Lost in Yonkers continues its run at The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, California. And while the production has been extended due to popular audience demand, it is scheduled to close on March 7 and the theatre claims it is unable to extend it any longer. This means that everyone must get their tickets as soon as possible and that the tourists staying in some of the inexpensive hotels in San Diego should also make their reservations early. Performances at the Old Globe are popular with locals and tourists alike and information on the productions and the theatre’s box office is available in many of the hotel lobbies.

Lost in Yonkers is one of Neil Simon’s popular stories of life and struggles living in and growing up in and around New York. This play has a more serious tone and temperament than many of Simon’s other works including the coming of age series known as the Eugene trilogy. The play tells the story of two brothers who have been left in the care of their grandmother and aunt in Yonkers New York after the death of their mother. Their father has taken a job as a traveling sales man to pay off the family’s debt and the two boys are left in the care of their severe and threatening grandmother.

A pivotal moment in the play is a dramatic confrontation between the grandmother and aunt, which drives a further wedge between the members of this incredibly dysfunctional family. Though the play varies from much of Simon’s more light hearted comedic works, it has been extremely popular with audiences and has received great critical acclaim. It has won numerous awards including a Tony Award for Best Play and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It also won the Drama Desk Award for Best Play and was adapted into film. The original Broadway production starred Kevin Spacey, Irene Worth and Mercedes Ruehl.

Atlanta has enjoyed a spectacular rise in popularity in the past few years, further establishing itself as a world-class city, offering a host of amazing attractions.  It doesn’t fail in appealing to a very wide spectrum of tastes, and ages, with events going on day and night.  Its recent rise in popularity is not completely unexpected, because Atlanta has had many different periods where its hipness was visible and recognized the word at large.  People who live here, however, have always known that it’s one of the more progressive cities in the world, in many different ways, and continues to impress and inspire its residents as well as its visitors.

There are all sorts of accommodations available here, from the very simple and humble to the heights of luxury.  Atlanta hotels are splendid places to get a taste of the city’s famous hospitality, and to enjoy time being catered to with a special flare.  There are many different ways to see Atlanta, of course, and one of its most exciting circles of culture is in the arts community.  It’s probably more correct to identify the community as being made up of multiple cultures that overlap at times.  There is always a distinctive and extremely inventive flavor to any of the arts institutions here, and one of the places to explore is certainly 7 Stages.

This award-winning theatre began in 1979, with a mission to allow emerging artists a space to explore the pressing spiritual, social, and political issues of the time.  Within five years it had established itself as a major new force in regional theatre, and today is an institution.  They’ve produced many of Sam Shepard’s most essential productions, and continue to provide cutting-edge entertainment to a broad spectrum of the public.  They’re connected to larger organizations like Theatre Communications Group, and also house new and upcoming small theatre groups, and are a mainstay for new and exciting theatrical performance.

Although I am not usually drawn to landscapes, either in paintings or in photography, there is something about the work of Ansel Adams that quite literally can steal my breath away.  Without intending to sound too “New Age”, his work is mysterious and borders on the mystical realm for me.  His photos are quiet, and haunting.  Some of his photographs make me think of natural architecture, with structure and with strength.  And lucky for me, he will be hanging in the Phoenix Art Museum beginning the 31st of January and running through the 6th of June, 2010.

The exhibit will include one hundred and twenty of his photographs, along with his correspondence to friends and colleagues, film footage, negatives, his equipment and photographs of the artist himself.  There are six aspects of his prolific career which will be highlighted.  From his early works, to his photographs taken of the Southwest, with themes on the environment and aspect of his black and white photography as well as his works in color.  Ansel Adams has focused throughout his life on his concern for and dedication to the preservation of the environment, be it natural, or cultural…as found in the photos of American ghost towns.

Along with his photographs, samples of his writings will be made available to the public, which will allow all those in attendance to grasp a deeper understanding of the man, his sensibilities and philosophies, and of his artwork.  Through his life, Adams offered up his knowledge and his inspiration to students of the art of photography.  He has published many instructional works, beginning in 1935 with his book, “Making a Photograph.  He taught many workshops over the the years, as well as being on the faculty of the San Francisco Art Institute.  For those traveling to the city to see the show, many of the best Phoenix hotels located downtown will offer shuttle services to and from the museum.  This is a show, of the many offered at the Phoenix Art Museum, that should not be missed.

