Archive for September, 2009

Why You Should Care About Corruption

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

Globally, each year, one trillion dollars is wasted, according to the estimates of the World Bank due to corruption. Wealth is decreased in a corrupt country and lowers the standards of living. Corruption will affect you indirectly, like discouraging businesses from operating in corrupt countries and in turn reduces the overall health and wealth of the country. It can reduce the amount of funds a government has to pay its public servants and reduce the amount of supplies, like medicine, books or computers. Corruption will distort governments use of money that will effect the efficiencies of health clinics, schools, roads, infrastructures, emergency operations and worse, allows those with money or connections to twist the laws and government in their favor; undermining the trust in government.

According to research, countries that combat corruption, increase their national incomes by as much as four times. Businesses will grow as much as 3% faster and child mortality will fall as much as 75 percent.

The reason corruption thrives are the opportunities created by companies lack with anti-corruption policies, because in doing so they can get transactions done faster. This lack of accountability makes getting caught a non-issue. This lack of accountability is due to a lack of transparency. For example: a public official won’t inform or for that matter, have to explain what they are doing or why. Plus, a weak enforcement of anti-corruption laws, like not imposing sanctions, contribute to the success with corrupt practices. Other contributing factors are bad incentives, like a clerk not earning enough to live on, or not being secure in keeping the job, will most definitely supplement his income with bribes and the attitudes or circumstances make the average person disregard the law, especially if they consider their government to be corrupt or illegitimate.

So, consider this: instead of bribing officials to obtain something that you consider of value, you should realize that bribes contributes to the deterioration of the country. Instead, you should work to change the circumstances and help build up the countries stability.
The History of Hospitality

Monday, September 28th, 2009

It’s certainly one of the oldest habits the human race has, to help someone else, and hospitality could have originated with this impulse. But it’s difficult to say exactly what hospitality really means for everyone. For some, it’s simply taking care of others, for others, it implies service, and for still others, it’s rather like charm, and adding a charming touch to any moment is a sign of hospitality. For the hotel industry, however, it’s a landmark, and it is one of the ways that guests look at their accommodations. If a place has a sense for hospitality, or whether it’s simply a building with rooms, can be the beginning of the distinctions that make one hotel better than another. What, exactly, then, do these buildings have to do to get the ranking of one to five star hotels?

It’s a complicated question, actually, and there’s a lot of debate about which system is the most accurate for all the countries in the world. Generally speaking, however, the rankings are based on excellence in hospitality, and to reach the five-star ranking, there are other amenities that have to be present, such as 24-hour dining and airport pickup. You can reasonably expect to be treated to absolutely sensational elegance in a five-star hotel, and the hospitality offered can be of a quantifiable type, such as that which is sometimes studied by students at Cornell’s Center for Hospitality Research. This is the top-ranked school in the U.S. for hotel management, and offers a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degree. The program is a combination of in-class as well as hands-on learning, so that both theory and practice can come together.

The other kind of hospitality offered is the kind one would imagine in the early colonial cities in the U.S., such as Charleston, SC, in the 17th and 18th centuries. In these early days, before the advent of the hotel, guests passing through town might stay in the dependencies, or carriage homes, and here the care was, of course, very personalized and individual. It was one of the steps toward a recognizable hospitality as the industry understands it. However, intuitively hospitality is easy to recognize, and is related to that idea of being a stranger passing through town, and finding themselves in good hands, among people who care.
Items Not to Bring Close to the Hot Tub

Monday, September 28th, 2009

With the health benefits of hot tubs becoming so widely recognized, more and more people are making the decision check out the offers found at choosehottubsdirect.com, and to add a spa to their own back yard and to their regime of self care and a healthier life style. For those people suffering from such things as balance problems, or arthritis and other forms of illness that cause muscle and joint pain, the hot waters provide soothing relief.

There are a few things that one should never bring near a hot tub, due to the risk that they may put themselves into physically or to the damage that can be done to the hot tub itself. Now it is quite a common movie scene that has groups of people having fun and enjoying themselves in hot tubs while sipping on cocktails. One of the dangers this presents is that hot tubs, are hot.

