Monthly Archives: July 2009

Harnessing Solar Energy in South Africa

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A couple of years ago, Michael Addinall, a businessman from Pretoria, was holding a meeting in Mogale City.  He and his partners were there at the site of a development for low cost housing, to discuss the water and the electricity issues.  The meeting continued after the sun went down and as he was leaving he noticed some children through the window of their house, trying to study using just the light from a candle.  In fact, none of the homes had electricity.  He was told that the power company of that area did not supply service to this particular site, and that the council would not set aside money for the site due to the fact that so many of the residents were extremely indigent.  That was the night he decided to start the Betta Light Company.

One of the missions of Betta Lights, is to eliminate poverty and to improve the lives of those living in rural and/or poor villages throughout the country by the use of solar panels in the homes, the businesses and even in the luxury hotels.  South Africa has an abundance of sunny days, and Betta Lights is harnessing the energy and providing people with electricity who would otherwise would be continuing without.  And with the solar energy, they are reducing the amount of gas emission and pollution that are contributing to global warning.

They have created a simple system that is easy to install.  It consists of 5 lights, and chargers for mobile phones.  All of it comes in one package and is backed by a year long guarantee.  The solar panels have a twenty five year life, and the light bulbs are more robust than standard bulbs and are more efficient than them as well.  Addinall has been continuing to work with the South African government, as even though his system is low cost, it is still out the financial reach of those stricken with poverty.  He is working to ensure that one day these systems will be provided to the people free of charge.

Dealing with a negative co-worker

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Some people will just never see the glass as half full. For them it’s always half empty. They are always being treated unfairly or not getting the attention they deserve. When this happens in the workplace it can be difficult to deal with. Some people really do just hate their jobs and will tell anyone that will listen. So how do you deal with someone like this that sits a cubicle away and seems to always be in the lunch room the same time that you are? Here are a few tips to deal with a negative co worker

Ever heard of conflict resolution? Yeah, it’s not something I would like to do too often, but sometimes it needs to happen. And negativity can come in waves with most people. Sometimes it’s just having a bad day, or being tired. But it’s when it gets excessive that dealing with a negative co-worker can really be a problem. This is not something they teach you how to deal with in customer service training. This is something you have to approach delicately and deal with accordingly.

You need to decide if this person has a real complaint. A legitimate complaint is something that is worth listening to in a co-worker, because they are looking for your advice. Although, they might just be looking to vent and not be seeking your advice, just an ear that will listen.

If you do not think the person has a real complaint, tell them what you think anyways. They might just need someone to put some perspective on the situation. Do your best not to spend time with someone like this, most of the time they are just seeking attention.  Tell the person to seek out their supervisor or go visit human resources as well.

Just do your best and seek out someone who has effective leadership skills to help you out if need be.

Chennai’s Chandralekha

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When it comes to four-star hotels, Chennai can supply excellence with luxury in its choices for accommodations.  Our hotels have a fantastic blend of tradition and innovation, so that guests can be treated to the four-star quality they expect, and also find a spirit of hospitality and grace that runs through everything.  With its amazing beaches, a vibrant classical music scene, and a thriving film industry, Chennai is a feast for travelers.  The hotels strive to meet the vibrancy of the city, and to help guests rejuvenate the body and soul.

If the luxuries of the hotel get to be too relaxing, the city offers an incredible array of urban adventures.  With tours, sight-seeing, people watching, and shopping, there are wonderful activities for the whole family.  There are fascinating temples and sites of great historical interest, testifying to the long history of human habitation.  Chennai attracts a diverse cross-section of humanity, and also has its share of celebrities.  One of these is the acclaimed dancer, Chandralekha.  Her story is unique and extremely inspiring.  Chandralekha never married, particularly unusual for a woman of her generation, just one example of a life forged by a very clear inner rudder.

