Archive for October, 2009

• Damrong Wong-Uparaj: Thai Artist-Philosopher

  Thursday, October 29th, 2009

  Thailand is a wonderful country, and has so many spectacular things to offer visitors.  There are, of course, outrageously gorgeous beaches, and all the appeal of tropical paradise.  It is the country where a lot of the myths of paradise on earth are born, and it has an enormously rich cultural fabric with a spectacular array of myths from deep in the past.  It’s a mix of different languages and religions, but the majority speak Thai and practice a form of Buddhism.  It is this rich milieu that the world traveler enters when visiting Thailand.  It’s a great place to explore urban culture, as some of the larger cities have an enormous artistic scene, and there are splendid things to see and do in the cities.  But if you’re looking for a perfect beach resort, Thailand can offer plenty for even the choosiest guest.

  We’ve selected some of the best of Thailand’s resorts to offer a sumptuous accommodation experience right in the center of the most beautiful areas in the country.  They are selected based on their excellence in hospitality and style.  Hospitality is a rich tradition here, coming from centuries of contact with visitors from all over the world, and style is simply exquisite.  It’s a mix of the latest trends coming from Asia’s largest metropolitan areas with the local island mystique, forming something that is simultaneously urban and also very local.  This is certainly reflected in a lot of the visual art that’s been coming out of Thailand for a few decades now.  A particularly apt case in point here is the work of Damrong Wong-Uparaj.

  Born in Chiengrai in 1936, and dying in 2002, he studied in Bangkok, London, Philadelphia, and New York, and his entire life suggests an intense curiosity with the international scene.  He travelled extensively, studying work in various countries, and also giving lectures and workshops around the world.  His work is a fantastic and curious mix of avant-garde formal techniques influenced by a deep respect for Buddhism, and aiming to bring disparate elements together in a kind of harmony that would speak and extend to the viewer.  Damrong Wong-Uparaj has a number of works that are entirely abstract, devoted to find a purity of form, and even the representational works suggest a fantastic tension between daring to reveal many worlds beneath the waking one, and also the presence of something that is so elegantly simple.

• The Beaches of Lanzarote

  Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

  At the eastern end of the chain of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean is Lanzarote.  The island is unlike the rest of the islands, as the other Canary Islands have primarily black sand beaches, most of the ninety or so beaches on Lanzarote are of white or gold sand.  There are many aspects of the island that draw tourists each year, and the landscape and the indigenous plants are one of those reasons, of which there are more than five hundred species.

  One of the best times to visit the island is when the plants and the trees are in bloom, during the months of February and March.  This is when the 5 star Lanzarote hotels and resorts tend to book up quickly, so it is best to plan ahead when traveling during the more temperate months.  The beaches fill up also during the holidays and the summer seasons as well.  Many of the main beaches are just too packed during these times, and some of the most incredible beaches are the ones that are more secluded, they are the most beautiful and the ones that are most left to their natural states, so there are no amenities nor facilities.

  Two of the favorite beaches of the locals, and one knows better than locals, are Famara Beach and Papagayo Beach, well known to be the most beautiful and stunning on all of the island.  Famara is a long stretch of uninterrupted stretch of white sand, while Papagayo Beach is a series of coves and water ponds perfect for discovering the marine life caught up for a bit when the tide is high.  The weather is different as well, Papagayo generally being warmer as it is on the South end of the island.  The winter months are cold in Famara and while the beach in winter is still beautiful it is not suitable for any kind of bathing suit wearing.

• The Chinese Garden of Portland Oregon

  Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

  One of the things I love most about different cities are the gardens.  One could take a road trip just based on the locations of famous gardens, well, I definitely could.  In Los Angeles there is the garden surrounding the Getty Museum, and in Pasadena there are the Huntington Gardens.   Just outside of Chicago there is the Arboretum, perfect in the autumn months, and I just now discovered one my all time favorites and that is the Classical Chinese Garden in Portland.  The garden has also been called, Garden of Awakening Orchids.

  Once the parking lot was removed, designers and botanists worked the entire year of 1999 to be ready for the opening in 2000.  I had read about the garden years before, and finally called up my friend Patrick to arrange a visit.  He directed me to one of the best hotels in Portland, I booked my flight and my room and was off to see the Chinese Garden.  The garden is designed using five elements that are intended to keep balance between humanity and nature, literature, architecture, plants, water and stone.  Each of the plant species are found in China, but all of the plants in the garden were cultivated in the US.  And aside from the gardens in the country of China itself, the Portland garden is the largest of the Chinese gardens.

