and a bestial nature. The practicing of the ahimsa tenets brings one into a state of love, peace and acceptance. Tourists who are visiting India and staying in one of the four star hotels Bangalore may investigate this and other cultural practices as part of their vacation experience.

The non-injury aspect of ahimsa is part of a cosmic love status and recommends a complete abstinence from harming any living creature by thought, word or action. Many superficial practitioners simply reduce their physically destructive behavior, without incorporating a peace and kindness core into their being. True practitioners must resist the temptation to hate, resent and otherwise carry destructive thoughts toward others. One of the benefits to reluctant practitioners is that it is believed that every negative thought and deed has harmful karmic consequence. Mahatma Gandhi applied this philosophy to politics and efforts for social change.

While there are different Hindu texts that relate to meat consumption and animal sacrifice, true ahimsa indicates a vegetarian lifestyle. This is because it would preclude the violent hunting and butchery of such animals. In addition, many Hindu texts do not make a strong distinction between human and non-human souls. Meanwhile some texts describe the benefits of meat eating, while they do not address the means to which it is acquired. Also, some medical texts refer to the potential health benefits of vegetarianism without making reference to the spiritual aspects. Ultimately, the process of practicing ahimsa leads the individual to be released from the cycle of reincarnation.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is known throughout the world as Mahatma Gandhi. He was born in October of 1869 and would become one of the greatest politicians and spiritual leaders the country has known. He is also recognized internationally as a great advocate for peace and equally. Gandhi was a primary leader of the Indian Independence Movement and is considered to be a pioneer of satyagraha, which is a non-violent form of political resistance. He is most famous for his long fasts, which were intended for both self-purification and also as a form of resistance. Tourists who are staying in one of the four star hotels in Delhi will certainly encounter one or many memorials to this great leader.

Gandhi’s form of political resistance called for mass social disobedience to fight back against tyranny. His protest work in India led to numerous protest marches and civil rights campaigns across the world. His ideas were firmly routed in ahimsa, which among other things emphasizes a resistance to violence. Ahimsa also instructs adherents to practice honesty and to live modestly. Gandhi was true to this philosophy and swore to always tell the truth. He also lived in a small self-sustaining residential community. He was a vegetarian and wore the traditional Indian dhoti with shawl, which he hand spun on a charkha.

In 1921 Gandhi become the leader of the Indian National Congress. He immediately began work to ease poverty and advocate for the civil rights of women. He led a nation wide campaign advocating Swaraj, which means the independence of India from foreign domination. One of his early and most famous protests occurred in 1922 when he led a non-cooperation movement protesting the British imposed salt tax. He also called for complete British departure in 1942 in the British Quit movement. Gandhi is officially recognized and honored as the Father of the Nation. His birthday, October 2, is commemorated as the national holiday, Gandhi Jayanti. This day is also celebrated world wide as the International Day of Non-Violence.

The Singapore Lyric Opera was founded in 1991 with the mission of presenting the best of Western opera. It is now recognized as one of the major arts centers in Singapore and was award a Major Grant status by the National Arts Council. The inaugural performance was of Mozart’s Magic Flute and it has strived for excellent standards and to maintain a respected reputation since then. It is known for presenting operas that are not typical to Asian production companies and each one is received with critical acclaim and tremendous audience approval. The lyric opera is also a popular attraction for tourists staying in one of the boutique hotels Singapore.

Throughout the years, the lyric opera has presented well-known productions such as the most recent performance of Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffman. It has also produced Turandot in 2008, Il Barbiere di Siviglia in 2007, Le Nozze di Figaro in 2006, and Madame Butterfly in 2005. All of these productions were well-received and offered new experiences for the audiences. One of the company’s objectives is to expand the opera experience to a wider audience. This has been a standard aspect of its schedule and it has definitely been successful. It also supports the development of new artists and provides a platform for the up and coming musicians and conductors to work with the top professionals in the field. In 2008, the opera company formed its SLO Youth Choir, which is aimed at enhancing the development of young performers, as well as establishing a strong sense of musical appreciation in the new generation.

Another progressive aspect of the opera is its Opera in the Park program that was also established last year. The June 2008 program was held at the Singapore Botanical Gardens and was well received by the audience. The event presented various selections from well-known operas for its 6000 plus audience members. This year the program will return to the Gardens and play at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage. The admission is free to all and the concert begins at 6:00 PM. Patrons are encouraged to pack a picnic basket and enjoy the evening’s presentation that will include works by Mozart, Puccini and Verdi.

