The Landscape and Garden Blog
Oct
27
It’s nice to live in a neighborhood where you know your neighbors by name. It doesn’t happen everywhere, and sometimes, with apartment buildings where people are moving around a little more frequently, it’s hard to get to know the neighbors when it’s not in the culture. However, in Canada, we have a strong reputation for a community sensibility, and we like to get to know our neighbors more than most places, because we like them. That’s certainly reason enough, but it’s nice that it can have the added benefit of making the neighborhood safer as well. It’s a great thing to know about companies like TransGlobe Property Management, because their principles match our principles for what makes a good neighborhood. It helps that their team live and work in the same communities we do, so we have a common ground. When there are any maintenance problems, they fix them quickly and efficiently, and seem to really show respect for their clients.
It’s nice when the landlords have human faces, and we can get to know the people we’re renting from. It makes it easier to begin the relationship, to decide to work with TransGlobe Property Management. Once that decision is made, there isn’t much need for any further hesitation. The database of business and residential properties is extensive, and there are literally thousands of excellent places to choose from. They also have a very strong reputation for participation in community events, and charitable fundraisers, so it’s easy to see that their commitment to the communities here is put into action, and not just rhetoric. They speak to Canada’s communities, with a spirit of service and a record of experience, and it’s nice to see them here.
Oct
26
New York never stops, it doesn’t sleep, and certainly doesn’t take a rest, at any point in the year. Â That’s what makes it one of the most desirable places to visit, and it’s certainly something everyone should experience at least once. Â Repeat visitors and sometimes residents know that it gets better and better each time, and the more you know your way around the city, the more there is to see. Â However, even first-time visitors will have more than enough to do, and will love their time in New York, USA. Â Hotel accommodations are easy to find, and there are a dizzying array of choices. Â We’ve taken care to select some of the best, so that you can save the guesswork for the activities and attractions.
You’ll love waking up in splendor, with decor that is extremely stylish, and speaks to the best of classical design and embraces the best of the new. Â Waking up to New York hospitality is lovely, and it’s a great way to begin the day, when you’ll feel a spark of rejuvenation even before breakfast. Â Enjoy a fantastic meal prepared by world class chefs schooled in classical and contemporary cuisines, and you’re off to have an adventure in New York City! Â If you’re looking for an experience in the heart of the gritty New York art world, if it can still be called gritty, then by all means, head down to Reena Spauldings.
To be fair, this is gritty, and it is in the Lower East Side, which has cleaned up an awful lot in the past few years, for better or worse. Â When artists move in, the rents usually go up, until the artists can’t afford to live in their own neighborhoods. Â At least, that’s been the trend. Â But it looks like they may have sidestepped that trap at Reena Spauldings. Â It’s the brainchild and sometimes alter-art-ego of Emily Sundblad, whose been making a very good name for herself lately. Â Her performance installations are hard to get into, which is exactly what downtown artists want, so it’s worth it to try while you’re here. Â She opened a storefront gallery in the cheapest place possible in 2002, and turned it into a place for her friends to come and hang out, and it just kept getting cooler. Â Now it’s a fantastic place, with a sensational eye for good work, and an atmosphere that is edgy and exciting, and utterly New York.
Oct
26
Hello from Spain! Madrid’s heat is so much better than the London cold.
I’m getting by with only a very small amount of Spanish in my vocabulary. I’ve gotten ‘no entiendo’ down pat; it means ‘I don’t understand’. I’m actually having a lot of fun just saying that phrase no matter what. The first day I arrived in Madrid, I was tired and managed to find my way, on foot, to my hotel, which, by-the-way, was right next to some of the best Madrid restaurants I’ve ever eaten at. My hotel was very interesting, it had an inner courtyard that was great for relaxing and meeting other fellow travellers. That night, I went out with some of my fellow travellers, ones I met in the courtyard, and we checked out one of the restaurants next to the hotel. We ate well and enjoyed swapping travelling horror stories.