  The garden offers regular exhibits and for anyone traveling to the city in the month of November this is one you will not want to miss, the China Here and Now Art Exhibit.  The Garden teamed up with the Portland Art Museum to bring in the art such as brush paintings, calligraphy, water colors and oil paintings, and music.  All of the artists do live in Portland now, but are originally from China.  The exhibit features not only well known artists, but new, up and coming artists as well.  I’m considering placing another phone call to me friend, because I think it may be time for another visit.

• Private Banks in Singapore are Poker Player’s First Stop on the Way to the Casino

  Monday, October 26th, 2009

  Miles was an excellent poker player. Well, at least he believed he was. And this was partially supported by the regular group of people he played with. This is not a reflection of small town poker playing, though the regular group of card players that gathered every Tuesday night in the small farming town in Kansas had no other playing experience other than with each other. So, when Miles was sent to Singapore on a business trip, he was really in for a surprise.

  Loving the game of Texas Hold ‘em, the first stop Miles made after arriving in the city was at one of the private banks Singapore. He was not impulsive or financially irresponsible, so he only exchanged an amount that he figured he could afford and really only considered it to be for entertainment purposes. However, the next day he was finished with his meetings early and he headed straight over to the Marina Bay Sands Casino.

  Miles was absolutely on cloud nine when he walked into the casino and was greeted by the music of slot machines and rolling mist of smoke. The flashing lights seemed to beckon him toward the card room where he was at first hesitant to enter. However, the lure quickly overcame his nerves and approached his first real poker table. His first hand dealt gave him a pair of jacks before the flop and Miles felt like he was going to really hit it high on that trip. And while he did win that hand with a large preflop bet, his inexperience and also part nervousness got the best of him and he ended up losing most of the money he brought in with him. Of course that didn’t deter him, and he came back the next day to face just about the same results. However, he did gain some wisdom and retained his love for the game. He has every intention of playing in as many casinos as possible and maybe even one day becoming pro.

• Saint Malachy’s Church in New York City

  Monday, October 26th, 2009

  The Roman Catholic church, St. Malachy’s was founded close to Times Square in New York in 1902.  The community that lives and works surrounding Times Square has changed much throughout the last hundred years, and although it is quite an eclectic and unusual mix of people and of business, the church has always remained involved in the goings of the neighborhood and the people.  By the beginning of the 1920′s, the area had begun the transformation into the bustling center of the theater district.

  The priests at that time noticed the change in the population as their pews began to fill up with dancers, musicians, actors and craftsman of the theater world the tourists that were drawn to the city for the theater and staying in the best of the hotels in New York City.  Not long afterward, the priests began to tailor their services to meet the needs of those in the show business world, holding masses at times that would accommodate the theater crowds schedules.  They built a special chapel, called the Actors’ Chapel, and this began the place of worship for many in the community of the entertainment world.  Over the years there have been many famous actors that have been married in the church, that have had their children baptized there and it is the church in the city that held memorial services for those in the entertainment world who have passed away.

  However, when Madison Square Garden moved, the neighbor began to change into a seedy and somewhat dangerous part of town, quickly becoming filled with pornographic shops and venues, drugs and prostitution.  The actors moved away, and the tourists became afraid of the area and stayed away.  The church suffered greatly in this time, and theft and vandalism began to occur on a weekly basis.  The city and community organizations came together to refurbish the church and to help those that still remained living there, and in the last few years the area is once again an incredibly vibrant spot in New York.

• Health and the Finnish Origins of the Hot Tub

  Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

  Spa people are some of the most interesting people in the world.  It’s almost like a culture all on its own, of people who are united in some special way because they have decided to make space in their lives for relaxing.  It’s a very healthy way to relax, too, and your body will certainly thank you.  It might feel, at times, that you’ve discovered a new invention in your hot tub, and think how this kind of rejuvenation was not possible until modern times.  Although our hot tubs are state of the art, using the most advanced technologies to make a product that is technically remarkable, and aesthetically pleasing, the idea itself is very, very old.