Having studied the classical system Bharat Natyam, she became a very popular dancer in the 1950s.  Then she left the field altogether, and spent 25 years working as a human rights and women’s rights activist.  In 1994, she returned to her former profession, and stunned the world with her new creations.  She combined her classical knowledge with yoga and Indian martial arts, and invented a form that was familiar, yet extremely revolutionary.  By the time of her death in Chennai in 2007, when she was 78 years old, Chandralekha had established herself again as a major force in dance in India, and in the modern dance world at large.  Her performances, which were noted for merging form and expression, were very sensual explorations of feminine energy, duality, and uniting the political notions of the human body with spiritual notions that have roots in prehistory.  Her visionary artistry has left a rare presence on the earth.

Dubai birding

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My fellow birder and I met up at Heathrow for our flight to Dubai. The flight arrived on time, but the passport inspections part was slow going and then we ran into a bit of a problem with our car hire, but eventually we arrived at one of the Business Hotels Dubai to check in and get all settled before our meeting with Sudhama. Our special guide that is offering us a business opportunity to see if we’d like to invest in his tourist operation.

The next morning we met up with Sudhama for a days birding around Dubai. Dubai’s traffic was altogether something else; what a nightmare. So, our birding started later than we’d hoped for. Sudhama took us to a flooded gravel pit called Al Warsen. It definitely was a good starting point. The open waters hosted Pochard, Tufted Ducks, Black-necked Grebe and the Great Cormorants. The reeded area’s we spotted Purple and Grey Herons, magnificent birds, and a few Marsh Harriers. Gulls, of course, were found in large numbers alongside White-headed Barbabensis.

Then we headed off to the Dubai Pivot Fields, not too far from where we were. It’s an expanse of long and short grasses with seasonal pools. We scanned across the fields and found a splended selection of birds. White-tailed Lapwings, Glossy Ibis’s and Grey Francolin were prominent. We even spotted a globally threatened species, the Sociable Plover. Some pools had a good selection of shorebirds like the Temminck’s Stints, the Common Snipe and the Wood Sandpiper. Some of the fallow fields were good for larks and Oriental Skylarks.

We reluctantly left Pivot Fields because the heavens opened up and it began to pour. We headed back to our hotel with Sudhama. We were very pleased with his tour so far, actually, it was exceptional, so I pretty sure my fellow birder and me will most likely make a nice investment with Sudhama’s birding tour. That is of course after a nice shower and a meal.

Visit Mainland Singapore, Visit the Small Islands Singapore

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On the island of Sentosa, there is a variety of options when choosing a hotel, from the small out of the way joints with questionable service to the luxurious five star hotel. Singapore has a population of hard working people and when the want to get away and play, they get away to play in Sentosa.  Some even travel with a simple tent and backpack as there great campsites, all accommodations offer the peaceful rest of the island, be they in the chalets and resorts or on a blanket under the stares.  The sand and the sea will turn no one away, access to the island is easy to gain and quite affordable.

Another island to find serene get-aways from the city life is Pulau Ubin.  Located just off the coast on the North East side of Singapore it is covered with many low ranges of hills.  There is a nature reserve on the island with shelters, camp sites, hotels and many, many hiking trails.  Walking and cycling is the best way to take in the island, the kick-back atmosphere and the incredible landscape.  Don’t bring your bike along, as there are many locations to rent them once you get to the island.  Many of the facilities as far as … well toilets, have been recently updated to provide a bit of the comfort of home even while biking or trekking through the wilderness.

While Palau Ubin is currently under development to increase the attractive nature of the island for international tourists, the environment is guaranteed protection, the coconut plantations as well as the mangrove swamps will be preserved.  One of the finest beaches on the island is Chek Jawa.  Marine life thrives in the lagoons, from the sand dollar to the star fish and the crab, they all live in the meadows of sea grass with the anemones and the coral.  Snorkeling through this beach, is a sight…one that will definitely require a camera and ready eyes.  One must book time at this site, as visitors are only welcome during the low tide.  One must always visit the smaller islands on any trip to Singapore.

