Tylo Times » Culture

Shakespeare in Society and Near Your New Apartment

Cindy — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

When asked who their favorite writer is, the chances that a person will say William Shakespeare may be relatively small. With that in mind, if say to that same person, “to be or not to be” they will most likely respond with “that is the question” and even if they don’t they are sure to know what it is from. Aside from the Christian Bible, Hamlet is the most quoted and known piece of literature in history. Many of the play’s quotes have become popular phrases, such as “to thine own self be true” and “there’s something rotten in the state of Denmark.” This phrase is also commonly adjusted to fit any city or situation in which something foul has taken place, it doesn’t usually affect available apartments for or the inhabitability of that town. And while much of the play’s story, themes and lines have ingrained themselves into popular culture and remain there today, not all of them are immediately attributed to this iconic tragedy. In fact, while the majority of people might be aware that Hamlet was melancholy prince who was torn between action and inaction and spoke the famous line about the perils of life and that choice between such and a nightmarish afterlife, not everyone is actually even able to attribute the line or the speech itself to him. In fact, that can be a fun social experiment, setting up on a street corner and interviewing people about which quotes from Hamlet, or any other Shakespeare play, they can name and place.

This is one of the interesting aspects of Shakespeare’s works. His characters helped to define humanity, according to Harold Bloom and other critics, and his words are part of common speech and randomly quoted in various forms of literature and in film, Shakespeare himself remains something of a mystery. Frequently people will hear a line from one of his plays quoted and recognize what they hear, and maybe even quote him themselves, while not fully understanding even what they’re saying. What does this say about society, Shakespeare, culture and history, if anything? And is it more of a testimony to his greatness, or the apathetic nature of society. Do his words ring any differently in modern ears than do common wives tales and simple rhymes from history? Regardless of whether you yawn, scream, faint or smile when you are told Shakespeare will be on the semester’s reading list, you are most definitely more likely to hear him quoted, and also to see one if his shows performed, than any other writer in history, save those who contributed to the Holy Bible as was mentioned before. And whether you’re looking an appartement montreal or moving anywhere else, most likely you will find one of his plays onstage in that city sometime during the year.

Shakespeare in Society and Near Your New Apartment is a post from: Tylo Times

History Through the Eyes of Shakespeare

Menu Covers in Visual Culture

Cindy — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 20:58:18 +0000

When it comes to food, presentation really is everything. Having the right colors arranged in the most beautiful design is something that appeals to everyone. It’s true for the outside decor, as well as the inside, and it’s certainly true for the cuisine itself. There are top chefs who specialize in combining foods based on color, in order to present a dish that’s not only exquisite on the tongue, but also beautiful to look at. Contemporary culture is a visual culture, informed by a way of seeing that seems almost entirely new, and based on the technologies that fill our minds.

However, it also seems as though this resurgence in visual culture over the written word is exactly that, a resurgence. The great chefs today draw on the wisdom of the great chefs of all time, and they all understood that the appearance does indeed play a significant role in how the food will be perceived to the diner. That’s why so much attention to detail is needed in every aspect of a restaurant. Clear menu covers add as much of a classic touch as the choice in silverware. The visual surround is also important, but if the focus is on the objects that people will come in contact with, then the sensory experience of dining out will become magnified, and pave the way for the perfect night out.

Menu Covers in Visual Culture is a post from: Tylo Times

The DanceNOW Festival, New York City

Cindy — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:53:02 +0000

The DanceNow NYC Festival just closed last week after a one month run. The three venues for the shows were Dance Theatre Workshop, Duo Theatre, and Joe’s Pub at the Public Theatre. Among the arts, be they visual, musical, or performing, the dance scene in New York has been for many, many years…well, a huge scene. With performance art schools for children, back before any other city had them, to the universities, to the professional world, Manhattan is the place to dance and to see dance performed.

The DanceNow festival celebrated this, and celebrated the fact that dance brings people together, regardless of their cultural backgrounds and regardless of their financial status. On stage, all dancers have the chance to be equal. The festival was in its fifteenth year this year, and brought together more than fifty well known choreographers, who stayed in a best New York city hotel, and created works to honor the festival and the participants, of the past festivals, this current one, and those which will take place in the future. This is a contemporary festival, (http://www.labiennale.org/en/dance/index.html) meaning that traditional ballet was mixed in with works by some of the best in the fields of dance and choreography, of hip hop and theatrical performances.