Singapore is rich in cultural heritage and many aspects of the city represent this. There are numerous forms of traditional entertainment. There are also more progressive cultural entities and all of these are attractive to tourists. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra is among the many diverse offerings that are explored by vacationers. It presents over 50 concerts a year, so no matter what season a tourist wishes to visit, they are sure to find a current performance. It is a full time professional company with 96 members and their skill in diverse musical styles enchants tourists who are staying in one of the business hotels Singapore.

Choo Hoey is the orchestra’s Conductor Emeritus and was also its Music Director from 1979 to 1996. His experience and expertise guide the orchestra through their many concerts at the Singapore Esplanade. Hoey is well known and highly respected in the community. He has been given credit for the development of the orchestra’s diverse and progressive programming structure. Its pro-active orientation brings music directly into the community. It includes a Community Outreach Program that is geared toward educating children and helping to build a lifetime of music appreciation. Not only does it encourage the development of young musicians but helps to instill professional standards and ethics. This program extends beyond local schools and the company has toured internationally. They have performed concerts in the United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, Turkey and the United States, among numerous other places.

The symphony is a great supporter of local composers while also aiming to bride cultural gaps. They do this through uniting Eastern and Western styles and themes. This progressive structure was emulated in a major collaboration project in 1986. At this time they worked with the Houston Ballet to create a widely acclaimed performance. Also, in 1994 they worked with the Singapore Lyric Opera to create an enormously successful production of Madam Butterfly. This remains to be one of their most popular collaborations to date. While they symphony is an honored social institution, it has also gained recognition and respect from the international community.

There are many popular cultural and entertainment aspects that are essential to the lifestyle and heritage of the residents of the beautiful city of Dubai. In addition, sports are extremely popular and cricket and football rank among the highest. Football, being the most popular sport in the city, has 5 main clubs to represent it. They are the Al Wasi, Al-Shabab, Al-Ahli, Al Nasar and Hatta. Not only is football popular among locals, and they are extremely passionate about it, it is also an attractive event for tourists to experience. The thrill of the game and the skill of the players makes for an extremely exciting adventure. Something that is sometimes surprising for Western tourists staying in Dubai UAE hotel is that football in this country is what they would consider to be soccer. When a resident of Dubai says football, they mean the literal foot – ball while Westerners associate it with the their own popular hand held running and passing of the ball, with only an occasional kick. The government of Dubai has initiatives that support this popular sport and incorporate it into all levels of skill and ages. Tournaments take place at the regional level at universities and school as well as at the national level. Games will spontaneously start up at major outdoor events and family gatherings. Tourists will not be surprised to find a game at the local park on any given day.

The second most popular sport, though also extremely popular and has the enthusiasm of most of the country, is cricket. Tennis and Golf are also popular though they don’t have the same level of passionate fans as football and cricket. Cricket is so popular that in 2005 the International Cricket Council decided to move its headquarters to Dubai, from London. This put the UAE in the international spotlight and demonstrated the enthusiasm felt for it by residents. In addition, Dubai has hosted numerous India-Pakistan matches and it has a perpetual increase in local leagues. While golf and tennis are not as popular, they are certainly supported and Dubai hosts an annual Tennis Championship as well as a Desert Classic golf tournament. These are prestigious events and professionals and stars in their sport attend from around the world.

With the bevy of MBA programs available these days it can seem like the most viable option to gain business training.

However, what is the actual cost of getting the degree? Is it really worth the cost of giving up your current job or the possibilities of finding a new one?

According the mbaprograms.org the real cost of an MBA could be as much as $80,000 for two years. But it really is the more yo pay the more you get with this type of management training. The cost of getting one at an amazing business school is actually more than the average wage in the UK or USA

And it’s not just about tuition either. You have To think about books, the possibility of having to buy a laptop, and foregoing full-time income.

Scholarships are available and if you are thinking about getting an MBA it’s a good idea to start applying for these as soon as you decide you would like to get an MBA.

Apply to as many scholarships as you can. The more that you apply for the better your outcome may be.

Search around for scholarships, try to find less competitive scholarships and get your name in those pools as well.

As long as you make sure you really know how much an MBA will cost you it could be a sound investment. Also don’t forget there are going to be fees to apply as well. Or let your leadership skills shine through naturally on your next job interview.

Parents indicate that the media, particularly TV, is influential in helping them take a more active role with their teenagers regarding drugs and alcohol. The Partnership/MetLife Foundation Parents Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) reveals a strong increase in parental awareness.

