Archive for December, 2009

posted by Savanah on Dec 28

The Civil War was a big boost to the city of Boston in the early start of America. The war started from this area so this is were the weapons and men gathered to take on the British. Some of the early manufacturers of weapons, boots, clothing, blankets and other supplies were created here to help the American troops. Yes, in the late nineteenth century Boston was a great industrial city. It continued to grow as more and more people immigrated to America from all over the world. Now there were a wide variety of goods for military and home use. But this was setup for one purpose and when the purpose was served things would change.

The manufacturing took a decline with in the first ten years of the twentieth century. The factories and mills quickly became obsolete. They just became old and decayed buildings without use. Many of the businesses that lived off the thriving factories closed and the business men moved south for more opportunity. Those that stayed moved into other forms of business. There was a new purpose for the city of Boston which included banking and finance, service industries, wholesaling and retailing. This is where they held it and suffering through the Great Depression.

World War II brought the cities industry back. They replenished the old factories with new technologies to create the latest weaponry. During this war, Boston thrived again and a major player in the manufacturing of arms. In the 1950s Boston jumped on the technology wagon. To modern day high tech and computer industries are a main stay for the city. There are many skyscrapers and office towers showing of the evidence of success in these fields. Now many people travel to the city to see so much of the history that remains from a city that helped start it all in what we know of as the United States. So check into a Boston hotel and see for yourself the richness this city has to offer on every level.

posted by Savanah on Dec 28

The seasons are changing in many cities throughout the United States.  Not only does this bring the amazing sights on the hillsides filled with trees and the impending holidays, in the Maryland city of Baltimore this brings differences on the menus of many of the restaurants.  Chefs are taking advantage of the autumnal differences being offered in the fresh produce at the various farmers markets.  Many appetizers are being offered that utilize of course, the pumpkin as well as many other varieties of squash.

The Baltimore Farmers Market and Bazaar which takes place every Sunday is one of the favorites of the local chefs for finding a plethora of ideas for new and creative dishes.  On these Sundays, chefs will bring their skills to the market, team up with a particular farmer, and offer demonstrations, cooking tips and advice, and the most important of all tastings.  This showcases not only the splendid dishes they will offer at their restaurants in Baltimore, but gives kudos to the individual farmers as well.

This is a great learning experience for all those in attendance, not only in the learning of the recipes and the various delicious new dishes, but in the learning about the vendors themselves, the food that they grow and sell, and they will learn how to make choices that are based on the growing seasons of the various produce.  This is the new way of eating green, to buy locally and to buy was is in season.

They will also be introduced to the world of herbs, and to bring home a potted starter garden to use in their own kitchens at home.  And for those wishing to take care of some Christmas shopping during the day, the Bazaar has been newly added to the Baltimore Market on Sundays.  This section offers a variety of hand made creations by some of Baltimore’s finest crafts people, unique gift ideas that fit into every one’s budget.  The changing of the seasons, a great time to be in Baltimore and to experience everything that this city has to offer.

posted by Savanah on Dec 14

The beautiful island of Curacao is located in the southern Caribbean Sea of the coast of Venezuela. The territory known as Curacao actually includes the larger mainland of the island as well as a smaller island near it. It is part of a collection of five different island areas that are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The island is known for its beauty its name is derived from the Portuguese word for heart or for healing and there are various arguments for both etymological basis. Tourists who visit the island and stay in one of the hotels Curacao are familiar with its namesake liqueur, which is frequently called Blue Curacao and frequently associated that deep color with the island itself. The two potential references to its name are typically associated with the trade industry of the island, which corresponds to its being called the heart and also to the numerous healing plants that are found on it, which of course refer to the potential for it to be called the healer.

