Monthly Archives: June 2009

Controlling Muscle Stiffness Through Cryotherapy and Hot Tubs

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One type of therapy in practice among the athletes today that is gain in popularity is cryotherapy.  This combines cryo (which is cooling) with thermo (which is heating) and the physiological changes and effects are quite positive.  When a body is cooled, the muscle and subcutaneous temperature drops, the skin decreases and the blood vessels narrow.  This serves to dull the effects of pain and reduces the swelling that will occur following an injury, as well as reducing any spasms that may also occur.  The heating of the body does just the opposite.  Temperature increases, and the blood flows more quickly, bringing nutrients and oxygen to the area that is in jeopardy.  The similar effect is that heating the body will also decrease the existence of muscle spasms and cramping.  To quickly alternate between the heat and the cooling causes the effect of pumping, increasing the circulation through forced measures.

This kind of therapy has been shown to influence performance on the field, the court or on the stage, in a beneficial manner.  The underwater jets in a hot tub, as in the ones found on choosehottubsdirect.com, provide a massage that has been shown to preserve the power in ones muscles for the next days performance.  Whereas those athletes that simply rested, had a reduction in power that was significantly inferior.  Lactic acid builds after working out or extreme physical activity and is the stuff responsible for sore, stiff muscles.  When the muscles are massaged, this acid does not have a chance to build up.  Again, when the athletes simply sleep or take it easy, the acid builds up and the muscles become tense.  Australian scientists have studied athletes and report that the cry/thermo hydrotherapy following performances, competitions or daily training, provides the athletes with a feeling of freshness mentality and lightness and more relaxed muscle tone.  Similarly the lactic acid is disseminated quickly when one alternates the temperatures in the shower, from hot to cold and back again.

Classic Cars have the chrome

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A lot of people aren’t really into the whole classic car thing. They are looking for the newest and the biggest, think 20” rims and televisions in the backseat. Not a lot of people understand that the inspiration for your custom wheels comes from way before you were probably even born.

There is just something about a classic car. You notice it the second you look at it. The first thing you notice is the chrome. And like epic amounts of chrome too. I’m talking chrome wheels, chrome accents, just about every part of old cars seems like its chrome something.

And people who own classic cars take care to make sure that chrome shines. They polish it and keep it in amazing shape. Or they find the parts they need to replace it. And finding replacement parts for an old car is not an easy task by any means. It could even come to an expense where there are custom wheels needed along with many other custom parts.

I think the best looking cars are the old ones from the ‘50s. Every time I see the fins on a care that old and the colors they used to paint them. I long for a time of soda shops and poodle skirts.

However, I don’t think I would ever want to own one of these old beauties. Restoring a car is serious business and it can turn out into a real full-time hobby. You have to know what you are doing when you tackle a renovation on an old vehicle. You have to be very delicate.

For those, like me who just want to take a look, there are tons of places you can go see classic cars. Because the thing about classic car restorers is that they love to show off their work.

How the modern hobby of hot tubing came to be

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Hot tubing is a definite hobby among Americans. Over 5 million Americans have a hot tub or spa in their home. Once an item that ordinary people could only find when they stayed at a hotel, the hot tub has made its way into the recreation of Americans.

People started using hot tubs in the 1960s in California wine country. The original hot tubs were mostly for soaking and make out of wood. It was not until 1968 that the modern idea of the hot tub came around. The man that brought it to life was and Italian named Roy Jacuzzi. He invented what most

Americans think of when they think of the modern hot tub or spa. A Jacuzzi family member invented the Jacuzzi whirlpool pump as well.

Having a spa at home is really considered a luxury item, but they can be used to aid in a variety of problems including arthritis and back pain.  The hot tub is also considered a social thing, and some can seat as many as twelve people in them.

There are many different types of hot tubs that a person can buy. For those that are on a budget, they have above ground inflatable spas that are great for first time buyers. They also still do make the more traditional wooden above ground hot tubs. The more expensive ones have a lot of jets and features. You can even get a spa with a television in it now. A great place to go for a luxury spa is the website of Steven Barbarich choosehottubsdirect.com. The site sells luxury hot tubs at wholesale prices along with great customer service.