In 2008, 70 percent of parents surveyed reported that something portrayed in the media prompted a conversation with their child about drugs or alcohol, and 64 percent specified that they were motivated to start a discussion by seeing something drug-related on television.

This represents a significant increase from 2007, when 63 percent and 57 percent of parents, respectively, reported the media in general or television specifically as a cue to talk to teens about substance abuse.

The PATS data also revealed that more parents are prompted to address teen drug or alcohol use before special events, like graduation, and at key transition times when teens are most vulnerable, including starting a new grade or moving into middle or high school.

Significantly more parents in 2008 (27 percent) versus 2007 (20 percent) talked to their child or teen as they were preparing to enter a new grade in school, and nearly 30 percent of parents in 2008 used special occasions including prom and graduation as an opportunity to have the conversation, up from just 18 percent in 2007.

“As parents feel more confident talking with their kids about the risks of drug and alcohol use, it is crucial for them to capitalize on opportunities to keep the conversation going,” said Dennis White, President and CEO of MetLife Foundation. “Parents and caregivers can use ‘teachable moments,’ such as a relevant local news story or a show featuring a drug topic, as a natural conversation starter.”

Teen drug rehab or teen drug treatment centers have programs to help parents and their teenagers deal with the issues of drug and alcohol abuse that require drug rehab.

Volcanoes conjure up images of a time long ago, perhaps Pompeii or faraway places on the world map. But, volcanic activity on the United States map and especially Alaska is not the first thing that comes to mind. Scientists and seismologists are now speculating that a volcano in Anchorage, Alaska is on the verge of eruption. The Alaskan volcano, which has previously erupted, named Mt. Redoubt has been active for a millennium and has erupted five times since 1900.

The first early report of the volcanic eruption was in 1778 by Captain James Cook. In 1989 the most violent eruption was recorded, where the volcano erupted December 14, 1989 and continued to erupt for six months. The volcano last erupted violently on March 22, 2009 late in the evening. It was the first eruption in 20 years, since the 1989 explosions.

This year the scientists spotted a hole in the side of the glacier side of the volcano and began to monitor seismic data 24 hours a day to be sure it could warn surrounding communities of the threat. The Alaska Volcano Observatory then decided to change the threat of the volcano to an alert level of orange.

The emissions from eruptions of this kind mainly consist of water vapor, but can also contain carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, which can be harmful to children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems.

Scientists fear that the seismic activity is similar to that of the series of the 1989 to 1990 eruptions. There is a growing lava dome that has been steadily increasing.

The volcano last showed a significant eruption on April 4, 2009 and is looking as if it will erupt again at any moment. Mount Redoubt is proving to be one of the most actively monitored volcanoes on the US map currently and residents watch and hope everyday that eruptions of 20 years ago will not be repeated.

There are many architectural and scenic wonders to be found in Kuala Lumpur and they serve as the pride of the residents and major attractions for tourists. Some of the more spectacular landmarks include the Petronas Twin Towers, the Tugu Negara, and the Kuala Lumpur Tower, commonly referred to as the KL Tower. These significant icons are not the only attraction in Kuala Lumpur, it is rich in culture, the arts and history. Tourists who are staying in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia hotels have the opportunity to explore all these diverse elements.

The Petronas Twin Towers are the second largest of world buildings. They were the tallest before being surpassed by Taipei 101 in 2004, though they remain the tallest twin buildings to be found. They were built on the site of Kuala Lumpur’s race track and were designed by Cesar Pelli, and American-Argentine architect. Muslim influence can be seen in the design through the use of motifs that are typical to Muslim art. The cross section design also demonstrates Muslim influence.

The Tugu Negara is a sculpture that commemorates those that died in Malaysia’s struggle for freedom in World War II.It depicts a group of soldiers carrying the Jalur Gemilang, which is the national flag. Each of the figures represents a specific quality, and symbolizes vigilance, strength, sacrifice and courage. In a special ceremony that is held on July 31 of each year, military leaders, the police and the Prime Minister lay garlands at the memorial to pay their respect to the fallen soldiers. The KL Tower is the focal point of the KL Center. It has an antenna that reaches 421 meters and used for communication. Among the many features of the tower is a revolving restaurant. The revolving floor plate on which the restaurant is based varies between one and three rotations per hour. This allows diners the opportunity to view great panorama scenes of the city. Tourists visiting from Seattle, Washington may be reminded of their own pride of the city, the Space Needle.

