Turn Five

A K-12 Education Blog

Archive for October, 2009

29
Oct

The Beloved Austin Museum of Art

There are two locations for the Austin Museum of Art, the original location at Laguna Gloria, and the downtown location.  The museum as long been committed to the people and the communities of Austin, Texas, to bringing them all there is to learn and to see about nature, history and art for more than forty years.  The museum was originally the residential home of Clara Driscoll, and she left it to the people of Austin in 1916 to ensure the continued appreciation and continual learning of and about art and culture.

The trustees of the museum began The Art School of the Museum at the beginning of the 1960′s, and that is when the plans were made for the construction and development of the downtown location of AMOA. This location offers lectures and classes on previously stated topics inside, more than four hundred drawing, painting, and sculpture classes each year, and the gardens outside offer a vast collection of sculptures, as well as lush and colorful landscaping.  The Laguna Gloria location is beloved to the people of Austin, and the entire state of Texas for that matter.  This is a place to find and to honor expressions of the creative side, as well as great place to celebrate special occasions, for the museum is open for gatherings and parties year round.

The downtown location also offers classes and exhibits, and stay true to the nature of “Keep Austin Weird“.  Of the two, this is the main location for the larger exhibits and shows, and offers a vast array of educational seminars and programs for schools, adults and children.  Located close to some of the best Austin hotels, many people book rooms and stay for extended periods of time to study or to check out the shows.  More than twenty five thousands people a year attend the classes and workshops of the school, and the museum itself has remained throughout the years, dedication to Clara Driscoll’s original intentions.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture,Travel and have No Comments
28
Oct

Honeymooners Enjoy Statues, Shopping and Cuisine of Jakarta

Jakarta, Indonesia may not be the first place that most Westerners will think of when planning a honeymoon, however Sandy and Dennis made a deal with each other when organizing their wedding events and plans, Sandy would be in full charge of all aspects of the wedding and rehearsal and Dennis would be in full charge of all aspects of the honeymoon. This structure was extremely pleasing to both parties when it was established and agreed upon. Meanwhile, Sandy got right to work in picking out the perfect romantic resort location for the ceremony and consulting with friends for the ideal visual theme. Her best friend Jeanie knew the perfect caterer and also had a cousin who owned a photography shop and could do the pictures.

Everything was coming along roses until one evening over dinner she asked Dennis how the honeymoon plans were coming. Doing his best to cover up his surprised look that would have revealed he had forgotten all about it, he quickly told Sandy that it was a surprise and that everything was under control. He told her to simply sit back and enjoy the wedding and trust that she will have the time of her life on the honeymoon. It may have been that Sandy was just too stressed out with her own responsibilities, but whatever the reason she took Dennis’ statement at face value and simply looked forward to the whole event.

Meanwhile, Dennis quickly called his friend Jake and told him the predicament in which he found himself. Jake called an emergency meeting for them at the local sports bar where he came up with the great idea of simply throwing a dart into a world atlas and going to wherever it hit. This seemed like the perfect fateful decision to Dennis who willingly let go of Fortuna’s arrow and it landed firmly in Jakarta, Indonesia. Without giving it a second thought Dennis called and made reservations at the best Jakarta Indonesia hotel he could find. Interestingly, the wedding itself was a bit fumbled, the pastor was late, the food was cold and Jeanie ripped her dress. However, the honeymoon was absolutely beautiful, and actually was the time of Sandy’s life. They both enjoyed the numerous landmarks and cultural attractions and thought the many statues dating from the Sukarno era around the city were incredible. They also enjoyed fabulous meals and great entertainment. Sandy particularly enjoyed the great shopping potential at some of the major malls.