The hot tub is sure not to go out of style anytime soon. Sure they may be a bit expensive but a hot tub in an  investment.

Dubai Diving

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Dubai is located next to the vast and expansive Arabian Sea . No wonder marine sports have become important for the local people. Scuba diving is a national favorite past-time. Most Four Star Hotels Dubai has to offer are located right on the beach. So, even tourist can dive right from the ship wreck dives in Dubai to the reefs located at Al Fujayrah. The locals and the tourists alike will never run out of new places to dive and explore under the water.

For the avid scuba diver, Dubai is a true treasure for all types of marine life. Expect to find a wide variety of fish during a deep sea dive expedition. Eels, turtles, snappers, soft crab, parrotfish to batfishes. Even reef sharks and hammerheads can be found swimming close by. A diver may even get lucky enough to find whales, schools of tuna, barracudas, squid, clownfish, lionfish and plenty of seahorses.

It’s very easy to get diving gear if you didn’t bring your own. Divers will need to wear a swimsuit in order to do deep sea exploring in Dubai. There are plenty of scuba diving organizations which will provide a diver with a variety of gear, like fins, snorkels, masks and air tanks. Most are located along the eastern coast of Dubai. The gear is on the expensive side at these organizations, so consider buying scuba gear from the small shops next to the beach at the hotels.

If a scuba diver is a seasoned expert diver or an amateur , there will be plenty of diving stores to help out. An amateur can always test out the waters by taking a quick swim along side a supervised experienced trainer. The well seasoned diver can dive a more difficult terrain with which these organizations or store will recommend the best spots and give tips which will be the best for the level of the expertise of the diver.

Not a scuba diver? No worries, these shops and organization give lessons. So, there’s no excuse, once in Dubai to not go scuba diving. Even though Dubai has so much to offer the locals and the tourist on land, don’t forget that a major part of Dubai is The Arabian Sea.

Pinatas India

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Living in India most of my life, I’ve never had the opportunity to experience how other countries celebrate and honor some significant event, like birthdays. But, now that I have a job as a concierge of one of India 5 Star Hotels , I’ve been very fortunate to arrange for some interesting birthday rituals. For example, one of our guests were of Mexican decent and their son’s birthday was a few days away and the parents were wondering if I could provide them with a Pinata and an area big enough for them to hang it up and let their son and some local children take a swing at it with a bat.

Naturally, as a concierge, I had to say of course I can get them a Pinata and I’ll find them a place here at the hotel big enough for their son and a few friends to take a swing. I had no idea what a Pinata was and why would anyone want to take a swing at it with a bat. I had to do some quick research on the Internet. Through the Internet, I did find out all about Mexico’s tradition of the pinata. A Pinata is made out of paper-mache’ , brightly colored cardboard and sometimes clay container filled with candy, small fruit and toys. The pinata is then suspended on a rope, usually from a tree branch or a high ceiling. Then children are blindfolded, handed a stick or bat, spun around and told to start swinging at the pinata to try to break it open to release all the goodies inside. What makes swinging at the pinata a challenge is the person at the other end of the rope pulling and yanking the pinata out of the reach of the swing. The pinata has been used for centuries to celebrate special occasions.

Finding out about the pinata was easy, but actually finding a pinata in India proved challenging. I called everywhere, searched the Internet with no luck in finding a place that sold pinatas. Here in India, we just don’t have a use for one. But, I have always considered myself to be the ultimate concierge, I decided to make a pinata. I got all the instructions off the Internet, gathered up all the materials, invited all my available friends to come over to my house to help me construct this wonderful instrument of children laughter and enjoyment.

I’ve never had so much fun in my entire life as when I made that pinata for my hotel guests. But, I also never felt so bad when I witnessed its destruction and, at the same time, never felt so wonderful at seeing the joy in all the children as the candy, toys and fruit came raining out of the pinata.

