Turn Five

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Archive for the 'Arts & Culture' Category

07
Nov

Strict Mortgage Training Required in North Carolina

As most of the country is still reeling through the aftershocks of the real estate crash, many states are taking a tough look at how they could have protected their citizens from the countless bad mortgage loans that created the problem. While restructuring the banking industry may be one solution to stop the bad loans and unrealistic credit offerings, it is the mortgage industry itself that caused most of the problem.

In North Carolina lawmakers have been working with mortgage brokers and lenders to construct a licensing and training program that meets the requirements of the national SAFE Act of 2008. As a result, North Carolina mortgage broker training is now required for anyone wishing to be licensed as a broker in the state. Established brokers will have to complete continuing education through a program approved by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System, or NMLS for short, in order to renew their license. They will also need to meet additional licensing requirements set forth by NMLS. New brokers have to complete initial educational and training requirements as well as pass credit and background checks, etc.

While most states have had education and licensing requirements for years, the SAFE Mortgage Licensing Act required that they meet certain federal standards and that all brokers and loan originators be listed in a national registry. NMLS is responsible for tracking North Carolina brokers and loan originators and ensuring that they meet state and federal standards.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture and have No Comments
14
Aug

Orbein in Miami

It could be argued that all art is an experiment in transcultural understanding. Every work of art is connected in multiple and complex ways to the cultures informing the artist who creates it, and to look deeply into ways of making meaning can reveal many hidden facets of any particular work. In the work of Pepe Orbein , these connections are very explicit, because identity is at the core of his vastly complicated works.

It is certainly worth the time to plan a trip and book nights at a Miami hotel in order to get a first-hand look at his work, along with the work of other local artists who create works along similar themes. Cuban-born, Orbein’s work has a particular weight in the Miami community, where art is still one of the only arenas for the flows of information to pass back and forth.

Orbein’s shows in the past few years have been instrumental in making connections between contemporary art and the Abakua society in Cuba. This society is a very misunderstood and mystified organization. The secrets are stolidly protected, and this has lead to a wealth of misinterpretations. Using visual art to start conversations about the people in the society is one way toward the possibility of cultural understanding, and for all intents and purposes, this experiment of Orbein’s is continually unfolding in remarkably beautiful ways.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture and have No Comments
23
May

Folk Dancing Alive and Well in Austin

ho would have thought that Folk Dancing is a huge activity in Austin? But it is, The Austin International Folk Dancers (AIFD) meet pretty much every Saturday night at the Hancock Recreation Center , located at 811 E. 41st Street and it seems as if all of Austin is participating. If you’re planning a trip to Austin, put the AIFD down on your list of things to do, because everyone is welcome, including kids. All it will cost you is $5 per person. If it’s just you, that’s perfect because you don’t need a partner.

Don’t know what folk dancing is? Well, in many countries, dance and music has long been a major part of celebration. The various music and dance from the Bulgarian Men’s line dance, or a Scottish country set dance, to a Hungarian twirling couple dance reflects the cultural diversity of these countries. When coming to live a better life in America, immigrants brought their dances and music with them. When people found that doing other ethnic dances to be fun, then the modern folk dance was born, often overlapping folk with other recreational dancing.

The first Saturday of the month, the AIFD has a beginners’ hour, where they do a walk-through of the most popular dances including line dances, couples dances and mixers; after an hour the Folk dancing begins to all kinds of cool world music. The music will range from American to Scandinavia to Britain through central and eastern Europe and little further east. Folk Dancing is a great social event, a fun way to get exercise and a great place to listen to some of the best musicians in Austin. You really don’t want to miss out on this perfect way to meet some of the nicest people in Austin. If interested, there are several hotels in Austin near to Hancock Recreation, or most of the taxi drivers know exactly where to go, just mention The Austin International Folk Dancers.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture and have No Comments
27
Feb

Chingay in Singapore

The dream is always the same.  I am standing on a corner of a street that I don’t recognize.  There are no people, and no cars, but there is a strange sound from far off, a kind of muffled roar, the kind of stereotypical sound you hear in a dream sequence right before you hear a louder sound.  The louder sound is the roar, only louder because it is not muffled.  This is a crowd, crowd sounds in the street, in the empty street, and I understand that I am having a dream, but it doesn’t seem to matter too much to anyone else.  The street is suddenly populated, and I can see that I’m in a parade.

