Archive for September, 2009
Surasi Kosolwong in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has been an icon in the imagination of world travelers for centuries. It’s one of the most densely populated places in the world, and the mix of buildings and harbor make for a skyline that is as beautiful as it is haunting. It is one of the most truly cosmopolitan places in the [...]
Published by Ryan on September 30th, 2009 tagged Arts & Culture, Travel | Comment now »
Barcelona’s Ignasi Aballí
Barcelona has been a fantastic destination for the savvy world traveler for a long time now, but recently has experienced a resurgence, where celebrities and the other rich and famous folk are discovering its capacity to entertain with gorgeous style. The unique contributions of the city are as magnificent today as they were 300 years [...]
Published by Ryan on September 30th, 2009 tagged Arts & Culture, Travel | Comment now »
“Do It Yourself” Windshield Wiper Replacement
Part of do it yourself auto repair, is changing out the windshield wiper blades. This is something that can easily become overlooked, as you do not need the wipers to be functional for the car to run, but you do need them when it starts to snow or rain. This has been a situation to [...]
Published by Ryan on September 29th, 2009 tagged Automotive | Comment now »
Easy Do-It-Yourself Car Repairs
Car engines were much easier to figure once. With just a few how-to small engine repair manuals and a few tools, most people did participate in DIY auto repair–they did it themselves. The room underneath the hood was plentiful, and easy to navigate around in, and there were no computers, cars were simple machines. Nowadays, [...]
Published by Ryan on September 29th, 2009 tagged Automotive | Comment now »
Basic Customer Service Skills
Customer service is an essential aspect of most and likely all jobs. While it may have a stronger importance in positions that directly serve and or interact with others, it can probably be applied to everything. With this in mind, it makes sense that there is a growing number of training programs that are particularly [...]
Published by Ryan on September 28th, 2009 tagged Business | Comment now »
Thailand’s Arnan Ratchawang-Inn
Thailand is the stuff dreams are made on. It has an allure that has attracted world travelers for some time. Part of it might be an elusive and mysterious quality, but certainly a part of it has to do with the amazing beaches, the warm and interesting people, and the fact that it’s a tropical [...]
Published by Ryan on September 25th, 2009 tagged Travel | Comment now »
Hot Tubs and Back Yard Gardens
Planning the flower garden and foliage around a backyard deck and hot tub is often as important as the hot tub and deck themselves. The overall ambiance and aesthetic quality of the outdoor landscape can enhance the pleasure of the hot tub experience and also add greater value to the home and property. Sometimes the [...]
Published by Ryan on September 21st, 2009 tagged Home & Garden | Comment now »
Cape Town Yesterday and Today
Humans have settled in communities on the Cape Peninsula and the Western Cape of South Africa long before the recording of time. The inhabitants of the area survived by hunting, fishing, and gathering of edible plant, roots, fruits, nuts and seeds. These people were the ancestors of people we know today as the Khoisan in [...]
Published by Ryan on September 21st, 2009 tagged Travel | Comment now »
The History of BBQ
So you’ve made the decision to turn your backyard into an outdoor kitchen. You probably know already that you’re walking into a very old tradition, and cooking your own food outdoors satisfies some primal urge somewhere, and it also feeds your friends and family. There’s also the curious mix of old world and new here, [...]
Published by Ryan on September 16th, 2009 tagged Food and Drink | Comment now »
Driving Habits to be Considered When Buying New Tires
One of the things to consider when setting out to buy new tires, is just how one drives on a day to day basis. The difference in long drives consistently and short drives in town, may lead one to purchase a different king of tire. For a vehicle used for long drives, say a tour [...]
Published by Ryan on September 14th, 2009 tagged Automotive | Comment now »
Darren Ng in Singapore
Once a fishing village, Singapore is now one a splendid metropolis. It is always a bustle of activity, with exciting things happening day and night. Singapore culture is very porous, having had contact with traders and travelers for centuries, and has a sensibility that accepts innovation and tradition. There is a lot [...]
Published by Ryan on September 14th, 2009 tagged Travel | Comment now »
Lau Mun Leng, KL Experiments
Kuala Lumpur is an exquisite place to take a vacation. There is a magnificent array of attractions here that will please travelers of all ages. With exciting fairs and festivals that happen all year long, street performers that speak to traditions from multiple cultures, and amazing shopping malls to suit all your fashion [...]