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posted by Aisha in Travel and have No Comments
26
Oct

Dinner in a Hong Kong Restaurant and Symphony of Lights Makes a Romantic Evening

Janet and Theo had waited years before they were finally able to take their dream trip to Hong Kong. The couple met in college six years ago and interestingly both of them had that interest and desire from the beginning. It was in part one of the initial elements that established their connection. By the time they graduated they had become engaged, though neither of them wanted to actually get married until after they had finished school and were somewhat settled into their career, or at least had a job. However, since they were madly in love they went ahead and initiated the engagement though they planned to leave it at that four two years.

To create some type of immediate celebration and also as their graduation gift to each other, Theo and Janet made initial plans to visit Hong Kong three years ago. This didn’t work out as two months before the trip Theo was helping a friend paint his two-story house and fell off the higher end of a ladder. He wasn’t severely injured though unfortunately he did break his leg and they had to cancel the trip. Other circumstances, commitments and obligations made it impossible to simply reschedule at that time.

However, last June, the moment had finally arrived. Janet made sure Theo was nowhere near any ladders or other dangerous circumstances the couple finally was able to enjoy their long awaited trip to Hong Kong. Janet was enthralled with the numerous cultural icons of the city and Theo was greatly interested in the diverse cuisine found in the Hong Kong restaurants. While they were able to do and see a great deal of events, they had to agree that their favorite evening was dinner at Yunyan Szechuan Restaurant followed by a beautiful cruise tour of the symphony of lights. This spectacle of light and sound was one of the elements Janet was most looking forward to.

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posted by Aisha in Travel and have No Comments
26
Oct

Great Deals in Perth!

Landed in Perth around 9am, which was great, because it was on time. I was in line waiting to go through customs and this friendly customs lady came over to chat me up and asked how long I would be staying, where I’ve been and where I was going after. She actually made me feel very welcome. Anyways, I got through all right with no hassles. In the arrivals lounge, I read the hand written board of information and perused for good hotel deals. I found that one of the luxury Perth hotels has a deal going on this very day! They even had free pick-up at the airport, I couldn’t resist, so I headed out of the airport and only had to wait 15 minutes before the hotel van came by. When I stepped inside the van, there was a unhappy looking couple looking like they didn’t want to strike up a conversation with anyone, an Irish guy who chatted with me the whole way to the hotel.

The hotel turned out to be a pretty big place. Bigger than anything I’ve ever stayed in so far in all my travels. There were tons of people going in and out of the lobby. I went to the registration counter and told the clerk that I’m here for the special deal on a room that they had listed at the airport. I was waiting for them to say that the deal was no longer available and they only have rooms available that would cost more. But, that didn’t happen, they smiled and told be I was very lucky, because they had one more room available for the airport deal! Great!

I unpacked my stuff and got all undressed and crashed on the nice comfy bed. I was so tired for my trip. When I woke, I took a nice hot shower and went to explore the hotel. It was really great! The pool was excellent, tons of sun loungers, they had a mini gym and a fabulous courtyard. My room had Internet access, a mini-bar and a balcony with a great view of Perth. I couldn’t believe my luck! I then went to explore the shops and restaurants around the hotel, but there wasn’t much open due to it being a national holiday, The Queens Birthday. But, I walked all around anyways,  It was getting late, so I headed back to my hotel and ate the their restaurant, which was really delightful, then headed back up to my room to get more shut-eye so I’ll be well rested to explore more of Perth tomorrow.

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posted by Aisha in Travel and have No Comments
20
Oct

Ways to Increase Fuel Efficiency in Larger Vehicles

When you look in your GMC pickup repair manual, you will notice the MPG rating that your truck should have, that is the miles per gallon.  Various factors will affect the gas mileage of your truck as you drive it over time, and many steps can be taken in order to guarantee that you are getting the maximum MPG.  One’s own driving habits greatly affect the gas mileage.  You will find noted in any Chevrolet pickup repair manual that quick starts and stops will take up as much as thirty percent off of the efficiency with which your truck uses up gasoline.