  Looking at something as appealing as hot springs, for example, we get the sense that this need to be in hot water to relieve stress is as old as people are.  There is evidence to support this notion, and there is an enormously fascinating history to the hot tub.  You probably know about the famous Roman baths, which came from ideas the Greeks had about bathing and health, as well as the strong social component to the bathing rituals.  They have also been extremely popular in places like Finland, where the tradition of the sauna goes back to at least the 16th century.

  It’s probably much earlier than the 16th century, but that’s when the written records start for saunas.  They have been an integral part of the Finnish household for centuries, and they have highly evolved rituals for their communal saunas.  They have been places for cooking, living, and even giving birth.  There are some fascinating theories about how this might be one of the reasons for the Finns’ reputation for strength and stamina, and they claim that it’s absolutely related.  There are many other places in Europe, too, where saunas are particularly central to the culture, and it’s a tradition that continues here in the U.S., with the popularity for the hot tub.  Enjoy!

• TransGlobe Serving Neighborhoods

  Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

  Serving you where you work and live is what we’re all about.  At TransGlobe Property Management your continued satisfaction is our number one priority, as we consider our relationship a lifelong affair.  We have a splendid reputation for customer service, and with over fifteen years of experience, we’re committed to continuing with our excellent record, and seeing to all of your housing needs.  Whether you’re looking for commercial or residential property, we have spaces all over Canada, and surely have something that you will love. We maintain a database that’s both user-friendly and extremely thorough, so that you can find the information you need when you need it.

  This attitude continues through all phases of our relationship with you, not just when you’re looking for the space.  Maintenance and availability are principles we hold very high, because a company that cares about its customers is one that can help to serve the community.  When you start the exciting search for a new property, whether it’s for business or residential purposes, it’s a splendid luxury to look at all the choices that are available, and start to consider which one is right for you.  Considering your material needs in terms of size, amenities, number of rooms, etc., is just the beginning.  You’ll also be looking for spaces that suit your personal styles and tastes.

  This is the part that we at  TransGlobe really enjoy, because here the personal element starts to enter into the equation.  The really good news here is that, while you’re searching from the comfort of your own laptop, eventually you’ll meet a person, who will be able to answer your questions and attend to your needs, to make sure you have the best match for what you want and the spaces that are available.  We delight in meeting our potential clients, and we also enjoy our continued relationships, as you start to live and work in the neighborhoods we serve.

• Volunteering in Johannesburg

  Monday, October 19th, 2009

  I arrived in Johannesburg safely after quite a bit of travelling. My trip was like 11 hours to Dubai, then about 8 hours here. Everything went smoothly with my car hire. I arrived south of the city center very late in the evening and checked into one of the luxury hotels Johannesburg offers its weary travellers. I’m to meet four mothers and their toddlers and the rest of the volunteers very early tomorrow morning. So I went to sleep just as soon as I could, I didn’t catch a bite to eat or unpack.

  I headed out to the communal type of village where all the female volunteers sleep. There were three other girls, besides the mothers. One was from Switzerland, the other Belgium and then Germany. There were two males, one from the U.S. and the other from Belgium. I noticed right away just how well all of the volunteers get along. I especially noticed when I arrived the two toddlers clung to my legs. They were the happiest children I’ve ever met. They were always hugging me and laughing. They wanted to spend all their time just hanging around me. It was so wonderful. I could tell almost immediately that one of the toddlers, the girl wasn’t well. She’s almost 5 and she’s barely the size of a 3 year old. But, one would never tell she was ill by the way she acts, she’s so happy.

  As the days went by, every morning I would observe the volunteers get up and pack themselves into a run down truck and head to the north to Haven. During the day, the commune serves as an office for the head of the volunteers and her staff. When they arrived to Haven, they head straight to the day care center. They spend a few hours with the newborns and older babies. All they have to work with is a small carpet and some blocks. I observed that children really don’t need much to entertain themselves. I was told not to pick up any of the children, especially if they’re crying. It was hard to do, but I understood their reasoning: there are too many children and not enough mothers. The volunteers are teaching these very, very young children how to be independent. (I only broke the rule once).

