Hip Young Things

The use of water to maintain, to restore ones health, and for revitalization is known as hydrotherapy.  Treatments include everything from saunas, to sitz baths, to steam rooms, and to the use of hat and cold compresses.  During the 19th Century a monk from Bavaria, Sebastian Kneipp, discovered the effects of using water to cure diseases and to eliminate toxins, or waste from ones body.  He is said to be the father of modern hydrotherapy.  Throughout Asia and Europe, going to the mineral and hot springs has always been a common practice.  And now in the United States, as more people are seeking the care of naturopathic doctors and holistic approaches to health, more people are discovering what these other cultures have known for years, and that is that water heals.  Some are going to spas or to the offices of physical therapists, while others are purchasing hot tubs from companies such as choosehottubsdirect.com, and practice self care in their own homes.

Physiological reactions to hot and cold are obvious, as hot tends to relax one and make them sleepy, and cold serves to invigorate and to wake up the body.  Heat dilates the vessels, while cold constricts them.  Alternating between the two serves to create a pumping affect, moving the blood through the body faster, thus decreasing swelling of injured areas while stimulating circulation and aiding in the elimination of toxins.  Dry heat, such as in a Turkish steam bath, involve the use of either hot or cold compresses which cover the body.  Many colds and cases of respiratory or sinus infections, bronchitis or skin infections are treated in this manner.  This has been shown to not only reduce the symptoms and provide relief, but to shorten the duration time of the illness as well.  Sitz baths are also used for various infections, and have been shown to decrease the severity and the occurrence of such discomforting ailments as hemorrhoids or Premenstrual syndrome.  In all, choosing to bring a hot tub or spa into ones home is making the conscious choice to take better care and control over ones health in the long run.

The addition of hot tubs and spas to one’s backyard or home, is exciting and will lead to many nights and days of relaxation and rejuvenation.  In the quest for managing stress levels, one of the most essential elements is the reduction of tension in the mind and in the body.  This involves more than enjoying and practicing a hobby, more than just peace of mind, it is a process that serves to reduce the negative effects on one’s mind and on the body.  In this fast paced world of working all day, picking the kids up from school, sitting in traffic and worrying about finances, individuals can tend to forget about themselves, they can forget to, or have literally forgotten how to…just simply relax.

If one chooses to install their hot tubs and spas into their backyard, gardens can be designed surrounding beautiful gazebos, strung with lights and hung with delicate wind chimes.  Choosing the flowers that are suitable to individual tastes serves to create a visually inviting environment.  Other plants and trees can be planted for the aromatic benefits.  Aromatherapy, usually involves the use of essential oils, however in planting a garden with such varieties as the creosote bush, the desert sage plant, the Mexican anise tree, or the Arabian jasmine vines, one can enjoy the physical and psychological benefits right in one’s own backyard garden, while relaxing in the hot tub.

All of these combined, the visual and aromatic beauty, the soothing sounds, and the bubbling water, serve to lower the heart rate and blood pressure.  The warm water serves to relieve tense muscles or the pain associated with chronic injuries and ailments.  Blood flow is increased throughout the body and feeds the major muscles and organs.  And the anger and frustration that can be caused by a bad day at the office is simply washed away, giving one not only the confidence, but the energy to tackle whatever it is that tomorrow will bring.

Built in gas grills offer an incredible diversity of cooking settings that will change the way you think about food.  There is an elegance and precision to it that is really quite stunning.  Both the chef and the guests are in for a very enjoyable experience.  The social possibilities here are also quite endless, as this is not the typical solitary preparation, but a public event.  It’s a good idea to get a little deft as some of your techniques, but a lot of this is improvisation, and that’s where the fun is.

Still, there are some basics that are good to know before setting out to cook for a large party.  It won’t take long before you can either know what you’re doing and show it, or before you can fake it really well!  Some basics, though, can’t be faked, and one of these is knowing the difference between direct and indirect grilling.  Direct grilling, in a nutshell, simply refers to putting the meat directly on the heat.  This is where most conceptions of the “All-American Grill” come from.  One thinks of hot dogs and burgers sizzling on the grill in the middle of summer, with happy kids and the smell of sun tan lotion.  There are some grill purists who might shudder at the notion, but it’s where our inspirations live, or where they come from.  But direct grilling can refer to any kind of meat or vegetable cooked directly over the hot spot.  To be precise, have the flames set to different temperatures so you can control the amount of heat while cooking.