The dream doesn’t return, and there isn’t any kind of hint about a Chinese restaurant at the beginning of an evening in Singapore.  It would be a perfect place, however, to be right before Chingay, the big New Year’s festival in town.  This is one of those big street parties that everyone always talks about.  There are lots of floats, because that was really at the origins of the festival at the turn of the 20th century, with paper dragons, and lots of fireworks.  The fireworks have been an on-again off-again part of the week, with concerns about the crowds.

Today, this celebration of Chinese New Year has all the makings of a waking dream.  There are spectacular things to see, and some of them are as colorful as anything that animation can do.  These are the big moments when people come together to make a metaphorical celebration of life, and the cycles of time, paying honor to the way the big wheel turns.  We prepare for another year, shedding the skin of the last year and wondering about the future.  Our metaphorical celebrations would have to be similar to dreams, because they come from the same place.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture,Entertainment,History,Travel and have No Comments
08
Feb

A First “Date” with Vincent Van Gogh in New York City

When I was wondering where to book a hotel in New York, a friend of mine suggested that I find one located close to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, knowing that once I stepped into the museum, I would most likely be spending a lot of time there, and he was right.  I thought it was funny when I was younger, and I did not really understand it when I would see people in movies, just standing in front of one painting for an extending period of time.  I wondered just what they were looking at for so long.

But as I grew older, I became involved with painting, and as such, spent a lot of time flipping through art books at the paintings that were part of museum collections thousands of miles away.  Famous paintings that I did not know if I would ever see in person.  And that first time I walked into the Met, was my first time being in the same place as some of those paintings I had only before seen in photographs.  I found myself in the room with the Impressionist paintings.

I did not have a map of the museum, and I was not really sure of just what work was housed there, and as I strolled along taking it all in, I caught sight of something that took my breath away.  Out of the corner of my eye I saw Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh. There were a couple reasons my heart started pounding and hands started sweating.  First, reproductions of this painting are everywhere, on everything from tee shirts to coffee mugs to computer mouse pads.  Non of them do it justice.  I had no idea that the colors were so…so there, so vivid, and that the paint was oh so thick.  The paint was so thick that as I stood there looking at it, I noticed a hair from an oil paint brush.

And this is the second reason my heart was pounding…that hair was attached to the brush that was in Van Gogh’s hand as he laid that paint down.  A man that today, some make jokes about his sanity, or alleged lack there of.  A man that although he was starving, kept on painting.  I must have stood there for an hour, just looking at the brush work, and wondering about the day he painted the piece.  I didn’t realize it until a small girl tugged my jacket and handed me a Kleenex, that I had tears on my cheeks.  I smiled and thanked her, I gestured towards Starry Night and said to her, “Amazing huh?”…and she said, “Truly it is.”  She knew why I was staring at the one painting for so long, she was a NY little girl, and she had one-up on a little girl from a small town in the middle of nowhere.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture,Travel and have No Comments
25
Nov

Royal Shakespeare Company and The Globe Theatre in London

Carley went to London as part of her school’s drama club. It was a special summer college credit trip that she had one a scholarship for and was incredibly excited to go. Aside from the long plane flight the moment the trip began it was filled with excitement and some unexpected thrilling encounters. It began at Heathrow Airport in London. Carley was standing in a long line and was exhausted when she noticed a small crowd of people gather in one area near what she assumed was an exit. Suddenly two people moved aside and she had clear view of Sir Elton John. She was sure it was him and just as she turned to get her friend June’s attention, he disappeared out of sight. June, of course, didn’t believe her so he asked the nearest airport assistant if it was him. He simply replied that he could not comment on anyone’s identity. June laughed and called her friend crazy. To this day Carley is certain that she saw Elton John there.