While one soaks in a tub one will perspire quite a bit, and alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body. So the combination of the two is really not a good idea at all. The other danger involved with alcohol use in the hot tub is the obvious one, consuming alcohol can tend to make one drowsy, putting them at risk for falling asleep in the water.

Another famous movie scene, involves something seemingly more innocent, but bringing this into the hot tub will have disastrous effects on the tub itself. Bubble bath, seems fun and harmless right? However bubble bath is pretty potent stuff. Just a few drops mixing with the jets and in a few minutes the tub will be overflowing.

And again, while this may seem fun at the time it will cause damage to the pump and to the other inner workings of the tub, it is very hard to that stuff cleaning out of the system one it is in there. Bubble bath is slippery as well, and aside from the big clean-up aspect, the danger of slipping increases when it is brought near the water. Hot tubs are fun and safe, as long as one does not bring these items in for the soak.
Corruption, Terrorist Financing, and Internet Scams

Saturday, September 26th, 2009

Many corporations and financial institutions have instated a set of policies and procedures, to be followed each and every day. These are set to ensure that the people that they do business with are honest, and are practicing their business transactions morally and ethically. No one, no company or individual, want to knowingly enter into a relationship with one who may be committing acts of fraud or corruption, such as money laundering and terrorist financing.

This is what big businesses are doing, but how does one go about the emails from a foreign company, stating that you have just received an inheritance, and that you should contact them immediately, giving them personal information such as your bank account number, in order to received your monetary settlement? This is a new age, and Internet scams are rampant.

Most of these emails come from those stating that they are from an African or, more specifically Nigerian bank, claiming that they are executing the estate of some wealthy relative, of whom you never knew existed and they do not give the name. This is their way of laundering money, and it comes at your expense. They will ask you to give them your account number, tell you they will send you a check and tell you to deposit that check. You then withdraw the money they request for their fees, and send it to them.

But a few days later, your bank will notify you that the check was no good. So not only will you be out of the money in your account, you will be responsible for the money you sent to them, the fees…and they will be nowhere to be found. Today, these scams are widespread, but the news coverage on them has served to make unsuspecting people more aware of them. But it goes without saying that one should never, never send off their personal information when they receive emails from those whom they have never met.
Airport Hotels and Romanticism

Friday, September 25th, 2009

It’s a dream that everyone has as a child to go from one city to another, traveling the world and having adventures. Meeting people and seeing exotic places, with languages, cultures, and cuisines that are peculiar to each place is part of the mystique of the explorer. Frequent travelers often lose the romantic part of this idea, and get caught up in the tedium of itineraries and scheduling conflicts. There are ways of reinventing the romantic ideals once again, and it all starts at the airport hotel. Making style and luxury a top priority is a first and very important step, and our hotels are carefully selected for their excellence in attention to details. Detail shows that it’s possible to make every moment elegant, and that the time between flights can be spent in a little bit of gracious luxury, with a splendid taste of the place.

After just a short rest in our splendidly furnished rooms, you’ll feel a certain rejuvenation of the senses that might just remind you of the ideals of your adolescent, when traveling the world had all the mystique of the great poets, like George Gordon, Lord Byron. Byron had the life that most teenagers dream about, and was a sort precursor to the modern rock star. He even died young, in his mid-thirties, from a cold he got while traveling in Greece. His life was an extraordinary series of episodes that all involve traveling from one place to another.

Sometimes quickly, too, to escape debts or angry lovers, or to fight in revolutions. His life is speckled with the great stuff of the most romantic adventures, with duels and ships, and too many lovers to count, and episodes of great excess. Lord Byron, of course, also wrote some of the most regarded works of literature in the English language. His gift of the tongue was apparently equal to his gifts in love, and one of his epic poems, Don Juan, set the stereotype that we still see in literature and films today. There’s something very alluring about the Romantics, and especially when traveling. The poetic space where great ideals and a rich inner life are the guides is an attractive one, and it’s a nice daydream to have when it’s also possibly still true.
5 Star Hotels and the History of Inns

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

There is a wonderful sense of freedom when you start to daydream about the next vacation. Thinking about the people, the culture, the landscape, and the languages you’ll hear, is a splendid way to spend a day. Planning is certainly part of the fun, and having the new experiences you daydream about is the next part of the equation. It’s always lovelier when 5 star hotels are involved in the planning. Knowing that you’ll be spending your nights sleeping in the lap of luxury, in accommodations that meet the highest standards in the hotel business, is reassuring to say the least. It means that you can count on excellence in service, style, and comfort.