Driving at a steady pace will do wonders for your gas tank and for your wallet.  Although most trucks are being designed these days to be a bit more aerodynamic, they will still tend to use more gas than a smaller more fuel efficient vehicles.  This is why it is particularly important for people driving trucks and larger vehicles to drive the speed limit.  Excessive speed burns more gas.  Other aspects that can interfere with a truck or an SUV’s aerodynamics are trailers and cargo racks, so make sure and check the Chevrolet Silvarado repair manual for the best way to fix these items to your vehicle.

The extra added weight of hauling a trailer will greatly affect your car’s gas mileage, as just three hundred extra pounds will have an affect.  Two grown adults may be capable of adding that weight, so when you plan to haul large loads just be prepared that you will be making extra stops at the petrol station.  Most cars and trucks too, will tend to run more efficiently once the engine is “broken in”.  On brand new vehicles this will occur once your odometer gets to five thousand miles.  A car will also run better at a warmer temperature…of the engine that is.  Short trips or driving in extremely cold weather constantly, will lower your vehicle’s fuel efficiency so bear this in mind.

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posted by Aisha in Automotive and have No Comments
19
Oct

The Beat Poets of New York City

The Beat Poets met each other while living in Harlem and the East Village neighborhoods in New York.  Allen Ginsberg went to Columbia College, the oldest university in the state, and during his first year met a man who may have been responsible in part, for changing the course of literary history.  Lucien Carr introduced Ginsberg to a few of his friends.  These included William Burroughs, John Clellon Holmes, and Jack Kerouac.  The men would get together in the coffee shops and the best hotels.  New York City fostered these men and inspired them, and in turn, they fed off of each others excitement.

Each of the writers were moved to speak out, and write about the potential of the power of the youth of the day, and those who were making a break of the conformity of the McCarthy era and the Communist scare of the post World War II ideology.  Arthur Rimbaud coined a phrase, the “New Vision, and this was an idea that was the topic of many conversations Carr and Ginsberg.  Neal Cassady and Ginsberg were life long friends following that year.  All of the poets eventually became characters in Kerouac’s novel “On The Road“  which did cause a bit of strain on his and Ginsberg relationship.

Many of the poets would meet up at some of the most famous bars in the Village and throughout Harlem.  One of these bars was called the Pony Stable.   Throughout their years these writers influenced not only their own generations but all of the generations that have followed.  One of the many festivals that celebrate the poets is the annual HOWL Festival.  Venues schedule events for three days in the beginning of each September.  Bars and coffee shops, and outdoor stages in Harlem and the East Village host shows, musical and poetry readings each year to celebrate and remember the work of this dedicated and talented groups of non-conformist artists from this time of New York’s history.

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posted by Aisha in Travel and have No Comments
15
Oct

Enjoying Being in Singapore

As I waited for the private bank of Singapore to open, I sat across the street at a nice cafe style restaurant and had breakfast. While I waited for breakfast, I read the little travel brochure I picked up in the lobby of my hotel. Here are a few facts: If all the roads in Singapore were laid end to end, they would stretch to Hong Kong. Singapore is the 2nd most densely populated country and the majority of Singaporeans are born in October.  October must be the busiest month for gift buying!

I would say that this brochure wanted to point out just some random things about Singapore. Not too interesting really. As a traveler, I guess I glad that they didn’t say something about colonic treatment, like another brochure had on another trip, which I appreciate now that my breakfast has arrived.

Yesterday, I took Don and Mary to the airport, I’ll hook up with them again in two days, they had already made reservations for today, but I needed to set up an account here in Singapore and the only time I had available was today. Also, I’d like to check out the famous Orchard Road. I hear it’s already decorated for Christmas. Weird that, an Asian country decorating their streets and window fronts with Christmas decorations. But, all shops know what brings in the money. It was a sudden reminder for me of just how far away from home I am, and I really liked that reminder. It made my breakfast more enjoyable and waiting for the bank to open a pleasure.