After making it through the airport the small group of students and their drama coach settled into their rooms in a quaint hotel London. Part of their trip included participating in a workshop with the Royal Shakespeare Company and this meant a trip out to Stratford-upon-Avon. This was incredibly exiting for the students as well as the drama coach and the day would include a tour of the Shakespeare’s house. Meanwhile, the following day, the day before they would attend the workshop, they planned to tour the Globe Theatre in London. This was a rebuilt version of the original Globe Theatre that Shakespeare built and worked it. It was made of some of the same materials and wood that his original theatre, called The Theatre, was made from. The group would be seeing a production of Romeo and Juliet and afterward they would discuss some of the themes of the play and approaches taken by the actors in performing in it. This was definitely and exciting and educational summer trip for Carley and her fellow students.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture,Travel and have No Comments
17
Nov

Indonesia’s Artist of Memory: J. Ariadhitya Pramuhendra

Indonesia offers many things to many people, and it’s always offering more.  There is a sense of endless mystery here, and it’s one of the most fascinating places on earth to visit.  It has long held a reputation for being a country that is vast and mysterious, holding exotic treasures and adventures, and while none of this is actually true, there are hints of the exotic here, and there are certainly adventures of a most contemporary kind.  There is still a great sense of hospitality in the luxury hotels.  Indonesia does have a flair for keeping the tradition of welcoming guests with a fantastic sense of graciousness, and it’s a pleasure to wake up to the splendor the accommodations hold.  Beginning your day here is a wonderfully fortuitous event, and speaks well for the rest of your journey.

There are many different sides to Indonesia, and depending on where you go, there are a multitude of adventures to be had.  In some of the larger cities, there is an enormously diverse cultural scene, creating some of the most interesting new works of art in the world.  There are plenty of new works, and new artistic movements, to see here, and it’s an incredibly diverse place for artists.  In Jakarta particularly, with its dense urban population, there is a sense of great excitement, restlessness, and frustration that’s leading toward new artistic directions, and it’s a very welcome thing to see.  One of its promising artists is a young man who works in charcoal, by the name of J. Ariadhitya Pramuhendra.
He lives and works in Bandung, and has had a number of recent shows that have been turning heads.  His drawings could be said to be intense reflections on identity and self, and play with the notions of memory and history.  They certainly do work with the notion of the self, and the way his drawings become photos in the act of disappearing are very profound and moving, and seem to be hitting on something quite revolutionary.  Art that does what it is attempting to mean is a fascinating form, and a very difficult trick.  His work is all this and more, where form meets function to investigate what it means to be a human being right here in this place, producing a pronounced melancholy that almost borders on sweetness.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture,Travel and have No Comments
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
30
Sep

Thai Buddhas

Thailand is an enchanting place, with an atmosphere of elegance and relaxation that strikes the heart of every traveler here.  There is a gracious, natural beauty everywhere that the eye can see, and always a sense that there is so much more than meets the eye.  Mysterious and tropical, Thailand has an image in the tourist imagination that is often misleading, but the real Thailand is even more fascinating than the mythical one.  There is an interesting mix of cultures and languages in the larger cities, making for many possibilities in rich urban adventures.  There is a lot to see and do here, and for 5 star hotels, Thailand has some spectacular offerings.

Rich in comfort and luxury, our hotels offer you the chance to rejuvenate and refresh at the end of every day, so you can enjoy the adventures of the following day.  Following an idea in the works of art than are on display in gallery windows can lead in many compelling directions, and that’s actually true for all of Thailand.  One idea will lead to a thousand others, and it is endlessly revealing itself, and endlessly evolving.  One way of showing an example here is to look at images of the Buddha in Thai art.  Buddhism came here directly from contact with traders from India in the first century, and the first images were large, representational icons in the Gupta tradition.  The next phase, in the 9th century, invokes the pantheon in the Mahayaha tradition, and there is more stylization in the figures.

Around the 13th century, the Theraveda tradition came to Thailand, and we see a greater abstraction in the figures, and more gold is in use.  In the Ayutthaya period, beginning in the 14th century, gold and jewels become more prominent, and there is more stylization.  The Ayutthaya Buddha figures are the more iconic styles that represent the Thai Buddha in the world at large.  Looking at Buddhist art from around the world, we can see a great variation, and Thailand has very specific styles that each refer to different periods in the evolution of the tradition.  It’s one way to begin to understand place, and every artifact can reveal a history that is worth further exploration.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture,Travel and have No Comments
19
Aug

The Neidpath Castle of Peebles, Scotland

The Neidpath Castle located in Peebles, Scotland was most likely constructed for the Sheriff, Sir William de Haya.  During 1686 it became the property of the Earl of March, who upgraded the surrounding grounds with orchards of trees and vast garden expanses.  Until the middle of the sixteenth century the castle was name, Jedderfield.  This was one of the few structures that managed to escape destruction by the armies and the attacks of Oliver Cromwall for a very long time.

