Current Impact To Travel In Dubai

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Posted on 5th March 2010 by Chris Linch in news

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The news of the financial crisis of Dubai has nothing to do with the truth. It is a fact that US recession has affected the economy of Dubai, but this once oil rich state is economically viable to get over the crisis. The fact is that the financial and housing sectors are among the most affected by the downturn.

There was a time when the construction in the emirate seemed to be unending. The sounds of hammers and chisel were omnipresent even in the night. Now this all has come to a halt resulting in unemployment. The property prices have come down. hotel room rentals have also come down.The boom in the real state is over now.

The hotel industry of Dubai was in a state of shock, when the reality sector sank in. the need of the hotels in the Dubai was overestimated. Asia Asia planned to be the world’s largest hotel. The rentals are still high enough for the hotel rooms, which looks expensive even to the westerners. The state will have to make things affordable to save the economy. Otherwise it will be difficult to tide over the situation.

It will take some time before we can hope for Dubai hotel bookings to full capacity. Most of the Dubai hotels have slashed their rates in order to get over the crisis. The intense competition in the hotel industry is becoming a boon for the customers.

The recovery in the economy and hotel industry evidently will depend on many factors like doing business,construction etc. There is a report that the news that rentals for residential property have fallen 38 percent since 2009,with 18 percent decrease in Abu Dhabi.

To be positive, the recent increase in the investing activities is a good sign of recovery.Exess liquidity and easy moneatary measures resulted in the low interest rates. Dollar depreciation led to flow money out of banks into property.

I can find you very cheap hotel rooms, just simply stop by and search my database of 100,000 hotel properties in 4,000 countries for the best price guaranteed.

A Legend of English Soccer: Sir Bobby Robson

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Posted on 21st February 2010 by Ross Everett in Politics

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One of England’s most beloved sporting figures, Sir Bobby Robson, yielded to his courageous fight with cancer recently at the age of 75. British soccer fans mourned his passing after a lifetime in the game, first as a player and then a team manager and elder statesman. Even the often snippy British press had nothing bad to say about the universally respected Robson, headlining their obituaries with adjectives like The Bravest Knight or simply The Legend.

Robson enjoyed a productive career as a player that spanned 20 years and was spent primarily in the English Premier League with Fulham and West Bromwich Albion. He also competed for England’s national team on twenty occasions, netting four goals in international play.

After his retirement in’68 as an active player, he found more fame as a team manager both in England and on the international level. In the EPL, his guidance transformed Ipswich Town from a laughing stock to a league powerhouse and he would lead the club for well over a decade. He would also serve as the England National Team manager for 8 years, as well as managing club teams in Portugal and Spain. He ended his career in British football with a stint as manager of Newcastle United that ended in 2004.

Robson earned even more respect and admiration due to his public battle with cancer. Although a brain tumor left him partially paralyzed in 2006, he never wavered in his commitment to English football or to raising money and awareness for cancer treatment. After being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2007, he dedicated the rest of his life to helping others with the same diagnosis.

Such was the respect for Robson that two other soccer icons not known for seeing eye to eye were quick to pay their respects. Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho gave this tributes shared his thoughts on Robson:

“I wanted to and I will keep with me always the Bobby Robson of every day, a person who had extraordinary passion for life and for football, with an extraordinary enthusiasm. Bobby Robson is one of those people who never die, not so much for what he did in his career, for one victory more or less, but for what he knew to give to those who had, like me, the good fortune to know him and walk by his side. My thoughts and embraces go to all his loved ones.”

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson shared his own touching comments:

“In my 23 years working in England there is not a person I would put an inch above him. I was never too big or proud to ask him for advice, which he gave freely and unconditionally. And I’m sure I am speaking for a lot of people when I say that. I mourn the passing of a great friend, a wonderful individual, a tremendous football man and somebody with passion and knowledge of the game that was unsurpassed.”