Then, yesterday, I walked around Madrid. I noticed it has a much different feel about it compared to any English speaking cities, like Sydney. The architecture is less grand, but they are very colorful; lots of pastel, like oranges, yellows and reds, lots of reds. Central Madrid has streets that are narrow and wind up, down and around hills that are very pretty. All the plaza’s are a great way to people watch and to grab a quick bite.
I visited the Prado art gallery, which I highly recommend no matter what type of art you like. Their collection is vast and very good. I especially liked all the Raphael’s. Later, in the evening, I started it off with some drinks and a meal in my hotels courtyard. I think I ordered the Sangria. Sangria tastes like fruit juice with alcohol, but in fact, it’s a very sweet wine. Then, I headed over to the tapas bar and ran into 4 Aussies, a guy from Kentucky and a french girl. I had a great night, but the Sangria and then the beer started to take its toll on me around midnight. I had to go back to my hotel and sleep it off the best I could.
My stay was too short in Madrid, but I feel I made the most of it. I’m really a people person, even if I don’t speak the language, I always manage to have a great time. Toledo will seem so…Toledo after this, I just hope that my journey for the past month will not vanish into thin air.
Oct
22
The Mongkok region in the city of Hong Kong is the most populated area on the planet. The word Mongkok is a Cantonese word that means “busy corner”, so thus the area is aptly named. As far as markets around the world are concerned, the Mongkok Ladies Market is one of the best. Hong Kong hotels are located close by, and this is just the right spot to find incredible bargains, to people watch, and to soak in a culture and a vibe that defines the true Hong Kong life and history.
This was once the stomping grounds for the Hong Kong Triads, a notorious group of gangsters often portrayed in the movies of Bruce Lee and John Woo. Now it is a supreme location for business, restaurants and shops fill the streets. The Mongkok Ladies Market is one of the best and one of most well known in the world. While there are many stalls that are dedicated to jewelry, clothes other accessories, this is not a market just for the women.
Electronics and computers are sold as well as toys, souvenirs and just about anything else one could possible imagine. The main market is located on Tung Choi Street between Dundas and Boundary. Be aware that bargaining and haggling are expected, and some of the sellers have priced their items as much as twenty percent over, knowing that this will be made up for in on the exchange. Sellers will attempt to get the most they can from unwitting tourists.
If one seller will not move on their price, just walk a few stalls down, as although there is a large variety of items located in the market there is bound to be something similar just down the road. Located along these streets are many opportunities to find a delicious meal in one of the Dai Pai Dongs. These are some of the best of Cantonese cuisine establishments in the city. The prices are incredibly inexpensive, the food is tasty, fast and fresh. This is the perfect area to find the real Hong Kong, and to even bring just a bit of it back home.
Oct
20
When traveling in India, there are many fantastic places to visit, and some amazing cities that have extremely lively urban scenes, and an amazing night life. There are very few cities in the world, however, that are quite like Udaipur, and maybe it really is as unique as it seems. When visiting here, you get the sense that this is the mythical kingdom that everyone talks about. It is really a splendid place, with amazing sunsets, and amazing sunrises as well. It looks and feels just like scenes in romantic movies, and it’s probably not a coincidence, because there are many films made here to take advantage of its magnificent setting. There is a sense of luxury everywhere in Udaipur, India. Hotel accommodations can help to make the experience complete.
We’ve selected hotels based on their excellence in hospitality and style. Udaipur is a place to experience hospitality like no other city can offer. It has hosted royalty and celebrities, and has a special reputation for treating guests well. There is also a splendid sense of style here, where the best of old traditions merges with the precision of contemporary design, to make for human-made as well as natural beauty. This compliments Lake Pichola, which is also human-made, but its existence stemming from the 14th century gives it a kind of status as a place of natural splendor. Visitors looking for artists who are inspired by the splendor might run across the works of Charan Sharma while visiting Udaipur.