When the firing of a cannon finally did the castle in, it was given up and surrendered.  After the castle was purchased by the Duke of Queensbury partial repairs were made.  However not long following the castle fell into disrepair and ruin.  The trees were cut down and the gardens were neglected and became over grown.  By the year of  1790 a section of the tower in the upper wings collapsed.  Since that time period the many have traveled to the town, staying in the best of Peebles hotel, such as William Wordsworth, and Sir Walter Scott.

In modern days it has been a favorite movie shoot location, most recently the site for shots in Merlin, Joan of Arc and The Bruce.  Neidpath is owned by a private family today.  Usually the towers of castles throughout Scotland are square, but unusually, the towers of the Neidpath Castle are not so.  Each wing of the castle is in the shape of a parallelogram, with rounded rather than square corners.  Hand mortar was used during the construction of the castle, another rarity not found often in Scotland architecture.

It is presumed that the castle is constructed in the style of the Norman’s, very similar to the Tower of London.  The mortar is so hard and dense, that during the seventeenth century, a stair way was carved out of one of the walls, which caused no damage to the rest of the structure.  Amazing castles dot the landscape of Scotland, creating a mystical and dramatic view for travelers visiting the United Kingdom for the first time.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture,Travel and have No Comments
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)
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
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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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)
03
May

The Creation of Shien Lee

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.

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posted by Aisha in Arts & Culture and have Comment (1)
27
Apr

India’s Classic Dance

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.

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12
Apr

Gandhi in England

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.

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04
Apr

The Beat of the West, the Beat of the East

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.

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27
Mar

Renovation in the Heart of the Bronx

The New York Botanic Gardens sits in the middle of the Bronx, in the city of Manhattan, between bustling city streets, New York business hotels and busy highways. In the coming years, visitors will experience beauty and growth in the garden as never seen in the past. Many sections of the garden are undergoing restoration, with help and funding by such patrons as the Leon Levy foundation and the generous grants provided by Richard and Maureen Chilton. The firm of Oehme, van Sweden and Assoc. will be re-designing sections of the garden. This world renown company is known for their beautiful and inspirational works in the natural world. In 2012, the entire project will be completed, with various stages being completed along the way and in the next few years.

There are three major projects being tackled, each one with the specific intention of restoring the natural plant life as well as promoting the education of the public. Educational aspects will focus on the development of sustainable resources in order to protect the cities natural forests, as well as the natural forests and ecosystems in all the world. As well as historical accounts and plant life indigenous to the Eastern parts of the United States. One way the garden is addressing this issue is by cleaning out the natural forest section within the garden itself. Over the years the exotic plants have moved in and strangled the natural growth. Landscapers are in the process of removing and relocating the exotics, and replanting the native shrubbery, wild flowers and trees. This project’s intention is to restore and celebrate the diversity and the natural beauty of the eastern wildlife. This will become the center for the educational programs on the environment.

The Azalea garden will also be re-vamped. This section alone, is already than most city gardens around the world. As it stands, it far outshines others in terms of color and beauty. By 2011, 3,500 more plants and flowers will be added, with alternated blooming schedules to provide hillsides of color and delight all year around. And known as the ‘Heart of the Garden’, the eighty-five acres in the very middle of the Garden is home to various specious of native plant life, fast moving rapids and rushing waterfalls, dramatic mountains and cliffs, displays of historic gardens and ancient areas of trees. This area will be reinvigorated over the next seven years and will amaze and delight the public when the entire project celebrates the grand re-opening late in the summer of 2012.

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21
Mar

Spanish Beaches

Spain and the islands surrounding the mainland in the Mediterranean Sea have been popular traveler destinations for all of Europe for some time. This is in part due to the climate, which remains mostly mild all year. For those living inland, however, the summer temperatures can reach fairly high numbers, which causes a vast increase in coastal tourism. Temperatures away from the coast have been known to tickle 115 Fahrenheit. Anyone living in a desert environment, such as Phoenix, Arizona knows that anything over 105 can get unpleasant if experienced daily during the hot, sweltering, summer months. There are many excellent beaches along the mainland coast and on all of the surrounding Balearic Islands that can offer up some comfort and relaxation.

