The Motivation Blog

September 2009Monthly Archives

Endless Dreams and Majorca Scenes

Majorca is an island paradise, the kind that dreams and promises are made on.  It’s one of the most gorgeous natural settings in the world, with beaches that are stunning both in their natural allure, as well as the allure of the other travelers enjoying themselves.  The city is composed of many artists and expatriates, making for a subtly Bohemian vibration that runs through the core of everything here.  It has a lot to offer the savvy traveler, and it makes good sense to stay at a 5 star hotel.  Majorca is best seen from the lap of luxury, to help refresh the body and the mind.  The sea does some of this work, and the nightlife can also help, but our hotels are necessary to really seal the deal.

In Majorca, there is a fantastic combination of old-world charm blended with the best of modern technologies, so you can be in touch with the past and future here.  There’s a romantic aura in the city, that can really help a perspective to shift, so you can come back to your senses and find the pulse in you that enjoys life.  When you wake up, Majorca is here, to offer fantastic, lazy days in the Mediterranean sun.  The sun can provoke gorgeous daydreams, and it’s been an inspiration for many artists here, including Geroges Sands and Laura Riding, who are some of the subjects of Renée Green’s Endless Dreams and Water Between.

This is an exhibition by the famous artist and filmmaker from Cleveland, Ohio, whose spectacularly complex installations have compelled viewers all around the world.  This particular installation is the most recent of works by Renée Green and uses Majorca as one of her subjects.  The artist is known for using place as character in her works, which are often inscribed with the ambiguities of history.  By placing objects in careful juxtaposition, she forces the viewer to participate in making meaning, and also to see themselves reflecting on, and speaking to, history.  This work has been touring all over the world, including the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and the Museé Cantonal des BeauxArts, and is a magnificent way of thinking about Majorca both here and away.

Lisa
September 30, 2009
Art, Travel
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Charities and Money Laundering

Charities have become money laundering victims. So far, well over 80 state and federal legislators who received funds from the indicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff have immediately sent the funds back to the charities. Some of these same funds went to Native American organizations, since official of a tribe are considered corrupt, but then the American Heart Association, the Boy Scouts of America, the Salvation Army, the Pentagon Memorial Fund, the Veterans organizations, Christian missions, hurricane relief agencies, social service groups, animal shelters and more have greatly benefited from the fervently unloading of campaign contributions and other compromising largess of lobbyist.

Would dedicating the ill-gotten gains of crime to a charitable purpose make the money become taint free? Would it release those who profited from the original crime or even have been complicit? Would it conveniently absolve the matter in the public mind? Would it speed the obligation to make whole the victims of crime, no matter the needs or ignorant they might be? It seems so. Some will argue that there is little ‘clean money’, and it’s hard to believe that so many non-profits have never drawn the line when it comes to receipt of laundered money. They is a lack of inquiry into just how Abramoff was able to go unhindered and unchecked with his use of non-profits and foundations as being the active components in his corruption schemes.

Charities are supposedly grounded with integrity and values. Their services shouldn’t go beyond moral leadership of their philanthropic nature, particularly in times when the private and public institutions are failing us at every turn . Charities need to implement and practice due diligence and also become accountable with transparencies just like all the other multi-international organizations. They need to have, which is a shame, enhanced regulations that will stop money-laundering schemes to take advantage of the needs of these charities to produce results.

Lisa
September 29, 2009
News
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Safety and Customer Service at the Fair Grounds

The county or state fair is one of the last places people consider when giving examples of when customer service is a high priority. One of the things that is interesting about this is that customer service is actually an important aspect of all businesses and fields. However, applying to the circumstances of something such as a fair or carnival actually serves to exemplify the universal nature and importance of excellent customer service skills. Steve Barbarich is more than aware of this need and has incorporated it into his business philosophy.