Taking a swim in the waters around Singapore has become an absolute delight. Now that most of the travel industries and the Singapore Luxury Hotels have banned together to keep all the beach clean and have become a huge vigilant watchdog when it comes to illegal industrial dumping offshore, offshore oil drilling mishaps and treating farm runoff going into streams and then into the ocean. But, they aren’t the only reason for the cleaner beaches, the Ironman races have also created a demand for cleaner beaches. Every year the Ironman races as grown exponentially. Bringing with it more tourist. So, the more tourists the more the travel industries and hotels will spend on keeping the beaches trash, oil and waste free.

This does come at a cost, higher hotel taxes, but in the end, keeping Singapore beaches pristine is worth the cost. There is also much development near the beaches which do their best to keep the beaches clean, like the resort hotels but also the local community has a vested interest. Back in the early 80’s, most of Singapore’s beaches fell to the wayside due to it’s rapid growth. Even the air quality was suffering. Between 1977 and 1987, the Ministry of the Environment created a major program to clean up the streams, rivers and even sewer systems. They started controlling the discharge from industries and relocating pig farms, duck farms where there were facilities to handle animal waste. And for the offshore oil rigs in the Strait of Malacca, The Port of Singapore Authority acquired and maintained oil skimmers to clean up oil spills. They assigned both oil companies and Singapore’s Armed Forces to deal with all major oil spills.

All in all, Singapore’s government has done a fantastic job since the early 70’s to make it a safe healthy place to live. Much more can be done and has been thanks to the travel industries and hotel lobbyist. And all water sports enthusiasts have helped by creating a tourism need for clean beaches. But, as an individual, I was wondering how I could help. I once read that if I wanted to make an impact on my environment and the world’s environment to stop going to fast food restaurants. There’s so much of our world that’s consumed by these industries which aren’t necessary. So next time you take a swim bring a picnic basket from the food you prepared at home. Become apart of the clean-up of our only place to live, earth.

When he steps onto the famous clay of Roland Garros in the third week in May, tennis’ Rafael Nadal will look to conquer Paris for the fifth consecutive year. If the premiere clay court player in the world continues his winning streak – which seems likely with his 141-4 tournament record on the tricky surface since 2005 – Nadal will be one win behind Bjorn Borg’s all-time French Open record.

But it won’t be easy, and even though he is the world’s top-ranked men’s player, Nadal cites his own perceived deficiencies on other surfaces as a reason Scottish player Andy Murray could come away the winner in Paris. “If you are good player, you are good player on any surface, no? Everybody talked about my game not being suited to grass, and I have been in three finals,” Nadal told The Guardian, underselling his Wimbledon win last summer.

“Andy’s an amazing player. He has this ability, when he needs, to raise his game to a different level, and he is improving that level everywhere.”

Murray made a memorable trip to the finals of the U.S. Open in 2008, but the experience and guile of Roger Federer was too much for him to overcome. Could this be the 21-year-old Murray’s first Grand Slam? Or will Nadal hold serve for a fifth straight year, putting him one step close to tennis history?

The French Open gets underway on May 24th.

Many working playwrights have productions across the country in regional theatres and are able to be recognized for the work and possibly even forge their livings by it. These writers also rarely if ever have productions in New York. This is nearly the case for Carlyle Brown, who is a prominent United States playwright, who has only had two productions in the Big Apple. Regionally, he is known as one of the most successful and sought after writers, having had many commissions from across the country. For New York audiences and tourists who come to the city to enjoy great theatre, he happens to have a show getting ready to open at 59E59 theaters in Manhattan. Peter Tear is the executive director of 59E59 who believes that there is great theatre outside of New York and the festival is focused on demonstrating this. Guests at the best hotels New York City have the opportunity to see great work from out of town and will have no difficulty in finding the theatre.

Carlyle Brown’s play Pure Confidence is being presented as part of the Americas Off Broadway festival which is intended to showcase writers and productions based outside of New York and whose work deals with American life. The submissions for the festival come from regional writers who have little or no exposure on the New York scene. Brown did have a production at the Public Theatre in 1994, which is his only other notable New York staging. His play Pure Confidence was last seen in Minneapolis at the Mixed Blood Theater where it received positive recognition. This show has also been staged by prominent regional companies such as the Denver Center Theater and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Pure Confidence is a political satire and was described in a review as being extremely crowd-pleasing.

