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Colbert Mukwevho, South Africa’s Bob Marley

South Africa is an amazing country.  It has a rich and complicated history, and has been witness to some of the most remarkable revolutions of the past century.  There are magnificent museums dedicated to the history of apartheid and the liberation of South Africa, as well as museums celebrating the best in African and international art.  It is a land with great natural wonders, exquisite beaches, and a wine country that is worth writing home about.  It has seen the birth of many fascinating intellectuals and artists, and continues to attract some of the most creative minds in the world.  It also has some of the world’s best hotels.  South Africa is a delightful place for the discerning world traveler, and our hotels are designed to offer a hospitality that is like none other on the planet.

After a gorgeous rest in our gorgeous rooms, you’ll feel a sense of rejuvenation that is the perfect state of being in which to experience this marvelous place.  Whatever city you happen to be staying, there are multitudes of attractions that will appeal to guests of all ages.  One of the most exciting things about South Africa in recent years is the new evolutions in world music.  It has a beat that truly cannot stand still, and sees rich talents from all walks of life.  You may not have heard of Colbert Mukwevho before, but once you do, he’s difficult to forget.  He’s a reggae performer from South Africa who is a cultural icon and hero to many of the young people here.

He sings in Tshivenda, Tsonga, and English and is one of many talents to rise from the villages in South Africa.  He counts his inspirations in the teachings and lessons of his musical family, which continues with his talented son Percy.  His story is a fascinating and harrowing one, coming from a town in Transvaal province, and seeing his family torn apart in the worst days of apartheid.  His voice has often been compared to Bob Marley, and the message is very much the same.  He has released over 20 albums, and recently recorded for the TVEP, the Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Program which deals with domestic violence and AIDS issues in South Africa today.   His music has the same liberatory potential as some of the best Jamaican reggae, and the still relatively young Mukwevho has an important role to play in the career that still lies largely ahead of him.

Tags: best hotels South Africa, Colbert Mukwevho, English, Victim Empowerment Program

Hot tubs and spas growing popularity

I suppose it is not surprising why so many homes are now installing hot tubs and spas. Seems like I am hearing about more and more friends, relatives and family putting in hot tubs and spas; taking advantage of the relaxing and wrathful benefits of their use.

Hydrotherapy has many beneficial effect on the body and mind. The hot water in and of its self is very relaxing, it increases your bloods circulation that alone has many benefits. The hot water also helps loosen stiff and tense muscles releasing stress and abating pain caused by the tension. The deep relaxation that can be achieved assists in relieving insomnia, many people report falling a sleep faster and longer after soaking in a hot tub or spa before going to bed. The awake more rested and ready for their day.

Hot tubs and spas are now available in so many styles, sizes and types that just about any situation or budget could be accommodated for installation. If you have limited space and do not have the appropriate electrically and plumbing hook ups and not wanting to do so there are portable styles of tubs and spas. Not only are these units easy to set up they are self contained with a filtering system and heater like a conventional hot tub, with the advantage of portability. If permanent installation is not a problem for you and where you live the varieties are endless. From 1 and 2 person tubs up to 10 and 12 person tubs. They are made in a variety of styles to accommodate various tastes and styles. Spas and hot tubs can be added to existing landscapes and easily incorporated to make a look as if they have been there for a long time.

With the flexibility of permanent installation or portable and the variety of sizes available the popularity of home hot tubs and spas will only increase.

Tags: hot tubs, landscapes, relaxing, spas

How to Report Suspicious Activities for Financial Institutions

Bankers are always asking how to practice due-diligence and file a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) and not subject their bank and the directors to a lawsuit by disclosing confidential customer information. This, of course, is not new, but due to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), this is very serious business. The privacy of a customers financial records is a hot topic and worth checking over the rules and the required balance between the customers interests and law enforcement concerns.