DUCTAC in Dubai

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The Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre, known as DUCTAC, hosts a variety of programs and events aimed toward the continued development of the arts scene of Dubai. These events feature performers and audiences from various backgrounds and orientations and contribute to the multi-national community the center wishes to create. It is the first non-profit, modern, cross-community center in the gulf. It was developed by the local community of theatre enthusiasts and practitioners who recognized the need for a performance and educational center in the area. This and other cultural aspects attract many tourists to Dubai. Guests in a 5 star Dubai hotel have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to entertainment and cultural experiences, and DUCTAC is one of them.

DUCTAC is located on the second floor of the Mall of the Emirates and spans a space of 7,424 square meters. It houses many performance venues including a state of the art 543 seat theatre. It also has a studio theatre that seats up to 200 and is fully equipped. In addition there is a visual arts gallery and 3 dance/rehearsal spaces. There are 20 art studios and workshops and classrooms to round out the venues and offerings. Food and beverage facilities are also provided. Some of the workshops DUCTAC offers are centered on the theatre arts, music, dance and visual arts. There are also workshops in health, fitness and training.

Currently on display is an exhibit by two South African painters who reveal their perspective on local landscapes. The exhibit is titled Desert Gardens II and includes works in watercolors, oils and pastels. A current performance at DUCTAC is TERRACANIA, which is a celebration of various forms of dance. The show includes workshops and chances for participation. Some of the dance forms explored are Hip Hop , Salsa, Belly dancing, the Tango and African dance. The hit musical High School Musical 2 will open on the DUCTAC stage in July. This sequel to the smash hit original includes some of the favorite songs from the first version and adds new ones that are sure to become favorites.

Beaches, Resorts and Royalty

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Among the many cultural and scenic aspects of the beautiful island of Mallorca, there is one extremely popular and attractive element, which circles the island. The numerous beaches that hug this largest of the Balearic Islands are diverse in offerings and scenic views, and all have something to offer any interested beach lover. Many of the towns have plenty of entertainment options, great dining opportunities and cultural landmarks, though most tourists and locals enjoy getting out of town and spending an afternoon in a sandy paradise. Camp de Mar and Cala Major are just two of the many beaches that entice tourists to leave the luxury accommodations of the five star hotels Mallorca and enjoy a day in the sun.

The Cala Major is one of the smaller beaches on the island and its sandy golden shores lead up to the Marivent Palace. This is the sometime summer home of the King of Spain and has also been visited by Charles and Diana. The Palace has served as the summer home for Spanish royalty for years, and they frequently visit it throughout the year. The beach can be difficult to find, which makes it more attractive to those seeking a secluded beach atmosphere. It is also the closest beach to the west end of Palma.

The beach at Camp de Mar has breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and is the perfect romantic vacation spot. This is also a somewhat secluded beach with rocky coves and plenty of near by conveniences. The Lido Palace hotel is one of the fine resort options located right on the beach. It has a modern design with spacious terraces to provide a perfect view. The beach is also conveniently close to the Andratx Harbor. There is also the Camp de Mar Golf Course, which is extremely popular with locals and highly sought out by enthusiastic tourists. Regardless of personal preferences, the many beaches of Mallorca offer something for all tastes and interests.

King of Spain

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Juan Carlos I is the current reigning King of Spain. His grandfather Alfonso XIII was King prior to him, and his father, the late Infante Juan was the Count of Barcelona. Tourists saying in five star Barcelona hotels should encounter one of the city’s memorials to the late count. Juan Carlos I was born in Rome, Italy in 1938. King Alfonso XIII and other members of the family had settled in Italy after the 1931 proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic. One of his most significant contributions to the country was to oversee the transition from dictatorship to parliamentary democracy. He has an extremely high approval rating in the country and in 2008 he was declared the most popular leader in Ibero-America. Ibero-American refers loosely to the countries of the Americas that were formerly colonies of Spain or Portugal.