The festival fifteen years ago was much different than the one that ended last week. This started out as a grass roots festival, with very few performers in small venues. But now this festival takes place downtown and has become one of the most comprehensive performing arts organizations in the city of New York. Each night various companies teamed up and put on collective shows, which included companies that did theater and spoken word pieces. This was one astounding couple of weeks, and one can only wonder about and anticipate what will happen next year. I for one, will be making plans to attend as soon as I can.

The DanceNOW Festival, New York City is a post from: Tylo Times

South African History

Cindy — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:25:35 +0000

The earliest people of South Africa are the San and Khoekhoe people commonly referred to as the Bushmen and Hottentots or khoikhoi known collectively as the Khoisan. Both of these peoples were resident in the southern part of the continent for many thousands of years before the begining of written history and the opression of European seafarers.

And before that, modern human beings had lived here for more than 100000 years – indeed, the country is an archaeological treasure chest and the cradel of human history. This can be discoverd with trips from your best hotels South Africa.

The San, hunter-gatherers, ranged widely over the area; the pastoral Khoekhoe lived in the comparatively well watered areas of the region. Mainly along the south and west coastal area, where plentiful grazing could be found. So it was with the Khoekhoe that the early European oppressors first came into contact with the Khoekhoe and of course this was much to the disadvantage of the Khoekhoe.

As a result of diseases such as smallpox were spread by the Europeans and probably intentionally as was the case in with the North American Indians. Assimilation with the settlers and especially with the slaves who brought in as forced labor were to arrive in later years, and straightforward extermination, the Khoekhoe have effectively disappeared as an identifiable group. Other long term people that lived in this area of South Africa were the Bantu speaking people that moved to to the north eastern regions of what is now known as South Africa. The Thulamela site in the north portion of Kruger National Park is thought to have been occupied for 13 centuries. The ruins of Mapungubwe have eveidence of trade with far away places like China as evidenced with the discovery of artifacts of Chinese origins. The location at the horn of Africa world make this a natural trade route in the ancient world

South African History is a post from: Tylo Times

Rugby Town and Sport

Cindy — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:48:51 +0000

Rugby is a quaint market town sitting on the Avon River in Warwickshire in the West Midlands in England. It is the second largest town in the county and was once just another quiet little English country town with the charm and appeal of most little country towns and villages. This town, made up of small villages, incorporated in 1932 and became a borough. In the 19th century, the railroads and engineering came to this area, making Rugby an important railway junction, and that brought change. Suddenly there was a rapid growth with more industries and workers bringing their families, economic shifts, some cultural changes and modernizing. Rugby was rapidly becoming well known throughout England and the world.

Many things have put this delightful town on the map, probably most noted, Rugby football since it originated here, but many other things have brought worldwide fame to this borough. Frank Whittle created the world’s first prototype of the jet engine here in 1937, Dennis Gabor invented holography in 1947, Charles Dickens used the railway junction as the setting for his story Mugby Junction. Two very famous schools are here, the Rugby School was built in 1567 and in the late 19th century the Lawrence Sheriff School was in operation.

The Victorian era can still be felt in parts of Rugby, along with the modern buildings. The town centre is a wonderful area to explore. And of course as you seek out the local landmarks and historic sites, you will want to let yourself be pampered with a stay at a Rugby hotel You will also find many fabulous restaurants offering the most delectable local dishes you can wish for. And the pubs, talk about history, quaintness, charm and personality, you have to visit the pubs. In all of England, Rugby ranks second with the most pubs per square mile than any other town. What more could you ask for?

Rugby Town and Sport is a post from: Tylo Times

Gairloch, and the Northwestern Coast of Scotland

Cindy — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:52:53 +0000

The city of Gairloch, Scotland sits on the incredible northwestern coast. This is one of the locations in the country that offer a bit of all that the Scottish Highlands has to offer. This city has strong ties throughout history to the sea, and has a diverse coastline from sandy beaches to rocky crags and cliffs. Many smaller islands sit off the coast and located inland are many lakes and ponds. This is a hikers paradise, as well as anyone interested in the art of landscape photography, and the mountain ranges are spectacular, views like no where else in the world. The famous harbor of Gairloch is located in Charlestown, close to many Gairloch hotels and various other points of interest in the regions. The Gairloch Golf course is located close to the harbor and sits along the beach-side. There are two beautiful churches from which the Free Church offers some of the most scenic points of view surrounding Gairloch.