In 2000, the SAR form was revised and is easily downloaded from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. New Changes incorporate information concerning computer intrusions and there are more ‘check boxes’ for a more accurate completion.  Figuring out when to file a SAR, is a financial institutions priority. Always file when there is a discovery of Insider abuse no matter what the amount; violations aggregating $5,000 or more when a suspect can be identified, or aggregating $25,000 even if there is no substantial basis for identifying a suspect, any transactions aggregating $5,000 or more that involves a potential money laundering or the violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), and any computer intrusion.

The SAR filing requirements cover situations that financial institutions may suspect , know or has reason to suspect a transaction has occurred and involves receiving funds from illegal activities, such as evading BSA regulations by structuring transactions to involve less than the $10,000 currency threshold that requires filing a Currency Transaction Report, or a particular customer is doing business that is not the sort of in which they would normally be expected to engage. If $10,000 is exceeded, both the CTR and a SAR must be filed no later than 30 days after the initial detection of any of the above violations. But, a report can be delayed up to 60 days in order to identify a suspect.

Tags: Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Suspicious Activity Report

International Music Summit in Ibiza

Traveling in Ibiza is all it’s reputed to be.  Even if you’re not planning on setting foot near the clubs, there are many wonderful things to do here that will live in your memory for years to come.  A rich island with a fascinating history, there are beaches to enjoy and a city to explore.  Settled in the heart of the Spanish Mediterranean, your in a perfect place to relax and let the worries melt away.  For accommodations, we’re pleased to present the best hotels Ibiza has to offer, with a generous combination of old-fashioned hospitality and all the conveniences of modern life.

It’s easy to stay connected to the world at large while you’re here, but you may not want to.  The call of the sea, and the thought of blending into a perfect moment on a perfect day are always options, and there are worse things that could happen than enjoying yourself for awhile.  If you happen to find yourself being lulled by the muffled sounds of electronic beats from a club nearby, and you have an interest in following the sounds, then you will very likely be pleasantly surprised.  It’s no secret that Ibiza is a prime spot for hearing techno in lavishly designed clubs, but some of the developments in the business are pretty fascinating.

At the International Music Summit in May of 2009, there were plenty of live shows to keep the hungry crowds satiated and thrilled.  The conferences and discussions behind the music reveal some interesting trends.  From Andrew Keen’s  review of the summit, there’s been a lot of discussion about the viability of the music industry, faced with the rapid changes brought on by file-sharing and open source internet music.  It turns out that in electronica, the money is in the djs, who perform week after week, and this live experience builds a respect in the fans, who are more likely to pay for their music than other listeners in the world.  While the electronica revolution marches on, it seems to be dancing to some pretty remarkable beats in the hearts of the music fans.  It’s as good a reason as any to check out those sounds down the beach.

Tags: Andrew Keen's review, best hotels Ibiza, International Music Summit

Dubai’s Sarah Ayoub Agha

Dubai is in a gorgeous position in the city’s history.  It’s one of the hottest spots for travelers, attracted by the lively night life, the splendid shopping malls, and the stunning beaches.  It is a most remarkable place with a fascinating and complicated history.  Presently, it is also in the middle of a creative boom, and art is absolutely flourishing here.  Not necessarily for the artists, but certainly for the public, where new work is abundant, and short-term projects for art expos have turned into standards in the international art calendars.  It’s a place that is accustomed to providing generous hospitality to visitors, and if you happen to be looking for a perfect 5-star Dubai hotel, then this is your lucky day.  We’ve selected some of the finest offerings so that you can be sure you are staying where there is a superior record of style and comfort.

You’ll be given the star treatment here, where stunning meals served by world-class chefs, state of the art exercise facilities, and a friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to help you find your favorite things in Dubai.  This is your adventure after all.  When the first days’ people watching and shopping are getting familiar, it’s a great time to start venturing into the cultural life of Dubai.  If you’re looking at the local galleries, you might come across the work of Sarah Ayoub Agha.  Her work is seen here and in the U.K., and is a great demonstration of some of the more bold works being created in Dubai.