A state fair can be an extremely busy event and many aspects of customer care will come into play. This actually begins with the planning and layout of the event, and ensuring that there are adequate restrooms and first aid services, as well as information booths and easy access to needs such as ticket sales. A well planned fair also makes finding specific attractions easy and convenient, and places rides and associated features in a similar location. Many people consider the food at a fair to be one of its greatest attractions, and having many venues with standard items is important to prevent frustrating lines and waits. It is also logical to not place ice cream or cotton candy stands next to a large roller coaster.

While the fair is taking place the atmosphere can be hectic and sometimes chaotic. Instead of letting customer service skills take a back seat, it is important to realize that they are needed at that time as much as ever. This covers everything from a friendly and helpful voice at an information booth, to a constant eye on ride safety and the well being of the fair patron. Staff members who are tending the specific rides should always be watching for potential malfunctions or precarious patron behaviors or seating placement circumstances.

Lisa
September 28, 2009
Business
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The Water Cure of Hot Tubs

Hippocrates noted the practice of hydrotherapy in the 5th Century BC.  The prefix means literally water, hydro and is used in reference to any therapy that is used that involves water, in all forms.  Ice packs are considered to be hydrotherapy, as well as the use of vaporizers when one is congested, and the soaking in hot water of spas or tubs.

Many ancient civilizations in Rome, Greece and Egypt have recorded uses for the medicinal or healing properties that these forms of therapy provide.  Public baths were common and many doctors at the supported the claims of the positive effects on one’s overall health through exposure to the mineral springs.  The public baths were not looked upon well by the Christians following the decline of the Roman Empire.

People attended these baths in the nude, and this was frowned upon by the society at the time.  During the Renaissance time period, they regained their popularity however, as many physicians began to rely on the sulfur that was found in these natural springs to treat various skin conditions.  There were also documented cases of the infertility being cured through soaking in the iodine rich waters.  As the medical technology advanced and the effects of the hot soaks were being analyzed using scientific methods this began to increase even more.

Many of the models found at choosehottubsdirect.com are based on some of these earlier models, and as the manufacturing capabilities improved, so to have the models of today.  During the 19th Century, a man named Vincent Priessnitz was known for his ability to help people using hydrotherapy, to help them with diseases that were previously thought to be incurable.  He became well known for treating cases of pneumonia, typhus and anxiety and thus, the beginning of modern day water therapy had begun.

http://taoism.about.com/od/practices/a/hotsprings.htm
Lisa
September 28, 2009
Health, Home
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Social and Environmental Due Diligence

Social and Environmental due diligence, in recent years, has evolved internationally and is recognized as a critical aspect in connection with asset and property transactions. They are now significant liabilities that will be imposed on to the new owner.  Many companies are facing the need for growth or refinancing in order to sustain a continuous environment of developmental gain of the business. The private equity industry has an important role to play to meet these needs. A majority of financial investors have positioned themselves as important players in the consolidation and development of many sectors within commerce and industry.

There are companies that can document the potential social and environmental liabilities and all the obligations that will relate to the transaction. They can create tailor-made assessments to meet the needs of individual transactions and will be compliant to relative situations to not only the regional, but the national regulations. Providing due diligence advice and assist with assessing ethical and social obligations associated with all transactions.

This allows potential new businesses to know the risk in advance. It should be a businesses paramount goal to reduce the financial risk and this can be achieved by consulting with services that provide documentation that will match exactly the risk a business is willing to take. Risks dealing with acquisitions, mergers or divestitures transactions, companies should first be familiar with the specific requirements of the transaction parties, such as industrial, institutional or property investors and hiring a consulting firm with the experience in due diligence is the best investment any company can make before they invest. The consulting firm should also have access to a global network of partners. Thereby offering a thorough local knowledge and presence regardless of the countries and this also should include cross-border transactions.

Lisa
September 28, 2009
Business
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Grilling on an Island

Now is the time of year to get outside.  Just today the weather was breezy and cooling down, the perfect kind of weather in the Southwest for an outdoor party.  With just a few necessary grilling accessories, some funky decoration in the backyard, and little bit of culinary creativity with ingredients, one can prepare a meal that everyone will remember.  One advantage to building a grill island, is that these parties can be planned in a short amount of time, and with all the effort going into the preparation of the food.