For indirect grilling, there are more considerations.  This is where smoking and barbecue-like techniques can come into play, and give more subtle flavors to the meats.  Indirect grilling is where the food is placed near the heat source, so the temperature can work through the meat, but not directly on it.  As you might guess, this technique is used for larger cuts of meat that need a longer cooking time.  With your built in gas grill, this technique is easy to execute (but practice, practice, practice…).  Heat the elements around the center, and place the meat here.  This way, the heat will penetrate it from all sides.  Also, use the cover, of course, to lock in both temperature and flavor.  A little bit of practice on these will buy you some lovely moments where you can show off your more successful experiments!

I found a good summertime activity for my daughter and son, camping in our own backyard. I remember my lazy summer days were full of inviting my girlfriends over for a camp-out in my huge half-acre backyard and how much fun we had turning that half-acre into anything our imaginations could muster up. My parents found this safer for me and it was convenient, it was easy to get to and there’s less to clean up after the camp-out party was over. Plus, which was most important to me, the bathroom was only a few yards away and if it started to rain, we could all run inside my home where we were safe. I’ve come up with a few tips on how to make camping in a backyard a more exciting camp-out than what I was use to.

For my daughter and son, I set a time and day, not too far out in the future so I can check the weather forecast, but enough time which allows them to invite over a few friends. I stake out a spot that’s flat and even in the backyard where a tent can be set up. I allow my children to set-up the tent all on their own, this gives them a sense of entitlement and accomplishment. I run an extension cord out to the tent so they can entertain their friends with either a movie or music. I make sure there are enough blankets and sleeping bags and provide air mattresses that inflate easily. I now have plenty of glow in the dark sticks for the kids to aid in exploring when it’s dark or for anything else their imagination comes up with. I won’t let them have the propane operated lamps due to potential fire hazards, but I have purchased battery operated lamps that look like a real Coleman propane lamp which can be hung up in the tents or on a tree branch. I make sure, before they head outside, to spray down all the kids with insect repellent. I remember being eaten alive by mosquitoes one night that made the whole evening miserable. I only will allow them to roast marshmallows for Smores and hotdogs on our BBQ island on the patio, supervised, of course. I find my children still to small to handle a real campfire. Next to the BBQ Island, I have a big tub filled with ice and watermelon slices and all kinds of soda-pop and drinks. After all the children have eaten, I leave them to camp, on their own. At least, make them feel like they are alone, out in the wilderness telling ghost stories or just enjoying the night-sky.

Have you ever seen the movie Office Space? One of characters in the movie works a desk job, but has always had an idea that he has wanted to pursue. The idea is from the character Tom and it’s a jump to conclusions mat. The mat has various conclusions on it and you “jump” to them get it? Yeah, the pet rock was stupid too.  But as Tom says in the movie “It made the guy a millionaire.”

Tom only goes after his idea after being in a horrific car accident and receiving a settlement. What is the point of all of this? Well, if you have an idea you should go for it. Can you imagine how stupid people must have though Pet Rock creator Gary Dahl’s idea was?

The funny thing is that it’s actually easier today to start a business than it was in the 1970s. With the internet you can enter and find so many people who would be into buying niche products. Or if you have had an experience with a company or a website that you found unacceptable, you could think about how you could do it better and just go out and do it!

That’s what Steve Barbarich did.  He was in the market for a hot tub Jacuzzi and bought one off a website. When he had problems with it, the company he purchased it from provided him with no customer service or any kind of help on his purchase.

That’s when Steve decides he would take matters into his own hands, he started Choosehottubsdirect.com and he based his efforts for his e-commerce site with excellent customer service.  Offering people great customer service and wholesale prices is a perfect combination.

So it’s not the pet rock but it’s a void that needed to be filled. If you see a void in the market, maybe figure out how to fill it.