Her subject is women, and particularly the representations and expectations that are placed upon women in the contemporary world.  Her work explores all the various roles that women are expected to play, and interrogates these notions with some very determined brush strokes. Educated here in Dubai, in Sharjah, and in London, Sarah Ayoub Agha is creating an impressive body of work.  While asking important social questions about gender, she is also developing a style of painting that falls away from realistic representations of women, and creates a new language with her paint.

Tags: 5-star Dubai hotel, Sarah Ayoub Agha

Reduce Daily Stress with Hot Tubs

One of the best things an active person in today’s busy world can do for themselves is to invest in a personal hot tub for their backyard. Relaxing in front of the powerful jet streams that are directed toward neck, shoulders, upper and lower back as well as thighs and calves has an amazing power to eliminate the cumulative effect of the day’s stress and its consequence on one’s mind and body.  Choosehottubsdirect.com is well aware of the personal benefits of hot tub use and is an excellent resource for directing consumers to the perfect model of home spa for them.

Installing a hot tub in the backyard is often considered to be an investment in home or property value and elements of entertainment and personal pleasure can be factored in. However, the actual health and well being aspects of a home spa are oftentimes overlooked, and they account for perhaps the greatest value and investment aspect in a hot tub purchase. It is well known that stress is a leading cause of health related issues, and in today’s competitive business and professional world, it is nearly impossible to avoid. By ensuring a dependable stress relief element in one’s life helps to reduce the possible health consequences stress can contribute to.

Mental stress and worries is not the only health benefit offered by hot tubs. It is an excellent way to relax overworked and tired muscles and to rejuvenate the body. Many people enjoy a quick dip in the hot tub before they begin their day and report that this helps them to remain calm throughout the afternoon. Others look forward to a pleasant and relaxing evening in the tub and use it to release the tensions of the day. Of course there are others who climb into the tub both day and night for the maximum relaxation and tension release possible.

Tags: choose hot tubs direct, mental stress, tension

Quiet Side of Jainpur

Who knew there was hand printing museum in Jaipur? Well. neither did I, which is why we did not know to ask at the Jaipur hotels. We had to go to Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, why not? Beverly is a library conservator who works for a university in Oregon. When I asked her about it when really wanted to go. I thought maybe she had had enough with books and wanted to get away from the business for a while while we traveled about India, but she insisted what I quietly thought to myself as a busman’s holiday, so to speak and so we planned to go there. It would be hard though, Jainpur is a beautiful place, and it would be hard to overlook a small printing museum in place of the Amber Palace, for instance. The name slowly became more clear as it turns out it is named for the chain of boutiques in India. the textiles here then reflect the cloth printing traditions of  India and a beautiful way to celebrate them and preserve them, and we saw a print artist on hand who gave a a demonstration of her art and technique. We had to find the Biharji Temple to find the place, and it is a hidden diamond in the rough. Here we took in the various traditions and could observe many of the hand tools and implements. The museum has stimulated the local hand block printing that once thrived here, and sits in a four hundred year old house called a vaveli, and is removed and quiet away from the city. There is also a place to purchase the works of the artisans as well as house wares, so it is easy to get your credit card out and treats yourself to the lovely works of these Jainpur artisans.

Tags: Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, Jaipur hotels, vaveli

Hot Tubs and Health Benefits

Joint pain from arthritis.  Migraine headaches.   Diabetes.  High blood pressure.  Sleepless nights.  These are all ailments that affect one’s quality of life.  And they are ailments that can be relieved to a great extent by hydrotherapy.  Three aspects of water therapy include massage, buoyancy and heat.  When brought together in a home spa or jacuzzi, the result is both healthy treatment and relaxation.  Water can do incredible things, and when it comes to healing these sorts of illnesses or afflictions, miraculous results are possible.

Many times throughout the busy work week, one may thing that if they could just get home and soak in a hot bath, they will feel less stressed out, they will have time to relax.  And it is true.  The stress and the headaches of the day are simply washed away while soaking in warm water, and add to that the jets and the bubbles of a home spa, and the muscle tension will ease and sleep will not be far away.  There are many options when considering hot tub spas, and those are outlined perfectly at the web site choosehottubsdirect.com.   The health benefits from soaking in this manner, provide relief from many of life’s stresses, as well as many diagnosed cases of high blood pressure and diabetes.