The grills installed can be either wood and charcoal burning or gas heated.  The differences is that there will be more flavor with the previous type, but more speed with the gas.  With an island, one has the option to include bar stools and a very homey atmosphere in the backyard.  Guests may sit around and chat, have appetizers or cocktails, while you prepare the food.  This in an excellent atmosphere to gather one’s friends around them, and share a meal and conversation.

For any meat or vegetable that is grilled, a rub of oil, white wine, garlic, and celery salt will not only provide a lovely aroma in the yard, as well as the neighborhood, but will provide rich flavors with just a hint of spice.  If you will be marinating the meal, consider the consistency of the particular foods, some need longer marination, and some shorter.  Any soft vegetable such as the mushroom or the squash, only requires about thirty minutes to soak up the flavors, while beef or pork may do best being marinated over-night.  For the vegetarians, tofu will take just under one hour to marinate, and does great on the grill with a little BBQ sauce.

As for the accessories needed, for flakier white fish there are fish cages that will hold the meat in place preventing it from slipping through the grates.  More dense fish, beef, chicken or pork can be placed right on the grill.  For the vegetables, they contain no fat, so it is best to either marinate them in a mixture that has canola oil in it, or to spray down the grates with a non-stick product.  In all having a permanent outdoor facility makes it easier to cook out all the time, giving one the option at a moment’s notice, when the weather or the moment is just perfect.

Lisa
September 24, 2009
Cooking, Food
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Dubai’s architectural beauty

Daubi is one of the seven United Arab Emirates, it is the largest of the seven emirates in population and the second most populated of them. There are written documents indicate the existence of Dubai some one hundred and fifty years before the formation and establishment of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai shares its military, political and legal as well as economic functions with the six other emeries in the federal system set up to govern over them. Dubai and Abu Aubai are the only two of the United Arab Emirates possessing veto power over the rest of the emirates. Dubai is an amazing place filled with tourists and visiting businessmen from all over the region and planet enjoying the sun, sea, food and architecture.

Dubai is showy with spectacular architecture lining the water front. When completed Dubai will have the largest developed water front in the world and currently has somewhere between 15 and 20 percent of the worlds cranes in use all at one time. From a sleepy little city on the Aribian sea in the early 1990′s to the 2000 when many new buildings and high rises had been constructed to today where the building continues and the architectural styles continue to develop as one builder tries to out do another with a taller, fancier and more unusual building. Staying and visiting Dubai is easy with a state of the art air port to greet you on your arrival to the five star hotels Dubai to pamper you during your stay.

With all the usual water activities swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, para sailing and boating to name only a few. The dining, night life and shopping the visitor here weather on business or pleasure will undoubtedly find plenty to do and to occupy your time.

Lisa
September 21, 2009
Travel
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The biggest kahuna of them all: Hawaii’s King Kamehameha

There is an old legend in Hawaii, a legend about a grand and wise king who would fuse the separated islands of Hawaii together.  Kahunas foretold that the people would know it was him when a comet blossomed in the sky.  Indeed, the kahuna were correct.  Halley’s Comet did in fact soar above the Hawaiian firmament in 1758.  And one of the island’s greatest kings was born on that day in Paiea.  His name was Kamehameha, or the lonely one.   His grandfather was Keaweikekahialiiokamoku, another great king, presiding over a big part of Hawaii during his time.

There is yet another old legend that the kahuna tell of associated with King Kamehameha.  Whoever could budge a gigantic rock known as the Naha Stone, a stone that weighed 7,000 pounds, would be the supreme king of Hawaii, putting previous and subsequent royalty to shame.  And in fact, Kamehameha did allegedly move the stone.  According to the story, he flipped it over after heaving it up in that air.

