Archive for November, 2009

Singapore Psychedelic Melancholy

Travel | Posted by admin
Nov 30 2009

Singapore is a place for instant nostalgia, it would seem.  It has a fabulous culture, and is really a big conglomeration of cultures that spread out in multiple directions, and it’s endlessly fascinating.  Trying to find common threads is like trying to find the world’s first potato, where it surely must have existed somewhere, but it began so long ago, and the road to get there is so convoluted, that it’s impossible.  But it’s extremely interesting to try.  Trying to find common links between things in a place as complicated as Singapore is splendid fun, because the links all reveal something even more fascinating than the thing you set out to discover in the first place.

By the time you realize you’re fascinated by something else altogether, the threads of that original search might come through, and remind you of what you were looking for.  Its impossibility is something that can cause a melancholy, a splendid melancholy that just is, and for no good reason.  This sentiment runs through a lot of the popular culture forms here, and it also runs through most things that have a semblance of style.  And there’s certainly a lot of style in Singapore.  Boutique hotel accommodations are particularly magnificent in offering a sense of style that combines an old that never was with a new that never will be, and it’s so splendid that it will no doubt be copied somewhere down the road.

Singapore is ahead of the future even when it lives in the past, and that might be why it’s always too late to mourn Dorian Roach & the Cruzers.  The psychedelic rock band that was quoting the 70s has already left, the members gone off to promote new projects.  There was something extraordinary in the sound, and there was something visionary in the facial hair, and it would be nice to thank them for re-introducing it as soon as it left before it got too popular, and at times we are melancholy enough to wish for one more song by Dorian Roach.

Tags: , ,
No Comments »

The Opera House in Sydney

Music, Travel | Posted by admin
Nov 24 2009

If you were to ask, who won the highest honor in architecture, the Pritzker Prize, for the year 2003, you probably wouldn’t be able to provide an answer; however, if you were asked to describe that large building constructed like a series of billowing sails in Sydney, Australia, you’d probably do much better.  The answer to the first question is Jorn Utzon, a Danish architect, and, of course, the answer to the second question is the Sydney Opera House, which he desgined.   Only a few years ago, in 2007, the building was declared an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Utzon’s designs for the building were chosen in 1957; however, the construction would not be complete until 1973, sixteen years later.  Since then, the Sydney Opera House has become synonymous not only with Sydney, but all of Australia, and a major destination point for tourists everywhere, from those traveling on the cheap to those staying at the fine luxury hotels Sydney has to offer.  The building itself is 605 feet long and about 388 feet wide, covering nearly 5 acres of land, with an expressionist design of shells made from concrete, covered with tiles of in a pattern of chevrons numbering one million fifty six hundred thousand and six!

There are five venues contained in the building, so the name Sydney Opera House is a bit of a misnomer.  The structure contains The Concert Hall (on the West side), and the Opera Theater (on the East side).  Other smaller venues beneath the Concert Hall include The Studio, the Drama Theatre, and the Playhouse).

The Concert Hall seats 2,678, and provides a home for the Sydney Symphony.   It also contains one of the world’s largest organs (10,000 pipes!).  The smaller Opera Theatre seats 1,507 and provides a venue for the The Australian Ballet, as well as Opera Australia.  The Drama Theatre contains 544 seats, which the Sydney Theatre Company utilizes, as well as the Playhouse, which holds room for 398 patrons.  The Studio is changeable, and depending on the configuration of the room, can hold as many as 400.  One of the many famous spots in Australia, the Opera House is well worth your time to be one of the theater goers in those seats!

Tags: , ,
No Comments »

Evil Balloonist

Travel | Posted by admin
Nov 23 2009

Way back in the day, before all the modern means of transportation and communication, there was a daring soul. Way back in 1858, most of us can not relate, to the shock and awe of the very first balloon flight lifting off the city of Melbourne Australia. On February 1st, back in the day, the very first hot air balloon lifted up into the air and made it successful flight. What people back then must have been thinking. When you realize that back then, it was literally horse drawn power. People still did a lot of walking.