Walking along the Singapore River, one will find not only many a Singapore restaurant, but shops, a sculpture garden, cafes and the history of the those that transformed the tiny fishing community into the metropolis that is Singapore today.  The history of the river and the people of Singapore is divided into three time periods, thePre Colonial, the Colonial, and the Post-Colonial.

Singapore became founded by a British man, Thomas Stamford Raffles.  When Raffles arrived in Singapore almost two hundred years ago, the river was home to many businessmen, fishermen and merchants, many of home are considered now to be the forefathers of the country.  During the Pre-Colonial era, the planning began for the development of the River by the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

Many bridges now span the river, from the simple wooden bridges such as the Ord Bridge to the modern and elegantly designed Anderson Bridge.  One of the bridges, the Cavenagh, was constructed in 1869, and is now used only for pedestrian travel.  When one walks along this bridge one will find themselves at the front door of the Empress Palace, a structure that was built to honor Queen Victoria.  Now it is home to a concert hall, where the Singapore Symphony Orchestra performs regularly.

There are many mosques and temples along the river, as well as museums.  The Asian Civilizations Museum is a journey into the various cultures that now make up Singapore society on the whole.  And should one desire a different way to experience the river, there are dinner cruises up the river on a regular basis, as well as river taxis, sight-seeing excursions and relaxing rides in bum-boats.

In both the Clarke Quay and the Boat Quay, there are many options for cocktails and dining experiences, both of which are two of the most photographed areas of the city.  Robertson Quay is also a fine alternative as the atmosphere in this area is relaxing and laid back.  In all, the river offers so much to tourists, and has offered so much to the citizens of Singapore.

Stratford England is a market town in the southern area of the county of Warwickshire. Today the town has many thriving and prominent theatres though its greatest playwright existed three hundred years ago. This of course is William Shakespeare. He was born and raised in Stratford and is often referred to as the Bard of Avon, a direct association to the river on which the town lies. Due to its being the origin of one of, if not the greatest writer in the history of the English language, millions of tourists descend on its streets every year and fill the Stratford hotels to capacity.

Shakespeare was born in April of 1564 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. His father was John Shakespeare, a well known and successful glove maker and his mother was Mary Arden, of the prominent Arden family. The family was well respected in the community and his father served on the city council. There is strong evidence that Shakespeare’s early life involved an apprenticeship with his father and learned the trade of glove making. There are references in his works to various aspects of this field and the dynamics of leather working and its various properties.

It was while he was still in Stratford that he met, fell in love with and married Anne Hathaway. She would stay in this town and raise their children after Shakespeare had move on to London and began his career, first as an actor, and then as the leading playwright of the time. Shakespeare remained true to his family and provided all of their economic and financial needs. He was able to buy a large house for them to move into. The couple had three children, Judith, Hamnet and Susanna. Unfortunately Hamnet did not make it to adulthood and died when he was only eleven years old. There are many theories that suggest Shakespeare’s grief over the loss of his son was the topic of many of his sonnets and may have been connected to his choice of Hamlet as the name for one of his greatest tragic heroes.

Singapore has developed over the years, into a city of varying cultures, and has developed because of the influence of those cultures and of the people who have moved to the island in search of a better way of life. From those working in business to Singapore private bank and commerce, to the tourism industry, the city has flourished and become not only a great place to live, but a great vacation destination as well. From the Fort Siloso historical site that was constructed by the British in the late 1800’s, to the mountain top armory on Mt. Imbiah, the years of war are illustrated, and the heritage of the island becomes more understood and appreciated. Located here is the exhibit, Images of Singapore, where life sized animatronic figures detail the stories and the history.

For a great view of the entire island, and some of the smaller islands surrounding, a trip to the top of the Merlion is in order. The Merlion is a giant statue that sits at the mouth of the Singapore River. Just as in the Statue of Liberty in New York, one can climb to the top to the observation decks and capture glimpses of the islands, and some of the most stunning views. For a 360 view, one must have the energy to climb all the way to the crown, at the highest point on the monument.

There are other observation decks along the way as well. And for those that have no fear of heights, the view from the highest viewing tower is the one from the island of Sentosa. The Sky Tower will take up to seventy two people up to the top in a cabin air conditioned, and very comfortable and very informative. Each tour to the top, takes only seven minutes, and once there, the guide on every tour will commentate and give historical facts about the various interest points around the country and the other islands. As well as the information, the view of the ocean and the lush green landscape of the rain forest.