Treasures of Amsterdam

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There are more than thirty seven museums in the city of Amsterdam, with a grand variety of diverse collections, permanent and temporary.  Of the largest and most visited are the Stedelijk, the Heritage, the Van Gogh Museum and the Rembrandhuis.  These are all filled with works of the great masters, and the famous painters throughout history, varying from traditional to representational to modern art.

There has also been an increase in the most recent times, in the surge in popularity of the multi-media installation exhibits as well as in photography.  And any art lover will find it necessary to visit these famous works, of the all time greats, but if one has been before and does feel up to pushing through the crowds, the smaller museums are plentiful and well worth seeing out.  Many are located in close proximity to each other and conveniently close to many of the five star Amsterdam hotels.

One of the interesting smaller treasures is located very close to the Central Station, just a short walk.  Here in a building, hidden away in the attic is a church that was built in the seventeenth century.  This was the secret worship site for the Catholics at the time, and is now called the Ons’ Lieve Heer.  The Jewish Historical Museum is also close by and has on exhibit some artifacts and objects particular to the religion, the history and the culture of Jewish citizens in the Netherlands.  There is one section set up specifically for kids, where they can learn about the the life, the diet and the culture of Jewish families, And with advent of the popularity of photography, the new museum, Foam has constant exhibits of some of the most inspiring and daring works of photographers living today.  These shows alternate regularly and the gallery runs all year through.  Many do not even bother to see what is hanging first, as it is well known throughout Amsterdam that the curators do their job and they do it well, and there will always be something on the walls that will surprise and amaze the viewers.

Search engine optimization is important for business

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The internet is a powerful business tool. And there is way more too it now than just creating a website using a free service and hoping for the best. You website says a lot about your business and what it represents. Running a lackluster website could mean to people that you also run a lackluster business.

The presence of a company online is becoming more and more important. There are companies that specialize how a company or individual appears online. It is called online reputation management and it is fast becoming one of the most important aspects of internet marketing.

It is as important as having search engine optimization services for your website. And many of the firms that provide that service also provide the reputation management as well. For example, if a Chicago web development company was looking to rank higher on Google, they would employ a company that provides these types of services so that they could rank higher for certain words. These are called keywords, and they are commonly used for search engine optimization.

In business every little bit counts to getting ahead of your competition and especially with the way the economy is now. So take a look at the website of your company and ask if it is saying the right thing or the thing you want your company to be saying.

The world of too much information all the time your online reputation is as important as how you appear in person.

New York’s Ramones

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When it comes to five-star New York hotels, you’re talking about the finest of the fine.  In the best city in the world, where cutting-edge design and beautiful customer service owe their origins, accommodations with flair and style are second-nature.  There is always a bold attitude backed up by excellence, elegance, and a sixth sense for the finer things in life, in New York City.  The hotels offer nothing less than the best of the city, and guests here will come to understand why this is the place where the trends are set.  There is also a good deal of imagination and flair, to keep expectations high, and customer satisfaction even higher.

The inside of the hotels are as gracious and relaxing as the city outside is vivacious and unstoppable.  Artists and writers for generations have been writing and otherwise trying to capture the heartbeat of the city, and the only thing for sure is that is does not rest.  New York has every possible scene imaginable, and of course, as one would expect, attracts musicians from all over the world.  One of the groups that manages to have the rhythms of New York is a band of local boys who made good, the Ramones.  They were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, the year after Johnny Ramone died of cancer.  This coda to the band’s history is a fitting bookend, a kind of royal ending to a pauper’s beginning.

Their first eponymous album came out in 1976, after they had been playing for just a couple years.  They released three more records in the following two years, and between the records and the performances, their place in rock and roll history was already established.  At least by New Yorkers’ high standards.  The Ramones had knocked the socks off their audiences with their intensity and brashness, despite their lack of any particular technical skills.  Playing loud and fast was their trademark, and they have set the bar extremely high in this regard.  Their early shows lasted less than half an hour, and included more than a dozen songs.  A song every two minutes would be their trademark until the band split up in 1996.  One of the first real punk bands in the U.S., and early on in that movement in the world, they held their own for their entire career.  To this day, the Ramones holds a place in history, with music that is holding up well in the test of time.