This was the start of aviation really. Everyone always talks about the first airplane flights but what about the early balloon and zeppelin flights. It took another 50 years for engineers to create airplanes. Richmond, where the balloon took off from, is a rural area of Melbourne. Back then it was really rural, before the town hall tower went up. Before the St. Ignatius spires, the Dimmeys and even the trains and trams where ever built there. Back then the best attraction of the area was the George Coppin’s Cremome Gardens and the Pantheon Theatre. Ok so there was also a Pub. Can’t live without the Pub or the zoo or the bandstand or the lake. But on that day, it was the magical flight of a hot air balloon that captured the towns attention.

It was Mr Coppin that encouraged Charles Brown and Joseph Dean to Melbourne for the big flight. He threw in his personal, homemade muslin balloon called Australasian. It took some work to get it to the launch site in Richmond. They had to blow it up with coal gas at the city gasworks, Batman Swamp in west Melbourne. Then they had to get 30 men with a horse and cart to walk it all the way to Richmond. I wonder if they stopped for a rest at one of the five star hotels in Melbourne for a rest. Probebly not. But history of the city was made when they took off and landed 25 minutes later on Plenty Road. Weeks later Charles Brown took another flight that landed in Collingwood, and was mobbed by a crowd of people who thought it was evil for a human to fly.

Tags: , , ,
No Comments »

Conservatory Garden in Central Park New York

Travel | Posted by admin
Nov 23 2009

Jill had recently moved to New York City to pursue her career in publishing. Ultimately she wanted to develop her own magazine that would cover regional lifestyle choices and highlight local artists and establishments. It was going to be something of a tour of obscure location in the United States, and while she was extremely excited about the idea, she knew it would be at least five years before she could even think about drafting an original version.

She had visited the city a few times in the past and most recently with her good friend Karen at which time they stayed in one of the boutique hotels New York. The trip was for Jill to find a place to live and for Karen to experience the city as it was her first time there. So, they included in their trip a stop at all the major museums and landmark attractions, as well as seeing a Broadway play. Jill thought about that trip recently on a busy afternoon when she wanted to escape from everything. She found employment in New York, which in itself was an incredible feat, but even that was incredibly competitive once she arrived at her first publishing company.

So, that afternoon, all Jill could think about was finding a spot to be alone. She laughed at the idea, even her apartment had a roommate. As she walked past Central Park, something she usually just went right on by, she looked out at the beautiful greenery and her feet seemed to guide her out into its openness. And while she was definitely not the only one in the park, the soothing waters of the fountain calmed her nerves. And as she looked around at the other people, they too seemed like they had left the city for a moment and were in some magical wonderland. She found her way to the Conservatory Garden and thought how lovely it would be to take a nap right there on the ground. This became Jill’s private sanctuary in New York and would often go there in the early mornings to do her yoga.

Tags: , ,
No Comments »

Grill Islands and Slow Cooking Meat Dishes

Food | Posted by admin
Nov 19 2009

If you plan to cook a lot of meat in your backyard kitchen, one of the best additions you can make on grill islands is that of a professional smoker.  Slow cooking meat requires attention, but with a proper smoker you will have more time to relax, more time to anticipate.  You will no longer be required to keep an eye on the temperature, to add fuel, to spritz moisture, the smoker takes care of all these issues for you.  Your meal will never be over or under cooked, and the clean up of ash and soot will not longer be something to contend with.

When shopping for your smoker, keep an eye on those with advanced temperature control options.  This is the most important part, and unfortunately many outdoor grills are not set with a thermostat, one thing that is in every indoor kitchen oven does have.  And to attempt to control the temperature on a wood or charcoal grill is near to impossible unless the grill is very well designed and constructed.  If you do choose to go with the charcoal cookers to slow roast your meat dishes, then make certain that it is made with heavy steel, and is built with insulation.  The seals and the seams must be perfect so inspect these grills before you bring one home.  A Barbecue Guru is a machine that could help out, as it does have a thermostat automated blower that will keep the oxygen levels correct.

