In New Delhi today, it’s evident that the market for Indian contemporary art is expanding both regionally and internationally. Sales are strong in showrooms and galleries. Anupam Poddar is one of today’s most important collectors. In a short period of time, this young New Delhi–based collector has acquired many works by artists from India, and while doing so has been instrumental in attracting international attention to the Indian art scene while continuing to cultivate it locally.

The Devi Art Foundation, a short drive from the five star hotels in New Delhi, is India’s first nonprofit space and in fact, is India’s first museum of contemporary art. Artwork from the Poddar family collection form the foundation of the exhibitions at Devi. Anupam Poddar states that his interest in contemporary art was cultivated by his mother, and his enthusiasm for collecting was the same. He began acquiring art passionately, filling his family home with artwork that he had selected. “There is much care that goes into choosing what is installed,” he says. “It is important for me to be continuously interested in the work and able to live with it.” What does interest Poddar is art that is challenging and often provocative.

In a country where public exhibitions of contemporary art are hard to find, India’s government-run National Gallery of Modern Art seldom shows contemporary work. As interest and commerce in contemporary art increase, other venues, comparable to Devi, begin to emerge. A modern art museum designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron is currently under construction in Calcutta. That museum is scheduled to open in late 2013.

Sanskrit drama in India has been around for centuries and is more than just an entertainment genre, it is built into the cultural aspect of Delhi and most areas of the country. It is based on earlier traditions though the distinct nature of this performance has been in existence from the late BC centuries. Sanskrit productions are not highly performed today, though their influence on performance is distinct and relevant. Its origins spring from the Rigvedic dialogue hymns, which predate this art form and extend far into ancient history. These dialogues, based on mythological archetypes represent some of the earliest forms of dramatic literature, predating even those of Western Greek and Roman theatre. Sanskrit drama is an essential aspect of experiencing the culture of India. Many Western tourists who are staying in one of the Delhi 5 star hotels seek out a theatre performance as one of their first activities. A basic awareness of Sanskrit drama makes it a much richer experience.

The Natya Shastra is an essential text on the Sanskrit theatre and offers theories on performance, technique and even criticism. While the authorship has not been verified it is usually given to the Sage Bharata, and is believed to have been written sometime between 200 BC and 200 AD. It addresses every aspect of the performance arts including stagecraft, makeup, music and the purpose of these productions. It has had an influence on Indian dance, literature and music, in addition to its relevance to drama. There is a strong argument suggesting that it is the basis of the fine arts of India. The text describes some 10 different styles of drama and discusses the nature of staging, the relevance of dance and makes an analysis of the music and the scales used. It approaches its discussion on performance through 4 different categories, the angika, the vAchika, the AhArya, and the sAttvika. The angika provides a treatise on the nature of bodies in motion. The vAchika addresses the nature of speech and its relevance to the dialogue. The AhArya deals with make-up and costume design and their symbolic relevance and purpose. The sAttvika addresses what is considered to be the highest form of the art and deals directly with the subtle nature of lip and eye movement. The Natya Shastra has been compared in relevance to the Poetics of Aristotle, a treatise that has had a tremendous impact on Western theatre and dramatic theory.

Eating is the national pastime in Singapore and has acquired the status of a refined art. The island is a tropical paradise for epicureans of every cuisine and budget. While countries in the region brag about their national dishes, none offers such a delectably wide variety as Singapore. Singapore fish head curry may qualify as the national dish, but it’s hard to say. With 10 types of Chinese cuisines, Indian, Malaysian, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Korean, French, Italian and other European, Russian, Mexican , Polynesian and Scottish foods, selecting a “national” dish is nearly impossible !

There’s a very respectable selection of Western food at the top end of the market, a few good places in the middle bracket and swelling ranks of cheaper fast food restaurants like Kentucky Fried Chicken, MacDonalds and a proliferation of pizza restaurants. For young trendy Singaporeans, coffee culture is all the rage. This digital generation, completely addicted to hand held electronic devices, likes to hang out in the sophisticated cafes to drink their coffee. (must have wifi ). Favorite spots are The Coffee Bean, Starbucks and Spinelli’s, all who provide a nice range of fresh coffee, both beans & ground. Delifrance, known for freshly baked croissants, bread and other pastries has expanded and now has restaurants and cafes all over the city.