For those traveling to England this summer, and staying in a Newcastle hotel, the Baltic Museum is a “must see” site.  The museum has no permanent collection of works, but houses traveling shows and is becoming one of the most innovative and exciting locations in the world of modern and contemporary art.  Of the shows running throughout the summer, one of the exhibits currently on, is that of the work of painter and writer Harland Miller, running from May 22 to July 19, 2009.  The exhibit is titled “Don’t Let the Bastards Cheer You Up”.  This is a series of montage and paintings that were adapted and created for this show at the Baltic specifically.  They are taken from a previous body of work, “Bad Weather Paintings”.  Miller used the covers of old books from the publishing house Penguin, and reproduced the images, and then titled them to fit in his world view, that of the region in which he grew up, northeastern England.

His paintings reference abstractionists work from America and the expression of German painters.  They fuse with those who love the written word, the literature of life stories, and the paint required to create the images that give voice to the text.  He infuses the British world of pop art with the idea of a worn out paper-back novel, giving the viewer a sense of nostalgia regardless of whether or not they have read the particular books referenced in his paintings.  There is tragedy and comedy in Miller’s work, in the paintings themselves and the titles for those paintings.

One of his most evocative series of painting is one that is based on a billboard in West Yorkshire.  In an attempt to apprehend a serial killer, the Yorkshire Police Department had a billboard painted in 1978.  The Yorkshire Ripper not only wreaked havoc but the case surrounding the subject did as well.  Letters and tapes sent to the department, were considered hoaxes…and only recently have the police apprehended the man who sent those messages.  Miller creates works based on the samples of  Wearside Jack’s letters, creating a social commentary, or observation rather.  Dark, yet humorously insightful…these works will tug at the “brain-strings” while causing the ‘heart-strings’ to wonder.

Some of the symptoms of teen drug abuse include:

* News friends (often of questionable character)
* Increased secretiveness
* Pulling back from family and friends
* Paying less attention to appearance and hygiene
* Dropping school grades
* Lack of interest in extracurricular activities

Some things to watch for:

* Use of incense, room deodorant, or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odors
* Subtle changes in conversations with friends, e.g. more secretive, using “coded” language
* Change in clothing choices: new fascination with clothes that highlight drug use
* Increase in borrowing money
* Evidence of drug paraphernalia such as pipes, rolling papers, etc.
* Evidence of use of inhalant products (such as hairspray, nail polish, correction fluid, common household products); Rags and paper bags are sometimes used as accessories
* Bottles of eye drops, which may be used to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils
* New use of mouthwash or breath mints to cover up the smell of alcohol
* Missing prescription drugs—especially narcotics and mood stabilizers

These changes often signal that something harmful is going on—and often that involves alcohol or drugs. You may want to take your child to the doctor and ask him or her about screening your child for drugs and alcohol. This may involve the health professional asking your child a simple question, or it may involve a urine or blood drug screen. However, some of these signs also indicate there may be a deeper problem with depression, gang involvement, or suicide. Be on the watch for these signs so that you can spot trouble before it goes too far.

It is suggested to speak with a drug rehab or drug treatment program for more information regarding teen drug addiction or young adult substance abuse. There are even specialized places for young adult drug rehab.

Diego Rodriquez de Silva y Velazquez was a great Spanish painter from the early to mid 17th century. He was born in June, 1599 in Seville. He is greatly known for his portraits of Spanish Royalty and other notable Europeans. He also painted numerous works focusing on significant historical and cultural events and circumstances. He was an individually oriented Baroque painter who would become a model for later realist and impressionist artists. Many of the best Madrid restaurants have paintings decorating their walls, and one may encounter a Velazquez print while they enjoy their dinner.

Velazquez was born in June 1599 in Seville, Spain. He demonstrated artistic talent at a young age and began to study under Francisco de Herrera . Herrera was an innovative painter who discarded the Italian Influence on Spanish painting. It was probably from Herrera that Velazquez learned his use of brushes with long bristles. When he was 12 Velazquez went to apprentice under the artist Francisco Pacheco, who was working and teaching in Seville. He worked with Pacheco for five years, studying the trends of literary and artistic circles and developing his own technical skills.