“His character was hewn out of the coalface; developed by the County Durham mining background that he came from. His parents instilled in him the discipline and standards which forged the character of a colossal human being. He added his own qualities to that which he passed on to his sons. The strength and courage he showed over the past couple of years when battling against his fifth bout of cancer was indescribable. Always a smile, always a friendly word with never a mention of his own problems.”

“The world, not just the football world, will miss him. Let’s hope it won’t be long before another like him turns up because we could never get enough of them.”

Many EPL clubs will honor Robson in some form or another during the upcoming season with a number of more lasting tributes planned.

Ross Everett is a consulting soccer handicapper for Oddsbay sportsbook directory. He has written extensively on World Cup soccer betting, travel, fencing, harness racing and falconry. He lives in Las Vegas with two dogs and a a pair of retired racing wombats.

An Overview Of Gay Vacations To Thailand

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Posted on 12th November 2009 by Howie Holben in Politics

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Thailand is a tropical country in southeast Asia, located southeast of Burma and bordering the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. Thailand is known for its delicious food, culture, temples, and beaches, which makes it a desirable vacation spot. In addition, Thai people are incredibly friendly and accepting, which appeals to gay traveler, and it’s not uncommon it be bombarded with smiles everywhere you go. Because of the monsoon season, the most desirable time to visit Thailand is between November and February when the weather is drier. The national currency is the baht (as of 2009 exchange rates, approximately 34 baht = $1).

For instance, although the sight of two men walking the streets arm in arm may be completely acceptable and normal to the typical Thai person who views this as a simple friendship, a man and a woman holding hands as they walk is not so readily accepted. And though sexual acts are left to the discretion of the involved individuals behind closed doors, public displays of nudity are considered absolutely unacceptable–even wearing shorts and a tank top is questionable in some areas and establishments. Never should one touch anothers head, as the head is considered to be sacred. And one should make sure never to point ones feet in the direction of another human being, since this also is viewed as being taboo.

A visit to Thailand can be as relaxed or as active as the traveler chooses it to be. Most gay tours are geared toward the ever popular nightlife scene. Go-go clubs, boy bars and sexy discos have been popping up at an increasing rate over the past few years in larger cities such as Bangkok, Chiangmai and Phuket, making these the ultimate destinations for the sexually adventurous traveler. On the other hand, gay vacations to quieter and more traditional regions like Koh Samui offer visitors a peek into the true, laid-back Thai island experience. Here, the crystal clear waters and magnificent rock formations are the main day-time attractions. But dont be fooled; the nightlife, though less common than in the larger cities, is still widely available and not to be missed.

Phuket is an island province located in the Andaman Sea and is a famous tourist destination. This island is known for its beaches and natural beauty. Karon, Kamala, Kalim, and Patong beaches are top spots for leisure activities, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing. A few places on Phuket contain hidden lagoons that can only be reached by canoe during certain tides. Phuket is also known for its gardens and seafood.

Chiangmai is the second largest city in Thailand, has a rich history, and contains more than 300 temples. The Buddhist monastery of Doi Suthep can be found looking down on the city, reached by a long mountain road. Outside of Chiangmai, there are numerous gardens (there are over 1000 varieties of orchids here), waterfalls, and hidden caves. Like Bangkok, Chiangmai has a thriving gay population, and nightlife is diverse, with go-go bars, clubs, and cabaret.

Thailand, and its people are full of surprises. The phrase Mai pen rai, or its nothing/no worries/its cool tells all about the country and its inhabitants. Gay people are more than accepted by the general Thai population, making Thailand the ultimate choice for gay tours.

This gay travel vacation tips article was written by Spirit Journeys’ Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys is well known for hosting extraordinary gay holidays. You can learn more about Howie, his work and a unique gay tour or gay vacation at www.SpiritJourneys.com.