Don’t be put off by characterless brightly lit restaurants in Singapore; the food can be excellent. Eating spots range from high rise revolving restaurants to a neon lit sidewalk seafood stand. A delicious dinner can cost as little as $3, or more than $100 and the two may be just yards away from each other. For example it’s possible to have a small beer in the bar at one of the Singapore luxury hotels for $8 or more and then across the road indulge in a huge plate of curry and rice for $3. It’s hard to say what role the design of the restaurant and its physical location have to do with the quality and price of food.

Though Cape Town is the second largest city in South African in population, it is the country’s number one tourist town. This is in large part due to its numerous and beautiful beaches. These beaches are extremely popular to visitors and locals alike. And with Cape Town’s unique geographical structure it is possible to visit all or most of them in a single day. Cape Town car rentals are particularly helpful for site seeing in this ocean side town.

The many beaches are unique in their scenery and even climate. Those that are located off of the Atlantic Coast usually have very cold water. This is due to the Benguela current that feeds them and is brought in by the Southern Ocean. These beaches offer plenty of interesting views including many beach side villages along the Cape of Good Hope. Clifton Beach is the most popular for tourists traveling from out of the country. It is well equipped for them with refreshment facilities. There are even lifeguards posted, though the water is too cold for most people to swim in. All of the Clifton beaches have beautiful scenery and magnificent sunsets. They are sheltered from the wind and separated by large boulders.

In contrast, False Bay offers waters of that are much warmer. It tends to be slightly less popular than other beaches, though the shallow water extends far enough out to provide a nice swimming location. Boating is also a popular activity in these warm waters. Hout Bay is a smaller beach and was once a fishing village. This is a popular tourist destination especially among travelers to Cape Town who are seeking windsurfing opportunities. It is also popular for surfers and paddle boaters. The beaches of Cape Town are diverse in their climate, scenery and accommodation options, though each is attractive to locals and tourist alike. The temperature of the water does not affect their appeal, as all of the beaches are very busy throughout the year.

One hundred and twenty three years ago the Statue of Liberty was placed on Ellis Island, a gift from the country of France to the United States that celebrated the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration. The original commission was decided upon, Sculptor Fredric Auguste Bartholdi was to complete the sculpture by 1876, which would have been the exact 100th anniversary, however the sculpture took ten years longer to complete. Over the years the symbolism behind the memorial has grown. For not only does it symbolize and recognize the friendship between the two countries it also symbolizes democracy and freedom.

The effort that began over 100 years ago, was a joint one in that pedestal would be built by the Americans, while the French were to take care of the sculpture itself. Both countries ran into financial difficult however and fund raising efforts were required in order to complete it. In France they held a lottery, and had benefits and the US theaters gave benefit performances, auctions were held and even boxing matches were staged and the proceeds were donated to Statue’s fund. All visitors, international tourists and businessmen traveling to the city at that time to stay in the New York business hotels, had a chance to participate in the fund raising.

Over the years the Statue and Ellis Island has gone through may changes. Various companies have been charged with the care of the memorial, from the US Lighthouse Board to the War Department. The Island was taken care of the by the National Park service, which soon took over the care of the statue as well. Restorations were completed on the Statue during 1984, and in 1986 she was re-opened and re-introduced to the pubic, on her 100th ‘birthday’.