Some of the interesting landmarks on the island are the buildings that were designed in the style of Dutch architecture. Some of these are responsible for the Island being listed UNESCO’s world heritage acknowledgment list and are also popular places for tourists to explore. The island’s beaches are absolutely beautiful and also represent the deep blue that its name is typically associated with. Some of the shore area on the northern end of the island have great coral reefs and are extremely popular with scuba divers. One of its unique features is that the drop off to much deeper waters generally occurs just a few hundred feet off of the shore and this provides well trained and experienced scuba divers excellent opportunities though these areas, and the famous one known as the Blue Edge, are dangerous to lesser experienced and skilled divers due to their rocky nature and the lack of beach area in this region. The popular and beautiful tourist beaches are found on the southern end of the island.

posted by Savanah on Dec 14

Entertaining at home has become extremely common and popular in recent years and when considered in context to the economic downfalls, it has also become a great way to save money while spending time with family and friends. Recognizing this new and likely ongoing and progressive trend it is great to know that there are now more options for backyard kitchen features as well as sports and entertainment options than ever before. They are also more diverse and suited to a great spectrum of budgets and lifestyles. And while they are a frequent aspect of new home building designs they are also becoming more and more added to already existing homes and are a major aspect of backyard overhauling and landscape changes.

In the past it has been common to consider these backyard fire magic grills and kitchen counter tops with built in appliances and great accessories as luxury items, which really had no connection to daily lifestyles or household needs. However, as it can be clearly demonstrated in recent years, the outdoor kitchen elements are great not only for major entertainment events such as holiday, anniversary and birthday parties but they also encourage greater outdoor activities among teenagers and other family members.

It has become more common for students to return home from school and grab a snack from the outdoor refrigerator before settling down to complete some homework. It is also a great way to spend an evening with the family by grilling in the backyard and then play a game of volleyball, table tennis, badminton, or other outdoor games. Therefore it is obvious that by investing in these great outdoor kitchen elements you are not only adding value to your home property your are adding quality time for your family and are likely going to form greater connections and communications between household members.

posted by Savanah on Dec 2

In every business there comes a time when a conflict will arise, either between co-workers or between staff and customers and clients.  In the 1970′s two psychiatrists came up with ways of defining how different people handled conflicts and uncomfortable situations.  The two men were Ralph Kilmann and Kenneth Thomas, and they made conclusions regarding peoples’ overall personality types, and the way that they handle difficult times.  At Next Day Blinds, issues regarding customer service never occur, but let’s face it, it is not possible to please all people–all of the time.  Some times people are just grumpy, and learning how to turn these situations around is an art form that will securely place your business at the top.  Different styles are most effective when used for situations that are best solved in this “personality theory“.  The styles are Competitive, Collaborative, Compromising, Accommodating, and Avoiding.

I personally have come across each of these styles of conflict resolution, and some feel so much more healthy than others.  Knowing and training your staff concerning these different styles and educating them in all matters concerning product knowledge, customer service and design, Next Day Blinds has become one of the foremost companies when it is time to decorate or re-decorate your house and your window coverings.  Through many renovations, I have gone to Next Day Blinds for advice on which shades or blinds would be best for the house I am working on at the time.  And each of those time, I have been treated with a warm respect that many businesses seem to lack in modern times.  Knowing what really makes people tick, knowing what makes them satisfied, and what to do when they are not satisfied is something that this company is very good at, and they will continue to be at the head of the line, now and far reaching into the future.

posted by Savanah on Dec 2

Take time to review some safety tips that will ensure the time you spend relaxing in your hot tub will be worry free and more enjoyable.

Start by always checking that you use an adequate level of sanitizer to keep the hot tub water clear of unhealthy microorganisms. Keep track of the total alkalinity and the pH factor to provide a health balance. Regularly shock the water, this will help the sanitizer’s ability to do its job and control the bacteria with more efficiency. Make sure you have all the cleaning components, chemicals and additives in a dry, cool and well ventilated place that gets no direct sunlight and is well out of the reach of children. Do not mix the chemicals prior to adding them to the hot tub water.

It’s a good idea, and a bit more stimulating, if you do not sit in a hot tub for too long. Relaxing in a too-high temperature will raise your body’s temperature to a dangerous level. The most the water temperature should be is at 100 degrees to 102 degrees Fahrenheit and for only 15 minutes, which is the recommendation of medical authorities. If hot tubs don’t have a digital temperature indicator, then purchase a floating thermometer. If children are involved, the temperature and time should be reduced. Many medicines stop functioning at certain body temperatures, so for very young children with medical conditions, as well as adults with medical conditions, you should first make sure their doctors approve of time relaxing in hot tub. This can’t be stressed enough, children should never be unsupervised around hot tubs, even if the covers on, children are way too curious and a hot tub will peak a child’s curiosity. Hot tub covers should always be used when the hot tub is not in use and should have a locking device.