The hotel industry has come a long way since its beginnings. It’s not only recently that there have been changes to make a stay in a new place more hospitable, and often an event and a vacation in itself. The industry has been undergoing changes for some time. It would be virtually impossible to trace history back to a beginning, because the notions of hospitality and kindness seem to come naturally when taking care of travelers. But it is interesting to look at the origins of what we might recognize as the luxury hotel industry. In the U.S. in the 18th century, when George Washington was making his Presidential tour of the nation, famous people clamored for the chance to have him stay in their homes. Washington, being a populist at heart, said he would only stay at inns, so he would not be showing favoritism.

This lead to a tremendous competition among the innkeepers to make their lodgings more alluring, and it was this impulse that lead to the building of the City Hotel in New York City in 1794. The City Hotel never did host Washington, but was enormously appealing. At one time the most expensive building in the city, it had nearly 200 rooms, and also a tavern, public parlors, and offices for the business travelers. It was quite a shift in thinking about lodging, and became a high water mark for other hotels. This is the kind of sumptuousness and savvy that today’s 5 star hotels can emulate, making the guests feel like the world is indeed your oyster.
Movie Parties in Hot Tubs, Spas

Monday, September 21st, 2009

A spa is a fantastic thing. Owning one suggests that you’ve made a decision to put pleasure at the center of your world, where fun and relaxation are available to you and your family all the time. You can keep it very private, making it your own sanctuary, the place where you come back to yourself at the end of the day. You can also make it a social event, and watch as friends and neighbors start coming around more often. We have a magnificent selection of hot tubs, spas, and accessories, and we can help you match your hot tub with your taste and desires. We have many options for design, size, and style, and offer a host of extras, including stereo systems as well as television screens.

It’s possible to have any kind of party you like, and the limitations are only in the imaginations of you and your guests. With a television screen built-in to your set-up, you could have excellent movie parties in your own backyard. There are a number of excellent cult films for a cool B-Movie night. Guests could choose from their favorite midnight movies from growing up, and you could make it evening of fun and nostalgia. Remembering the classic scenes that made you laugh years ago, and reliving the laughter with new and old friends, can be a brilliant experience. It will remind you of why you started loving films in the first place.

Another idea would be to have a series of parties, making it a weekly event. Each week, a different guest could choose the evening’s selections. You could make it open, or you could form it around a common theme. Places like Scarecrow Video have fantastic taste and expertise, with many different lists of best films. An Oscar night would be a wonderful way to get to know all the films you always wanted to see, but never had the chance. Or you could watch the best of film classics. Or foreign films. Or romantic comedies. The list goes on, and the possibilities for hot tub fun are also endless.
Hot Tubs for Healthy Living

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

No one complains about going to the spa. There are, of course, many fine reasons for that, and when you have your own hot tub, you’ll learn these reasons first-hand. There are a host of simple pleasures it can bring. There’s the sheer joy of slipping into the warm, bubbly water and letting it melt all your worries away. There are also all the terrific possibilities for a new social calendar, as your friends start to learn about your new addition. A dinner party with good friends and lively conversation in the hot tub is pure gold, and makes for memories that you’ll savor for years to come. There is also the emotional pleasure you’ll get when you realize that you’ve made your own health and comfort one of the main priorities in your life.

Placing fun and pleasure high up on the list of things that are really important is a first step toward making changes that promote a healthy lifestyle. The hot tub is all of these as well as being simply fantastically fun. With more people purchasing hot tubs in order to improve their lives, there are more scientific studies looking at the health advantages to a hot tub or portable spa. One of the more recent publications, Hot Water & Healthy Living has some very good news for all of us. As if we didn’t know, the act of submerging your body into lovely warm water has a positive effect on our health.