The Gairloch Heritage Museum sits north of the city, alongside the Gairloch Lake in Strath. The museum has garnered awards for the vastness of the content and for the approach the curators have taken in setting up the exhibits. This is where the commercial district in Gairloch is located and where many travel to purchase from the variety of boutiques and shops. There are many smaller bed and breakfasts located in Strath , and campsites as well. These sit atop a hill that sits just close to the road that runs along the coast, so parking is easily assessable and one need not travel far in order to be surrounded by marvelous coastal views . One of the most popular activities when traveling through this region of the Highlands, are the cruises that take place in the Atlantic Ocean. These are ventures out into the world of the whales, dolphins and other marine life, just one more incredible photo opportunity. There are many chances to see these giant creatures up close, along with sharks, porpoises and a variety of rare and beautiful bird-life. This is one of the areas of Scotland that those who find themselves in nature will love and cherish.

Gairloch, and the Northwestern Coast of Scotland is a post from: Tylo Times

Industries in Peterhead, Scotland

The Treasures in the Jaipur Market Places

Cindy — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:58:23 +0000

Many travel to the Rajasthan state of India for shopping, and find that located close to many of the markets are fine luxury hotels. Jaipur is one of the cities in the state that is famous for their craft-work and the artistry of their artisans. One can find just about anything in the markets of Jaipur, from clothing to furniture to house wares, to dolls. One of the techniques used in producing the pottery that Jaipur has become so famous for, is art of Blue Pottery. This art traveled to Jaipur with the Mughal conquerors and courts, from Afghanistan and Persia. The pottery is different from others such as terra cotta, in that it is not made from clay, but from quartz. It is only fired once, as with the regular forms of pottery, however it is much stronger, will not crack thus making it more hygienic and perfect for use every day. Many of the dishes and the pots that are made in this way are then painted intricately with brushes. Copper and cobalt oxides are what produce the blue color. Many popular design motifs include birds and animals. One can find any number of cups, vases, pitchers and fruit bowls along the alleys and walkways of the downtown market places.

Many come to the markets to shop for the dolls, the toys and the puppets. There are many locations throughout the cities of Jaipur and Udaipur to find the craft-work of the making of dolls and wooden toys. The wood used is called doodhia, which is a soft wood and is easily shaped and chiseled. Many different toys and dolls are made with this wood, then polished for the shine and the durability. One may find figurines, of humans and of animals, cars, lanterns and trains to bring home to the children. The cloth made toys are beautiful as well, and are often brightly painted by hand. Many artists produce works that are true pieces of expressive art. Puppets and puppetry is extremely popular in the cities of Jodhpur and Jaipur. In the community of Bhatt, many of the puppets are hand-crafted for sale, as well as for use in their own puppet shows. Puppets tend to have very large noses and eyes, and stand close to two feet tall. The clothing for the puppets is hand-made as well, and as with the toys and dolls, these are too, incredible works of art.

The Treasures in the Jaipur Market Places is a post from: Tylo Times

Springtime in Melbourne, Australia

Cindy — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:20:58 +0000

One of the best times of the year to visit the city of Melbourne, Australia is during the springtime, which lasts during September throughout November. In this northern region of the continent this is the time just before the monsoon season sets in. The flowers are in bloom and the coasts are dotted with the many migrating whales and dolphins. This is also the time that the five star hotels in Melbourne fill up with those attending the festivities surrounding the Melbourne Cup. Many festivals occur during this time, from jazz music and blues, to the visual arts and opera, this is a time that should not be missed out upon. This is also a time when many of the youth of the country, hit the roads to head out for spring break, making their ways to Sydney, Melbourne and the ever popular break spot of Margaret River. The surfing at this time is good, as well as the diving and underwater adventures. These are combined with the adventures found on land in the way of food festivals and wine tastings.