Electricity and water don’t mix. All the electrical devices and outlets should be located at a safe distance from the hot tub. Never have electricity at the edge of the hot tub. Don’t even handle a telephone or a corded appliance in the hot tub, or out of the hot tub and you’re still wet.

Heads should never go under the water. Safety standards were developed requiring hot tubs to have drain outlets and drain covers that will prevent hair entanglement in the drain itself. But, even with this safety measure, it’s important to adhere to a rule that no heads go underwater while enjoying the hot tub. No where your power disconnect device is installed and know how to use it just in case of an emergency.  Consider using a non-slip surface around the hot tub and keep dry towels with in reaching distance. Keep good maintenance with any steps leading to the hot tub and install handrails, these will help prevent a fall or aid in a misstep when entering or exiting the hot tub. Finally, if you use the hot tub at night, which most people do, install an adequate amount of lighting at ground level.  Safety enables everyone to enjoy the pleasurable benefits of a hot tub.

posted by Savanah on Dec 1

Chevy Chase was honored at the 2009 Boulder International Film Festival. Generally abbreviated to BIFF, the festival is produced by the Colorado Film Society. The festival is dedicated to providing the dominant film audiences from the Denver and Boulder metropolitan areas with an early viewing of the best new films from the international scene. It also provides interviews and discussions with directors, actors and producers as well as sponsoring parties and networking opportunities. The festival has continually grown through the years and has become attractive not only to locals but also draws in numerous guests who fill the hotels Boulder.

During the 2009 festival Chevy Chase was presented with an award of excellence in comedy. He has been a major force in the American comedy film scene for decades and is well known for is roles in National Lampoon’s Vacation, Fletch and Caddyshack. He has won numerous awards throughout his career including an Emmy Award. He has worked as a stage comedian, film actor and writer and gave the audience at the BIFF a live show. His most recent success is on the new television series Community.

Chase was born in New York in October of 1943. His father Edward Tinsely Chase was New York magazine writer and prominent book editor. His mother Cathalene Parker was a concert pianist and librettist. The family lived in Lower Manhattan during his early years before his parents divorced when he was four years old. In addition to his acting, Chase is a drummer who played with Donald Fagen and Walter Becker in a college band before they reformed into Steely Dan. He also played drums and the keyboard for a rock band called Chamaeleon Church. He became a house hold name when he began working on the popular late night weekend television series Saturday Night Live.

posted by Savanah on Dec 1

Robson Square in Vancouver is located close to many properties under the care of TransGlobe Property Management. While living in Vancouver one can spend time in the park skating, or dancing the night away.  This is town square, that while it is open air, it is also partially underground.  Located in the middle of town just between the court buildings and the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Every Friday night the dancing is free and the music is provided by local live musicians.  Classes are given for those who wish to take part, in swing dance and Latin moves of the Salsa, and you can either dance with friends or sit in the grass and watch.  This is an all ages park, complete with skate board parks just in the Skytrain.   Another meeting place for the residents of Vancouver is Vanier Park.  This is the place to be if watersports are your game.  There are places to rent canoes and kayaks, sailing classes and windsurfing.  And this is the popular spot for all ages to come to to just simply fly their kites. This is the spirit of the city as well as the spirit of TransGlobe Property Management.

Living in a community is what life is all about, and the staff at TransGlobe brings this feeling into the rental properties that are under their management.  So when deciding on where to move, or when making choices about your vacation rental, the choice to go with this company is an easy one, as there is really no better company to put your life, or your holiday in the hands off.   So head to the beach in Stanley Park, enjoy the swimming pools and the mountain hikes, or take a ski vacation through Cypress Mountain or Mount Seymour and trust the rest to TransGlobe Property Management.