Italy Was Made For The Gay Traveler

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Posted on 11th November 2009 by Howie Holben in Politics

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Italy is a land of art, history, architecture, romance and Vespas. Italys exceptional scenery, rich history and deeply entrenched culture have made this enticing country a popular destination for both straight and gay travel, as well as a popular setting for books, movies and plays. Singles, couples, families and groups of friends flock to Italy throughout the year for the fashion, the food and some of the most famous art and architecture in the world. Whether your ideal gay romantic experience includes meandering narrow, ancient roads in Rome or Venice, languid drives through the countryside searching for lesser known historical sites and visiting wineries, wiling away an afternoon in a museum in Florence or experiencing Milans enticing nightlife, Italy is an ideal destination for gay vacations.

While Rome and Milan have the widest selection of gay bars and clubs, gay travel participants will find that Geneva, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Padua and many other tourist hotspots also have gay-owned and gay-friendly establishments offering a welcoming atmosphere for a night on the town during your gay vacation to Italy. Gay-owned and gay-friendly hotels can be found throughout Italy, such as the Hotel Porta Rossa ” which is the second oldest hotel in Italy and just a short walk from numerous world-famous attractions, such as Michelangelos David in the Galleria dellAccademia ” or the gay-owned La Quircia Rosa and Villa le Masse in Tuscany.

The lesbian and gay community has a presence in most of Italys more populous urban areas, which allows for many options for a gay vacation to Italy. Florence, Bologna, Rome and Milan all have a gay and lesbian presence, with Milan generally considered as the most accepting city in Italy for gay vacations. There are a number of gay pride events throughout Italy and large lesbian and gay film festivals that draw in visitors from around the world, including the Florence Queer Festival, Turin International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and Milans Festival del Cinema Gay Lesbico e della Cultura Queer.

If one the goals for your gay holidays expererience in Italy is to experience as much of the history, art and culture as possible during your stay, tours are an absolute necessity. Participating in organized gay vacations or working with a travel agency to schedule tours for your private travel group will help you make the most out of your time in Italy.

Also shorter waits in line and an organized itinerary will assist you in making the most of your Italian travel experience. Planning your gay vacation through a travel agency that is accustomed to organizing gay vacations or arranging gay travel in Italy is the best way to ensure that you have the information you need and the assistance of a travel agent that understands your needs.

A gay tours for Italy hints post written by Howie Holben. Howie also runs Spirit Journeys. They have gay trips that concentrate on indigenous peoples and gay vacations that focus on spirituality.

categories: spirituality,self improvement,motivation,travel,gay,lgbt,sexuality,society,education,social issues,recreation,health,politics

Rio De Janerio Becomes First South American City To Host Olympic Games

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Posted on 1st November 2009 by Ross Everett in Politics

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South America will host the Summer Olympic Games for the first time in 2016, as Rio De Janeiro, Brazil was awarded the honor on Friday. Rio beat out the US choice of Chicago, Illinois along with Tokyo, Japan and Madrid, Spain to earn the right to host the games. Despite a high pressure effort from the American power elite–ncluding President Barak Obama and TV gabfest queen Oprah Winfrey–Chicago was the first city eliminated from contention. Tokyo was the next to go, before Rio got the nod over Madrid in the final round of balloting.

Bookmakers offered odds on the host city choice, with Rio listed as second favorite at +200. Chicago had been the wagering favorite at most books, particularly after President Obama got involved personally in the US bid effort. Chicago was bet as high as a -300 favorite, while Madrid and Tokyo were priced in the +250 range. Some suggest that Tokyo didnt deserve to have such short odds, but was the beneficiary of regional pride from the notoriously enthusiastic betting population of Japan.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, got the better of his US counterpart with a passionate speech that stood in marked contrast to Obamas typically baleful collection of talking points. The Brazilian leader stressed the unfairness that South America had never hosted the games in his speech to the committee;

“It is a time to address this imbalance. It is time to light the Olympic cauldron in a tropical country.”