I think instead of going to Orchard Street and be reminded of home, I’ll venture to the south of the city and check out Mount Faber. I might even hire a motorbike instead of taking public transportation. Or I might just visit Chinatown. I haven’t been there yet this trip and I always enjoy a jaunt to the little enclave. Or I might just wander around. I really do like this country.

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posted by Aisha in Travel and have No Comments
13
Oct

Brooklyn, New York’s Maurice Sendak & “Where the Wild Things Are”

Those traveling to New York this week are a lucky bunch.  Today marks the beginning of the week long celebration, Wild Things Week NYC, in honor of a son of the city of Brooklyn.  Maurice Sendak, now 81 years old, created a entire world when he wrote and illustrated his children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are” in 1963.  It is a world that I remember, one of the only children’s books I can still picture in my head.  This is true for so many people, adults my age who just simply cannot wait for opening day.

And this week the live action version, directed by Spike Jonze is set to be released to a wide range of people who have been holding this story dear to their hearts, most of them far past the age of childhood.  Sendak recently spoke about how growing up in New York was the inspiration for his tale that is so beloved to so many.  Sendak stated that his widely recognized characters were based on his family members, all of them immigrants and all of them just a bit uncomfortable in their new surroundings in Brooklyn.

He admitted that these relatives freaked he, his brother and his sister out a bit with their strange and foreign ways and that they would actually hide from them when the came to visit.  They couldn’t understand the Yiddish language spoken and at the time the kids just wanted to be American.  He says though that as he grew older he came to love them, one most of all his Grandmother whom he said was actually the more foreign and alien of all of the relatives.

But he wrote “Wild Things” from the perspective of a child, when the pinches and too-tight hugs of adults seem more frightening than signs of affection.  This week will be a wonderful time in the city, so book your New York hotel suites now if you haven’t already, and be in on one of the most fabulous movie premieres this year…and depending how fond you are of this book from our childhood–perhaps you booked those accommodations already.

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posted by Aisha in Entertainment,Travel and have No Comments
12
Oct

Friend’s Photos of a Trip to Singapore

Yesterday my best friend Sue brought over the pictures from the recent vacation she and her mother took together to Singapore. To be honest I haven’t been out of the state of Vermont in over five years and have hardly had the funds or time to consider taking a vacation. There was a part of me that felt rather petty about this, but I really was not interested in looking at Sue’s vacation photos. However, after the first couple of shots, I was absolutely engrossed and had no idea how beautiful and vibrant Singapore actually is. By the end of the pictures, and I definitely wanted to see more, I was figuring out how I could save the money to take my own trip to Singapore next year. And Sue loved it so much she is going to save up and go with me.

While they were there they saw an incredible theatre production at the Esplanade, Theatre By The Bay. While she didn’t get any photos of the actually play, for obvious reasons, she did get some incredible shots of views of the bay from the complex, and also of the centre itself. The complex of buildings is absolutely beautiful and it was set against and incredible twilight sky in the photos. They also visited the Singapore Zoo and actually even sent me a post card from there. Of course she mentioned that the orangutan in the picture reminded her of me and she wanted to know if I had any relatives there.

One of the things I really look forward to when we go is the local cuisine. Sue said she had some of the best food she has ever tasted while they were there. I really want go to a Cantonese Opera production when we go, which is another thing Sue and her mom attended and were absolutely fascinated by. Unfortunately for Sue, she is going to have to forgo the accommodations she enjoyed with her mother at one of the 5 star Singapore hotels and plan on staying in a more modest, but still fun, hotel that suits our budgets.

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posted by Aisha in Travel and have No Comments
08
Oct

Last Night in New York

Ah, my last day in the U.S. until next fall, at the latest. So I decide to book a room at one of the New York casino hotels for one last night of crazy fun. I also invited some of my best friends to join me. We had a great dinner at the restaurant in the hotel, which, I have to say, served one of the better pizza’s I’ve ever had. We then went to the bar there and proceeded to enjoy.