There are favorite locations, complete with night life events, activities and recreation and there are also some more private areas where one can disconnect from society in general. Most of the people in town will temporarily suspend their businesses and head for the coastal regions. For the die-hard visitors though, there is no need for concern as the most popular museums, galleries and other popular hot-spots remain open. Some beaches are extremely popular with tourists such as Costa Blanca, which is a very popular destination for visitors from the UK and Germany, while others are frequented by the locals trying to escape the heat. Europe’s most famous beach can be found in the city of La Concha. This beach town in Spain is nestled along the border with France to the north of Spain and is very rapidly increasing in population and stature, but it remains a great place to get away from it all and remains pure and picturesque despite its location beside a large population center.

If vacating the mainland is more one’s style, then any of the surrounding islands will make the perfect choice. For instance, on Ibiza, which is popularly known throughout Europe for its unrestrained night life scene, there are a plethora of options for going out and getting away. The island is quite small and any destination is more or less within a quarter hour from next. If your destination does not suit your needs or fancy, it’s a short trip to get to where you would find more suitable accommodations. There are many options for water-related activities and sunbathing as well as the perfect five-star hotel Ibiza has to offer. This island has more than eighty different and distinct beaches to choose from. Everything from whale watching, wind surfing, nude beaches to beaches specifically furnished with the ability to provide safe fun for the entire family.

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31
Jan

Festivals in Mumbai

Visitors come to Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) to experience its unique energy and heritage. A modern city with deep traditions, Mumbai offers extreme contrasts. The most obvious is the gap between the abject poverty experienced by many residents and the luxurious life led by India’s elite and the many visitors who stay in five star Mumbai hotels. Culturally, the traditional architecture and protected historical sites of Mumbai form a stark contrast with the modern office buildings and retail establishments such as shopping malls and trendy clubs.

One way to experience Mumbai’s cultural life is to schedule a trip to coincide with one of the city’s public festivals and celebrations. While many of these are religious in nature, the celebrations themselves tend to be social occasions that can be easily enjoyed by the public, including tourists.

Some of the more popular religious festivals include Diwali, Eid, Navratri, Christmas, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Ramadan-Id, Maha Shivratri, Good Friday, Durga Puja, and Dusera. Janmashtami. celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Lord Krishna. Diwali or the Festival of Lights marks the start of the New Year and Ganesh Ghaturthi is a ten day celebration of Lord Ganesh.

Cultural festivals in Mumbai include the Kala Ghoda Festival featuring music, film, theater, and dance and the two-day music festival known as the Banganga Festival. The Mumbai Festival celebrates food, theater, sports, and fashion while the Elephanta Festival is held on the Elephanta Islands each February and attracts musicians and dancers from across India to this celebration of classical Indian art forms.

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22
Jan

Madrid’s Palacio Real

The beautiful and diverse city of Madrid serves as the capital of Spain. With an ideal weather all year long and a number of important historical and cultural sites, its no wonder the city draws large numbers of tourists every year. Once they arrive, they’ll find a number of five star Madrid hotels to choose from and some of the finest Spanish restaraunts in the world. And don’t forget the city’s legendary nightlife featuring more bars, clubs, and taverns per capita than any other European city.

Of course, it is the architectual wonder and rich history that attract many visitors to Madrid. The Palacio Real or Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the more popular destinations for tourists. Located in the western part of Madrid’s downtown area, it is the largest royal palace in Western Europe.

The Palacio Real was designed by the Bourbon King’s to follow the Baroque international architectural style. However, it is sometimes confused with neoclassical structures. The Palace coveres 100,000 square meters and features over 30 principal rooms, 44 stairways, 870 windows and 240 balconies. The palace facades are 33 meters tall and 130 meters wide.

Also housed on the Palace grounds is the Real Armorial or Royal Armory. The two-story structure features a collection of medieval armor and weapons. The Pharmacia is also here, exhibiting a replica of an early Spanish laboratory as well as hundreds of vials of medicines from previous eras. While the Palacio is no longer the official residence of the reigning royal family, it did serve as such for over a thousand years.