It gets more complex than that, however. When the human being is in water, and particularly warm water, the pressure and temperature cause the heart to respond immediately, and the body and the mind begin to feel a sense of pleasure and relaxation. The physical experience, for the body, is very similar to aerobic exercise. The breathing and circulation behave as if they are actually exercising, and this has a very positive impact on the body. The senses are increased when the relaxation gets deeper, and this has an effect that is immediately obvious to those who’ve been near hot water. It’s a fascinating study, and J.B. Smith’s book will help demystify the science of why the body likes water. Meanwhile, we’ll enjoy our hot tubs, open to the idea that we might be exercising.
Butterflies in Kuala Lumpur

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

“They should put a hotel in here,” Lisa said as we walked through the Butterfly Park in Kuala Lumpur. I wondered how Kuala Lumpur Malaysia hotels would handle housekeeping in a hotel with butterflies fluttering all over the place, but it sure would be a nice effect. the last butterfly park we saw was in Tempe, Arizona in the spring. The Botanical Gardens there had the annual butterfly enclosure, a big mesh enclosed outdoor room with thousands of butterflies fluttering all over. The effect is quite magical. They would gently land on your arm or on your nose and one is transfixed by the delicate insect perched so bravely on your limb. The same applied here in Kuala Lumpur, bur here it was quite a bit bigger, the tropics more conducive to butterflies than the desert of the Sonoran variety. Here in Kuala Lumpur’s Butterfly Park there are over six thousand butterflies of more than one hundred twenty five species. Of course, the habitat of this park is well suited to keeping butterflies. A gazebo makes for a nice place to take in the site of the multi colored insects floating gently about the meshed in space, where ponds and flowering plants keep the butterflies happy. I glad I left my tripod back at the hotel as a small sign read that tripods were not allowed. I guess that would mean a mono pod as well. A museum attached to the park gives info on butterfly habits, life cycles, migration, and anything could want to know about butterflies. One thing I did not find out was how the butterfly came to be called butterflies. Anyway, the butterflies are bred here too, and you can buy a framed butterfly in the gift shop. Meanwhile, there was no admission to the Butterfly Park, and that was a blessing.
Vienna Wanderings

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

“Vee must go to zee Sammlung Essl, darlink,” I told Amber in my best really bad Austrian accent. “Nice try,” she said. “You sound like a German Russian tourist.” “Danke,” I said and poured more coffee. It was early and we were eating scones, apparently less than common at the hotels Vienna Austria offers, and we enjoyed our morning repast. The Sammlung Essl houses a great deal of contemporary art and is relatively new and besides we can an ice cream when we are done right nearby. Actually, Vienna has a very high density of ice cream shops, the highest in Europe so it is said, and beer gardens, and, well, museums. We liked the clean white lines of the Sammlung; this private museum was designed by Heinz Tessar. We always like to drive in a new city and hired a car to take around, all this easier these days with Global Positioning Satellite receivers (or GPS) and wound up driving on the many labyrinthian one way strasses or streets, and of course we got hit a traffic jam, and we also took it out to the Sudosttangente which is known as motor-way A23. there we had a near death experience with a Peugeot and a tanker truck that were barreling down the A23 very fast. Abandoning the car we settled for the safety, if less freedom, of the public transit system, a system so good it was stunning, clean, efficient and extensive. The Metro is cool and a pass can be bought that you can use on all the buses, trams, subways, etc for days at a time. there are maps posted on the stops if you get lost (which we did) or you can get a look at a amp of Vienna Metro with this link.
Perfect in Bangalore

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

Ah, Bangalore, I’m trying to capture its essence with just this little blog. It doesn’t seem sufficient enough, but this is my final stretch in Bangalore, so here I sit and wait for my experiences here to bubble up and express themselves in words. I’ll start with the people; those who managed to float in and out of my life ever so seamlessly, like all the staff at one of the best hotels Bangalore India has, have brought many moments of happiness. I even felt almost like a good friend with some of the staff members. Maybe because I have stayed here for almost a month, one can help but get to know the people you see day in and day out. I made new acquaintances and I unexpectedly forged new friendships. All of these trysts made my stay in Bangalore memorable and surprisingly beautiful.