The electric smokers have this control, and it will save you a lot of time and frustration, running back and forth, and under or over cooking will cease to be an issue.  Now, there is one thing to consider, if you are ready to take your backyard skills to BBQ competitions. Most competitions will only accept dishes that were prepared on wood or charcoal grills.  It is the fact that the gas grills and the smokers make the preparation easy, and in competitions they are looking for skill.  In your own back yard however, it should be easy to make and serve a great meal, so look at the options, and fire up your grill.

Tags: , ,
No Comments »

How to Do Yoga in Jakarta

Travel | Posted by admin
Nov 17 2009

With a remarkable sense of mystery that speaks to the heart of Indonesia, and a sensibility that is absolutely contemporary, and extremely hip, Jakarta has a thousand rhythms working at once.  It’s fascinating to discover that each of these rhythms is contagious, too, and there’s often an overwhelming sense of being connected to an enormous energy.  It’s quite lively and completely uncontrollable, and part of the trick of enjoying it is to give yourself over to the experience.  This is an old travelers’ trick, and it always pays off splendidly when you’re in a place as fantastic as this.

One of the largest urban areas on the planet, there are many things to see in Jakarta, Indonesia.  Hotel accommodations are plentiful, and there is a huge variety that reflects the place, offering something to please any taste and any budget.  Staying somewhere that the sense of luxury and solitude are high can be important for the daily dose of rejuvenation that helps you to meet the landscape with the right amount of balance.  If you’re looking for more balance than a good night’s sleep can bring, and you love yoga, then you’re certainly in the right place.  Jakarta has a number of gyms where you can find classes, and there are also studios here that can help you to reach a higher plane, with some local flavor that offers a taste of some of the things that are hidden here.

One of the more popular studios is Jakartadoyoga.  They have a great schedule, with classes that are offered at all times of the day.  There are local instructors as well as guest instructors, and they offer a splendid line of workshops for continuing practitioners.  They also host retreats here, for people looking to get away to Indonesia with the main purpose of developing the yoke with more clarity.  It’s certainly worth the effort, although it might be more enlightening if it’s effortless.  They focus on the philosophy more than the physical strength and muscle tone, which is refreshing, and there is a wide range of ideas on health and healing.

Tags: , , ,
No Comments »

Night Life in Manila

Travel | Posted by admin
Nov 16 2009

Hotel! Manila! Philippines! That’s where people are starting to show some interest. If you find yourself in Manila you will quickly learn it is all about the night life. Better come prepared with a list of clubs to check out. The scene is like any other big city down town party. A playground for the young adult who wants to bounce from club to club filling the streets with a laughter. They are all dressed to the hip hop style as if they are from an American down town scene. The interesting part is that they are Filipino and the rap they create has Tagalog in it. Tagalog is a language of the Philippines.

Hip Hop is thriving in this city 10 million strong. It is apart of the young bringing in the confidence and energy to an otherwise frayed city. Manila is less travel than some of the other Asian cities but it turns out to be one of the more exciting places to check out. Sadly, the political struggles and corruption of this surviving city has kept the tourists away lately. There has been some terrorist activity keeping visitors at bay.

Just because the western world hasn’t been visiting as much doesn’t mean the people of Manila aren’t taking in the western culture. Hip Hop being such a strong force in this city they have added their own flair. You can hear local artist rap in Malay, Spanish and Chinese. However, the American roots of the local Hip Hop scene remains intact.  One of the best places to take in the night life is at the Fort Bonifacio.  This is now a rather slick development that used to be a former U.S. Military base. Loose all your worries on the dance floor at the Embassy nightclub. There is a dress code because you will see some local celebrities. Oh and don’t bother going until midnight or think your going home before dawn.