In Melbourne, the racing carnival continues long after the Cup. The horse races continue to take place daily, as well as fashion shows and parties. The main race track in this city, that is home to the Cup, as well as Oaks Day races and the Derby, however many smaller venues are located throughout, and as stated the races and festivities continue on through the month of November. One does not need to be well versed in the sport of horse racing to enjoy the traditions and to partake in the social aspects. This is the celebration of the end of the winter season and return of the months of sunshine and warmth. This is one time when the excitement of the new season is just barely contained, and the entire city is filled with the excitement. Visitors during this time should be aware that the citizens of Melbourne are fashionable and love to flaunt it, with some of the ceremonies held in black and white style. So pack the bags

Springtime in Melbourne, Australia is a post from: Tylo Times

The Trumpet of Cape Town, South Africa

Cindy — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:35:34 +0000

Many critics are voicing their opinions concerning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Some are predicting that the games will only be partly attended, that the stadiums are unlikely to fill. Others predict that the transportation department will not be able to handle the amount of travelers and spectators, or that the crime will frighten people, or the the stadiums will run out of beer. But in the center of this controversy currently, is none other than the Vuvuzela. The Vuvuzula is a small, plastic trumpet, blown traditionally throughout the game, much as the baseball fans in America wave big, foam fingers, and it is a South African tradition. Many of the foreign coaches, soccer players and fans have requested that the vuvuzela be banned come 2010. What is being debated now is not safety issues or availability of accommodations such as the luxury hotels Cape Town is refurbishing and redecorated, but the small trumpet and whether or not it is considered part of the culture of South Africa, or whether it is just simple a horn, a noise maker.

Some spectators in the stands of soccer games last week, complained that when many of the horns are all blown simultaneously, the noise is deafening, bordering on painful. For the people of South Africa, this has been an exciting and exhilarating sound, but it falls very harshly on foreign ears it seems. Many opponents of vuvuzela state that the sound produced by the large crowds in attendance at the games is a distraction that lasts the entire length of the game. A soccer player from Spain and a coach from the Netherlands have put in their two cents, and both desire a ban on the trumpet come World Cup time in 2010.

This could turn into a racial issue, as most of the soccer games in South Africa are considered “black” tournaments, while most of the whites attend football games, in the western sense of the game. Within South Africa, the populations have had issue with this trumpet for years. Oddly enough, one theory of the origin of the trumpets is that they were toys distributed throughout the United States, that upon unsuccessful sales, were sent to South Africa, where fans quickly picked them up and started using them during the games. Another theory states that they are based on the tradition of the horns used to call villages together for the events. Either way, this is just one more aspect of the games to be held next year in South Africa that is being debated and will be debated in the months to follow.

The Trumpet of Cape Town, South Africa is a post from: Tylo Times

Kampong of Singapore

Cindy — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:43:56 +0000

As I walked around early in the morning, I was pleasantly surprised to find a tiny village nestled in trees among the tall masses of apartment blocks. It wasn’t too far from the Boutique Hotel Singapore were I was staying. As I stood in the middle of the tiny village a refreshing breeze rustled the coconut palms and stirred the tropical birds to whoop and whistle. Butterflies fluttered from mango trees to star fruit trees. I saw little fish swim in the stream going through the middle of the tiny village. I was enchanted.

This must be Singapore’s little secret treasure. I counted only 28 homes in this rural hamlet; a forgotten vestige among the modern high-rise apartments, high-technology and fast-pace city. When I asked around about the story behind this fantasy land, I found out it won’t exist for much longer. The village, Kampong Buangkok has been slated for demolition. Apparently, some development company will ‘re-developed’ the area to make way for a more productive lifestyle; a complete makeover.

Kampong means ‘village’ and it also defines a traditional rural way of life which Singapore if in a race to leave behind. Actually, everyone living in Singapore is surprise it hasn’t been torn down ages ago. No one guest this Kampong would’ve lasted this long. Under the City’s master plan, this place will provide future housing, schools and other necessary facilities. I’m not sure that the re-development is for the best. All I need to do is look through the mature trees of the Kampong and see the government housing blocks that will represent its future. Not a sparkling testament to ideal life. I was talking to one of the residence and she told me they are prepared for the inevitable. She said all of Singapore has changed very rapidly, not wisely, but rapidly to where there are no landmarks to remember, nothing is the same as when she was a little girl. It is the new way of Singapore and one needs to keep up with the change or be razed along with it. She said she’s learned not to cling to the past and advise that I do the same in all aspects of my life. I thanked her for her wisdom and headed back to my hotel.

Kampong of Singapore is a post from: Tylo Times