  But the volunteers have done a wonderful job at keeping the children happy and laughing. They have fun all day long. These orphaned children have so much love to give that they give it freely to anyone who crossed their path. It was hard for me to head back to Jo’burg, but I’m only an observer for my company. I will report back that the organization with which we support is well worth the expense.

• Halloween at Disneyland, Hong Kong

  Monday, October 19th, 2009

  Hong Kong does not yet have many Halloween traditions.  But as the city becomes a bit more westernized, events take place now that do tend to embrace the creepy and the haunting vibe of this much loved holiday celebration.  The children are still not filling the streets dressed as ghosts and goblins, trick or treating yet…but there are many fun activities that are enjoyable for the young and the old alike.  Many years ago, the artistic mastermind of Walt Disney, created a magical park in Anaheim, California.

  Now Disneyland has opened in many cities around the globe, and in Hong Kong this is one of the best places to celebrate the night of Halloween.  Not only are the standard Disney characters roaming the park, Goofy, Mickey Mouse, and Snow White, but they do so “in costume” and the guests of the park do so as well.  This is one of the most authentically celebrated versions of this holiday, and is definitely not one to be missed.

  At Disneyland, conveniently located close to many of the 5 star hotels, Hong Kong citizens and visitors have the opportunity to experience this magical, for a month and a half.  A parade, led by Jack the Pumpkin King, will happen each night.  This began on September 18th and will run through to the haunted date of October 31st.  For anyone traveling with children, this is really the only place to be.

  This is also a great way for the adults to have just as much fun.  Within the park there are many locations to find food, from small stands to fine dining experiences.  Once one enters, one does not need to leave…the amenities and the fun are all there packed in that one place, noted for years as the ‘happiest place on earth”, and for the following few weeks, also known as one of the spookiest and festive places in Hong Kong.

• Parents Enjoy Singapore on Business

  Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

  My mother and father went to Singapore on a business trip. It was actually my mom who was there for business. She works in some kind of communication development field and travels quite a bit for her work. My father is a lawyer and so his work is always locally based. However, sometimes the location my mother has to travel to sounds incredibly interesting to him, so he arranges to go with her. That works out well for both of them. It also works out well for me because I’ll be leaving for college next year and I can use all the alone time here at the house I can get. We have a nice pool in the backyard and my friends and I get to enjoy a nice swim and barbeque when they’re gone. Oh, my parents know about it, and don’t care. There’s just the usually safety and legal issues I have to follow, which I do.

  So, since my mom and dad were making this a sort of vacation and work combination, they decided to stay in outside of the city, in a quiet little inn, however my mom’s company reserved rooms for everyone in one of the luxury Singapore business hotels, which was also where many of the meetings would occur, so they decided to stay there instead. Plus, it was a really nice resort and had excellent amenities and accommodations.

  Because my mother was there for business, she and my father didn’t get to spend a lot of time sight seeing, though they were able to see a production of Cantonese Opera, which they described as unforgettable and spectacular. They were absolutely impressed with the costumes and also the movement. My father would frequently go to one of the golfing during the day while my mother was working. They enjoyed their time there so much that they decided to go back sometime strictly as a vacation. They also want to take me with them, which will be nice.

• San Antonio’s beautiful River Walk

  Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

  Some years ago I first heard about the San Antonio River Walk a way to revitalize San Antonio and now I have had a chance to go and see for myself. The San Antonio River Walk is truly a shinning star of urban renewal and revitalization projects if I must say so myself. Once only known for the Alamo and little else, or at least that I can think of, San Antonio has done a great job with its River Walk. We got a room at luxury San Antonio hotels along the River Walk so we would have front row seats for the experience.

  We were fortunate enough to have planned our trip to be there in September during the popular Dos Equis Pachanga del Rio, an out door festival that offers culinary samplings from around 20 resturaunts in the area. This event is accompanied by the after party, you won’t want to miss this if you make to this event.

  While we were in San Antonio we took a river cruise and visit the Natural Bridge Caverns where millions have seen the stunning natural beauty of these caverns and we did too. Then there was the Ripley’s Haunting museum, Guinness World Record museum and the Tomb Rider 3-D tour all of which we had to get a look at.

  San Antonio is also home to Sea World, the Alamo, Spalshtown, Towers of America and so much more that we didn’t get to see or do. So a return visit will be a must!