Goa Bullfighting

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Savvy world travelers are always impressed by the quality and style in the five-star hotels in Goa.  There is a splendid sense of otherworldliness and luxury here, featuring a rich and heady combination of new-world state of the art technology, and old world graciousness and class.  Hospitality is a long tradition here, and visitors will understand why Goa has been such a popular global destination for generations.  It truly is a world-class city, where local culture and tradition is preserved, and international influences make their way into the daily life here, and its eclectic nature is rather intoxicating.

Goa has long been a haven for the counter-culture, and has a fascinating, and very complex, history.  There is an incredible mixture of ideas and perspectives here, and they make for some lively interactions.   There are also some interesting cultural productions, too.  One of the more fascinating spectacles from Goa’s history is the bullfight.  Banned officially since 1998, there has long been talk of rejuvenating the tradition, and it seems that every few years there is a push both for legalization and against the practice.

Goa Bullfighting some argue, has its roots from the Portuguese occupation during the colonial days.  In practice, it’s very different than in other parts of the world.  Here, bullfighting is more along the lines of cockfighting, where two bulls are put into a ring.  They are then coaxed and prodded to go after each other, and the most desirable fight is when the bulls run toward each other until they knock heads.  The bull who can stay in the ring wins, and the one who limps away is the loser.  As expected, this practice has a lot of animal rights activists on guard, and it also has a number of proponents claiming that it is a long tradition, and the ones who raise the animals keep them as beloved pets.  Whatever argument makes more sense, it is still an interesting phenomenon, one that stems from a vivacious culture.

Madrid’s Carmen Maura

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In that enviable rank of five-star, Madrid hotels have a natural advantage over the rest of the world.  It is one of the most splendid cities on the planet, in one of the most fascinating countries in the world.  The hotels here are, not surprisingly, a generous combination of grace and luxury, with some of the most cutting edge design and outstanding customer service that give Spain a reputation for hospitality.  The hospitality here is as remarkable as the culture, with a vast array of museums and galleries, and performance spaces that offer the best in world theatre, music, and dance.  Then there are the sumptuous restaurants, offering the best in world cuisine, where all of these things of high culture can be discussed.

One of the icon’s of culture in Madrid is the actress Carmen Maura.  She was born in Madrid and began her film work in 1969, with the short, El Espiritu.  Carmen Maura has been in a hundred films since then, and has worked with most of Spain’s most prominent directors, making her one of the most visible faces in contemporary Spanish cinema.  She has won multiple awards, including the European Film Festival Best Actress Award twice.  The second time was for her work in Ay, Carmela!, where she played an entertainer during the Spanish Civil War.  This was directed by one of the most important names in world cinema, Carlos Saura.

Her most popular work, however, has been with the extremely influential Pedro Almódovar.  Almódovar met Carmen Maura when they were working on a theatrical production of Sartre’s Dirty Hands, and they worked together on his first film, Pepi, Luci, Bom, in 1980.  There have been multiple projects since then, and her most famous work, perhaps, was in his Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, which brought them both international attention and acclaim.  Her own position in the history of Spain, having turned 30 when Franco died, makes her a particularly apt actress for Almódovar’s films, because she lived through a time when the traditions of hospitality and chivalry were starting to show their seams.  Identity and liberation were pushed to their limits under the old-world notions, and generations of young people around the world would look for possible escape routes where the individual could find possibilities rather than repression.  It is this link that makes her work in his films so remarkable on a meta-cinematic level, and her expertise as an actress that makes them work in the purely artistic sphere.  Her work is still going strong, and it will be fascinating to see what the next decades will bring for this magnificent artist.