When it comes to four-star hotels, Goa is a bright spot in the world for hospitality in accommodation.  Our hotels offer a unique combination of old-world comforts and new-world technologies, and the guests are treated to a luxurious blend of both.  There are immensely beautiful details that suggest a real world-class excellence in design, making for an experience that will refresh the body and spirit.  In recent years, Goa has been a splendid destination for world-travelers looking for a perfect spot where urban life is vibrant and the natural splendors are evident.  It has also been considered an excellent destination for counter-cultural travelers, and has a reputation for being very welcoming to other cultures and other ideas.

The history of Goa beyond the recent past is a fascinating and complex one, as evidenced by Richard Zimler’s novel, Guardians of the Dawn, which takes a close look at Goa in the times of the Inquisition.  This event has had a deep impact on Goa, and is not necessarily included in many official histories.  By most accounts, however, the Inquisition in Goa lasted from 1560-1812, with a brief pause during 1774-1778.  The Inquisition coincided with the time of Portuguese colonization of the place, and during this time, the official priests recommended that the Inquisition come to Goa because of what they considered to be barbaric religious practices.

Most of the records were destroyed after 1812, leaving much room for debate and discussion, but the records that remain show that there were at least over a hundred deaths, and some 16,000 trials.  Other evidence suggests that thousands suffered execution in Goa’s Inquisition.  There are accounts by numerous historians, as well as comments by writers like Voltaire, who were avid in condemning the actions that were done in the name of conversion here.  Hindus as well as Jews suffered here, along with Muslims and people who were believed to be relapsed Christians, making it one of the most barbaric and cruel events in the history of the Inquisition.  To know  these events is important in cultural and historical understanding, and it also suggests that the current climate in Goa, which is very open to travelers, come after a long and difficult price.

It’s no secret that for luxury hotels, Tenerife is a magnificent choice for a vacation. A recent ordinance mandating that all hotels here must be five-star guarantees a lovely and rejuvinating experience. This is the largest of Canary’s islands, and here you will find the amazing weather that doctors have been recommending to patients for centuries, and some of the beaches have black or gold sand. Choosing between black and gold sand will be the heaviest of your worries here, as the idyllic landscape and warm hospitality will send you to another world.

If you are lucky enough to be traveling in the spring, try to coordinate your stay with Carnival. The Tenerife Carnival is the third largest in the world, and one of the liveliest events in the European cultural calendar. The word “carnival” means, literally, “goodbye to the flesh,” which signifies the ritual farewell to eating meat before the lenten season. On the streets you will see bands of people in different formations. The Mascarillas are groups who disguise their identities with masks. Rondalas and Comparsas are singing and dancing groups. Murgas are satirical street bands, with stylized face painting and ironic and politically biting songs. All of these groups have formalized memberships, almost like craft guilds, with the entrance into the group usually determined by family line. With the wide availability of mouth-watering tapas, and the sights of mouth-watering participants, the spectacle will always be memorable.

The end of the Carnival is particularly noteworthy. There is the “Entierro de la sardina,” Burial of the sardine, where there is an ironic performance of the beginning of lent, where a large papier-mache sardine is paraded through the streets and ritually buried. This is watched by the mourners, men dressed as women, with black dresses, fishnet stockings, and imrovised, gaudy tattoos.

This is the perfect time to book the luxury Phuket hotels, to make airline reservations…all must be done soon as the 2009 Film festival begins in June. This city has already grown quite a reputation as a major international tourist destination, and the festival now secures their place on the list of the most respected festivals in the world. The cultural diversity in this city in Thailand is so varied that all those involved will be enriched by the experience. As a side note, many of the well known international festivals are held in locations around the world, that are close to, or right next to, large bodies of water. Venice, Cannes…festivals can be hectically paced and the locations with beaches offer respite for those attending and those involved, a peace amidst the flurry of excitement.

As stated before, the tourism industry in Thailand has grown exponentially over the last couple of years. And consequently, major real estate developments are underway, the market in this city is booming. International investors are buying properties, from Australia to Norway to Singapore and Hong Kong, those who have traveled to Phuket in the past want a bit of the city guaranteed for their future. Movies are one of the art forms that all cultures, societies and countries appreciate, and love.