  The other thing we did enjoy about the river walk were the number of galleries and the inclusion of several museums: The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, Eclectic Gallery, The Briscone Western Art Museum to name a few. Shopping included the 5 and Dime, Jake’s Place for gifts fro the entire family. And of course there is the Alamo. A must see since this is a world famous attraction. Originally built as a mission in 1724 and used as a fort in the infamous battle of the Alamo. San Antonio offers the old and the new the traditional and the modern all in a friendly and relaxing laid back environment.

• Daydreaming Wedding Meals in Singapore

  Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

  When looking to marry in a location that has both convenience and exotic appeal, Singapore reveals itself to be a uniquely exceptional choice.  It is one of the world’s financial and artistic centers, and has a long tradition for fantastic events for people who come from all over the globe.  Its history as a major port gives it credibility for openness to other cultures and ideas, as well as a long track record for providing real old-world hospitality.  Honoring the sensibilities of the lucky couple is a very essential element, and a Singapore wedding will always have an atmosphere of welcome to it.  It is also a city-state that has an unusually well-developed sense of style, drawing from Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, but also drawing on a great love for pop culture, which makes its aura unusually complex and also accessible.

  A long tradition of cultural contact, along with a rich visual sense, make it the perfect place to join two people together in a lifelong adventure.  Romance and adventure are part of the cultural landscape here, and beginning the adventure in Singapore is a fortunate thing.  There are so many details to consider, and our services help to insure that you’ve covered them all, but while you’re daydreaming, it’s awfully nice to think about the food you’ll serve your guests. Of course, the choices are only limited to your imagination in this port town, where just about everything is available, but the local food is fairly fantastic.

  The blend of cultures here is also reflected in the cuisine, which happens to be some of the most delectable dishes on the planet.  Indian and Chinese food have a great reputation, but Malay food is simply out of this world.  It’s rice-based, like many other world cuisines, and that neutral flavor can help to balance out the explosion of Malaysian spice, which is also influenced by Thai and Indonesian styles.  Coconut soup at a wedding is a delightful way to begin any daydream, and the happiest idea here is that it’s a possibility that’s on it’s way.

• The Singapore Ducks

  Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

  Singapore is a magnificent place to visit, and planning a vacation here can and should lead to endless afternoons daydreaming about this rich city-state.  It has an enormous variety of cultural events and activities, with theaters and night clubs, and fairs that happen throughout the year.  It’s one of the most exquisite places in the world to get a leg up on the latest fashions, because Singapore always seems to be a step ahead of the rest of the world.  This is why it’s a wise choice to stay at only the best Singapore hotels so that your fabulous time is spent rejuvenating in luxury accommodations.

  Our hotels are selected to please the finest of tastes, and offer the best of old-world charm with new-world convenience.  Singapore is a unique place, and our hotels can certainly offer splendid amenities to serve your particular preferences.  The rooms are distinctively furnished and decorated, so that falling asleep and waking up in splendor are part of your journey here.  With your energies refreshed, you’ll love seeing Singapore with fresh eyes.  There are a number of fantastic events and attractions here, with excellent museums and galleries, and an extensive list that goes on and on.  But there’s probably nothing to compare with Singapore Ducktours.

  Ducktours are a way to see Marina Bay in an extraordinary way.  The boats are converted Vietnam warcraft, and they have wheels to move on the land, and then convert into boats while they’re in the bay.  These tours last about an hour, and include a running commentary on local sites and history.  If this weren’t enough, there are also HIPPO Tours, which are double-decker open-top buses, that also last about an hour, and offer a 360 degree panoramic view of the city, also with running commentary.  These tours are especially popular with families, as there are many points of interest for adults, and the sheer fun of it to keep the children of all ages happy.  Singapore is a very unique place indeed.