The most loved and attended sport in Dubai is football. Many in the Emirate have become aficionados of the sport and the sport has created a niche for itself in this thriving city. Dubai is becoming a very progressive city, one of the most attractive cities of the world. Many visitors and businesses have been lured to the city over the years, and it has become known as the City of Gold. There is such a wide variety of architectural wonders, exhibiting true artist genius of the developers. The striking contrasts of Dubai is one of the aspects that defines the city and makes it such an attractive location. It is the perfect fusion of the west and the east. With the rate of growth and the ever increasing tourism sector many are traveling and supporting the businesses such as the five star Dubai hotels. This has created the perfect setting for the sport of football to really take off.

Government initiatives have been set into place that have insured that many tournaments are now being hosted by the city, as well as conventions and seminars surrounding the sport. Due to the growing popularity of the sport, projects have been underway for the construction of many state of the art stadiums, which has served to further the public interest and support. This has created quite a local fan base. With many of the locals having team favorites and local heroes. Many of the athletes are well known, as it has only been just recently that they have become famous, so many are still members of the communities they grew up in. Now, many of the children of Dubai are having dreams of making careers in football. This sport is promoted extensively throughout the country. Many programs are starting in grade schools and colleges and the standards of the game are raising and this is making the future of the sport very bright in the years to come.

Next Day Blinds has announced a new policy that enables them to replace their extensive fleet of cars with energy efficient hybrids. Next Day Blinds announced in May of 2008, only high-mileage hybrid vehicles will be considered for fleet additions and replacement vehicles. Over time, Next Day Blinds intends to replace their existing non-hybrid vehicles with hybrids. Their goal is to reduce gasoline consumption as part of a larger energy conservation initiative.

A total of 8 vehicles have already been replaced with hybrids, before the implementation of this policy. As leases for their retail fleet vehicles expired, they were replaced with hybrid Camrys. In addition, four vehicles from the measuring fleet have already been replaced with Priuses. Next Day Blinds estimates that roughly 30% of its fleet will be converted to energy-efficient hybrid vehicles by the end of the year, and 50% by the end of 2009.

Roughly sixty percent of the existing Washington-area fleet of nearly one hundred vehicles is comprised of cars, with the balance being cargo vans and box trucks. “We are adding hybrids to our fleet on an ongoing basis and are targeting replacement for the majority of our cars by the end of 2009,” said Meghan Hodge, the Director of Marketing for Next Day Blinds. “We are hoping suitable replacements will become available for our full-size trucks and vans at some point in the future”

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Shien Lee is the creator of one of the newest and most fascinating clubs in the city of Brooklyn, NY. She states that her concept for the “Dances of Vice” originated from her own personal preference of the music of the 20’s and 30’s, as well as the clothing and costuming, the jewelry, the furniture , the art and the history of the period. She just wanted to create a night wherein others who shared her taste could enjoy themselves, get dressed up and be decadent. She had been collecting the fancy articles of clothing for some time, and wanted to dress up, and be in a club that wasn’t filled with the modern trends and the pounding music, but a cabaret night club with classical style and a sense of the history and excitement. She named the event after a German film, “Tanze Des Lasters”, and is dedicated to providing a venue for artists to celebrate and recreate the music, the rebellion and the music of that time era. And while all the parties are set in the 20’s and 30’s there are different themes, from movies, to Vintage Chinese Styles toGangster nights.

Word of this event began to spread around the world. Lee began to receive emails from those across the United States, as well as from London, Canada, and Australia . She decided to create an event, a large festival once a year, in order to make it worth if for those interested in attending who were willing to travel great distances. Soon, the February Festival of the Dances of Vice had begun. In 2007, international flappers and gangsters made their way to the city of Brooklyn and filled the NY hotels. These events were transitory for a short time, and she stated that it was a lot to consider regarding the spaces, the venue fees and permits. But they now have a permanent home at the Montauk Club, and along with the once a year festivals of music and cabaret shows, weekly events take place throughout the year on a regular basis. The next big event happens in May, a three day festival celebrating the Rococo style of art, the Victorian Age, and the Jazz Age.

India has a rich history of sacred dance. It has been part of the culture’s religious expression for centuries, and though most dance has a spiritual association, there are many forms and it is not limited to its religious content. Two classical forms of Indian dance are Kathakali and Mohini Attam, while folk dances include Hikat of Himachal Pradesh, performed by women, and Namagen, performed as an autumn celebration. And of course there are many others that are highly recommended to tourists. It’s even possible one may be performed for guests at a five star hotel India.