He was born in Rajasthan, and got his Master’s in Art at the University of Udaipur. He started showing here when he was in his early 20s, and soon carried his work to other parts of India, including Bombay, now Mumbai, and Jaipur. His work has been shown all over the world now, and he makes his home in Mumbai. His work is a fascinating mix of styles and techniques that are lately focused on deeply spiritual themes. He works with the notion of Enlightenment in the Buddhist sense, where everything that is perceived is a reflection of self, and the work serves to bring the viewer into another world, or series of worlds, that are utterly transcendent and very beautiful.
Oct
19
As far as the art scene goes, what can one really say about the city of New York. Artists have been drawn to this American town for decades, be they young folk singers such Bob Dylan, avant garde visual artists such as Andy Warhol, dance choreographers that pushed the boundaries such as Merce Cunningham, popular movie directors and actors such as Martin Scorsese and Robert Deniro, and any number of visual artists and painters throughout US history.
The East Village was, has always been, and continues to be the most thriving of artistic hubs in the country. Movements happen on the streets of this city that have changed generations, cultures and the world of the arts. One such movement was the during the began in the late 1940′s, and is none other that of the Beat Generation of poets. One of the many influential members of this group was Allen Ginsberg, and each year a festival of art and poetry and music is held in his honor.
This is the Howl Festival, the name taken from his 1956 poem of the same name “Howl”. In this work Ginsberg credits his fellow writers with standing up to the destructive forces of conformity and materialism that they were noticing during the times. Something that writers, poets, film makers, musicians and artists of today are still addressing. The festival this year took place over three days in September, the 4th, 5th and 6th.
The best New York City hotel and restaurants surrounding Greenwich Village were booked, as many tourist travel here in order to participate in the festival. This is a grand scale event with muses being illustrated through music, dancing, divas and poetry. The opening ritual each year is the reading of the poem, which kicks of the three days of artistic ranting and expression of the need for the aspects of society that must change.
Hip Hop Howl and and Chi Chi Valenti were just a couple of the musicians that performed. And this vibe did not stop on the 6th, as events were scheduled in the Village throughout the entire month of September. The event coordinators also used this time to promote a health service that has started, HOWL!HELP which will provide care for artists who are need. This was a great time to be in the East Village, but if you missed, don’t fret, it will be back next year, same time, same place.
Oct
19
Cooking outdoors is a pleasure that wakes up the senses in an extraordinary way. The delightful aroma of food cooked on the grill is something that makes the neighborhood smell heavenly, and people from all around will be wondering what magic you might be up to. Your guests will be the lucky recipients of the treasures of your cooking, and fire magic grills are a splendid way to begin your new adventure in outdoor cooking.
It’s a kind of cooking that’s very easy to learn, and in no time at all you’ll have the basics down on how to prepare meat in just the right way, every time. But the more you learn about outdoor cooking, you’ll soon discover, the more there is to learn. Getting the basics down is very easy, but the variations and subtleties of spicing is an endless adventure. You’ll be collecting recipes from all over, and you’ll even find yourself talking about grilling techniques in grocery stores and butcher shops, and all the while you’ll be learning new techniques and tricks. The art of spicing beef is a complicated one. There are thousands of variations within each culture, and each culture has its own specialties.
For a tasty variation, you can try different Asian recipes for spiced beef, using tried and true ingredients that work on a wok, and then apply the same ideas on your grill. Grilled meat as an addition to any stir fry is a wonderful way to make your guests very happy. There are also fantastic recipes out there for spicing meat the Irish way. Here, you would use the spices to make a marinade, where you can soak the beef overnight and then cook it perfectly on your fire magic grill to make an outdoor dish that has its own Irish slant, for an unexpectedly fantastic taste sensation. The possibilities are limitless!