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18
Jan

Bangkok’s Grand Palace

Originally known as Bang Makok or “Village of Olives,” Bangkok has grown far beyond its humble beginnings to become the capital of Thailand and extend its influence well into Southeast Asia and Indochina. As a center for fashion, entertainment, and the arts, Bangkok is also an economic, political, and social force in the region. For business or pleasure, visitors will find the best Bangkok hotels, restaurants, clubs, and shopping offer all the modern conveniences with the traditional flavour of the city’s Chinese, Indian, and western heritage. This rich history is easily explored at the many cultural sites throughout the city, the most famous being the Grand Palace.

The Grand Palace was constructed by King Rama I the Great when the city was first established. The Palace is divided into three areas by function: the royal residences, the throne rooms, and the palace temple which is Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Palace complex also includes Sanam Luang, a large open grounds or park-like area located by the Palace’s northern wall. While the Grand Palace is the official residence of Thailand’s Royal Family, it is mostly used for cermonial and protocol events. The current King (Rama IX) resides in Chitralada Palace (also in Bangkok) which is closed to tourists.

The major throne rooms in the Grand Palace include the Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat which was the first one constructed at the Palace. The Phra Thinang Aphonphimok Prasat served as a dressing area for processions and the king’s mounting platform. The Phra Thinang Phiman Rattaya was established as the king’s royal chamber in 1789. Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat is a reception hall for visiting monarchs and heads of state.

Wat Phra Kaeo can be found in the Palace compound’s northeast corner. It features the shrine for the Emerald Buddha. Completed in 1784, the Temple has been restored several times and features eight Prang towers as well as wonderful murals in the Phra Ubosot (ordination hall) as well as in the cloister.

Sana Luang is also known as Thung Phra Men. When the city was first established, the grounds were a large rice field. Today, the grounds are a major gathering place during Bangkok’s official celebrations, especially during the Birthday Celebrations of the King and Queen and the Thai New Year. In modern times, Sanam Luang has also been home to various demonstrations and rallies.

The City Pillar Shrine was erected in 1782 near Wat Phra Kaeo. In accordance with an old Thai tradition, the pillar holds the city’s horoscope. The original pillar was replaced by King Rama IV with a pillar ten times as tall and protected by a shrine to prevent the decay which had worn the original one. The shrine includes images of deities such as Chaopho Ho Klong, Thepharak, Phra Song Mueang, Phra Suea Mueang, Phra Kan Chai Si, and Chaopho who protect the pillar.

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15
Jan

New York Theater

The City That Never Sleeps earned its reputation by having all-night subways, 24 hour diners, and a legendary nightlife. New York City is known for its restaurants, nightclubs, and lounges that keep the city hopping all night. On a more cultural vein, the city is also home to many of the best performing arts companies in the world, offering dance, music, and theater to suit a variety of tastes. On top of this, there are numerous five star New York hotels, world-class museums, and designer and flagship stores to keep even the most dedicated shopper busy.

A global center of finance, business, and diplomacy, New York is also a world leader in entertainment, including film, television, and publishing, fashion, and food. However, many people are drawn to New York to visit or to live based solely on its reputation as the best theater city in the world. Schools and studios cater to acting, writing, direction, and other stage crafts. And the city is known as the home not just of Broadway, but of Off-Broadway and even Off-Off-Broadway productions.

Broadway productions are usually staged in theaters nearest Times Square. Most of these theaters seat five hundred or more and feature major dramatic works and big-name musicals. Broadway musicals date back to the 1880s when theaters on 42nd Street and along Broadway began producing stage shows that featured music and dancing. This was also about the time that electricity came to the theaters and the “Great White Way” was born.

Off-Broadway shows have a reputation for being more “serious” than those on Broadway. They are usually staged in smaller theaters that are farther away from Times Square. Once in awhile a famous actor or celebrity will appear in an Off-Broadway production, but usually you’ll find them in the more expensive Broadway theaters. Off-Off Broadway plays tend to be more avant-garde and intellectual. Though they don’t appeal to the average theater-goer, some of these productions can be very good and seats are usually very cheap.

Other venues offer theater throughout the city. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts includes the Vivial Beaumont Theatre, Alice Tully Hall, and the Juillard School. SummerStage offers free plays in Central Park and hosts theater events throughout the city all summer. The Public Theater also presents its own summer schedule, featuring the world famous “Shakespeare in the Park” series that casts big-name actors in Shakespearean productions that are given for free.

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