Published by Ryan on September 14th, 2009 tagged Travel | Comment now »
Fall in NY
I am keeping a close eye on the New York state fall color forecasts hoping to time it just right and make it to New York City in time to take a drive up route 9D along the east banks of the Hudson River. I want to get a room at a boutique hotel in [...]
Published by Ryan on September 10th, 2009 tagged Travel | Comment now »
Florence for David
We had to go see Michangelo’s David and we had one hour and thirty seven minutes to do it, as we planned to get off our train to Milan and catch the next one an hour later. So we had to get from the train station to the Accademia where David lives, get in line, [...]
Published by Ryan on September 9th, 2009 tagged Travel | Comment now »
Central Valley, CA
When I was approached by my friend to assist her in driving to Portland, OR I jumped at the chance. I have driven all over the US from coast to coast but never up through the Central Valley of California. She was going to be spending a month in Portland to see if she wanted [...]
Published by Ryan on September 9th, 2009 tagged Travel | Comment now »
The Prague Castle
The city of Prague has an incredible history and is full of cultural heritage and significant landmarks. The architecture itself testifies to the great history and importance of this city. It was at one time the Capital of the Holy Roman Empire and served as the seat of two of I(ts Emperors. Few cities can [...]
Published by Ryan on September 8th, 2009 tagged Travel | Comment now »
Kevin Spacey in New York Theatre Scene
Kevin Spacey is a well-known film actor who is also extremely well respected for his stage performances. In fact, it was the stage that gave him his first professional job and it is to the stage that he continually returns. He also has performed as a stand up comedian, which may have been his first [...]
Published by Ryan on September 8th, 2009 tagged Travel | Comment now »
Proper Food Handling Techniques When Cooking on Drop In Grills
Grilling outdoors is fun, and easy. Some people are choosing to design and install their own backyard kitchens. And while this fully equipped option is nice, it is not necessary and some are choosing simply to install drop in grills. For those who have not owned a grill in a long time, or for those [...]
Published by Ryan on September 8th, 2009 tagged Home & Garden | Comment now »
Estampa fair in Madrid
For some of the world’s finest luxury hotels, Madrid, Spain has some wonderful things to offer even the savviest world traveler. Our hotels are all chosen for their excellence in their consistent records of meeting the highest standards in service and comfort. Guests will appreciate the splendid blend of innovation and tradition here, where all [...]
Published by Ryan on September 8th, 2009 tagged Travel | Comment now »
Goa’s Subofh Kerkar
The pleasures of traveling in India are many, and for four-star hotels, Goa can offer splendid luxury accommodations. Even the most world-wear guest will find a perfect relaxation here in our hotels, rejuvenating the body and mind so that the Goa adventure can begin. There is a perfect combination of old-world sensibilities, like charm and [...]
Published by Ryan on September 3rd, 2009 tagged Travel | Comment now »
Forgiving Melbourne
As I entered her hotel room, I immediately introduced myself to my new client. I told her that I’m excited to be alive at this wonderful time on the Earth. I’m devoted to living and walking a sacred and spiritual life which is deeply connected to Mother Earth. I’m based in love and compassion for [...]
Published by Ryan on September 2nd, 2009 tagged Spirituality | Comment now »
Sydney, Australia–Green by Example
Sydney, Australia has a vision. Over the next twenty years the city will developed manners in becoming sustainable and green. This project known as Sustainable Sydney 2030 is about more than just the environment, it has to do with the economy, the cultures of the city and the society. By addressing all the aspects of [...]
Published by Ryan on September 2nd, 2009 tagged Travel | Comment now »
Inspiration from a Mallorca Museum
While traveling in Spain I became more aware of the use carnelian has had in art, jewelry and ritual items through out the centuries. Not far from my 5 star Mallorca hotel was a museum with objects of carnelian that sparked my imagination. Carnelian is a form of chalcedony primarily found in India and secondarily [...]
Published by Ryan on September 1st, 2009 tagged Travel | Comment now »
Jakarta a la Carte
We were in the perpetual traffic jam that is Jakarta, trying to go what would take six minutes on foot but which took forty five minutes in our hired car. Well, we were OK with it at first, first time in the city and all, but we wanted to get chicken satay, and we had [...]