Tags: , ,
No Comments »

Open Mic Nights in Portland

Travel | Posted by admin
Nov 12 2009

Wes had been wanting to start an alternative rock band for years. He had just turned 22 last month and decided that it might as well be now or never. He had been heavily influenced by some bands that his parents listened to while he was growing up such as REM and had even written some of his own songs. He just never seemed to be able to get the right group of people together to work with him. Now that he was 22 he decided he needed to forge ahead and maybe even start playing in clubs by himself. He also decided he needed a change of scene. He felt haltered by the town he grew up in and wanted to see more of the world. Then suddenly one moring he woke up and realized what he needed to do. Wes was going to move to Portland, Oregon and he was going to do it by himself.

He booked a week’s stay in one of the best Portland hotels and brought his best friend Tim with him to check out the city and find himself a place to live. It didn’t take Wes long to find a small apartment he liked and could afford and he put down his deposit. That left the rest of the week for the two of them to hang out and experience the city. They went to Dublin Pub for their Monday night open mic and had a great time. Wes decided that he would be back there and sign up to play once he was in town. The next night they went to The Secret Garden Pub and found out that the performers there actually competed to win a full show at that club. Both Wes and Tim like the place and had a good time so that was one more spot Wes put on his list. He also found a regular songwriter’s night at Artichoke Music and became more certain than ever that he had chosen the right city when he decided or rather instinctively knew he should move to Portland. Tim loved it too and decided he might like to move there as well, but Wes told him he had to wait until Wes was completely settled in and established because he needed to venture out and exist on his own for a while. Tim didn’t have a problem with that as he thought it would make it easier on his own move.

Tags: , ,
No Comments »

Karen Finley Presented New Work in New York

Arts & Culture, Travel | Posted by admin
Nov 09 2009

New York City is known for a lot of great cultural landmarks and elements and its theatre and performance scene are one of, if not the most prominent. Guests who may have stayed in one of the top New York hotels in September and/or October may have been lucky enough to attend the limited run of Karen Finley’s new work Karen Finley: The Jackie Look. The show was scheduled to open September 19th at the Off Off Broadway space The Country Club and closed late last month on on October 24th. Finley is well known, and sometimes feared, for her bold depictions of society, private life and her sometimes controversial methods of performance. In The Jackie Look Finley applies her perspective to the iconic look of Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis and analyzes concepts of femininity and the demands being the First Lady can place on a person.

Finley has a long history of solo performance and a somewhat controversial career. She has been hailed as some as a healing social element that exposes archetypal myths and hypocrisies, and others have condemned her as inappropriate and deviant. What an amazing ability to balance between the two and maintain her perspective and performance intentions, without being sucked into the dangers of labels and warped self belief.

One of her most remembered historic moments by the mainstream population is the notorious NEA grant dilemma of 1990. During this year, complaints by Senator Jesse Helms and other political and religious conservatives put pressure on the government supported arts endowment agency. Four active NEA grant receiving artists were declared as creating works that were indecent, and Finley was one of these. The other three artists were Holly Hughes, Tim Miller and John Fleck. Due to the political and social moral pressure, the artists had their grants revoked and have since become known as the NEA four.

Tags: , , ,
No Comments »

Ballet and Chamber Music in Sydney Australia

Travel | Posted by admin
Nov 03 2009

Trey and Ashley were getting ready to go have a nice dinner and then to the ballet. They hadn’t taken a vacation together for years and finally Ashley’s mother insisted that she and her father take the twins for a week while Ashley and Trey went somewhere. The twins were now three years old and were absolutely adorable. They were full of energy though and more than a handful. They were also a complete surprise. The couple had been told that they would not be able to have children and suddenly four years ago Ashley found herself pregnant. On top of that they soon found out that they would be having twins.

The excitement was coupled with a sense of concern and worry. However, the two of them got through the experience and so did Tony and Carrie, the twins. Meanwhile, the Ashley and Trey had to cancel plans to go to Sydney, Australia the summer that Ashley was pregnant and that vacation seemed like it was being put on a permanent state of hold. Both of them were completely excited and grateful when Ashley’s mom insisted on the plan though they had never been away from the twins for that long and were also worried.