Leaders from Southeast Asia were attending an ASEAN summit in Pattaya, Thailand today. ASEAN is the collaborative organization of these countries that ensures peaceful solutions to disputes and creates allies with all in Asia, all countries agree to come to the aid of one another during times of financial crisis or natural disasters. The organizations is based on peace and cooperation. However, this morning thousands of protesters rioted outside one of the hotels in Thailand. Members of the UDD, the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, had the goal of preventing the summit, of blocking access from the hotel, as well as into the convention center. The protesters are calling for the immediate resignation of the prime minister of Thailand, Abhisit Vejjajiva. Thousands stormed through wire barricades trimmed with razor blades, and crashed through the military and riot police in hopes of delivering the letter stating their demands. They succeeded in disrupting the summit meetings, demanding to speak with any leader other than their own prime minister. Once they handed over their simple demand, that this particular government and prime minister must go, they did retreat.

Secretary general of ASEAN, Surin Pitsuwan, stated that this is proof that a democracy is working, the legal protests, however was relieved that the situation did not become more violent. The claims made by the UDD is that Abhisit gained his position with bribes, army assistance and coercion and not through the democratic process of election. They are also requesting that members of another organization known as the Yellow Shirts, be prosecuted for actions leading to the interference of the natural course of the last elections. Protests have been occurring for the last few months in Bangkok, in hopes of discrediting the current government administration, and have put the country back into the international public eye, as well as shutting down business in the downtown districts. The protests have remained relatively peaceful demonstrations up to this point, but members of UDD claim that they are running out of peaceful options. In fact just recently, Abhisit’s motorcade was attacking with the result of his car window being smashed and the beatings of his bodyguards and drivers. This is a confusing time for the country as many citizens do support some of their prime minister’s policies. Abhisit has no intention of resigning.

There’s more to saving money on lighting than simply staying in the dark. We need light to see. Improper lighting can lead to eyestrain, accidents, and numerous other problems. Using these three tips, which require only some simple checks and changes, you can save money on lighting and have plenty of light in the room when you need it.

1) Light bulbs – To save money on lighting each month, make the switch to Energy Star certified light bulbs. Look for Compact Florescent Lighting (CFL) or Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs. These bulbs will use less energy and quite often they last longer than traditional light bulbs. When at the store, compare all the bulbs to find the best value.

2) Lamps and Light Fixtures – Not only is it important to have bulbs that use less energy, but the lamp or light fixture should also be an energy saving device. At night, instead of turning on lots of big lamps to keep your house lit, use night lights or small candles. When using battery operated candles, use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones to save money.

3) Windows – Save even more money on lighting by not turning on the lights during the day. If your current window coverings do not allow you to freely use the sunlight from outside, then it may be worth considering changing your window coverings so you can enjoy and use natural light. Look for alternatives, like Solar Sheers offered by Next Day Blinds, that reduce the heat caused by sunlight while still letting the natural light in.

Environmentalists are calling for greater protections for the African penguin colony near the Cape of Good Hope. Since the 1930s the number of penguins has dropped from 3 million to 120,000. Pollution and overfishing are the main culprits. Experts fear that the species could face extinction in as little as ten years.

Another cause for extinction alarms is the prospect of global warming. Sorching temperatures combined with changes in fish migration and rising water temperatures all spell disaster for the real life “Happy Feet.” A colony on Boulders Beach has seen a drop of 30 percent just since 2005 while other colonies have fallen as much as 50 percent.

Boulders Beach has hosted a colony of penguins since 1985. The penguins have attracted hordes of tourists over the years, since the animals seem unfazed by their presence. It now bills itself as the only place in the world where people can swim with penguins. Visitors to the best hotels in Cape Town can get easily find the beach and enjoy a unique holiday experience, secure in the knowledge that their presence is having no affect on the animals.

However, officials at the Table Mountain National Park remain concerned about the future of the species. The have begun installing nesting boxes in the colony. These boxes, which can house an entire family of penguins, have proven effective on a more isolated island in the waters off South Africa. They provide protection against the elements and from predators. Park rangers have already installed 200 such boxes.

The African penguin or “jackass” is the only peguin found on the African continent. They are smaller than other penguins and have shorter feathers than Antarctic species, since the temperatures are much warmer. Authorities hope that the new boxes will be successful and they will be able to install another batch of them before the breeding season ends this month.