Oct
13
There are many splendid things to see and do in Dubai, and after a few moments here, you’ll see that it’s a city that’s been creating itself with luxury in mind. The creative push in the past decade has brought some splendid results in terms of visual art, architecture, and music, and it’s very quickly become a first-class tourist destination. With the constant influx of celebrities and high society personalities, it’s the perfect place for a luxury hotel. Dubai has built its reputation on providing magnificent hospitality for its guests, and our hotels are selected to offer you the best of the best. An exquisite sense of style and taste reigns here, and you’ll love the refreshing sensation of waking up in paradise every morning while you’re here.
The days are very easy to fill, with so many dazzling attractions, both natural and human-made, and the nights have a host of options, and speak of new adventures that are waiting for you. You can take in a live performance of theatre, music, or dance, enjoy a fantastic meal at one of the world-class restaurants, rub shoulders with famous artists at one of the city’s many galleries, and check out a hot new dance club. Dubai has energy and a keen eye for spectacle, and will stay up as long as you do. Keep in mind that for Dubai, the weekend is Thursday and Friday, and if you’re up for the adventure, check out the dj stylings of Dion Mavath.
This Australian artist started his formal education when he was 14 years old and saw DJ Jazzy Jeff, and the musical ideas that were running through his head found their artistic home. Now, still under 30 years old, DJ Dion Mavath is spinning records to thrill the crowds in Dubai. His performances are electric and heady, and the special thrill to the musical precision is his own addition of live performance bits into the mix. His live percussion mixing into the records is something amazing to behold, and creates a fantastic feeling in the room, moving people to dance to the constantly shifting rhythms. His success in Dubai is already leading him to play in other venues all over the Middle East, throughout Asia, and back in his native Australia, but the raw energy evolved here, and continues to move the party forward.
Oct
12
The road to becoming a top attorney in any law firm,begins in high school. Everyone with intentions of further their education through study at a university, wants to get accepted to a good school, and doing well in their younger years will make that possible. Once attending a university, one should consider a major that will not only be of interest, but will be something that will be carried over into their study of law. A good friend of mine developed her analytical and reasoning skills by getting her undergraduate degree in Philosophy. Another friend of mine got his undergraduate degree in United States History.
This previous education served him well in his courses that focused on the Laws of the Constitution. Selecting which law school to attend may seem like a daunting task. In the United States there are two hundred ABA approved universities. Finding which one is right for oneself is important. Law school will be demanding and quite frankly, just plain tough at times, and it is best to happy with not only the school, but the area or city in which you are living in, and studying in. Some people thrive in large cities, while other would do better in smaller college towns.
All universities, while providing the same course curriculum, will be different in the way in which they approach those courses, some schools known for being conservative and others known for being liberal. It is best to choose the right one for one’s personality and viewpoints. The elective requirements will also differ from school to school, so one should make themselves aware of the programs of study to make certain that they are exactly what they are looking for.
Now this is very easy, as all the schools will post their programs and catalogs on the Internet. It is all at one’s fingertips now. Most advisers state that it is best to apply to at least six different universities, a few that one is likely to get into, and a couple that one may believe is out of their reach. This is a competitive process, and the practice of law is a competitive field, but hard work and dedication will lead one far, and success will be determined by that work and dedication.
Oct
8
Bryan and I woke up around 7am, we wanted to enjoy, if even it was a tiny bit, of our last day in Tenerife. We headed straight down to the beach and just lounged around this beautiful place. For us, it was especially wonderful because we were the only two people in sight, well except for an early morning jogger. None of the businesses were even open yet. Everything was really quiet. Bryan fell asleep on the sand and I went to the harbor for one last look at the boats. The harbor was so serene and beautiful. Until one of the workers followed me around, I guess he thought I’d cause trouble or steel something. I really don’t blame him, I mean, my hairs a mess, I have on an old worn out t-shirt and ripped shorts on.