Kathakali can be literally translated as a story play. This is an elaborate dance that most often involves a scene representing victory, specifically over falsehoods or lies. One of the most striking aspects of this dance is the elaborate make-up designs and vibrant costumes. The make-up is based on three main archetypes and local audiences know them immediately as Satvik “god-like” Tamasik “demonic” and Rajasik “heroic.” However, a tourist visiting from cities such as London or New York may need to follow the story to determine the nature of the characters. The grand design of the costumes and make-up ensure the association of the characters to supreme beings, not of this world.

The Mohini Attam is less of a morality dance and focuses on devotion and love for god. Generally Krishna or Vishnu is the hero or object of worship in the dance. One of the most obvious contrasts to the Kathakali is the realistic use of make-up and simple, unadorned costumes. The performer typically wears a white Kasavu saree with a gold border. Her hair will be in a French bun with a white jasmine flower. Improvisation is used in this dance and the slow to moderate tempo accommodates this.

The leading center for business in Mumbai, is Nariman Point. It is found on Marine Drive, on the south end of the street, in the southern region of Mumbai. The name of is owed to Khusheed Framji Nariman, who would one day become a Parsi. There is a bit of confusion as to the characteristics that define a Parsi. It is based on ethnicity, and is not gender specific. Generally speaking, they must be of Persian heritage, and follow the Zoroastrian religion. Khusheed had the point constructed, as it was not solid ground. Metal frames were placed in the shallow areas of the Arabian Sea. This frame was then filled in with cement and debris, thus creating the solid mass that it is today.

Through Khusheed’s vision and the efforts he put forth, this is now an area in which businesses of Mumbai, Bombay hotel and restaurant chains, have prospered. This is the center of commercial and residential industry, with many skyscrapers. Because of this area’s resemblance to the skyline of New York City, this area is now referred to as the ‘Manhattan’ of India. By the mid 1990’s, this was the most expensive real estate, and rental space, in the entire world. Main offices of international companies were located here, as well as the many larger companies of India. It also became the governmental headquarters.

Mumbai’s twin city is located just to the Northeast, the city of Navi Mumbai. The two are separated by the Arabian Sea. This has become known as the biggest planned city in the world. The original plan was to expand the city of Mumbai , by gaining more land and enabling the city to spread out, easing some of the pressure and the stress on the original city. The two cities are connected through a series of bridges, and many travel to Navi Mumbai for the beautiful sites, such as the Gardens of Sagar Vihar and the Waterfalls of Pandavpada . There are many scenic views throughout the city as well, and the city itself has been designed and landscaped to add to the natural beauty.

Just one of the structures in the city of New York to be considered a symbol of the strength, creativity and optimism is the Brooklyn Bridge. Not only was it the first bridge of its kind, it was longer, when it was completed in 1883, than any other in the world. It doubled the length of those previously built. This remarkable creation, the suspension bridge that is now one of the oldest one still being used today. At the time, the builders of the bridge were not extremely certain in their knowledge, and the capabilities of the technology. They were required to just believe that they could accomplish such a marvel, they just needed to have faith.

It is stated that the builders of the bridge were a father and son team, John and Washington Roebling. And while these two builders did begin the construction in 1870, they were both not capable of seeing the project through the thirteen years it would take to build it. John Roebling was paralyzed during the beginning phases of the bridge, having suffered an accident wherein materials collapsed and crushed his legs, which then led to his death due to an infection. His son, Washington took over the construction, however he had been and underwater construction worker and suffered a disease of decompression, this affected many divers that worked on the project. Washington’s wife, Emily studied mathematics and curve calculations. She learned of the different materials, their strengths and necessary knowledge of such intricate cable work. For the next eleven years, she supervised the construction site and was there the day of the grand opening, being the first one to walk across it. It was a day of great celebrations, with people attending parties and concerts at the Manhattan business hotels, the Brooklyn restaurants, and in private homes.

The building of the bridge continues to inspire people to this day. PBS and the BBC have both made documentaries. Many poets and authors have written of the bridge, paying tribute to it as though it was a living being, a source of inspiration then, and certainly that same source of inspiration to anyone walking across it today.

The largest city in Malaysia, as well as the capital is Kuala Lumpur. Along Malaysian’s western’s coast, at the point where the Klang and the Gombrek rivers converge, lies a city steeped in history, through the toil of those immigrating for the mining of tin . Where there are now 5 star hotels Kuala Lumpur was once an untraveled and undiscovered jungle. Commerce and trade has taken over what mining had previously provided. As well as banking, and now this city of major proportion and modern ideas has become the center of cultural, economic and financial industries for the entire nations.