Like all great lineages of kings and queens and courts, Kamehameha confronted opposition before he could transform into the great ruler he was supposed to be. After his uncle died, authority split.  Kamehameha and his uncle’s son, Kiwalao, fought it out for who would get to rule Hawaii.  There was civil war for a while but Kiwalao won eventually.  After organizing matters on his island, Kamehameha went out to gain control of the other islands, employing military technology from United States and various European countries.
Maui, then Molokai then Oahu all fell under his command, but is was in Oahu that the king faced one of his most gruesome battles ever.  On the Pali cliffs of Oahu, numerous numbers of warriors were killed, forced to plunge to their deaths on the rocks below.  The subsequent island came into the fold more peacefully thanks to the king who surrendered.  At long last, Kamehameha had lived up the destiny that the kahunas had prophesized of him.  A time of great prosperity ensued thanks to his usage of a tax system and trade with other Western countries.

His mystique as a great king does not end there with his past battles and wars.   His bones have been missing ever since he died in 1819.  A kahuna buried them in a secret place that still is unknown today, despite many searches to find them.   It is this legendary king that helps make Hawaii such a fantastic place to visit and learn about.

Lisa
September 16, 2009
Travel
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Bangkok is worth a visit

When in Bangkok, head straight for Khao San Road; it’s sheer madness, only at night though. During the day the street is lined with vendors selling anything from knock-offs to food. But, at night, the street is lined with actual makeshift bars that display signs like, ‘Cheap drinks, no ID required’, and tons of street sellers approaching you to buy the worst souvenirs that any self respecting tourist shouldn’t buy, but they do. Elephants even make an occasional appearance on the street.

Actually, I think Khao San is a bit of a ritual, a must do, at least for one night, but not more than that. Where I was staying, at one of the better hotels in Bangkok, Thailand, the concierge is glad to steer you else where, were one can meet other fellow travellers more easily, and since Thai food is so very very delicious, one should most definitely eat at restaurants instead of the fare being served on the street. Those roadside kitchens might serve a good curry and Pad Thai for a cheaper price, but nothing compares to being waited on and served with the same quality food in a nice air-conditioned room where you can have a decent conversation without having to deal with all the action going on in the street. I know there’s a great buzz around these street kitchen’s, but I prefer to know that I’m getting what I ordered and that the food was prepared properly.

Out on the street, you will encounter some scam artists, like if you go to the Grand Palace , there will be people telling you that a certain temple is closed for prayer and steer you into getting fitted for clothes you don’t need or buy jewelry. But, don’t let that stop you from going inside, because it’s only a scam and it’s so beautiful inside the temple. It’s well worth braving through all the scammers. Well, actually, Bangkok is well worth it no matter what my issues might be with it.

Lisa
September 15, 2009
Travel
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Theatre in Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa is a beautiful city in a beautiful country. There are many cultural elements and attractions that entice the guests staying in the top Cape Town hotels, as well as incredible scenery, landscapes and geography just out of town. One of the more popular attractions for tourists is the great theatre found in Cape Town. Theatres like the Masque, Artscape, Theatre on the Bay and the Baxter put on a diverse selection of productions that is sure to please the equally diverse audiences.

The Masque Theatre provides the ideal space for experimental and new plays. It is the location and home of many amateur companies and forms the central component of many of the community theatres. It has the freedom and privilege of producing some of the region’s newest plays. The Theatre on the Bay is a unique establishment that offers top quality productions and various forms of performance. The Baxter Theatre Centre has been called the cultural heart of Cape Town. It is part of the university and offers a diverse selection of theatre and dance performances.

Artscape Theatre Center is a major complex of performing arts and houses some of the most professional and prominent productions in the city. It opened in 1971 as a state of the art complex and remains the most prominent theatrical center in Cape Town. The complex includes multiple venues and features and Opera House that seats almost 2,000 people. The complex theatre seats 540 though this number is adjustable depending on whether or not the pit is used. There is also the small and more intimate Arena Theatre, which seats 140. Theatre is a major aspect of South African culture and is also one of the chosen attractions for many of the tourists who visit it. And what better way to spend an evening than to enjoy a great dinner and see an even greater show?

Lisa
September 15, 2009
Travel
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