Just soaking in a spa has been shown to release endorphins in one’s body.  When endorphins are released, stress dissipates.  The warmer water dilates the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and reducing the instances of headaches.  For those with trouble sleeping at night, a good long soak will help that transition, in not only allowing one to fall to sleep, but to experience a deeper more restorative kind of sleep.  The increased circulation due to the dilated blood vessels, has been a huge draw for athletes or for anyone with stiff muscles and joints.  Hydrotherapy has become a popular kind of physical therapy for many of today’s top athletes, as well as for those who participate in any sort of exercise program.

Tags: blood pressure, Diabetes, Hot Tub, insomnia, migraine headaches

Planning Ahead

Thinking a head we will need to make some decisions once the renovations and build out on our commercial property downtown are complete. We will have space for nearly 50 percent more tenants. Between the size of the property and the number of tenants we will now need to get some other management company engaged in getting the spaces occupied timely and managing to the tenant needs and collecting unpaid rents. It just won’t be possible for us to keep up with all this once the enlargement is complete. My partner has been doing research and feels he has found an amiable solution to our needs in a company, Transglobe property management, he suggesting I follow on Twitter to catch their updates and get a feel for the company.

The renovations and expansion haven’t gone quite a quickly as we had hoped, but I can not say it has been as bad assume projects we have taken on have been. Looking back perhaps we should have taken the step of contracting some one like Transglobe property management before. Well hide site is 20/20 can not go back now, so thinking forward this is going to be a good move. Just making sure the fit is right is my concern. Time for some delegation of these responsibilities and allowing for some time to get new project going.

Tomorrow my partner and I will meet and make some final decisions to how and where we want to take everything going forward. Looking at the reasoning behind his proposal I think he is right and do not see any solid reasons why this would not be the right time to make this move.

Tags: 20/20, delegation, Transglobe property management

Florence Sunset

I spent almost 3 hours in the Uffizi, that was way too much, I had enough, well at least my stomach thought so. I ran out of bottled water and was so thirsty, so I went outside in search of food and water. I found a nice cafe and ordered a sandwich and a drink, plus water. After lunch, I went to Santa Croce, it was a huge marble front church, which contained the remains of not only Michelangelo, but Galileo. But, what was even better was just down the street was the best gelato in all of Italy, so naturally, I just had to try it. I ordered the peanut and chocolate mousse, and as a bonus, I got a free upsize. Since I was on vacation…after I finished the peanut and chocolate mousse, I ordered the rice flavor. That’s how good the gelato is.

I walked back to the Palazzo Vecchio and decided to check out the courtyard. It really wasn’t all that great, or worth waiting in line due to the security checkstand. There really wasn’t much there but a bunch of offices. What’s so exciting about that? So, I decided to head back to hotel Florence and check my email again. I stopped by a market on the way and noticed pretty much saw that all the stalls sold the same things: silk ties, leather jackets, scarves and the touristy tacky souvenirs of David in various sizes.

Back at my hotel, I ran into Jack, this very handsome Italian, in the lobby. He told me he paid 10 Euros to get into the gardens of the Pitti Palace and spent the whole day wandering around. Hmm…I would’ve liked to wander around with him. I asked him for some site worth seeing and he recommended the Palazzo Michelangelo where there stood another replica of David. He already had other plans, probably with some hot girl, so he couldn’t join me. When I arrived, it was on top of a hill that had a spectacular view over Florence. All the way from the Duomo to the red roof buildings of the Ponte Vecchio and Arno River. It was so beautiful, the sun was setting, and all I could think of was Jack and how I’d like to be in his arms right now watching the sunset together.

Tags: hotel Florence, Italy, Palazzo Michelangelo, Palazzo Vecchio, Santa Croce, Uffizi