I was truly surprised about just how many people showed up, I was never without two drinks in my hands. It really touched me, just how much people care about me. I was drinking Chimay, which I consider a dangerous drink, and I would like to shake the hands of the monk in Belgium who created it. Plus, I get a going away gifts from Ben, it was a shirt that looked pretty awful, but once I put it on, it looked pretty snazzy. Another great surprise was all my drinks were free, thanks to my amazing friends. I actually wound up walking back to my room with more money in my pocket than when I started. Gambling in the casino, playing 21 didn’t hurt either.

I slept for a few hours before grabbing some breakfast, then I headed to Penn Station, I was feeling the effects of last night and everything felt so out of reach. But, I caught my train to New Brunswick without tossing the contents of last nights impromptu farewell party. In New Brunswick, I say goodbye to my folks, which is the first time I get a weird feeling in my stomach, not the tossing my contents feeling, but nerves, I’m starting to get nervous. I quickly head out so those feelings won’t stop me. Wish me luck, I’m off to Iraq.

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posted by Aisha in Travel and have No Comments
01
Oct

Customer Service Barriers

There are different opinions regarding whether or not excellent customer service is more important for Internet based business or in house companies. While this debate could go on indefinitely, Steve Barbarich is more interested in providing excellent care than debating its importance for any given company because he is well aware of the absolute need for great customer care and relations with any company, particularly his.

One of the important aspects of ensuring any business will offer quality service is to make sure that staff is properly trained and aware of this component of their job. Often staff members who are simply filling in their time with a company will view quality customer service as going above and beyond their job expectations. There are many personal reasons an individual staff person may not be focused on this during any particular day, and many of these reasons may seem to be valid. They can range from having too much work to complete in a finite amount of time to having just dealt with an extremely irrational and inappropriate customer and even to being in the middle of a personal crisis. However, whatever the reason any one staff person may slack on customer service skills, its effects on the company are the same. This is one of the strongest reasons many people will never visit or purchase from any given company again.

With all the given variables that exist and can mitigate the quality of service a company offers, it is all the more important that proper guidelines are established and enforced and that all staff are trained not only in developing customer service skills but in understanding the importance of it and incorporating it into a requirement of their job. It also contributes to the overall atmosphere of a company and increases the quality of professional relationships. With all of the arguments for excellent customer service, it is nice to know it benefits the company as much as it does the customer.

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posted by Aisha in Business and have No Comments
01
Oct

Great Customer Service Breaks Ice for First Date

I was on a first date recently and really need to comment on the restaurant were we had dinner. It is actually less about the restaurant, some independently owned Italian place in Folsom, California, than it is about the service. In fact, I’d have to say that the relevance of the particular serviced we received is even more important to this story than the food itself. Also, certain ethical and intelligent business owners, such as Steven Barbarich will certainly understand the significance of this story.

I was kind of nervous because James was a really good looking guy I had my eye on for a while. We had met a party for a mutual friend and then ran into each other again recently at a coffee shop. I was stunned when he asked if I’d like to have dinner sometime and there we were. As they host sat us and asked to bring us a drink I noticed that Jim seemed to be a little nervous himself. I didn’t know what to do so I was relieved when our server showed up and delivered our wine. She was extremely nice and her personality seemed to relax both of us for a little while. At least she was something else we could focus on.

After our server took our order and returned with our soup, James accidentally knocked is wine over and spilled a little on the server. He turned bright red and seemed to be aghast and I felt horribly awkward for him. Fortunately, the server started laughing as she motioned to a bus person and she told us her favorite story about the time her niece had spilled wine on her favorite dress. Before we knew it, the table had been reset and we were both laughing as well. Instead of a potential tragedy, the great service quick thinking of this food server broke the ice for us and created an atmosphere that let us relax and enjoy our meal and the rest of the date. Which by the way, is personal.

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posted by Aisha in Business and have No Comments
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