The city itself offers to visitors many visual splendors, be it the architecture of the mosques and skyscrapers to the monuments and parks that line the rivers. The world’s tallest buildings, the twin towers of Petronas are in the center of the downtown district. Connected by a bridge 43 stories up, the splendor of this creation is much to behold. Close by, the Philharmonic plays, and the people rush about, or stroll about in the various open air markets and shopping malls. And for a birds eye of it all, it is recommended that one climb to the top of the KL Tower. For not only is it the tallest building constructed from concrete, it also offers the best view of the city. Heritage, culture and the arts remain on the minds of everyone living in Kuala Lumpur which brings to the visiting public the opportunity to experience a bit of the Malaysian history though the museums, heritage sites and art galleries. There are parks, and aquariums for the lovers of nature, everything from butterflies to coral reefs are part of what has made this city and what continues to create and shape its future.

In England, the city of Leicester located in the eastern Midlands, is in the final stages of plans to install a sculpture. The population of East Indians in Leicester is large, the sculpture is of none other than Mahatma Gandhi. The statue is to honor Gandhi and his ideas, his life and to give recognition to a man who has changed the world. A local charity funded the project, and it was approved by the Leicester city council a year ago. It is still being worked on by the artist in Kolkata at the moment and will be in Leicester in just a short while. It is the work of Gautam Pal, a well known and well respected sculptor from India. He has created many different sculptures, commissioned from the countries of Switzerland and the United States. The piece is just about eight feet in height and depicts the image of Gandhi with his walking staff. Samanvaya Parivar , the charity in Leicester has paid twenty thousand pounds for the creation, the transport and the installation of the art and they consider themselves to be very fortunate for opportunity to have a piece of art created by such a master sculptor.

The base for the sculpture is being constructed in the United Kingdom and once that is completed, the installation will be planned. The base itself will stand five feet, and the whole structure will be places in the Asian center of business and culture, and Leicester hotels. Many banks of India are located in this area. While many are happy about all that surrounds the installation, a tribute to a legendary man created by a legendary artist, some segments of Leicester are not too pleased. Some say that a sculpture of a local hero would be more appropriate, stating that Gandhi has no literal ties with the city. Well, Gandhi has no literal ties with American farming state of Ohio either, but the cities of the world are becoming more culturally diverse, and those living outside their homeland still wish to honor their heroes. It is something that will be embraced more and more in the future as cultures and societies become more integrated. And Gandhi, for all those without a literal connection, his ideas and philosophies and love of the human race is something that every person is connected to and can benefit from celebrating.

With Dubai Fashion Week about to storm the region, it’s easy to see how the city has become the shopping and fashion capital of the Middle East. The third annual event, which takes place April 5 - 9, 2009, showcases 28 regional designers to buyers and fashion media from across the region.

Dubai is also home to the world’s largest shopping mall. The Dubai Mall, measuring 12 million square feet or the size of 50 football pitches, opened in November 2008 in Downtown Burj Dubai. The Mall will eventually house 1200 retailers and feature a “Fashion Avenue” with designers such as Stella McCartney, Versace, Hugo Boss, Fivenchy, Roberto Cavalli, and Tom Ford.

Cartier opened a flagship store in the Dubai Mall on March 27th. It is the brand’s largest boutique in the Middle East, with a showroom measureing over 7500 square feet. The opening was attended by international celebrities and Bollywood stars such as Monica Bellucci and Anil Kapoor.

Future retail developments in Dubai will include the Mall of Arabia, scheduled to open its first phase in 2010. Once all phases are complete, it will house over 1400 outlets. Additionally, the Isla Moda will be the world’s first dedicated fashion island. Moda will feature fashion-themed restaurants and hotels as well as residential villas with personal shoppers and stylists. It plans to host high profile fashion events once complete.

Most famous for the luxurious Dubai beach resort, the city is home to over 50 shopping malls such as the Wafi Mall in Wafi City (an Egyptian-themed development) and the Dubai Outlet Mall. The Mall of the Emirates is home to the first indoor ski destination in the Middle East, Ski Dubai.

Twice a year, Dubai hosts events designed to call attention to it’s retail industry and development. The Dubai Shopping Festival is held each January while the Dubai Summer Surprises takes place in July - August.