Then there’s Bangalore itself. I had so many experiences, all different from the next. The hotel garden, in its serenity and calmness welcomed me everyday as I would meditate in its luscious green landscape. I can still feel the gentle breeze brush up against my face to cool me down then go off to rustle the leaves of the trees in the garden. Outside the hotel, I gradually developed a rich relationship with Yelda while we travelled in a car, or bus, on foot, on a scooter, which reminds me to mention a little bit about the traffic where the entire city is always afloat. I’m telling you, Bangalore would not be Bangalore without the amazing no-rules traffic.

I’m not use to it, but at first I was amazed about just how green Bangalore is compared to the city’s surroundings. During my months stay the weather has been perfect, I didn’t need an umbrella or a shawl; the breeze was what kept the temperature perfect, like a natural air-conditioner that didn’t cost a thing and didn’t waste energy. If it did rain, it was refreshing. So, what can I say, it’s perfect here, I hate to leave, but my journey isn’t over, maybe my next stop will be just as perfect, but I highly doubt it.
Know Your Customer with Due Diligence

Monday, September 14th, 2009

There are many concepts that financial institutions utilize when they are seeking to “know your customer“. This policy is one that will ensure that any person or business that they become involved with is honest and ethical, and practices their businesses in such a manner. One aspect that will be necessary in all businesses and financial transactions is the transparency of those transactions and all of the documents surrounding them. This just means that nothing is kept hidden. In the political world this goes so far as the personal lives of the officials and the politicians.

When it is known that all that one does will be there for others to see, many people will be more likely not commit acts that are either unethical or illegal. In the financial world, this is also to ensure that no illegal activities are taking place. Banking institutions can not afford to have their institutions connected to acts such as money laundering or terrorist funding. Not only is it just not good for business, they themselves will be prosecuted should they come under investigation. This legal action will also extend to an institution and the employees should they not have the proof that they did thoroughly investigate a client that did commit a crime. If documents are not kept, if due diligence is not practiced they will be held responsible, even if they were not aware that the activity was taking place. Improper risk management is no defense in a court of law.

This has offended some clients and foreign officials in the past, as they see it as an accusation of guilt, but without this process, banks are not legally allowed to conduct any sort of business with foreign companies if they should refuse to answer the questions that they are asked, or should they refuse to allow their documents to be looked over and investigated. Know customer not only protects financial institutions from various acts of corruption, it will serve to protect their innocence should they be called upon to do so.
Acquisitions in a down market

Monday, September 14th, 2009

Our strategy of acquisition under valued properties has me a little concerned about how my partners and I will be able to manage to all the new properties, tenant and needs there of. Going forward and acquiring the property makes good sense at this time as most everything is priced at bargain basement prices. No better time to get a move on expansion.

Thinking a head tho we need to get some plan in place before we get into having so many properties to manage to we loose track of it all. Searching on line I came up with Transglobe property management a a possible company that could manage to the tenant needs and offer services for maintaining the properties and take calls from the tenants. Additionally keeping the properties occupied would be very important. With these properties now being all over and no longer close at hand a company like Transglobe property management would be necessary to handle the advertising and screening of the perspective tenants.

With property prices at an all time low and the fact they won’t stay low forever now is the time to strike, while the iron is hot so to speak. I think we would be kicking our selves in the future if we didn’t move on this now. Adding a mix of residential, which we have more or less always shied away from and more commercial properties only make seance. The diversification in the portfolio should make it less volatile to market ups and downs. All in all I think this will be a good overall strategy for us, we have the capitol, the time and pricing is right. I can not think of a good reason not to go forward.
A Nice View of Sydney

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

We are finally here, in Sydney, Australia. The almost 15 hour flight from Dubai to Sydney was way too long. At least they had some good entertainment, like movies and games. The three meals on the plane were sealed in plastic containers, yuck. When we got to Sydney, we couldn’t get off the plane because one of the passengers had an emergency and an ambulance crew had to get on board to help them. We took a taxi the one of the best hotels Sydney Australia has, which is really great, because after we unpacked, we headed straight for the swimming pool and jacuzzi where we had a marvelous view of Sydney harbour bridge.