When I got back from the harbor, I went on a walk long this area of tide breakers, it was this huge solid rock. I’m glad I did, at the end of the rock were a bunch of little crabs scrambling for a good foot hold, or claw hold. I went back to where Bryan was sleeping and woke him up, he was funny when I did that, he had forgotten where he was and looked all around like something was wrong. I assured him he was in good hands.
It was about 9am, so we decided to go back to where there’s a string of luxury hotels Tenerife has all along the beach and pack up all of our things. After we packed we grabbed a quick breakfast and caught the coach bus that took us to the airport. And before we knew it, we were on our way back home. We decided that next time, we need to book more time here, maybe even retire here, it’s so relaxing and beautiful.
Oct
7
Section 319 of the US Patriot act gives the government greater ability in tracking and investigating cases of money laundering. This gives the authority to the United States Secretary of the Treasury and to the Attorney General, to seize any funds deemed illicit, those of entities or companies in foreign regions and those of individuals that are under suspicion and/or investigation. The two officers are also give the authority to issue subpoena or summons to any foreign financial institutions that are currently maintaining accounts held in the United States.
They are able to request that the records of those institutions be handed over, even those held outside of the United States, records that refer to deposits made into foreign and domestic bank accounts. In the United States, financial institutions are required by law to keep accurate records, and to be ready to turn them over to the anti-money laundering agencies if they be required to do so. These records are also carefully scrutinized for evidence that the identity of any customer is not to be obscured.
All transactions, and the identity of those making those transactions, must be above board, all records must have the element of transparency. This just means that they want to ensure that the total truth is being recorded and reported. In order to comply, banks and financial institutions must complete thorough and complete back ground checks on every customer that they do business with. These minimum procedures and standards are to again, ensure the identity of all business associates.
For an institution not to comply, they risk the consequence of they themselves being investigated and prosecuted as well, should evidence of corruption and money laundering be suspected or discovered. The government has gained this added authority, as the repercussions of not knowing your customer has been devastating on banks of the US in the years following September 11, 2009…but so far, due to the added diligence many money launderers and those with the intentions of funding terrorist activities have been caught before they could do any further damage.
Oct
7
Dubai has become quite a travelers paradise lately, and the city attracts visitors from all over the world. Some are drawn by the thriving cultural scene here, and some come to check out the hottest new music in some of the world’s best nightclubs. Beaches are also an obvious draw, and their beauty is constantly stunning and rejuvenating. Shopping is also at a premium, where you can see some of the coolest new fashions while enjoying the spectacular family entertainment. For four star hotels, Dubai aims to please, displaying its magnificent arts of hospitality to offer you a lodging experience that can’t be beat.
After a short rest in our spectacularly decorated rooms, you’ll be refreshed and ready to sample some of the cuisine, prepared by master chefs who are skilled in classical and contemporary cooking techniques. Then you’re ready to have your own adventure in Dubai, and the city offers many possibilities for pleasant distractions. The music scene is really lively here, and you can hear nearly any kind of music imaginable. There are plenty of international groups always coming through here, playing at clubs and festivals to contribute to the growing scene, and the local talent is pretty rough and ready as well. There are lots of fine rock bands playing in all genres, from classic rock to head banging to alternative, and now Dubai has a new electronic music outfit called Melodies of the Mind.
This is a one-person affair, played and composed by Dubai’s Benjamin Ian Coutts, and it’s really lovely stuff. He’s been playing locally, as well as a stint in France, and has an upcoming EP that’s sure to turn heads. His production values are fantastic, and the melodies are catchy and very haunting. If you get the chance to hear him playing out, by all means, have a listen. There’s some thrilling work here, with exotic and sure-footed beats that add a splendid nuance to the urban Dubai experience.
Oct
5
Lynk Software is the developer of customer service software solutions.  The current complaint handling product, Everest Customer Focused Quality software is a good product for your customer to achieve their business objectives such as in the case of a financial institution that is shopping for a software solution to manage complaints from internal customer against external suppliers.
Designed by Tim Sainburg from Brambling Design