During the time just after the second world war, two cities became the heartbeat of the nation. The American cities of San Francisco, California and Greenwich Village, New York brought together those that were interested in social change and artistic expression that sat outside of commercialism. Many artists of all genres flocked to these cities on either side of the continent, and forever changed the world of art and the world in general. Painters, writers, actors, sculptors, poets and musicians converged on these two cities, making them their homes and making history. In New York, to the south of the city of Manhattan and the New York airport hotels and the hustle and bustle of downtown, sits the hamlet of Greenwich Village. In the early days of the city the area was a marshland. And before that a tobacco field. Then in the late 1800’s, buildings were constructed and the area was developed by freed African Slaves. Sitting just outside the city as it does, the area became the preferred place to move to and live during the Yellow Fever epidemic. Once the threat had passed, most that moved there, decided to stay.

Then, during the 1950’s and 60’s artists going against social conformity created their home here. A section of a city that was open and welcoming of unknown talent and avant garde ideas. The artists of this generation were not concerned with just creating art, but they wanted to change the world. To expand consciousness. The music created during this time, the literary and theatrical contributions, and the achievements of the visual artists are a testament to the spirit of the city and the spirit of the arts. Folk music owes its roots to this village, with Joan Baez and The Velvet Underground playing regularly in the now famous bars and cafes. These artists of the area gained the support of those able to offer it, the Whitney Museum was founded by Gertrude Vanderbilt with the sole intention of giving unseen artists the opportunity to be seen. It is now considered one of the best collections of American art in the world. Theater in the neighborhood was also a response to and the rejection of commercial theater. The birthplace of off-off Broadway is here and gave again, unknown artists like Edna St. Vincent Millay and Eugene O’Neill the opportunity to work their crafts. For a long time this area was the heart-beat of creative thinking and remains so until this day. It was just a small group of artists wanting to change the world, and they did, one song, one poem, one painting at a time.

Over a hundred people gathered Saturday at Sunset Beach in Dubai, UAE to protest a local ban on surfing. Surfers argued that the death of a swimmer at the beach on Friday might have been prevented if there had been surfers present to help save him.

The city claims that surfers are hazardous to swimmers and have stepped up efforts to keep them off the beaches, fining anyone found with a surfboard in the ocean or on the beach. There have even been reports of fines issued to people who simply had a board in their cars. Police are confiscating drivers licenses until owners pay a fine of Dh200(US $54.45).

The protest organizer, Scott Chambers who is the director of Surf Dubai stated, “We have been surfing here since 1992 and to this date there have been no injuries to any swimmers through surfing on this strip.”

A further argument set forth by surfers is that there’s a tradition of surfers helping out swimmers in trouble. One of the protestors refuted the city, “There would have been surfers to pull out the person who drowned as we often do, but we were just too afraid to turn up, not knowing what to expect from the police and the municipality.”

Due to beach development projects such as the artificial islands, Sunset Beach is the only place in the emirate of Dubai that is conducive to surfing. The sport is popular not only with residents, some of whom are foreigners who list surfing as one of the reasons they moved to Dubai, but also with tourists. Many of the luxury hotels in Dubai UAE are located on or near the beaches and list surfing and other water sports as main attractions for holiday travelers.

An online petition of over 1,000 signatures will be presented to the city next week in an effort to get them to reverse the ban.

The Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur is affectionately known as “KL” and that appellation appears on numerous signage as well as throughout the local media. This exotic city has become one of the more popular travel destinations as the traditional charm of Malaysia has blended itself to the urban landscape of a global capital.

The city has many historic landmarks and is full of beautiful and interesting architecture. From the Federal Territoy Mosque and the Istana Negara (the official residence of the King of Malaysia) to the modern wonders of the Kuala Lumpur Tower and the Petronas Twin Towers (the tallest twin towers in the world), visitors can easily experience the melting pot of old and new that is modern day KL.

In recent years, Kuala Lumpur has worked to improve tourism and attract more visitors from the west. This has included the development of numerous luxury hotels Kuala Lumpur, a campaign to improve the availability of world-class cuisine through events such as the Malaysian International Gourmet Festival, and the builidng of dozens of shopping centers, including some of the world’s best megamalls.

In addition to its growing reputation as a shopping capital, KL is also known for its wonderful nightlife. There are wonderful restaurants, relaxing lounges, and trendy nightclubs, especially in the city’s “Golden Triangle” which serves as the commercial hub for KL.

Other popular tourist destinations in Kuala Lumpur include the Putra World Trade Centre, the House of Parliament, the Masjid Jamek, the Istana Budaya, the Aquaria KLCC, tne Masjid Negara, and the Zoo Negara.