However, as they sat there in luxury accommodations Sydney Australia they were simply excited and having a great time. They had always enjoyed ballet, the theatre and symphony performances though they were almost ashamed to say they hadn’t seen anything in the last three years. Tonight, however, they were going to the Australian Ballet at the Sydney Opera House. The company is approaching its 50th Anniversary and while Trey and Ashley won’t be there for it, they can certainly celebrate now. Ashley is so excited that she’s afraid she won’t be able to eat, Trey however, could eat a kangaroo he’s so hungry. The couple is hoping to be able to attend a performance by the Australian Chamber Orchestra before they leave but aren’t sure if they can fit it in. Trey played the violin in college and they both enjoy chamber music.

Tags: , ,
No Comments »

The Quiet Beauty of Kerela

Travel | Posted by admin
Nov 02 2009

Kerela is a small city surrounded by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.  These cities are located in the southern region of India, close to the Arabian Sea.  This is one of the most beautiful areas in the country, if not of the world.  The waves of the ocean, the fertile lands and pastures, give the city a sense of peace and, of spiritual creative energy that stirs the imagination, that is backed by a culture of Dravidian traditions, one of the richest of India.  When visitors leave the city, they are often moved to use poetic words and phrases to describe their experiences.  The people of Kerala, the ocean, the geography, all have described as the kinds of things that moves the heart to keep beating.

The climate is humid, with tropical rains, but fairly moderate temperatures.  What is noticeable from the shops to the Kerela resorts is that peaceful extends to the rest of the world as this is one city that defines the eco-tourism.  This is one aspect of the Dravidian belief system, that the earth and all of the creatures on it should be cared for and protected.  The citizens value education, and culture and this too has formed the people of the city, their hearts and their souls are driven by all things good.  Taking a trip to Kerela will refresh the tourist’s heart and soul as well.

Alapphuza beach one of the beaches that borders Kerela and the Arabian Sea.  The sand is a silvery white and is surrounded by groves of palm trees.  One of the best places to find a spectacular view is located just about the beach in the old lighthouse.  This is open to the public and the observation deck provides a panoramic opportunity for stunning photographs.  Bekal Beach is just as serene.  Other beaches that have become known throughout the country as the most beautiful are Marari Beach,where one will find many spice markets and shops, and Kovalal Beach with is relatively uninhabited and quiet.  In all, a trip to Kerela will leave one feeling more at peace with life, and may even inspire some to pick up a pen and write poetic verses.

Tags: , ,
No Comments »

Green Day in Brisbane

Travel | Posted by admin
Nov 02 2009

Being in Sydney over 3 months, this last leg of our Australia trip seems to be going fast, even though we have 2 more months to go! Today, we headed down to Surfers Paradise and then on to Byron Bay, and then come back to Brisbane for another whole week.

We haven’t really seen too much of Brisbane yet, even though I appears to be really nice. Two days ago, we just decided to hang low and stay in our room at one of the Brisbane boutique hotels . Then after only napping for about an hour, we went out and found a bar right in the city center and the Grand Prix was playing on the huge screen. After having a few drinks and watching the Grand Prix, we, still had pretty much of a lazy hazy day. We walked about the city a bit, grabbed a bite to eat and headed back to our hotel for the night.

Yesterday had more happening. We hired a car and drove to the Glasshouse Mountains and then on to The Big Pineapple. The Glasshouse is a series of volcanic plugs formed when the lava cooled. Captain Cook named them, he thought they resembled the glass foundries that were just outside his home town of Yorkshire. As for the native Aboriginals, these mountains are extremely significant and have something to do with Dreamtime. They named the plugs, Tibrogargan, Beerwah, Ngungun and Coonowrin. I think I like Glasshouse Mountains better.

After a short hike in the Glasshouse National Park, we drove north to the Big Pineapple, it’s definitely a tourist destination and Queensland has turned it into a theme park. It’s free and we went inside the pineapple and there’s a shop inside, naturally.

We drove on to Sunshine coast and drove all along the coastline, which takes us back to Brisbane. We made it back in time to go see Green Day and Simple Plan perform in concert. What a nice way to end a day.

Tags: , ,
No Comments »