The Olympic committee was apparently swayed by this presentation and paid no mind to Rios many downsides. It is without a doubt the most dangerous of the finalist cities, where drug cartels and armed bands of thugs roam without impunity. Well do to Rio citizens are used to removing watches and jewelry before they drive anywhere lest they be targeted by carjacking brigands. Rios murder rate is also one of the highest in the world. Brazilian bid officials have stressed that security will be a priority at the games and it better be lest the Olympics turn into a bloodbath.

Some IOC members suggested that the summary dismissal of Chicagos bid was more of a rebuke of the notoriously corrupt USOC. The last two Olympics held in the US were tainted by crime and corruption. The 1996 Atlanta Olympics were disrupted by a terrorist bombing, while the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games were marred by a well known bribery and corruption scandal.

Ross Everett is a freelance writer and respected sports betting authority. He is also a consulting handicapper for Sports-1 Sportsbook and is in charge of setting NFL lines. He has written extensively on sports betting theory along with a wide range of other topics including fencing, boxing and dog training.

Boxing Great Alexis Arguello Remembered

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Posted on 29th October 2009 by Ross Everett in Politics

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Alexis Arguello, one of the greatest boxers to ever compete at 130 pounds, was found dead in his Managua, Nicaragua home in early July of an apparent suicide. He was 57 years old. Arguello was found with a gunshot wound to his chest, but his high political stature in the country meant that an investigation would be forthcoming to verify that it was indeed self inflected. Arguello was the mayor of Nicaraguas capital city at the time of his death.

Known for his class outside the ring as much for his tenacity inside the ring, hes best known to casual fight fans for his epic war in 1982 with Aaron The Hawk Pryor when he moved up in weight after dominating at lighter weight classes. Ring Magazine not only named it Fight of the Year, but later would dub it Fight of the Decade. Promoter Bob Arum offered these thoughts on Pryor/Arguello:

“It was a brutal, brutal fight. That was something I will never, ever forget as long as I live. That was one of the most memorable fights I ever did.”

While the first Pryor fight may have brought him the most mainstream notoriety, boxing cognoscenti are aware that Arguello is arguably the best lightweight and junior lightweight in the history of the sport. Arguello never lost a fight at 130 pounds and would end his career with an astounding 82-8 record with 65 knockouts and championships in three different weight classes. At the time, he was only the sixth man in boxing history to hold title belts at three different weights.

Ironically, Arguellos career didnt get off to a good start and he lost his debut in 1968 via first round TKO. After that, he seldom lost again and would go on to be respected as one of the best pound for pound fighters of his day. He was at his best against his toughest adversaries including Ray Mancini, Bobby Chacon and Ruben Olivares. Bob Arum remembered him not only as a great fighter, but as a great man:

“Not only was he one of the greatest fighters I’ve ever seen, he was the most intelligent fighter. He was a ring tactician. Every move was thought out. And he was a wonderful, wonderful person.”

The articulate, intelligent Arguello was also a quote machine on the fight game and how champions should conduct themselves. Here, he speaks of his attitude toward his opponents:

Of course after the fight you want to make sure that youre okay and so is the other guy, its a brotherhood in there, so you want to make sure everyone is okay after the war is over.

Arguello didnt fight for his first title until hed had 58 fights, and would frequently admonish boxers who didnt show the same respect for the sport or their status as champion:

When you won that title you should know now that you are representing a whole country or nation with your actions and you are now in a glass house or under a microscope and you better be ready to make your people proud.

Most importantly, Arguello loved boxing and sought to protect it from those who would undermine its greatness:

I respect boxing because it has given me so much and thats why I will never allow anyone to mistreat the sport of boxing if I can help it.

While the modest Arguello would never say it himself, that was for from a one sided debt and he contributed more than his fair share to the sport of boxing with his grace, intelligence, talent and toughness.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer who has written on sports betting and how to successfully bet on NFL football. He has appeared on TV and radio talking about boxing, mixed martial arts and NFL pointspreads. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a wombat.