During the Spanish Civil War the regime of Francisco Franco came into power. Franco’s rise to power left the Spanish throne vacant for thirty years. However, he agreed that upon his death, the monarchy would be restored. The actual heir to the throne was King Alfonso XIII son Juan de Borbon. However, Franco was extremely suspicious of him, and believed him to be too liberal and opposed to the current regime. Finally, in 1969 Franco decided to skip a generation and declared Juan Carlos to be his successor. He had extreme hopes that Carlos would continue the conservative nature of the ruling powers and maintain the social status Franco had created. He demanded, as a condition of his heir-apparent status that Carlos swear his loyalty to Franco’s Movimiento Nacional. However, once Carlos assumed the throne he immediately began instituting reforms, which greatly displeased the conservatives. They had expected him to maintain an authoritarian state instead paving the path to the parliamentary democracy it is today. Barcelona and the rest of Spain reflect this change in government leadership and the country is much more attractive to tourists because of it.

Haban, Ayyalah and Other Folk Dances

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In Dubai, as well as most areas of the United Arab Emirates, Folk dance is an important part of the culture. Not limited by social status, age or gender, the dances play an integral part in most celebrations. These include national holidays, birthdays and weddings. When the tambourine begins you better be ready as everyone is expected to join the dance circle or line. Drums and percussion contribute strongly to the dances. No wedding would be complete without folk dancing as they are the most popular occasion by far where folk dancing takes place. If you are staying in a business hotel Dubai while traveling for your work, or a five star hotel Dubai as part of your vacation, it is not uncommon to hear of a festive occasion or holiday that will involve a dance and possibly give you an opportunity to participate.

Though they express themselves differently and according to gender, men and women both participate in the dance. Hunting and acts of war are usually the themes of the men’s dance. Swaying to the strong beat of the music is the typical expression of the women dancers. The Ayyalah is one of the most popular folk dances of the region, and usually there are as many as 200 men involved in the dance. The theme of this dance is defeating an enemy in war. Taking turns reciting poetry the male dancers frequently find themselves brandishing swords at one another while forming lines to face each other. The folk dance Harbiya does not involve poetry recitation by individual members of the dance although it does involve a cappella singing at times. Celebrating the birth of Muhammad and based in Sufi tradition, the Mated is another popular dance in Dubai. This is a unique style of folk dance in that its common theme relates specifically to religious expression. The folk dance Haban takes its name from the stringed instrument of the same name. Regardless of the structure, theme or purpose, folk dances play an important role in the lifestyle and culture of most of Dubai’s residents.

Shikisha Drum and Dance

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The dance company called Shikisha is from the South African city of Durban.  This was a company made of three women who celebrate the dance that was created by the gold miners during the gold rush days in Johannesburg.  This was a dance created by the workers during their long days away from family, as a way to raise their spirits and has become one of the traditional dances that is now celebrated throughout the country, in the Johannesburg boutique hotels, in the festivals of Pretoria and Cape Town.  This movement which has become a powerful and passionate movement is the union of movement, voice, and drumming.  Shikisha has combined the styles from the various regions, together with modern music and contemporary dance.

The Zulu word, Shikisha, is defined as ‘belting it out’, to dance and to sing and to play music like never before.  The rhythms of the drums, the trios powerful and incredible voices and the costumes designed with the traditional bead work of the women of South Africa, make this a heart stopping show.  This expresses the ideas with voices of so many in the country who were for so long kept quiet.  The lead singer for the company is Julia Mathumjwa.  During one of the shows she surprised some by doing a cover of the old hit song “Pretty Vacant” originally by the British Punk band, the Sex Pistols.  She correlated the struggles of her times spent in London, with the struggles of the impoverished children of her own country.

Mathumjwa started the company during her years working in theater in the West End district of London.  The company toured internationally, performing in their homeland as well as throughout Europe, Asia and the United States.   Upon their third tour of the Eastern US, the company offered seminars and lectures during their schedule, at the art organizations and the museums, spreading the joy that they create through this dance and this music of South Africa.  Mathumjwa passed away in 2006, but she created a movement that will continue to gain power and strength through celebration and dance.