The next day we crashed the whole day. Then the day after that we had a guided tour of the famous opera house. Unfortunately, the two main stages were busy, I guess rehearsal or something, so we didn’t get a chance to see them. Bummer really. I mean, what’s the point of the tour if you don’t get to actually see the main stages? We did tour the two smaller stages and other parts inside and outside which was good. We got to wear headphones and a receiver, so the guide person has a microphone and this radio transmitter. We could hear everything that was being said and we also got our photo taken and made into a postcard. I was really impressed with the opera house and really liked that fact that when they started building it they didn’t have a clue as to how to make the shell structures, but after several millions of dollars and a few extra years, they figured it out.

We ate at a restaurant next to the opera house, and went back to our hotel for some more rest and relaxation out on the swimming pool. It really was a great view of Sydney.
Splashy Fen, Only in South Africa

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

When it comes to luxury hotels, South Africa has some magnificent offerings. There are bustling urban centers, splendid beaches, as well as wildlife reserves that display all the splendor of the country. Blending the best of the old world, with its tradition of hospitality and graciousness, and the new world, with all the technological innovations and contemporary amenities, visitors here will find themselves in the very lap of luxury. Our hotels are carefully selected for their overall consistency in providing excellent service with world-class style. The sense of design here is truly remarkable, providing an ambience that promotes the rejuvenation of the body and spirit. After a delicious sleep in our gorgeous rooms, and a fantastic meal prepared by our top chefs, schooled in classical and contemporary international cuisines, you’ll find yourself remarkably refreshed.

There are many things to do in South Africa, with a wide array of attractions that will appeal to guests of all ages. The cultural life is very lively here, with a long tradition of musical innovations, theatrical performances, and visual art that reflects the diversity of people and landscapes. The music alone could easily carry you through several vacations. With the astounding variety in local music, it’s difficult to forget that some of the most persistent rhythms in the world began on this continent. There are rich traditions as well as stunning innovations, and one place to see all of it in one huge dose is at a festival called Splashy Fen .

Held in March every year for over twenty years, it’s outside of Durban off a long stretch of dirt road that often turns to mud around this time of year. But that doesn’t deter the 8,000 music fans that the festival brings in. Splashy Fen is one of the most vibrant music festivals the world has seen, with a stunning number of acts performing over the 5-day event. Catching even part of the festival would be an extraordinary way to get to know South Africa, and the music. There are loads of international acts, but the majority is from here, playing a beautiful array of styles and traditions. The event is also very family friendly, and rumor has it that the coffee’s very good… With all this live music, outdoor activities, and general good cheer served up South African style, Splashy Fen is a real splash!
Pres HOA

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

Recently I was the one voted in as president of our home owners association, HOA. Not really a big feet considering there is no one that really wanted to do it, an easy contest to win, but I really didn’t want to win. I like every one else has a full schedule and very limited time for this but I suppose someone has to do it. At least it is a small community and we don’t have much property and few amenities to keep track of and up keep on. The biggest thing that needs to be done is a change in property management companies. Not sure what I will find out there is the way of companies willing to manage a small complex such as this. I began with doing some research on the Internet for property management companies. Transglobe property management came up along with several other companies. I began looking into these companies, reviewing any information I could find on their web sits and in the listings with the Better Business Bureau for Transglobe property management. These is a lot to consider besides the monthly cost of the service. What did it include would we be considered important enough as a small complex, especially since many of these companies state they service properties large and small. Well yes, however would we be over shadowed by a larger property paying a large monthly fee? Well the starting point is reviewing and narrowing down from all available eliminating those without any local representatives and some didn’t like to answer their phones. After these were eliminated we set up appointments to meet face to face and get a feeling for the companies ability to service our needs.