This year one of the focuses of the festival is Taiwanese films and film-makers. These films will be featured during the second phase of the festival and will be shown downtown at the Coliseum Theaters, running June 4 through June 11, 2009. Directors, famous actors, and producers will make the trip from Taiwan for this prestigious celebration of the work they have created throughout the last year. The organizers of the festival wish to honor Taiwan talent for their accomplishment and want to bring international notice to this tiny country, to show the world what they have to offer it, in terms of movies and art, as well as the hope that this will boost the tourism of Taiwan as well. A very large gala will take place on June 5, honoring all those involved in the Taiwanese Film Industry.

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.

While politically controversial, the upcoming general assembly of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) is welcomed by many businesses in Kuala Lumpur which are struggling with the impact of the global economic crisis. The assembly, which is held in the Putra World Trade Centre from March 24 – 28, 2009, brings in 5,000 attendees, including media, exhibitors, and politicos.

The city’s hospitality industry is braced for the influx of delegates from all across the country. Kuala Lumpur Malayasia hotels are booked well in advance and restaurants in the area are modifying their menus and operating hours to accommodate conventioneers. Many restaurants, including those at hotels, will extend their hours will offer dishes from different regions and cuisines popular in far-reaching areas of Malaysia.

Flooding is an issue in the area, so most hotels have worked with local officials to develop evacuation plans. The manager of the Best Western Premier Seri Pacific hotel is fully prepared. “We had a meeting with the police, fire and rescue department and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall on this matter.”

Delegates from remote regions of Malaysia are extending their trips to the city beyond the dates of the assembly. Some have already arrived in KL and are taking advantage of the extra time to enjoy the sights and conveniences of this bustling metropolis. The Petronas Twin Towers, the Istana Negara, as well as the city’s zoo and aquarium are likely to see increases in attendance this week.

The UMNO is the largest political party in Malaysia and a founding member of the Barisan National coalition. Its philosophy centers on nationalism, capitalism, and secularism. The party also believes that the Malay people deserve special privileges as the “definitive” people of Malaysia.

The smallest of the Balearic Islands just off the coast of Spain is Formentera. Formentera is south of Ibiza, about three miles, in the Mediterranean Sea. While all the islands in the chain have become quite popular over the last one hundred years due to tourism, and all have the reputation of pristine beauty and tranquility, Formentera is most definitely the most tranquil. The island is too small for an airport which leaves it reachable by boat only. This keeps the island less traveled and a much more relaxing and quiet vacation destination. And it is one of the least disturbed and altered coasts in the Mediterranean, making it one the best and most favored spots for scuba diving. The variety of underwater sites has provided many divers the opportunity to see a variety of memorable things from the large quantity of marine life to ship wrecks. There are valley and mountains, in fact the underwater landscape off this island is said to one of the most diverse and one of the most intense experiences one can witness. The water remains clear and visibility remains high just about all year long. The temperature also remains mild and consistent, providing one the opportunity for dives just about 365 days a year.

Because of these characteristics the Freus Marine Reserve is located here. And tops the World Heritage Sites list. This seclusion which proves so perfect for a reserve, is also quite conducive to humans as well. And while the parties are not the focus here as they are on many of the other islands, one can find sweet seclusion either in the water scuba diving or hiking through the mountains. There are sites and locations on land as well, the hotels Formentera support are quaint and lovely. There are lighthouses to explore on the coast at La Mola or Es Cap de Barberia. And there is no shortage of beautiful souvenirs to bring home as the island has become a haven for artists over the years. The seclusion and lack of outside influence has resulted in an interesting and uncontaminated style of work. Many artists have come here seeking seclusion and a sense of well being that brings. The beaches are beautiful, and due to the seclusion, most of the beaches are nude beaches. All in all, this is the gem of the islands and perfect for the most relaxing type of getaway.

Enjoying the wonder and amazement of the arts is a great way to support your community and recognize its cultural achievements. Arthur Trueger of Berkley Capital Corporation, who has led his company in funding over $2 million in cutting edge telecommunications and medical business all over the Silicon Valley, is an avid fan of the San Francisco ballet. Influential people like Arthur are what drive the health of the arts in major cities.

Arthur Trueger has helped support the world renown ballet company, which was the first established in America in the 1930’s. The San Francisco Ballet Theater was the leader in performing classics such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake in the U.S.

The venture capitalist is also a patron of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Japan Society of Northern California and the Asian Art Museum. A student of the University of California, Arthur Trueger is dedicated to fostering arts and culture in California and the northwest. His success as a businessman is due in part to the backing of the Bay area community; he shows his appreciation to the city that raised him by supporting the awe-inspiring artistic foundations that make the bay beautiful and culturally relevant.