Turn Five

A K-12 Education Blog

Archive for June, 2009

22
Jun

Singapore, the Beautiful Mix

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.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture,Travel and have Comment (1)
19
Jun

Oasis of Dubai

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.

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posted by Aisha in Home & Garden,Travel and have No Comments
15
Jun

The Goddess Durga of Udaipur, India

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.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture and have No Comments
08
Jun

Breaking up is hard to do in Thailand

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.

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posted by Aisha in Technology and have Comment (1)
08
Jun

The Beautiful Mauritius Island, South Africa

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.

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posted by Aisha in Travel and have Comments (2)
05
Jun

Kauai: The Outdoor Lovers Paradise

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.

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posted by Aisha in Business,Travel and have No Comments
01
Jun

Ahimsa

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.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture,Health,Society,Travel and have No Comments
01
Jun

Mahatma Gandhi

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.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture,Food & Beverage,Health,Travel and have No Comments
01
Jun

Singapore Lyric Opera

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.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture,Entertainment,Travel and have No Comments
01
Jun

Symphony Collaborations

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.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture,Business,Home & Garden,Society,Travel and have No Comments
01
Jun

Football and Cricket

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.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture,Society,Sports,Travel and have Comment (1)
01
Jun

How much does an MBA really cost?

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.

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posted by Aisha in Business and have No Comments
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