In 1622 Velazquez went to Madrid. He arrived with letters of introduction to Don Juan de Fonseca who was the chaplain to the king Phillip IV . It was by request of Pacheco that Velazquez painted the portrait of the famous poet Luis de Gongora y Argote. Later that year, in December, the king’s favorite court painter died. Velazquez was conveyed to the court and offered 50 ducats to apply toward his expenses. At this point Fonseca lodged the young painter at his own house and sat for a portrait. This was presented to the king, who in turn commissioned a portrait of himself. The king was extremely pleased with the work and paid for Velazquez to move himself and his family to Madrid. Velazquez lived there for the rest of his life, and the king announced that no other painter would paint him.

Thailand has been known as country that is based on nature and the natural way of life, however it is becoming a land filled with unique works of art, of beauty that is man-made.  Many traveling and staying in the Phuket best hotels,  have come in search of the dining experiences, the archaeological ruins and the beautiful beaches.  However, the craft and the art of the city and the entire country is bringing many visitors as well.  Some are coming in search of the bone china and porcelain dishes that are finely painted by the artists, or the wooden sculptures, or the furniture made of bamboo.  The work is renown for the quality and the craftsman ship that is unique and unbeatable throughout the rest of the world.  The Government buildings and the temples have long been the patrons of artists, commissioning works representing  either historical events or religious stories and myths.  So much as in the populations of the world that travel to see the cathedrals and churches in Italy, such as the Sistine Chapel, many are travelling to Phuket and the other cities in Thailand to view the artwork.

The textile industry is one of the examples of the diversity in the traditions and techniques of the handicraft of the indigenous artist.  Markets are filled with colorful baskets, silverware, ceramics and jewelry.  The country has been known for years as a great place to find fine jewelry such as that crafted with rubies and sapphires.  Many of the objects are of usual items such as plates and clothing, and other markets will be filled with unusual trinkets, but all will have the design and the quality to which these artists have become synonymous.   Benjarong painting is the style used on the painting of the porcelain pieces.  Just a few families throughout Thailand practice this form of artwork, and the traditions have been passed down through the generations.  Many say that the different families keep their trade secrets in the families.  The shopping in the markets and the shops of the artisans of Thailand is one of the many reasons for travel to the country.

The Aquarium in Barcelona is one of the most important education centers in the Mediterranean.  Along with the educational programs, the ocean park is home to eleven thousand marine animals of four hundred and fifty different species.  There are thirty five tanks located throughout the park and the Aquarium is also home to one of the few Oceanariums in Europe.  Each of the tanks, and the Oceanarium, use technology and design to recreate the various environments that live within the Mediterranean Sea.  The path through the park winds through these different tanks that depict not only the marine life, but the plant life as well, in the colorful splendor that is the underwater world of the tropical ocean.  The Aquarium is dedicated to not only providing visitors with entertainment and educational opportunities, but to playing an active role in the protection and conservation of the Sea and all its creatures.  They remain committed to the idea that when one loves something, in this case, the Ocean, then one will want to protect it.  The center operates with one hundred employees, from those who care for the animals, to those who teach the classes and the seminars.  The top Barcelona hotels offer many options for accommodations, many of them being located close to the park.

The Aquarium opened in 1995, and for the first time since the opening, this past April they offered an exhibit that has never before been seen by the public.  The center has an extensive and incredible collection of mollusk shells.  Throughout many years, they have been collecting these shells, not just from the Mediterranean, but from around the world.  Not only are these shells extremely beautiful, and some of them are quite rare, but the center historically charts the evolution of mollusks as well as their significance to the human population.  Members included in the mollusk species are the octopus, the snail and slug, oysters, clams and squid.  One such species, the Nautilus pompilius, has been studied extensively by some engineers due to the way it floats with precision.  Robert Fulton studied the creature when creating the first submarine that ran with a propeller.  This same species inspired the book, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.   And throughout history, populations have been provided with the food necessary for survival by many of the species, and the shells were, and still are, used for decorations, ornaments and jewelry.  This exhibit is in keeping with the philosophy of the park, which is provide knowledge to the general public in and environment that is fun and exciting.  Any one traveling through Barcelona, Spain this summer should not miss this spectacular exhibit nor the park in general.