• Wu Shaoxiang at Singapore’s Linda Gallery

  Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

  Singapore is fantastically modern.  The city-state offers many attractions for the savviest world travelers, and anyone looking to keep up with contemporary culture will surely find some interesting threads to follow here.  It’s been a few steps ahead of the rest of the world for fashion, and for its knowledge of, and ability to invent, pop culture, for some time now.  It has some of the most interesting new visual art in the international arena, and great performance culture.  For food lovers, the best Singapore restaurants are also a cut above the rest, catering to a very discerning public.
  You’ll love sampling some of the best of the best, and after every meal here you’ll be reminded of why Singapore has such a splendid reputation for cuisine.  Its cultural diversity helps to make its art and its food culture some of the best in the world, blending the exceptional elements in every cuisine to make excellent new creations.  There are also classical tastes here that find a perfect home, where the master chefs are as schooled in tradition as much as innovation.  A fine meal is the perfect beginning, or even ending, to a perfect evening.  While you’re out sampling the exquisite foods, you’ll certainly find your head turning at the immense visual appeal of the place, and this is the perfect time to have a look at the local art.  Try to arrange for some time at Linda Gallery where you can see some very interesting and challenging art from the region.
  One of its artists, Wu Shaoxiang has some incredible sculptural works as well as paintings that are deceptively intriguing.  At first glance, they will appear to be reconfigurations of classical Asian works, as well as iconic shapes, such as hearts and ladders.  On closer examination, they are constructed entirely out of coins or bills.  The not-so-subtle statement becomes much more complex when looking at the works in their entirety, when a larger cultural critique begins to surface, and we start to see his genius at work.  Wu Shaoxiang is one of China’s leading avant-garde artists, and a major figure in its New Wave Art Movement.  He’s part of a larger trend in the Asian art world, which is just beginning to show its ability to stand very tall in the international art scene, and is also beginning to influence the next generation of artists in the world.

• Excellent Customer Service Takes Assistance a Step Further

  Thursday, October 1st, 2009

  As technology continues to make advancements and the world becomes smaller through online global markets, the realm of customer service is taking on greater aspects and different perspectives. There are more orientations as to how to best serve a customer now more than at anytime in history. In today’s industries and businesses, there are some who believe that easy button pushing digitally recorded phone messages serve the best purpose, while others insist that their live human voice on the other end provides the greatest service. There are a large number of valid differences of opinion, though as Steve Barbarich is definitely aware, the fundamental aspects behind excellent customer service remains the same.

  Solid costumer service skills begin with the first contact a consumer has with your company. A friendly helpful face often has a strong affect on the course of the rest of the transaction. In addition, every staff person should be able to answer the relevant questions to their positions and be willing to take the time to explain answers to confused or curious customers. An example of demonstrating excellent customer service , versus simply doing one’s job is seen by an employee’s response to a direction request. If a customer asks where a specific item is located, it is common to respond with the isle number or whatever else is appropriate. However, to provide greater assistance, the staff person will then guide the consumer to the desired product.

  There are other benefits to the guidance of a customer to a specific product than what initial considerations might suggest. Frequently customers have additional questions, which triggers them to remember other products that they would like to purchase. Conveniently the service person is right there to guide the purchases. That is not imply that personally guiding shopping tours are necessary to demonstrate excellent customer service, however paying attention to the specific needs of a customer, which sometimes does include leading them to a product certainly go a long way.

• New Wheels For Your Car

  Thursday, October 1st, 2009

  Custom car wheels are designed and built not only to add to the car’s visual style but more importantly to increase the function of the tire and the overall fluidity and function of the suspension system. This is essential to keeping a car safe, stable and running effectively. It also contributes to the gas mileage rate a car can sustain. With all of these components associated with one little part of a vehicle’s car tires and rims section, it can be understood hot essential and complicated choosing the right wheel can be.

  There are many online and in person discount tire shops that not only help buyers choose the right tire wheel and rim package for their vehicle but are also able to point out great package deals and special offers. There are two important aspects in making one’s personal chose, and one is specifically in regards to performance and the other is the visual appeal. Trying to consider both of these elements when making a choice is just one of the ways in which it becomes complicated. There are so many style, color and design options that are available on today’s market that the choices can seem to be endless. It helps to narrow down the best options for your own vehicle and in consideration of the amount of driving you will be doing and also the particularly relevant driving hazards and geographical climate.

  While this is not brain surgery or rocket science, it is definitely helpful to have a second opinion or some professional assistance in making your choice. New car wheels can be an extremely exciting purchase and you should not be weighed down by confusion or concerns. The above mentioned considerations are applicable, but are not always of the utmost urgency in making a selection. Keep in mind that the standard wheels that come with most vehicles are also suitable for most roads and uses. It also comes down to proper car treatment, maintenance and respect for the machine that it is.